Everyone I've Ever Known

How many people have you known?

I started keeping a journal again on March 14th of this year (2024).  In it, I don't write about mundane activities, just those that relate to my spiritual, mental, emotional, and social well-being.  Yes, there will be a few facts in there that are significant, but mostly those that promote wellness.

Recently I was speaking with one of my mentors about it  Their suggestion was to not only include significant thoughts, activities, and emotions, but I should actually do something they found meaningful.  They suggested I write down the names of every person I have ever known.  Yes, EVERY person.  That sounded like an impossible task to me, but I thought I'd give it a try.

I tried to just make a list but that became too cumbersome. After a little bit of trial and error, I decided to use a spreadsheet. The first hundred names were easy. Then, started thinking of names on the way home, while I was in bed, and at different weird times around the clock. Out of nowhere, I would suddenly think of an old high school chum or one of my school teachers. Genuine friends, saints, and jerks are all on my list.  Now I carry a pen and notecard with me 24/7, for that long-lost person who's name pops into my brain.

I decided I needed to add some parameters. For example, what does it mean to know someone? How well do I have to know them? I also found that people easily fell into different categories.

For this project, I define someone I know as someone whom I've had a relationship with. Meeting them once or twice does not count. I had to have some significant interaction with them. That relationship could be work, family, church, business dealings, etc. These are the categories I have so far are... Acquaintance, Business, Church, College, Doctor, Family, Family Friend, Friend, High school, Hobby, Hunter Safety, Neighbor, Pet, and Work. Yes, I have included our family pets, as they brought us joy, excitement and frustration.  As I go, I may add or change any of these categories, but that is how I am starting.

As of this writing, I have 366 names from childhood to today.  The columns are Full Name, First Name, Last Name, Category, and Comments.  Doing it in Excel, lets me separate Full Name into Last and First with a formula. I also enter in Category and Comment.  Using Google Sheets allows me to edit it anywhere.  Having all of these columns allows me to sort them in different ways to make sure I am not missing something, or someone, or have duplications.  The Comment section allows me to add any significant details.  This is what it looks like: 

What I have found are two important things.  When I add a name, it frequently prompts me to think of someone else from that time frame to add to the list.  Most importantly, in the comment section, I can select and write significantly about those whom I am grateful for or hold resentment against.  That way I can thank or forgive them.  This list so far has brought up some important moments of reflection for me. I'm finding the suggestion that my mentor gave me is proving to be a valuable one.  

More updates on this project down the road.

gus

Fostering Curiosity: Why Kids Should Learn About Wildlife

In today's fast-paced world filled with technology and routines, it's easy for kids to lose touch with the wonders of nature. But teaching kids about wildlife isn't just important for the environment—it's also great for them. Let's take a closer look at why integrating wildlife education into their learning is so crucial and how it shapes their view of the world.

Encouraging Wonder and Interest

Kids are naturally curious, and one of the best ways to nurture that curiosity is by introducing them to the amazing world of wildlife. Whether it's the majestic elephants of Africa or the busy ants in their backyard, every creature has a fascinating story to tell. Exploring wildlife enables children to cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude for the rich variety of life that exists on our planet.

Promoting Empathy and Respect

Understanding and caring about animals is a big part of wildlife education. When kids learn about the challenges animals face, like losing their homes or dealing with pollution, they start to feel empathy for them. This empathy makes them want to protect and take care of their natural environment. By teaching kids to respect wildlife, we also teach them values like kindness and compassion.

Fostering a Nature Connection

In today's world, most kids do not spend enough time outdoors. But spending time in nature is really important for their health and happiness. Wildlife education gives kids the chance to explore the outdoors, whether it's going for walks in nature, watching birds, or gardening. These experiences not only get them moving but also help them feel more connected to the natural world.

Understanding Environmental Issues

As young leaders in the making, children need to grasp the intricate connections within the environment and recognize the profound impact human actions can have on wildlife. Wildlife education teaches kids about things like ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. Learning about topics like endangered species, deforestation, and pollution helps kids see the big picture and understand their role in protecting the planet.

Making Learning Fun

Integrating wildlife education into learning doesn't have to be boring. It can be as simple as reading books about nature, putting up bird feeders at school, or going on field trips to nature reserves. By including wildlife education in subjects like science and art, teachers can make learning more interesting and enjoyable for kids. In conclusion, learning about wildlife is important for sparking curiosity, empathy, and environmental awareness in kids. By giving them the chance to learn about and connect with the natural world, we're helping them become caring and responsible citizens of the planet. So, let's inspire the next generation to love and protect the amazing wildlife we share our world with.

Sources

Childhood By Nature

Natural Start Alliance

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

A Scouting Memory - Canoe Trips

When I was a young man, my scout troop went on many canoe trips down the Brazos River in West Texas. This is one of those memories.

As we paddled along the winding river, the sun beat down on our backs, and the water glistened with each stroke of our paddles. I was a young man then, full of energy and curiosity, eager to explore the vastness of the world around me. And what better way to do that than on a canoe trip down the Brazos River in West Texas with my scout troop? We had been planning this trip for months, and finally, the day had arrived. We loaded our canoes with all the necessary supplies and set off on our adventure. The river was calm initially, but as we went further downstream, the current grew stronger, and the rapids became more challenging to navigate. We laughed and cheered as we rode the waves, feeling the rush of adrenaline fueling our spirits. As we descended the river, we encountered various wildlife, from majestic hawks soaring above to curious deer peeking out from the trees. We also learned about the history and geography of the area from our knowledgeable leaders. But more than anything, we bonded as a group, facing and overcoming challenges. It was a trip that I will never forget, and it taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and the beauty of nature.

gus

Thankful For My Fitbit

I am a regular user of my Fitbit (fitness watch), as it helps me keep track of my fitness activities (or lack thereof! lol). My particular model is the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker, and I like it because it is smaller than most fitness trackers.  It is "smart", but not so smart as to be cumbersome when switching between screens. The particular feature that I am most thankful for that prompted this story is its ability to measure heart rate variability.  Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation of time between each heartbeat - to see if your body is showing potential signs of stress, illness, or fatigue. 

I sync my watch to my phone app every day and check the results.  On this particular day in April of 2023, I found something disturbing. I included some screenshots of my phone below.  I started getting warning messages in the morning that I had an irregular heart rhythm (see Photo 1), so I dug deeper into the app, and in Photo 2 it said I showed signs of AFib.  AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. Photo 3 shows that even over the course of 1 minute, my heart rate would range from as low as 42 to over 160 beats per minute. The application told me to contact my healthcare provider, so I did.

Screenshots of my phone's Fitbit application

I called my primary care physician that day and told them over the phone my situation, and the office immediately called in a referral to a local cardiologist.  They ordered bloodwork, and I went into their office for an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG records the electrical signal from the heart to check for different heart conditions.  That test alone confirmed my AFib, which lead to more tests because my AFib put me at a high risk of a stroke. That highly concerned me, because of my family history of strokes.

Since that first diagnosis a month ago I received (in order):

• A nuclear stress test - is an imaging test that shows how blood goes to the heart at rest and during exercise.
• An echocardiogram - which uses sound waves to show how blood flows through the heart and heart valves. 
• Cardioversion therapy - treatment to restore a normal heartbeat when your heart is beating too fast or with an irregular rhythm.
• A TransEsophageal Echocardiography (TEE) - a test that uses sound waves to make pictures of your heart’s muscles and chambers, valves, and outer lining (pericardium), as well as the blood vessels that connect to your heart. Doctors often use TEE when they need more detail than a standard echocardiogram can give them.
• A catheter angiogram - During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that's visible by an X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The X-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), offering a look at your blood vessels. If necessary, your doctor can open clogged heart arteries (angioplasty) during your coronary angiogram. An angioplasty was not needed.

All this took place last week from the writing of this story, and I feel so much better.  My blood pressure is now in the normal range, and my resting pulse is steady in the 60's.

In summary, I believe my Fitbit might have saved my life. I am so grateful for the technology it can provide to the average person, and I will never ever be without one again.

Jan. 3, 2024 Update

This is turning out to be the story of my AFib journey!  Since I posted this story, I have had two cardioversions, a brain MRI to check for previous strokes, and a catheter ablation. Today I am AFib-free.  A downside is all the blood thinners I am taking. Before this diagnosis, I was on ZERO prescriptions, now I am on nine. In May of 2024, I am scheduled for a Watchman device that will help prevent blood clots from forming and going to my brain. See Left atrial appendage occlusion.

Acknowledgments: I am so thankful for all my doctors, nurses, and staff who have helped me through this, thus far. Especially I wish to thank Dr. Ravindran Palaniyandi, Cardiologist, Dr. Randal Davis, Family Medicine, their office staff and nurses, and the staff and nurses of Melbourne Regional Medical Center, and Holmes Regional Medical Center, Cardiac Center.

I also want to express my love and gratitude to my wife, children, siblings, friends, and church family who supported me with their prayers, offers of help, and support during this scary episode.

Gus Koerner

June 2023

The Lord’s Prayer and Its Significance for Me

Growing up in the LDS Church, we never said the Lord’s Prayer in personal or communal settings. I remember being told it is because we should not say rote (memorized or repetitive) prayers.  I never really understood that, but an article I found below by author Jana Riess, explains what I have always understood. I do not agree with the LDS viewpoint on it, because the Lord’s prayer has always brought me comfort.  Sometimes I cannot pray because of my spiritual state of being at that moment.  If I then recite the Lord’s Prayer, it usually brings me back to a state of gratitude and humility.

Below is the traditional prayer, and a version I adapted just for me.

The Lord's Prayer (traditional)
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. 
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory, Forever and ever.
Amen.

My Lord's Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven,
Blessed be your Name.
Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give me this day my daily bread.
And forgive my sins,
As I forgive those that sin against me.
Help me resist temptation,
And deliver me from evil. 
For yours is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.

Note about this article. Normally I would quote the title and author and include the hyperlink.  Links fail over time, and I did not wish to someday lose the text of it.

Why Don’t Mormons Recite the Lord’s Prayer? By Jana Riess, October 14, 2013

Sources:
https://religionnews.com/2013/10/14/dont-mormons-recite-lords-prayer/
https://religionnews.com/category/opinion/columns/jana-riess/

Sometimes I get asked which of the spiritual practices I undertook for [my book] Flunking Sainthood I still observe regularly. I’m certainly not fasting every day anymore. But there are several practices I keep doing, including Sabbath-keeping, the Jesus Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer.

Reciting the Lord’s Prayer each day is an unusual practice for a Mormon. But why is it so unusual?

The Encyclopedia of Mormonism says that rather than being a prayer that Latter-day Saints are to memorize and recite in full, the Lord’s Prayer offers a general “pattern” for our own spontaneous prayers. It speaks of cultivating a relationship with a divine parent who meets our daily needs, grants forgiveness, and can help us resist temptation.

That’s fine, but it does not explain why there is power in reciting the prayer’s words exactly as written (either in the New Testament or the Book of Mormon, where it also appears in a slightly different version). The Encyclopedia’s approach does not do justice to the transforming power of saying these particular words, no matter how we are feeling or what we are thinking about that day.

Perhaps it is true that Mormons unconsciously use the words of the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for prayer, but somehow I don’t think so, especially because most Mormons are never taught it. In fact, the manual for the Gospel Principles class, which teaches new members the foundations of a Mormon spiritual life, not only omits mention of the Lord’s Prayer in its lesson on prayer but goes out of its way to caution against repeating “meaningless words and phrases.”

If Mormons don’t even learn the Lord’s Prayer, how can it be a pattern for prayer or spiritual formation?

The Gospel Principles manual reveals a Mormon suspicion of traditional, rote prayers, a suspicion that is sometimes justified by appealing to 3 Nephi 13’s warnings about “vain repetitions.” I once had a conversation with a woman in Relief Society who was highly skeptical that she could ever feel the Spirit through someone else’s words. Prayer should be extemporaneous, she felt; anything impersonal would be a violation of her own relationship with Heavenly Father.

I asked her to think about the temple ceremony and how it is exactly the same every time—and wasn’t she just saying that she learned something new each time she went to the temple?

And what about our sacrament prayer? That’s a prayer that has to be recited precisely as written every single Sunday. Any alterations will result in a red-faced teenage boy having to start all over again. And yet many Mormons reflect that the familiar words of the sacrament prayer have sunk into their souls so deeply that they can conjure them in any situation, often to their great benefit.

So the argument against rote prayer is not a valid one in Mormon tradition; our two highest ritual forms in fact rely upon such sameness as a tool for spiritual growth. Mormonism has always blended personal, spontaneous prayer with the repeated formal liturgy. Often, we just don’t realize that is what we are doing.

I’m puzzled that Mormons don’t do more with the Lord’s Prayer. I think it is our loss. This is the prayer that Jesus himself taught us to pray—the only one. For that reason alone we should be all ears. Mormons in particular should pay attention because the Lord’s Prayer is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Mormon from Jesus’ time among the Nephites. If Jesus thought this prayer was important enough to teach in two different settings when many of his teachings in the New Testament were apparently not given the same emphasis elsewhere, why would we not make the prayer a top priority?

In addition to its multiple appearances in Scripture, this is the prayer that the earliest Christians were taught to recite, as evidenced by the spiritual practices recorded in the Didache in the late first century. At that time, followers of Jesus said the Lord’s Prayer three times a day.

I usually manage once a day. But when I do recite the Lord’s Prayer, it offers a powerful connection to the God I’m addressing, the Savior who taught me how to pray, and the global community of Christians both past and present who have drawn strength from this prayer in every kind of circumstance.

What also strikes me is how this-worldly the prayer is, how quotidian, how very Mormon. It is practical, not ethereal. It’s not about eternal salvation or theology. It’s about manna for today—just today—and the strength to move forward. And I need all the manna I can get.

End of Jana Riess article.

Additionally, the LDS Church has this explanation and discussion of the Lord's Prayer
Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers, by Elder Russell M. Nelson

The Lord prefaced His prayer by first asking His followers to avoid “vain repetitions” and to pray “after this manner.” Thus, the Lord’s Prayer serves as a pattern to follow and not as a piece to memorize and recite repetitively. The Master simply wants us to pray for God’s help while we strive constantly to resist evil and live righteously.

End of Article

Philmont Grace

When I was a kid, through my teen years my Dad took the family to Philmont Scout Ranch for many summers in a row.  I think five or six times.  This was our family vacation; we all loved it and cried when we had to leave. One of my most fond memories was at every meal time we would all say Grace (as a group), and the same prayer at every meal.  I loved it because it was a prayer different than any other prayer our family said. Here it is.

PHILMONT GRACE

For food, for raiment (meaning clothing),

For life, for opportunity,

For friendship and fellowship,

We thank thee, O Lord. Amen.

Coincidentally, I also found this article below just today that mentions the origin of the prayer came from another Scout camp I used to attend, Worth Ranch.  How cool is that!

The Philmont Grace is a simple prayer recited before meals at many Scout Camps around the country.  This prayer actually did not start in Philmont. It was originally known as Worth Ranch Grace.  Written in 1929 by A.J. Fulkerson (Camp Director at Worth Ranch Scout Camp).  In 1943, the prayer was brought over to Philmont by Clarence Dunn who developed the Ranger Program. Another name for this simple prayer is The Wilderness Grace.

No matter the origin, or the name, this prayer has been one that has been recited by many scouts. And has invited great reflection throughout the years from coast to coast. Thank you to all those early Scouters who had a hand in its creation. From Scouterlife.org

This past weekend, I taught a group of Scout leaders some of our 4-H activities.  During lunch, the facilitator asked if anyone would be willing to say Grace, and I offered.  I said the Philmont Grace, and some of the more experienced Scouters recognized it and thanked me.  How nice it was to recollect something so meaningful.