Monday, July 25, 2011

Beyond the Superficial

Life is changing in some pretty profound ways for my little family. I have been wanting to talk more about these changes and the things we are learning. So for those of you seeking updates these next few weeks of posts will probably do a little bit more justice to the events that happen below the surface.... but for those of you who can't read a post without some sort of eye candy, I have included pictures as well.

A Bit About Chuck

Here he is... summer buzzed head and enjoying one of his GIGANTIC lunch salads (the greens are hiding below the layer of blue corn chips and rice). I have found that in order to fill him up with a plant based diet... I have to feed him A LOT of plants. But look how happy he is!!!!

"Develop faith in your purposes. Part of nurturing your purposes requires that you have the vision to see what doesn't yet exist, what others cannot yet see. As you work at your gifts and talents, you will recognize those that come from the inner depths of the soul, because you will not need the vote of confidence of others, and you will be willing to work alone for a long as is needed. You will sow the seed, water the crops, and have patience to allow others to catch the vision, to see the light, even if it means several years of working completely alone. When you have the vision of soul and eternity, go forward."
- James Simmons (Original Fast Foods)

I am learning that my husband is what I would like to call "a visionary man." If you are familiar with the Book of Mormon that phrase will probably remind you of Lehi, who left behind his wealth and status to follow a dream or vision from God... into the wilderness and across the sea on a dangerous journey.... much to the dismay of his oldest 2 sons and wife who had not had the same dreams and who questioned his game plan.

We are not quite in the wilderness... Utah is pretty tame. Yet Chuck is leading our family down uncharted paths into unknown territory. He tells me that he knows it will all work out and has faith in the vision. I am learning to have new trust in what I can't yet see.

He has made a decision to not finish the remainder of college, or to go the typical schorarly route of counseling. Currently he is working with my brother in law Daniel on a form of emotional healing that is "Christ Centered" (meaning that it helps people utilize the healing power of the atonement) and does not require a degree or any type of certification. It is actually a profoundly spiritual process. I am benefiting from it currently. Often when you talk about "Faith Healing" or healing through the power of God people often conjure up these types of images...


No... not even close. The type of Christ centered healing Chuck is doing is done on a one on one basis and with the help of the facilitator you are able to uncover negative emotions or experiences that have been stored or kept inside and release them through, talk, guided imagery, prayer and mediation. These negative emotions or experiences can hold up our progress in life and sometimes make us physically ill. It is like having someone guide and help you lay your burdens down at the Saviors feet. A lot of times we hold onto stuff and have a hard time letting go.

The desired outcome is for Chuck to have his own practice with clients who utilize his services... in addition he has a few other business ventures that he is pursuing, including a way for him to utilize his musical talents :)

We have been income free for almost a year now, and have somehow managed to stay out of debt (besides school loans) and feel extremely blessed. Food, Shelter, Love... ya we have all the essentials. When I am feeling financially stressed out Chuck usually brings this scripture to calm my mind...

"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say to you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?"
-Luke 12:27-28

You may ask, What does Chuck do with all of his time?

Well... he has personal sessions with my brother in law where he receives counseling, and then sessions where he gives it in return.

He has martial arts lessons. Which is not what I thought it was at first. He does not go to learn how to karate chop people and stuff. It is more like learning a discipline or way of life. Self defense is only a small part of it. It is called Wu Ji Chyun Fa (?? I think that's how you spell it).

He paints thousands of feet of white picket fence. We consider this his Mr. Myagi time, and it is an exchange that he is making for rent this summer.

He meditates for about an hour or so a day... he usually retreats into nature, but sometimes mediates at home if Fiona and I are very very quiet :)

He reads a lot of books, listens to CD lectures and reviews notes from his sessions to gain further insight and knowledge... basically he studies.

He goes on walks and hikes to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Lately he has been recording music on his guitar and piano to make a birthday CD for Daniel... which I heard turned out amazing, I have yet to hear the finished product.

He eats delicious food prepared by yours truly. And he spends lots of time loving and taking care of me and Fiona.

This week we are starting the hunt for a new place to live as we have to move out of our little mountain paradise before the baby comes. Chuck is considering finding a part time job until his other business ventures pick up...

I posted that quote above because it really reminds me of Chuck right now. He is having all of these really profound experiences where he feels like he is discovering his true path and purpose in life. It is really fulfilling and satisfying to him... I am amazed at his ability to not care what other people think about his choices, because deep down he knows he is doing exactly what he needs to be. I am really excited to watch all of this unfold and to see prayers answered and miracles happen each and every day.

So if you were wondering about Chuck, he is doing great. More exciting news to come.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know and you'll probably delete this but people without an income generally depend on other people--church, goverment (which is "other people", family-- to take care of their needs. Who's paying for this baby's birth?
I don't know any Church General Authorities who "decided not to finish school" and not work to support their families "maybe a part-time job?" . I also know that none would subscribe to "Christ-centered" healing, which is another name for "quack therapy" meaning taking people's money to deliver dangerous advice. Lying and stealing, so to speak. But, hey, there are lots of church members in that kind of business because real work, is just too hard. Not enough time for the "fun stuff" like meditating.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, I just don't buy it.

Tacy, this post makes me nervous for you and your babes. What about insurance, food storage, and God forbid an emergency?! There are necessities, but you also deserve more. I'm talking about stability and providing a fair upbringing for children.

There's just something... Disturbing (sorry) about how you write about Chuck in this entry. Have you read "the Glass Castle?" Think about it.

I also think Chuck is plain lazy and you're just enabling him. As provider he owes it to his family to get an education and a job.

I also have to wonder, weren't you anti government assistance? If so, are you now?

Yikes.

The Atomic Mom said...

My only concern is how will your husband be "legitimate" in the councling world with out some sort of credentials and/or certificaion?

Daniel said...

Ok Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, you have NO CLUE what you are talking about. It's interesting to me how you hide behind the cloak of anonymity because I think you are too chicken to put your name behind those asinine comments. I love how you jump to conclusions about the Christ-Centered therapy when you likely have never tried it. Lying and stealing? Are you serious? You don't have a clue. You also obviously don't know Chuck very well, I do, I'm his brother and I can assure you mr/mrs anonymous, Chuck is a hard working person who takes his responsibility as provider seriously. Furthermore, if you don’t like the path Chuck has chosen, how about keeping your absurd comments to yourself, or at least have the guts to show yourself.

Daniel said...

I also like how you assume you personally know the General Authorities and their personal opnions on these matters. You don't.

Mommadriver said...

As Tacy's Mother (Mary Krause), I feel inclined to make a few comments to "Anonymous":
Beware of making unrighteous judgements. When you are in judgement of someone, you are not loving them. If I felt my daughter & granddaughters were not being well csred for by Chuck, I would be the first person to be complaining. I'm not sure what your issue is here, but you do NOT know my son-in-law, or my daughter, for that matter. He is a loving, diligent husband and father. Money is not the measure of success in family life. He is rich in all that matters. He honors his Priesthood. He and my daughter consult as equals in deciding the course of their lives. Just because they have chosen a path which you do not understand or agree with, does not make them wrong. Your uncharitable and erroneous statements cannot make their choice of how to live their lives invalid.
Our call to one another in this Gospel is to "Love One Another", "Bear one another's Burdens" and "Lift up the hands that hang down". Your comments were directly opposite to this.

Tacy Marie said...

To anonymous:
I hope you will forgive me for not responding in depth to your comments, because I have already forgiven you for making them.

Love you thanks for reading! If you are really concerned write me an e-mail and I will give you my phone number.

To: Atomic Mom (Love you Joyce)
I don't know if you have ever experienced a really bad counselor with a lot of credentials.I have. By Chuck's fruits they will know him. That is how my brother and law has built his practice, he is really talented at what he does and people spread the word. My husband has a natural talent for working with people and it is really apparent. He will NOT be addressing issues dealing with medications etc. because he is not qualified to prescribe or treat serious mental illness.

Anonymous said...

I can only speak to the education piece because I know very little about counseling and credentials.

Tacy, I know how much you appreciate and are grateful for your education. I feel the same way about mine (maybe because we are fellow Gophers?) :)

Anyway, one thing that I strongly remembered from my time in the LDS church is that the leaders counsel everyone to get as much education as they can. I love that, and I agree with it.

I think education opens doors that might be closed. Maybe Chuck just hasn't found a program that works for him? I don't know, it's not my family or my choice, but I think an education can only help.

I also know that sometimes plans change. I thought I would end up in broadcasting, and now I'm a photojournalist. If Chuck's plans changed it might be helpful to have that education just in case. But, like I said, not my family and you know what's right for you.

Best of luck with your little family and congrats on baby #2!

Tacy Marie said...

To the Wise Creole... I could not agree with you more. Education is really important, yet there are all different kinds of learning and education. Formal education obtained at a University is most widely accepted by employers but there are others ways of gaining skill and knowledge that can propel us forward in our career paths.

It was hard for me at first to see Chuck not finish, and Chuck allowed me to voice all of my opinions and concerns on the matter. In the end whether it's your husband, child, sister, friend etc. you have to let people make their own choices and love and support what they feel is right to do. In the end I felt really good with his decision as well.

It was definitely the program that Chuck was involved in that gave him a bad taste in the mouth. He was getting a psychology degree which was not teaching him things he was interested in learning. It just felt like a big waste of time.

Toni Call said...

I'm curious to know more about the martial arts he is learning. What is it for? What exactly does he learn and who the heck is teaching him all these things? Sounds kinda cool yet funny at the same time. And i don't mean that in a bad way. Just picturing Chuck in the backyard doing all these crazy karate moves makes me giggle.

Anonymous said...

Tacy- you are such a kind person. I was chatting with Jana on the phone today about this (not gossping, just thinking more about all of this) and she reminded me that you and Chuck are such Christ-like, trustworthy people. I don't remember Chuck very well, but I certainly remember you as being extremely smart and in tune with the spirit.

charles said...

I'm fairly certain I know who this "anonymous" character is. There are a handful of people who have been trying to tear down and destroy my family and especially my chosen career path for a couple of years now. It's pretty pathetic and the sneaky, hit-and-run anonymous nature of their comments is characteristic of their attacks all along. The hate-filled nature of their misrepresentations of me is also a dead giveaway.

I guess I'll never know for sure (even though I'm 95% sure), until they stop all this childish, manipulative, cowardly anonymous-comment crap and just send me an email or give me a call or something. I already have an email ready to go when they gain a backbone and start to fight fair. Personally, I believe that there is a time to turn the other cheek, and a time to push back with love in an equal and opposite reaction as a boundary is violated. This is one of those times. But for now you and your comments will remain looking quite foolish.

It was wonderful to see how quickly they were all dispelled by people in my closest circle.

I don't really feel the need to defend myself as my wonderful loving family members have already backed me up so well (thank you Dan, Mom, and Tacy). I'd actually like to thank you "Anonymous" for creating an opportunity for me to feel so loved and supported by my dear family in my life's path.

Well, I think that's probably good. I have tried no to get caught up in this too much, but in my weakness I let it bother me the last couple of days. Oh well, I feel better now. Weak attack, weak attack old chap. Okay, onward then...

-Chuck

PS If any of you good non-anonymous people have any questions about anything in Tacy's post I'd love to talk. I'm super excited and passionate about this kind of work. You can email me at chucklescall@gmail.com

Tacy Marie said...

Toni...LOL. That is too funny about the martial arts. It is one of Daniel's friends who is teaching him. Chuck goes to a session once a week and they mostly talk about this philosophy behind it all so far. Yet Chuck and Daniel both have an exercise routine that they have to do which is quite entertaining to watch, but I hear is extremely effective. Perhaps I will have to hide in the bushes sometime and record their work-outs :)

katie said...

Hey guys!! I just wanted to say that everything in your blog tacy sounds like an awesome adventure! You have a beautiful family and i am excited for your expansion. Just to let any anonymous individuals from our family know....i am VERY close to chuck and tacy, and not that it matters to you, but in my opinion, chuck is the wisest, kindest, most loving and beautiful person i know. and, simply put, anything he choses to do in his life, is going to work out fabulous for him, his family, and the people around him with which he is going to be helping. love to all!!
katie

Toni Call said...

Tacy, you really should snap a few pictures. I would love it! And one more note, to whoever this Anonymous person is, the bottom line is that we all are free to live and do what we feel is right for us. Just because you don't agree with the path someone has chosen doesn't make it wrong. Like many others have already said, I have no doubt that Chuck & Tacy are doing what they feel is right for their family at this time. Procede with the meditating, Chuck! And don't worry about all of this negative criticism... as Dr. Seuss once said, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." What a wise ole' guy. We love you guys!