Last night James and I went on a date to see THE GREAT KAPLAN--a comedic magician. It was there that I realized that I am sometimes that person in the crowd who laughs super loud at everything. No doubt the others in the audience were sometimes laughing at me. I couldn't help it; it was my kind of humor. One stunt involves him balancing a bowling ball on a plunger on his face! Part way through he says, "Hey, I can see my reflection!" in reference to the bowling ball balancing on his forehead. The Great Kaplan then pulls out a comb and starts coming his mustache. Not only did I think that was hilarious, but then he puts the comb back in his pocket and says, "I honestly thought that would be funnier than that." Hahahha, I loved it.
This week I study a little bit out of 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. I was really stressed with school, planning the reception, getting announcements out, and feelings of inadequacy. James and I were talking; I expressed my concern for these last months of 2009. "I don't know how I can get it all done: homework, projects, wedding plans, ect." James referred me to the 4th chapter of 2 Nephi and reminded me that I do not have to take the burdens all upon myself. The atonement of Jesus Christ is for all our sorrows, pains, and even stress. I thought about James' council and went home to read that chapter. Nephi is feeling inadequate because of his sins and says, "O wretched man that I am! Yea my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul greiveth because of my iniquities." I have felt that way often in my life, whether I admit it or not to myself. I have felt, "God shouldn't help me because I do not deserve his help." I want to be like Nephi who says, "Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted," and trust the Lord because I know he loves me.
I love the last two verses:
"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my tryst in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mne everlasting God. Amen."
Everything he says is true. We are cursed when we put our faith in man. Not a curse that is cast by a witch. It's a curse we bring upon ourselves because when we forget God and put all of our hope in ourselves we can not win. We can not overcome Satan with out God's help, without Christ's atonement. The gospel is a plan of happiness for all mankind. I am comforted knowing God's plan for me!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Announcements Are Mailed!!!
Yay! Today during lunch James and I mailed off the announcements. The post office laughed at us because we did not know how many announcements there were for sure. We had to count them there. Oops :) Except for the ones going to Romania and Moldova (because we forgot the address to the mission home and no one there will be able to come anyway), they are gone!
Life is full of truths. Sometimes they are simple, and sometimes they are "deep." Today in my Exceptional Students Class, we discussed classroom management. Rules and consequences need to be specific and clear so the students know how and why to be obedient. I am convinced that a significant amount of misbehavior would be solved if students simply understood the rules.
EXAMPLE: (fake but realistic)
Mrs. Smith is a high school Home-Economics teacher. At the beginning of the year, she posts a list of class rules.
1. Be on time
2. Be respectful
3. Follow directions
All of the students nod in understanding and agree to abide by the class rules. The next day, Peter swears in jest at his buddies trying to use a needle. Although the friends are not offended, Mrs. Smith is. She takes Peter to the side and reminds him of the class rules. He smiles and agrees. However, the next day, Mrs. Smith hears Peter swearing again. She asks him to stay after class. She asks Peter, "What are our class rules?" He recited them perfectly. He promises to abide them and gives her a quizzical look. On the third day, Mrs. Smith is already stressed and Peter swears yet again. "TO THE OFFICE, PETER! NOW!" Peter is confused but grabs his belongings. At the Dean's office Peter explains that he is confused but guesses his language is what upset Mrs. Smith. The Dean asks, "well Peter, would you use the language at home?" Peter replies with an honest, pleading face, "but I do! Everyone in my house talks like that!"
Mrs. Smith never explained that Show respect included not swearing. To Peter, he did nothing wrong.
I call this discussion from my class "truth" because we all deal with such problems in communication with others. We often do not explain ourselves. We believe others can GUESS what we mean. Unvoiced expectations can harm a relationship. By asking questions, by listening to others, and discussing things, a relationship can avoid many arguments.
I am grateful these simple truths of life show up. The trick is I must be looking for them.
Life is full of truths. Sometimes they are simple, and sometimes they are "deep." Today in my Exceptional Students Class, we discussed classroom management. Rules and consequences need to be specific and clear so the students know how and why to be obedient. I am convinced that a significant amount of misbehavior would be solved if students simply understood the rules.
EXAMPLE: (fake but realistic)
Mrs. Smith is a high school Home-Economics teacher. At the beginning of the year, she posts a list of class rules.
1. Be on time
2. Be respectful
3. Follow directions
All of the students nod in understanding and agree to abide by the class rules. The next day, Peter swears in jest at his buddies trying to use a needle. Although the friends are not offended, Mrs. Smith is. She takes Peter to the side and reminds him of the class rules. He smiles and agrees. However, the next day, Mrs. Smith hears Peter swearing again. She asks him to stay after class. She asks Peter, "What are our class rules?" He recited them perfectly. He promises to abide them and gives her a quizzical look. On the third day, Mrs. Smith is already stressed and Peter swears yet again. "TO THE OFFICE, PETER! NOW!" Peter is confused but grabs his belongings. At the Dean's office Peter explains that he is confused but guesses his language is what upset Mrs. Smith. The Dean asks, "well Peter, would you use the language at home?" Peter replies with an honest, pleading face, "but I do! Everyone in my house talks like that!"
Mrs. Smith never explained that Show respect included not swearing. To Peter, he did nothing wrong.
I call this discussion from my class "truth" because we all deal with such problems in communication with others. We often do not explain ourselves. We believe others can GUESS what we mean. Unvoiced expectations can harm a relationship. By asking questions, by listening to others, and discussing things, a relationship can avoid many arguments.
I am grateful these simple truths of life show up. The trick is I must be looking for them.
Monday, October 12, 2009
I-sunrise
Rexburg is a hill. The highest point of the city now supports the tall, white walls of a temple. In the mornings, the sunrises above the corn, alfalfa, and potatoe fields and paints a red, pink, orange, and yellow back drop for the House of the Lord. The angel Moroni almost glistens as his gold figure stands strong a top the highest spire.
Yesterday James showed me something that I found fascinating. It was a talk by Elder Jefferey R. Holland of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The overall theme was love and romance. At first, I snickered. Why would an apostle of the Lord being talking about Romance? However, I think it was very appropriate now. Elder Holland explained that because of his relationship, expereiences, and time he has with his wife, he has a great power over her. Likewise, Sister Holland holds that same power over him. They know how to make each other smile, laugh, and just be happy better than anyone else. Likewise, they also know how to crush the other's heart. Our relationships are fragile. Elder Holland also said that if he were to use Sister Holland for his own gain, lust, ego, whatever, then he would not deserve her immediatley. Part of a relationship means to trust your sweetheart and to live worthy of their trust in return.
If every couple lived by Elder Holland's council, think of what a difference that would make! Children would be raised in safer homes. Homes could be a protection of love and peace against the tempests we face daily. I am grateful for an Apostle who recieves inspiration from our Heavenly Father and can direct to the life-path that includes joy, peace, and love.
Yesterday James showed me something that I found fascinating. It was a talk by Elder Jefferey R. Holland of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The overall theme was love and romance. At first, I snickered. Why would an apostle of the Lord being talking about Romance? However, I think it was very appropriate now. Elder Holland explained that because of his relationship, expereiences, and time he has with his wife, he has a great power over her. Likewise, Sister Holland holds that same power over him. They know how to make each other smile, laugh, and just be happy better than anyone else. Likewise, they also know how to crush the other's heart. Our relationships are fragile. Elder Holland also said that if he were to use Sister Holland for his own gain, lust, ego, whatever, then he would not deserve her immediatley. Part of a relationship means to trust your sweetheart and to live worthy of their trust in return.
If every couple lived by Elder Holland's council, think of what a difference that would make! Children would be raised in safer homes. Homes could be a protection of love and peace against the tempests we face daily. I am grateful for an Apostle who recieves inspiration from our Heavenly Father and can direct to the life-path that includes joy, peace, and love.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunny and Brisk
Frost on the windshields in the parking lot sparkle through our bedroom. Although it's 25 degrees outside, the sun is shining jollily. Jamie, my roommate, and I are sitting at our laptops listening to some Celtic music.
Have I told you about Jamie?
Jamie is from Hillsburg, California (Although I had never heard of it she informed me that there is a high school, post office, and hotel). It is a town surrounded by vinyards. Her father is a carpenter and creates cupboards and counter tops for kitchens. She is third youngest of 10 kids! How does she remember who is who? How does her mom remember who needs to be where when? I think it takes special people to be part of large families.
In her second year here at BYU-Idaho, she is well on her way through her pshycology major. She is a dilligent studier and loves to read.
When Jamie and I first met, I was a little apprehensive. After rooming with a talkative former mission companion, Jamie's simple, quiet demeanor was almost uncomfortable. Jamie is shy in first meeting. I asked all the normal "getting to know the new roommate" questions, and she replied simply and occasionaly asked the question back in return. During the first few nights, one of was always asleep before the other. "Great," I would say to myself, "I am never going to get to know this roommate."
Boy was I wrong! After a few more weeks, we were able to run into each other more often at home. She opened up quickly, contrary to my predictions. I discovered that Jamie can crochete, she loves to cook sweets (which I am really grateful for), she is particular about her hyegiene (oten showers twice a day), and she has the most adorable giggle!
The best thing about Jamie is her stalwart example. Every morning, with out fail, after washing her face and brushing her teeth, she kneels down at her bed to pray. Not only is it impressive that she always remembers, but that she does it after she has waken herself up a bit. At night, she dives into her scripture study and often shares something she learned.
I am grateful that Jamie is my roommate. There is a happy feeling in our room (which stays clean all the time this semester: Love it!). How wonderful is it to come home to someone who accepts you, talks to you, and makes you laugh.
Have I told you about Jamie?
Jamie is from Hillsburg, California (Although I had never heard of it she informed me that there is a high school, post office, and hotel). It is a town surrounded by vinyards. Her father is a carpenter and creates cupboards and counter tops for kitchens. She is third youngest of 10 kids! How does she remember who is who? How does her mom remember who needs to be where when? I think it takes special people to be part of large families.
In her second year here at BYU-Idaho, she is well on her way through her pshycology major. She is a dilligent studier and loves to read.
When Jamie and I first met, I was a little apprehensive. After rooming with a talkative former mission companion, Jamie's simple, quiet demeanor was almost uncomfortable. Jamie is shy in first meeting. I asked all the normal "getting to know the new roommate" questions, and she replied simply and occasionaly asked the question back in return. During the first few nights, one of was always asleep before the other. "Great," I would say to myself, "I am never going to get to know this roommate."
Boy was I wrong! After a few more weeks, we were able to run into each other more often at home. She opened up quickly, contrary to my predictions. I discovered that Jamie can crochete, she loves to cook sweets (which I am really grateful for), she is particular about her hyegiene (oten showers twice a day), and she has the most adorable giggle!
The best thing about Jamie is her stalwart example. Every morning, with out fail, after washing her face and brushing her teeth, she kneels down at her bed to pray. Not only is it impressive that she always remembers, but that she does it after she has waken herself up a bit. At night, she dives into her scripture study and often shares something she learned.
I am grateful that Jamie is my roommate. There is a happy feeling in our room (which stays clean all the time this semester: Love it!). How wonderful is it to come home to someone who accepts you, talks to you, and makes you laugh.
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