Tuesday March 9, 2010

It has been a few days since I blogged, and it has really been busy. The weekend was real enjoyable. I spent some time with my own Unit, the Director's Staff, at their annual Ice Fishing Party. No demands of leadership, just good old Unit bonding. The D-Staff Probies grilled some monster lamb and pork chops, with a delicious peanut-based sauce. No one left hungry.

I then drove about an hour to my masonic lodge, who raised 7 new Master Masons during the day. They hosted a corned beef and cabbage dinner for all, and although I was already stuffed I tried a little piece, I love corned beef.

This was a good night, I spent some time with my Brother, Uncle and Cousin who also were present. I spoke to the new Master Masons, congratulating them on their most important step on the path for further light, and gave them whatever advice I may have had, probably nothing they have not heard of prior, yet when repeated by many, the message should hit home.


Sunday March 7, 2010: Carrie and I, along with the Imperial Convention Staff had a presentation for the upcoming convention in Toronto. On Thursday I called the chef and asked for snacks to feed about 40 people, I am not sure what dictionary he used to define the word "snacks", but what he provided was breakfast, lunch and dinner for 70. Wow, the food was wonderful. The presentation went very well, and we were pleasantly surprised over the interest shown by the Nobility and their Ladies in attending the convention. A "shrine" package has not been made available for several years, but we decided to try, due to the closeness of Toronto, and I think we made the right decision.

Carrie and I eventually made it home in time to watch the season finale of Big Love, one of the best shows on tv, and it was not disappointing. We are happy that they have extended the show at least another season. HBO is a very frustrating network in that they produce such great shows, but only for a couple of seasons (i.e. Carnivale, Deadwood, etc).


Monday March 8, 2010: I got to the Shrine Center around 4:30 P.M. and we had a Board of Directors meeting, basically talking about the upcoming visit by dignitaries and how to meet their requirements and needs.

We also had a General Temple Business Meeting and when I walked into the Banquet hall, the increDIBle aroma of grlled onions/mushrooms and peppers were great. The Hungry Five had their hot dogs/sausages out and taking care of the needs of all the Nobles, and the Hospitality Team taking care of the camel's milk.

The Business Meeting went very, very, well. We updated the Nobility on the upcoming circus, received positive votes on multiple issues requiring action to proceed with events for the year.

My most humbling experience of my term: I faltered at the last Temple meeting, and not only embarrased myself but the Shrine, in how I allowed the direction of the meeting get out of hand. I apologized to the Nobility this evening for my behavior, and vowed it will not happen again. I told them that from my mistakes I have not only embraced the knowledge on running a meeting, but that I have learned much from my lack of knowledge. I then conducted a lengthy PowerPoint presentation on the by laws of our charitable contributions and how to handle expenditures to benefit our child care program. Afterwards I explained the current situation and the upcoming events, and allowed for and answered every question. When the meeting was over, I felt very good about the manner in which I Led the meeting. What was truly inspirational was the amount of Nobles who came up to me and thanked for me for finally, after many, many years, to be the first leader to provide and explain the rules. The show of support and enthusiasm for the Board of Directors made it all worth it. Yes, I truly know that there will be minority of people that do not like my stance, and they will show their disapproval, in obvious ways, but in the long run, they will be the ones to look into themselves and decide why it is they are members of this organization, just like I re-examined my commitments. If they put the craft over their personal issues, and understand why they remain a member, then all will not only be good, but we will progress into the future on a successful path.

I just re-read this last paragraph and I sometimes wonder why it is that I write better than I speak.

Until the next time

Yours in the Faith
MJD