"Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information alone but also judgment, the manner in which information is collected and used." ~Dr. Carl Sagan
There is a distinction between knowledge and wisdom and intelligence. Knowledge is "the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association" according to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary. Being a wise person is marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment. Wisdom is the knowledge of how to apply all other knowledge. Intelligence incorporates both knowledge and wisdom. Intelligence is the process of collecting the facts and how one uses those facts by using judgment.
Intelligence is also what all are (D&C 93:29-30, 36). But God is more intelligent than the rest of us (Abraham 3:19-22). However, even though intelligence is not made nor created we can obtain it through diligence and obedience, as whenever we receive a blessing from God it is by obedience to the law upon which it is founded (D&C 93:29; 130:18-21).
The other day I was reading an address by Elder D. Todd Chrisofferson entitled "The Blessing of Scripture". Scripture enlarges the memory of a people and of individuals. It helps us to always remember the Lord and our relationship with Him and the Father.
It teaches you about past people, cultures, and events we did not experience personally and might have forgotten otherwise in our histories.
It shows you that life is only a small little moment on the timeline of Eternity. It reminds you that the trials you experience are only a moment, but that it is significant in the fact that what occurs on mortality affects the rest of your existence and what kind of existence it will be. So it enlarges your memory to all of forever rather than just limited to mortality.
However, I was struck with the inspiration that scripture can do more than that.
The scriptures can be read in so many ways. It can be read as a story of a real people. It can be read as an instruction manual for specific or broad topics. It can be read as a compiled biographical work or the first history books invented. It can be used to study economics or perhaps politics. The scriptures are multidimensional; there is more than one aspect to it.
As a result, the scriptures can literally enlarge our minds in another way that I had never before considered.
Let's add Cognitive Psychology into this explanation. (Though I honestly can't claim to know much about Cognitive Psychology). But I know that somehow it fits into this explanation. If I knew more about it. Meanwhile, until I do, let's just keep to my theory and for those of you who know more please ponder upon the matter.
We are told to make personal connections to the scriptures so that its teachings can become more applicable to our lives (Teaching from the Scriptures). However, in connecting a thought to multiple topics it is easier to recall that thought. In the process of connecting the thought to other topics it becomes a bigger aspect of our lives and it is easier to apply when it has such a presence in our minds.
So if we can connect the scriptures to every aspect of our lives, and our lives to every aspect to the scriptures, then just the process of opening and reading the scriptures should bring to the forefront of your mind a thought or memory. Opening the scriptures opens your mind and allows the Holy Spirit to help connect the thoughts in your head to other thoughts, creating that 'lightbulb' moment, especially if we have actually already begun to connect to the scriptures. The scriptures become an extension of your memory, of your life. You would have made the scriptures truly applicable when it becomes such a part of you.
I think connecting to the scriptures in such a way will help you organize your life, your mind. The scriptures have a format, a structure in physical form. When we connect to every aspect of the scriptures or the scriptures to every aspect of our lives we will have a format in which to organize our thoughts, and by extension, our lives.
I think that this level of connection could occur with most anything as your base, if you can make a great many connections to it. I think this should be kept in mind and perhaps studied by those who are in that particular field of study, or at least in a related field.
However, the scriptures are probably the best source in which to base yourself upon. There are several reasons for this. First off, they are the words of the Lord. There really can't be anything better in which to listen and obey. Also, as perviously mentioned, the scriptures are so comprehensive and so specific that one can truly connect to such a work on a variety of different levels and a variety of different topics. It is something in which if you truly connect you it can help you verses harms you in an obsessive sort of way.
The scriptures is not just one thing to be focused on and worshiped. The scriptures, if read and connected to truly, brings you to other elements in life and other teachings and expands your memory. Where most other works, if connected to, will only limit the expansion of your mind.
I would love to see a study about physical objects, sounds, and smells becoming an extension of a memory, but to see it developed further and see if a person could be healthily connected in all memories and thoughts to the scriptures and the things of the gospel. I'd love to learn more about this and where exactly Cognitive Psychology fits in.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Traditions
I have a Family class this semester for my minor and it is an excellent class. The textbook we use is entitled Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family by David C. Dollahite.
This engrossing textbook I plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. Or at least until I can hand it down to someone to be used. The best books should be used over and over and over again and be studied, and written in, and marked, and much thought put into it.
It is fascinating, this book. Recently we just studied a chapter entitled "Valuing, Preserving, and Transmitting Family Traditions" which is Chapter 23. But how interesting this chapter is!
The textbook defined what traditions are: “Traditions” are defined as beliefs and practices enacted to repeatedly from generation to generation and taught by face-to-face contact within small groups (314).
Susan Abel Lieberman said, "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."
Family traditions give each family an identity, both extended families and nuclear families. There are traditions that are handed down from parent to child and parent to child, as a result, the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc all have bits and pieces of the same traditions. But each nuclear family has their own unique traditions as well. Two people from different families, with different traditions, come together and pick and choose which traditions they wish to continue from both sides of the family. Then they create new traditions that better define who they are as their own family. The traditions express a shared interest in most cases.
There are seven issues related to the creation and perpetuation of family traditions:
1. Distinguish between good and bad traditions
2. Encourage a unique family style
3. Be selective and creative in fashioning new traditions
4. Be inclusive
5. Be service-oriented
6. Foster storytelling
7. Nurture natural traditions
Number 1:
There are many traditions that we can develop in our lives that will not better ourselves or our posterity. Some traditions can actually be a hinderance to growth and progression. When we create our own traditions for our families, perhaps they are the best we can do at that point in time, but in the next generation children will only add upon the foundation of the traditions you have taught. If they are positive traditions and leading in the right direction, usually the traditions added on to the former will be even better. Having the best traditions now create the greatest traditions later. But it goes the other way around too. Bad traditions are added upon. Obviously, children have agency and they will choose their own way, but when you raise them with certain traditions they will remember them.
Number 2:
There are many traditions that are held among many families, but it is possible to have a common tradition become very specialized to your family. For example, many families have prayer. But where they hold family prayer can give meaning. Or a certain treat made and eaten only at Easter/Christmas.
Number 3:
Traditions should be adapted from the families of both spouses. It'll encourage a healthy new family unit verses favoring one side of the family over the other.
Number 4:
When creating new traditions the variety of interests and ability of family members must be taken into account so they help build closer family relationships.
Number 5:
"Performing service as a family is one of the best ways to perform service within the family" (314). Having a tradition that serves others on a yearly or monthly or weekly basis instills in the children habits of service that will be perfected as they mature.
Number 6:
Telling storys about ancestors or relatives creates unity between the generations and strengthen family relationships. In my family my mother frequently tells us stories about her siblings, her parents, her aunts and uncles, her grandparents, my cousins... and as a result, even though we live so far away from them all and my great-grandparents have passed on, I feel like I really know each of them and family reunions are always so much fun. "Sharing the stories of daily experiences, both humorous and difficult, encourages a sense of common experience that also units families – sometimes over generations" (314).
Number 7:
"Traditions that are unrelated to actual family life often feel forced and uncomfortable; with good reason, theses are the least likely customs to be continued" (314). Many family traditions grow out of things that are already done: game playing, celebrating holidays, eating, working, traveling, singing together, etc.
We should also be recording these traditions down.
Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander has said, “That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another.”
Also, President Spencer W. Kimball has said, “Let us then continue on in this important work of recording the things we do, the things we say, the things we think, to be in accordance with the instructions of the Lord. For those of you who may not have already started your books of remembrance and your records, we would suggest that this very day you begin to write your records quite fully and completely.”
Journals, scrapbooks, etc are not just for thoughts, experiences, events, memories, although those are very good things to write down. But they are also for writing down traditions you have and the purposes behind that tradition. That way, several generations down, if someone wishes to know the reason why they do a certain thing, then it is understood. In my class one girl brought of the matter that her mother would always cut off the ends of the roast for Thanksgiving dinner. Her daughter asked her why she did that, because it was perfectly good meat, and she said she didn't know, that it's what her mother had always done. So she when to her mother and asked her why she cut off the ends. The reason? It wouldn't fit in the pot otherwise. Traditions and their purpose should be written down so others can choose to continue or discontinue or revive a tradition.
Here are a few articles:
Preserving Your Family Traditions
Creating Family Traditions
I'm sure there are tons of other articles you could research if you wish too.
So, Question.
What are some of your favorite family traditions?
This engrossing textbook I plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. Or at least until I can hand it down to someone to be used. The best books should be used over and over and over again and be studied, and written in, and marked, and much thought put into it.
It is fascinating, this book. Recently we just studied a chapter entitled "Valuing, Preserving, and Transmitting Family Traditions" which is Chapter 23. But how interesting this chapter is!
The textbook defined what traditions are: “Traditions” are defined as beliefs and practices enacted to repeatedly from generation to generation and taught by face-to-face contact within small groups (314).
Susan Abel Lieberman said, "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."
Family traditions give each family an identity, both extended families and nuclear families. There are traditions that are handed down from parent to child and parent to child, as a result, the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc all have bits and pieces of the same traditions. But each nuclear family has their own unique traditions as well. Two people from different families, with different traditions, come together and pick and choose which traditions they wish to continue from both sides of the family. Then they create new traditions that better define who they are as their own family. The traditions express a shared interest in most cases.
There are seven issues related to the creation and perpetuation of family traditions:
1. Distinguish between good and bad traditions
2. Encourage a unique family style
3. Be selective and creative in fashioning new traditions
4. Be inclusive
5. Be service-oriented
6. Foster storytelling
7. Nurture natural traditions
Number 1:
There are many traditions that we can develop in our lives that will not better ourselves or our posterity. Some traditions can actually be a hinderance to growth and progression. When we create our own traditions for our families, perhaps they are the best we can do at that point in time, but in the next generation children will only add upon the foundation of the traditions you have taught. If they are positive traditions and leading in the right direction, usually the traditions added on to the former will be even better. Having the best traditions now create the greatest traditions later. But it goes the other way around too. Bad traditions are added upon. Obviously, children have agency and they will choose their own way, but when you raise them with certain traditions they will remember them.
Number 2:
There are many traditions that are held among many families, but it is possible to have a common tradition become very specialized to your family. For example, many families have prayer. But where they hold family prayer can give meaning. Or a certain treat made and eaten only at Easter/Christmas.
Number 3:
Traditions should be adapted from the families of both spouses. It'll encourage a healthy new family unit verses favoring one side of the family over the other.
Number 4:
When creating new traditions the variety of interests and ability of family members must be taken into account so they help build closer family relationships.
Number 5:
"Performing service as a family is one of the best ways to perform service within the family" (314). Having a tradition that serves others on a yearly or monthly or weekly basis instills in the children habits of service that will be perfected as they mature.
Number 6:
Telling storys about ancestors or relatives creates unity between the generations and strengthen family relationships. In my family my mother frequently tells us stories about her siblings, her parents, her aunts and uncles, her grandparents, my cousins... and as a result, even though we live so far away from them all and my great-grandparents have passed on, I feel like I really know each of them and family reunions are always so much fun. "Sharing the stories of daily experiences, both humorous and difficult, encourages a sense of common experience that also units families – sometimes over generations" (314).
Number 7:
"Traditions that are unrelated to actual family life often feel forced and uncomfortable; with good reason, theses are the least likely customs to be continued" (314). Many family traditions grow out of things that are already done: game playing, celebrating holidays, eating, working, traveling, singing together, etc.
We should also be recording these traditions down.
Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander has said, “That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another.”
Also, President Spencer W. Kimball has said, “Let us then continue on in this important work of recording the things we do, the things we say, the things we think, to be in accordance with the instructions of the Lord. For those of you who may not have already started your books of remembrance and your records, we would suggest that this very day you begin to write your records quite fully and completely.”
Journals, scrapbooks, etc are not just for thoughts, experiences, events, memories, although those are very good things to write down. But they are also for writing down traditions you have and the purposes behind that tradition. That way, several generations down, if someone wishes to know the reason why they do a certain thing, then it is understood. In my class one girl brought of the matter that her mother would always cut off the ends of the roast for Thanksgiving dinner. Her daughter asked her why she did that, because it was perfectly good meat, and she said she didn't know, that it's what her mother had always done. So she when to her mother and asked her why she cut off the ends. The reason? It wouldn't fit in the pot otherwise. Traditions and their purpose should be written down so others can choose to continue or discontinue or revive a tradition.
Here are a few articles:
Preserving Your Family Traditions
Creating Family Traditions
I'm sure there are tons of other articles you could research if you wish too.
So, Question.
What are some of your favorite family traditions?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The End of A Beginning
One. Two. Three.
That is the number of days I have left here in Rexburg, ID.
At least, the number of days I have left until the end of my first semester at BYU-I. It's amazing at how much I've learned this semester. The door to a wider world has been opening. I am beginning to see more of the things I never knew of. Its... remarkable.
What have I learned? What are the things that caused the door to begin opening?
Knowledge, of course. College has a lot of that.
Wisdom. Something gained through experiences.
Being the oldest, I imagine myself to be an adventurer, a discoverer. I helped to map a portion of the wilderness so my younger siblings can see what is out there and perhaps make their own adventures a little easier in a certain way.
I've learned of things that are immediately applicable to my life. If it not so immediate then it is certainly going to be helpful in the future.
My HIST 101 class has taught me that you can learn to enjoy a class that normally you might not enjoy. That even when you've changed your minor to something else and you no longer need to worry about the class too much, you still put effort into it. That just the process of doing something that you don't quite enjoy is something worth learning. It teaches you to be always cheerful and positive and looking on the bright side of things. I've learned to love that class for a variety of different reasons, rather then dislike it for one. It has become a worthwhile class just from the attitude I've had.
My SFN 302 class, or as I call it, my Nursing class, is a wonderful one. There are only 12 girls in the class and its a class where we are all there just to learn. We aren't taking the class in order to pass a test, but rather for our own personal use. Its a class where Learning by the Spirit is something that causes miraculous things to be discussed and learning about in the two hours we are in the room. The girls in this class are close. We honestly learn from one another and the experiences we have had.
My General Studies course 105, or College Success, was an extremely helpful class. I just learned about things that I probably would have discovered and learned about well into my Sophomore year at minimum. I learn of things that the college student should know. Like where all the buildings are, and generally what type of building it is. I've learned of strategies to help me acquire and remember the knowledge I learn in my classes. Its been extremely useful.
My Writing Class, or FDENG 101. I love this class. The first day I didn't know quite what to think. The second day of the class I didn't know what to do as my group from the first day all dropped. But as the semester continued it became one of my favorites. I've gained a whole class of friends. The style of teaching was different in this class then any other that I had ever had. But I loved it, if only because it was what I personally agreed with from my High School years. I've recognized the things that are taught were usually already incorporated into my life, but I became aware of them and try to improve them. Things such as writing about what you really care about and for an actual reason. It has been a great semester.
My Book of Mormon 2, or FDREL 122, class has been quite fun. My teacher had surgery and was gone for 4 weeks, but in the meantime we had 2 other teachers, elderly teachers that were well retired from teaching seminary. I've learned so much. I've read the Book of Mormon several times, but learning different lessons from most every verse and discovering the words of the prophets on a particular issue that I had never thought of before.... it was fantastic! I already had a strong testimony of the gospel, but its definitely be strengthened as I read the second half of the Book of Mormon again.
American Foundations, or FDAMF 101, is a great class. Because of the program I was in in High School, I took 3 classes of American History and Government. Much of it seemed repeating, but I always learned something new. This class I expected to be the same thing, but we learned more about the economics and the principles behind our government. I have learned so many things to be applied to my life. I've learned to have better faith in God in the aspects of the economy and government in my life. I've learned how miraculous it was for the creation of our Country and what it has led to. It has been so amazing to be able to have gospel truths and principles taught in relation to both government and economics, things that many people think are entirely separate.
My Intro to English Studies class, or ENG 110, is a requirement for my English major and it has also been extremely useful. It helped me to discover all of what I could do with my major and how to accomplish getting there. Both in school and in the world. It makes me more sure of the things that I have decided to study.
These are only my classes and the surface of what I learned in each of them. But the rest of college has been just as much of a learning experience. I have learned how to love those that are hard to love. I have learned how to live on my own. I have learned how to be more responsible of self and others. I have discovered that a good attitude truly does make a difference. That a smile can mean the world. That life is hard and challenging, but worth it.
I'm wondering what exactly it is that I'll be able to learn the rest of my school semesters. What an adventure.
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." ~Winston Churchill
That is the number of days I have left here in Rexburg, ID.
At least, the number of days I have left until the end of my first semester at BYU-I. It's amazing at how much I've learned this semester. The door to a wider world has been opening. I am beginning to see more of the things I never knew of. Its... remarkable.
What have I learned? What are the things that caused the door to begin opening?
Knowledge, of course. College has a lot of that.
Wisdom. Something gained through experiences.
Being the oldest, I imagine myself to be an adventurer, a discoverer. I helped to map a portion of the wilderness so my younger siblings can see what is out there and perhaps make their own adventures a little easier in a certain way.
I've learned of things that are immediately applicable to my life. If it not so immediate then it is certainly going to be helpful in the future.
My HIST 101 class has taught me that you can learn to enjoy a class that normally you might not enjoy. That even when you've changed your minor to something else and you no longer need to worry about the class too much, you still put effort into it. That just the process of doing something that you don't quite enjoy is something worth learning. It teaches you to be always cheerful and positive and looking on the bright side of things. I've learned to love that class for a variety of different reasons, rather then dislike it for one. It has become a worthwhile class just from the attitude I've had.
My SFN 302 class, or as I call it, my Nursing class, is a wonderful one. There are only 12 girls in the class and its a class where we are all there just to learn. We aren't taking the class in order to pass a test, but rather for our own personal use. Its a class where Learning by the Spirit is something that causes miraculous things to be discussed and learning about in the two hours we are in the room. The girls in this class are close. We honestly learn from one another and the experiences we have had.
My General Studies course 105, or College Success, was an extremely helpful class. I just learned about things that I probably would have discovered and learned about well into my Sophomore year at minimum. I learn of things that the college student should know. Like where all the buildings are, and generally what type of building it is. I've learned of strategies to help me acquire and remember the knowledge I learn in my classes. Its been extremely useful.
My Writing Class, or FDENG 101. I love this class. The first day I didn't know quite what to think. The second day of the class I didn't know what to do as my group from the first day all dropped. But as the semester continued it became one of my favorites. I've gained a whole class of friends. The style of teaching was different in this class then any other that I had ever had. But I loved it, if only because it was what I personally agreed with from my High School years. I've recognized the things that are taught were usually already incorporated into my life, but I became aware of them and try to improve them. Things such as writing about what you really care about and for an actual reason. It has been a great semester.
My Book of Mormon 2, or FDREL 122, class has been quite fun. My teacher had surgery and was gone for 4 weeks, but in the meantime we had 2 other teachers, elderly teachers that were well retired from teaching seminary. I've learned so much. I've read the Book of Mormon several times, but learning different lessons from most every verse and discovering the words of the prophets on a particular issue that I had never thought of before.... it was fantastic! I already had a strong testimony of the gospel, but its definitely be strengthened as I read the second half of the Book of Mormon again.
American Foundations, or FDAMF 101, is a great class. Because of the program I was in in High School, I took 3 classes of American History and Government. Much of it seemed repeating, but I always learned something new. This class I expected to be the same thing, but we learned more about the economics and the principles behind our government. I have learned so many things to be applied to my life. I've learned to have better faith in God in the aspects of the economy and government in my life. I've learned how miraculous it was for the creation of our Country and what it has led to. It has been so amazing to be able to have gospel truths and principles taught in relation to both government and economics, things that many people think are entirely separate.
My Intro to English Studies class, or ENG 110, is a requirement for my English major and it has also been extremely useful. It helped me to discover all of what I could do with my major and how to accomplish getting there. Both in school and in the world. It makes me more sure of the things that I have decided to study.
These are only my classes and the surface of what I learned in each of them. But the rest of college has been just as much of a learning experience. I have learned how to love those that are hard to love. I have learned how to live on my own. I have learned how to be more responsible of self and others. I have discovered that a good attitude truly does make a difference. That a smile can mean the world. That life is hard and challenging, but worth it.
I'm wondering what exactly it is that I'll be able to learn the rest of my school semesters. What an adventure.
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." ~Winston Churchill
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Things to Smile About
I was at the McKay Library this morning and I found a well worn thick little red book entitled Lengthen Your Smile. Its by Robert Nash and published in 1996. It looked interesting so I picked it up and checked it out. To my unexpected amusement I discovered that the book contains short stories for a Latter-day Saint for every day of the year but Leap Day. I randomly opened to a page, read, and then started laughing. Here are some of the stories and the day it is to coincide with (not that the day matters, but just incase you want to look for yourself sometime):
April 21
"Four Religious Myths:
1. It's easy op get credit for doing good, but hard to get cash.
2. Noah's wife was Joan of Ark.
3. The fifth commandment is 'Humor thy father and mother.'
4. It's hard to hear anything in church because the agnostics are so terrible."
May 15
"A Poem quoted by author Alma Heaton probably contains some good advice for young men and young women:
Before I heard the doctors tell
The danger of a kiss,
I had considered kissing you
The nearest thing to bliss
But now I know biology
I sit and sigh and moan,
Six million mad bacteria
And I thought we were alone."
June 2
"Spencer W. Kimball told the story of a young Mormon soldier in World War II who wore both a standard wristwatch and an older, larger pocket watch. His buddies noticed him regularly looking at both watches, and asked why he checked the time twice.
'The wristwatch tells me the time here where we are, but the big watch Pa gave me tells me the time it is in Utah,' said the soldier. 'When the big watch says 5:00 A.M., I know dad is rolling out to milk the cows. And any night when it says 7:30, I know the whole family is around a well-spread table on their knees thanking the Lord for what's on the table and asking him to watch over me and keep me clean and honorable.
'It's those things that make me want to fight when the going gets tough,' said the young man. 'I can find out what time it is here easy enough. What I want to know is what time it is in Utah.' "
June 5
"Just when you think you've escaped pride . . .
A Sunday School teacher gave a lesson about the arrogant Pharisee who prayed in the temple next to the humble publican and expressed thanks to the Lord that he wasn't like his prayer-mate. The publican, meanwhile, bowed his head and smote his breast and asked the Lord to forgive him for his sins.
The Sunday School teacher's suggestion? The members of the class should all thank God they were not like that Pharisee!"
July 23
"A rancher in Kamas, at the base of Utah's Uinta mountains, decided he wanted to sell his ranch. He hired a real estate agent, who came out to inspect his property and write up an ad.
Later the realtor called the rancher to go over the ad copy with him before placing it in the paper. 'For sale,' read the realtor, 'Picturesque white frame ranch house with white picket fence and eighty acres of rich farmland in the middle of beautiful Kamas Valley. Clear streams of mountain water flow nearby, well-stocked with rainbow trout. House faces rugged mountain peaks and is located in a small, friendly farming community with good schools and a new church.'
'Stop!' said the rancher. 'The deal's off! This is the kind of place I've wanted all my life!'
The moral: 'Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you,' said J. Reuben Clark. 'Yours is not the task to gain them. They are here; yours is the part of cherishing them.' "
August 26
"A positive mental attitude is important - and so is a firm grip on reality. Charles Ora Card was called by President John Taylor to build a Mormon settlement in western Canada in 1887. The town he founded - Cardston, in the province of Alberta - became a wonderful settlement, but on the high Canadian plains, it was wind-swept and cold.
One gusty, frigid morning, Brother Card was walking to Church with his father. 'Isn't the air fresh and invigorating?' he asked.
'Yes,' said the father, 'and isn't there a lot of it?' "
October 19
"Lucile C. Reading, a former counselor in the general Primary presidency and managing editor of The Friend magazine, illustrated her belief in the joys of work with a story about Thomas Edison.
Edison's wife worried her husband was working too hard and encouraged him to take a vacation.
'But where would I go? asked the inventor.
'Just decide where you'd rather be than anywhere else on the earth, and then go there,' Mrs. Edison advised.
Her husband agreed. 'Very well,' he said. 'I will go there tomorrow.'
The next morning found him right back in his laboratory."
December 15
"Parents: If you ever wonder whether or not you have an influence on your children, remember the story of a father who took his three young sons on a summertime trip to Yellowstone Park. Upon their return, they dropped by Grandma's to report their adventures. And the first thing out of their mouths? They didn't describe the bears, geysers, elk, moose, hot pots, mountains, fish, rivers, or lakes. 'Grandma!' they said, 'Daddy got a ticket for speeding!'
I would highly recommend this little book to everyone and anyone. Although, I think that with most of them your probably going to have to be LDS to really understand. Otherwise your going to think we are a bit peculiar. In which you would be entirely right.
April 21
"Four Religious Myths:
1. It's easy op get credit for doing good, but hard to get cash.
2. Noah's wife was Joan of Ark.
3. The fifth commandment is 'Humor thy father and mother.'
4. It's hard to hear anything in church because the agnostics are so terrible."
May 15
"A Poem quoted by author Alma Heaton probably contains some good advice for young men and young women:
Before I heard the doctors tell
The danger of a kiss,
I had considered kissing you
The nearest thing to bliss
But now I know biology
I sit and sigh and moan,
Six million mad bacteria
And I thought we were alone."
June 2
"Spencer W. Kimball told the story of a young Mormon soldier in World War II who wore both a standard wristwatch and an older, larger pocket watch. His buddies noticed him regularly looking at both watches, and asked why he checked the time twice.
'The wristwatch tells me the time here where we are, but the big watch Pa gave me tells me the time it is in Utah,' said the soldier. 'When the big watch says 5:00 A.M., I know dad is rolling out to milk the cows. And any night when it says 7:30, I know the whole family is around a well-spread table on their knees thanking the Lord for what's on the table and asking him to watch over me and keep me clean and honorable.
'It's those things that make me want to fight when the going gets tough,' said the young man. 'I can find out what time it is here easy enough. What I want to know is what time it is in Utah.' "
June 5
"Just when you think you've escaped pride . . .
A Sunday School teacher gave a lesson about the arrogant Pharisee who prayed in the temple next to the humble publican and expressed thanks to the Lord that he wasn't like his prayer-mate. The publican, meanwhile, bowed his head and smote his breast and asked the Lord to forgive him for his sins.
The Sunday School teacher's suggestion? The members of the class should all thank God they were not like that Pharisee!"
July 23
"A rancher in Kamas, at the base of Utah's Uinta mountains, decided he wanted to sell his ranch. He hired a real estate agent, who came out to inspect his property and write up an ad.
Later the realtor called the rancher to go over the ad copy with him before placing it in the paper. 'For sale,' read the realtor, 'Picturesque white frame ranch house with white picket fence and eighty acres of rich farmland in the middle of beautiful Kamas Valley. Clear streams of mountain water flow nearby, well-stocked with rainbow trout. House faces rugged mountain peaks and is located in a small, friendly farming community with good schools and a new church.'
'Stop!' said the rancher. 'The deal's off! This is the kind of place I've wanted all my life!'
The moral: 'Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you,' said J. Reuben Clark. 'Yours is not the task to gain them. They are here; yours is the part of cherishing them.' "
August 26
"A positive mental attitude is important - and so is a firm grip on reality. Charles Ora Card was called by President John Taylor to build a Mormon settlement in western Canada in 1887. The town he founded - Cardston, in the province of Alberta - became a wonderful settlement, but on the high Canadian plains, it was wind-swept and cold.
One gusty, frigid morning, Brother Card was walking to Church with his father. 'Isn't the air fresh and invigorating?' he asked.
'Yes,' said the father, 'and isn't there a lot of it?' "
October 19
"Lucile C. Reading, a former counselor in the general Primary presidency and managing editor of The Friend magazine, illustrated her belief in the joys of work with a story about Thomas Edison.
Edison's wife worried her husband was working too hard and encouraged him to take a vacation.
'But where would I go? asked the inventor.
'Just decide where you'd rather be than anywhere else on the earth, and then go there,' Mrs. Edison advised.
Her husband agreed. 'Very well,' he said. 'I will go there tomorrow.'
The next morning found him right back in his laboratory."
December 15
"Parents: If you ever wonder whether or not you have an influence on your children, remember the story of a father who took his three young sons on a summertime trip to Yellowstone Park. Upon their return, they dropped by Grandma's to report their adventures. And the first thing out of their mouths? They didn't describe the bears, geysers, elk, moose, hot pots, mountains, fish, rivers, or lakes. 'Grandma!' they said, 'Daddy got a ticket for speeding!'
I would highly recommend this little book to everyone and anyone. Although, I think that with most of them your probably going to have to be LDS to really understand. Otherwise your going to think we are a bit peculiar. In which you would be entirely right.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Weekly Goals
I am reading Mormon Essays by D. James Cannon and it got me thinking. The author came up for the idea with the idea of these essays from the scripture Alma 32:27 which says, "But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." The phrase I wish you to focus upon is "experiment upon my words".
Cannon decided to choose a scripture for a week and then try to apply it in his life for that week. When the week ended, he would write a little essay on the the scripture and what he learned about it. Cannon: "My personal experience in taking one scripture per week and putting it to the test, living by it, and applying it to my problems, decisions, and attitudes of daily pursuits has been most rewarding."
How motivating that is! How I wish to do the same!
And I shall!
That just shows a true and deep understanding and intellect, or at least a wish to gain it. It's an admirable trait: the wish to progress.
I shall try to do this.
I think it will also make my daily scripture study more effective as I seek for the ways I can take that scripture and apply it to my life. Could you imagine if I ended up taking every verse in order and assign each a week?? How much progress I would make in the time period of several hundred weeks? I think I shall try that. I really shall. but maybe not every single verse. yet. :)
Cannon decided to choose a scripture for a week and then try to apply it in his life for that week. When the week ended, he would write a little essay on the the scripture and what he learned about it. Cannon: "My personal experience in taking one scripture per week and putting it to the test, living by it, and applying it to my problems, decisions, and attitudes of daily pursuits has been most rewarding."
How motivating that is! How I wish to do the same!
And I shall!
That just shows a true and deep understanding and intellect, or at least a wish to gain it. It's an admirable trait: the wish to progress.
I shall try to do this.
I think it will also make my daily scripture study more effective as I seek for the ways I can take that scripture and apply it to my life. Could you imagine if I ended up taking every verse in order and assign each a week?? How much progress I would make in the time period of several hundred weeks? I think I shall try that. I really shall. but maybe not every single verse. yet. :)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Drawings and Thoughts
I love looking up quotes. I love it. Quotes on Life, Love, Friendship, Family, Happiness, Joy, Wisdom, Knowledge, Smiles, etc. I just love it all. Some of my favorite are as follows:
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”
"A laugh is a smile that bursts" ~Mary H. Waldrip
"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face" ~Victor Hugo
I was in class today and decided to draw some. :D It was a lot of fun. It just makes me smile. They are rather simple drawings, but they were fun to make and then scan... :D so I hope some of them just kinda make your day and have you smiling.
I don't really know what to call this. A fuzzball? A fluffy? Whatever it is, people like them. I love to draw them.
My Blue Flower.
Luv ya!!
This? I just wished to randomly draw. :D Love the quote too. However, wings are very difficult to draw. But I think I did ok. :)
All about Living. :)
Another Happy Quote!!
I wanted to draw a home with a nice little quote. I like this a lot.
Girl + Boy
So that's really all in the drawing department for the day. But It was nice to do. Wish my mind could come up with actual amazing things as this was just kinda doodling in a somewhat thoughtful manner. But it certainly gets you to think calmly, or in other words, it's a kind of meditation. It's enjoyable.
Drawing can get you to think in a different manner then you perhaps normally do. Even if it is only doodling. Love it.
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”
"A laugh is a smile that bursts" ~Mary H. Waldrip
"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face" ~Victor Hugo
I was in class today and decided to draw some. :D It was a lot of fun. It just makes me smile. They are rather simple drawings, but they were fun to make and then scan... :D so I hope some of them just kinda make your day and have you smiling.
I don't really know what to call this. A fuzzball? A fluffy? Whatever it is, people like them. I love to draw them.
My Blue Flower.
Luv ya!!
This? I just wished to randomly draw. :D Love the quote too. However, wings are very difficult to draw. But I think I did ok. :)
All about Living. :)
Another Happy Quote!!
I wanted to draw a home with a nice little quote. I like this a lot.
Girl + Boy
So that's really all in the drawing department for the day. But It was nice to do. Wish my mind could come up with actual amazing things as this was just kinda doodling in a somewhat thoughtful manner. But it certainly gets you to think calmly, or in other words, it's a kind of meditation. It's enjoyable.
Drawing can get you to think in a different manner then you perhaps normally do. Even if it is only doodling. Love it.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Registration: The Craziness of it All
It is my firm belief that the hours between 2 and 5 in the morning are meant for sleep.
Sure you can stay up until 1 am and take an hour to get in your bed, but by 2:01 am you are to be asleep at the latest. Then 5 am should be the absolute earliest in which you wake.
Of course, this is only for the average person. If you have a job that requires you to have different hours then of course you should not live by this way of sleeping. But for the average college student... this is the MINIMUM of sleep we should get.
Last night I went to bed at 3:30 am and not because I was having a social life or any such thing. Nope that's not why at all. It's because of reregistering for classes. Amazingly I was able to get all the classes I wished to have. After several hours because the site was being extraordinarily slow...
But here is my schedule now (you can click on it to see it up close):
I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to have the classes that I wished to have because of overlapping or conflicts and whatever else could go wrong... But goodness, prayer really does work you know. It really does. It even helps you get through a day of classes with little sleep. You learn to go into a deep sleep from the time your head hits the pillow to the time which the alarm goes off and feel well rested.
I'm excited for them. I really am. I didn't really want to have my classes start at 7:45 and 8 am every day... but those were really the only times in which they were offered and I need to take them for my major. But I am excited about the fact that my classes will be done by noon, expect on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they'll end at 11 am.
I'm also quite proud of the fact that I've limited myself to 16 credits rather then 21 or 18... It was a very difficult thing to do, just to let you know. But I'm extraordinarily excited!
It's amazing to me that my semester is almost over. Three more weekends... and that's all. Crazy.
Just have to finish up on this one first. Insane. Time goes by so fast! It seems like I only just got up here! So much has happened. So much has been learned. It's wonderful.
Sure you can stay up until 1 am and take an hour to get in your bed, but by 2:01 am you are to be asleep at the latest. Then 5 am should be the absolute earliest in which you wake.
Of course, this is only for the average person. If you have a job that requires you to have different hours then of course you should not live by this way of sleeping. But for the average college student... this is the MINIMUM of sleep we should get.
Last night I went to bed at 3:30 am and not because I was having a social life or any such thing. Nope that's not why at all. It's because of reregistering for classes. Amazingly I was able to get all the classes I wished to have. After several hours because the site was being extraordinarily slow...
But here is my schedule now (you can click on it to see it up close):
I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to have the classes that I wished to have because of overlapping or conflicts and whatever else could go wrong... But goodness, prayer really does work you know. It really does. It even helps you get through a day of classes with little sleep. You learn to go into a deep sleep from the time your head hits the pillow to the time which the alarm goes off and feel well rested.
I'm excited for them. I really am. I didn't really want to have my classes start at 7:45 and 8 am every day... but those were really the only times in which they were offered and I need to take them for my major. But I am excited about the fact that my classes will be done by noon, expect on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they'll end at 11 am.
I'm also quite proud of the fact that I've limited myself to 16 credits rather then 21 or 18... It was a very difficult thing to do, just to let you know. But I'm extraordinarily excited!
It's amazing to me that my semester is almost over. Three more weekends... and that's all. Crazy.
Just have to finish up on this one first. Insane. Time goes by so fast! It seems like I only just got up here! So much has happened. So much has been learned. It's wonderful.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Library: the Collection
I was about 8 years old when my parents began looking for a new house to live in, because we were having an addition to the family, my little brother Robert. Once in awhile, they'd take the rest of us children with them. One time we were looking at different house models, and I clearly remember wanting a certain model because they had two high walls of bookshelves. My parents had to explain to me that the house we were building wouldn't automatically have the bookshelves in it. I knew that, but didn't really believe it, because since I could now visualize it, I wanted that house just because the dream of having a little library like that seemed more realistic when living in that house.
Cicero has said, "To add a library to a house is to give that house a soul."
Since I was little I began to picture owning a library in my home. But what amazed me was that as I grew and matured, so did the context of my imaginary library. The shelves were first filled with the Harry Potter books, the Eragon books, the Alex Rider books, the Dr. Seuss books, mostly the entertainment and fantasy books. Soon, the were filled with a more classical, science and historical fiction angle. But I never really had much of an interest in the non-fiction genre. Until recently.
As Holbrook Jackson said, "Your library is your portrait."
Now my library would include all the perviously mentioned books, along with Way to Be! by Gordon B. Hinckley, as well as some of his other books like Standing for Something. It would include Elder Neal A. Maxwell's books such as Moving in His Majesty and Power. Also, I'd love to get some works by President Thomas S. Monson and the other church presidents. It would also contain Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach their Kids that the Poor and Middle Class do not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter, The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, Seven Miracles that Saved America: Why they Matter and Why we Should have Hope by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart, Live your Life for Half the Price by Lyle and Tracy Shamo, Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
Of course, this isn't all. I'd include all my textbooks from college, some literary journals, some encyclopedias, church magazines, talks on CDs like The John Bytheway Collection Vol. I & II and The Little Things that can make a Big Difference by Daryle Hoole. I'd add on biographies, "How To" books on different skills, essays by Thoreau and Emerson, and journals of my ancestors and relatives, including my own. My library would also contain little inspirational thought books like Small and Simple Things by Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
I'm sure that in a few days I would even have more to add to this imaginary collection.
President Hinckley has said, "I love libraries. I love books. There is something sacred, I think, about a great library because it represents the preservation of the wisdom, the learning, the pondering, of men and women of all the ages accumulated together under one roof to which we can have access as our needs require."
What a wealth of Knowledge! What a wealth of Wisdom!
There are few things I wish to collect in my life: friends, family, and wisdom.
"A library of wisdom, then, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it," says Richard de Bury, one of the very first English collectors of books.
I don't entirely agree, as there are more important things then books, such as family, the gospel and the goal of achieving Eternal Life, but a collection of wisdom, even if it is only located in the mind, is something to always increase and magnify.
How I wish to make my dream a reality. And I am working on it. But it'll take awhile. Books and the like cost a bit of money, and poor college students do not have that much to spare. Except slowly and surely. The textbooks will be a required buy, and every once in awhile I shall buy a book to add to my currently non-exsistant shelves. It'll be an adventure.
When I was little I learned about the Library of Alexandria. I noticed it because, well, Alexandria is my name, then the word "library", and I discovered that it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I learned it was the largest library of the ancient world. I then came to the startling question of "What is the largest library in the world today?" I learned that the Library of Congress was in fact the largest library. It soon became my goal to visit that place someday and own a library card for that library (though not long after, I learned that public can't check out books, though they can use them). So someday I would visit. What's rather ironic of course in the fact that my family this Spring Break is going to D.C. without me. Sad sad sad. Oh well, I shall accomplish this goal someday! I have a whole life ahead of me!
What an adventure it will be! To collect knowledge, wisdom, and experiences.
Cicero has said, "To add a library to a house is to give that house a soul."
Since I was little I began to picture owning a library in my home. But what amazed me was that as I grew and matured, so did the context of my imaginary library. The shelves were first filled with the Harry Potter books, the Eragon books, the Alex Rider books, the Dr. Seuss books, mostly the entertainment and fantasy books. Soon, the were filled with a more classical, science and historical fiction angle. But I never really had much of an interest in the non-fiction genre. Until recently.
As Holbrook Jackson said, "Your library is your portrait."
Now my library would include all the perviously mentioned books, along with Way to Be! by Gordon B. Hinckley, as well as some of his other books like Standing for Something. It would include Elder Neal A. Maxwell's books such as Moving in His Majesty and Power. Also, I'd love to get some works by President Thomas S. Monson and the other church presidents. It would also contain Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach their Kids that the Poor and Middle Class do not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter, The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, Seven Miracles that Saved America: Why they Matter and Why we Should have Hope by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart, Live your Life for Half the Price by Lyle and Tracy Shamo, Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
Of course, this isn't all. I'd include all my textbooks from college, some literary journals, some encyclopedias, church magazines, talks on CDs like The John Bytheway Collection Vol. I & II and The Little Things that can make a Big Difference by Daryle Hoole. I'd add on biographies, "How To" books on different skills, essays by Thoreau and Emerson, and journals of my ancestors and relatives, including my own. My library would also contain little inspirational thought books like Small and Simple Things by Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
I'm sure that in a few days I would even have more to add to this imaginary collection.
President Hinckley has said, "I love libraries. I love books. There is something sacred, I think, about a great library because it represents the preservation of the wisdom, the learning, the pondering, of men and women of all the ages accumulated together under one roof to which we can have access as our needs require."
What a wealth of Knowledge! What a wealth of Wisdom!
There are few things I wish to collect in my life: friends, family, and wisdom.
"A library of wisdom, then, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it," says Richard de Bury, one of the very first English collectors of books.
I don't entirely agree, as there are more important things then books, such as family, the gospel and the goal of achieving Eternal Life, but a collection of wisdom, even if it is only located in the mind, is something to always increase and magnify.
How I wish to make my dream a reality. And I am working on it. But it'll take awhile. Books and the like cost a bit of money, and poor college students do not have that much to spare. Except slowly and surely. The textbooks will be a required buy, and every once in awhile I shall buy a book to add to my currently non-exsistant shelves. It'll be an adventure.
When I was little I learned about the Library of Alexandria. I noticed it because, well, Alexandria is my name, then the word "library", and I discovered that it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I learned it was the largest library of the ancient world. I then came to the startling question of "What is the largest library in the world today?" I learned that the Library of Congress was in fact the largest library. It soon became my goal to visit that place someday and own a library card for that library (though not long after, I learned that public can't check out books, though they can use them). So someday I would visit. What's rather ironic of course in the fact that my family this Spring Break is going to D.C. without me. Sad sad sad. Oh well, I shall accomplish this goal someday! I have a whole life ahead of me!
What an adventure it will be! To collect knowledge, wisdom, and experiences.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Spirit of a Home
Being away from my parent's home causes me to think a little more about what the word "Home" means to me. As I ponder only upon that simple word I become more determined to create my own little home where ever I am.
A home is not just a place where you live; that is a definition of a house. A House becomes a Home when a certain spirit resides there: A Spirit of Love, Joy, Kindness, Service, and many other qualities.
D&C 88:124-125 says, "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
This, I think, is something that can be applied to our homes. I mean imagine if we could incorporate it into our lives.
There would be no idleness. We would be extraordinarily productive if only because the ordinary are not. If we accomplished everything that is on our "To Do" list, then we have time to develop a talent, serve someone, visit someone, learn something, etc.
There would be order and cleanness. A Spirit of peace, tranquility, openness, etc in which allows a person to more easily express love and learn different things.
There would be no arguments. There would be peace in the home. Growth in healthy relationships. Helping each other progress. More love.
Not taking naps that are not needed cause you to be more involved in your day and in your life and in those around you. Going to bed early and waking up early causes you to become more productive and healthy. (Benefits of Sleep)
Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul. Moroni 7:45 says, "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Imagine if we took all of this upon ourselves. Upon our homes.
It is no wonder that President Hinckley has said, "Imagine how our own families, let alone the world, would change it we vowed to keep faith with one another, strengthen on another, look for an accentuate the virtues in on another, and speak graciously concerning one another. Imagine the cumulative effect if we treated each other with respect and acceptance, if we willingly provided support. Such interactions practiced on a small scale would surely have a rippling effect throughout our homes and communities and, eventually, society at large."
Married, Single, or still in your parents home, can you not imagine the wonders that would happen if we took these simple principles into our homes? Even if it be with only with roommates, rather then immediate or extended family. Life is a fantastical thing. It is amazing what progress we can make in it, if only we put forth the effort of doing so.
As President Kimball has once said, "When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 172).
This is what we strive for: the Millennium, the Zion within our home. It will grow outward from there into the communities around us, into other's lives. Not just our own.
A home is not just a place where you live; that is a definition of a house. A House becomes a Home when a certain spirit resides there: A Spirit of Love, Joy, Kindness, Service, and many other qualities.
D&C 88:124-125 says, "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
This, I think, is something that can be applied to our homes. I mean imagine if we could incorporate it into our lives.
There would be no idleness. We would be extraordinarily productive if only because the ordinary are not. If we accomplished everything that is on our "To Do" list, then we have time to develop a talent, serve someone, visit someone, learn something, etc.
There would be order and cleanness. A Spirit of peace, tranquility, openness, etc in which allows a person to more easily express love and learn different things.
There would be no arguments. There would be peace in the home. Growth in healthy relationships. Helping each other progress. More love.
Not taking naps that are not needed cause you to be more involved in your day and in your life and in those around you. Going to bed early and waking up early causes you to become more productive and healthy. (Benefits of Sleep)
Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul. Moroni 7:45 says, "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Imagine if we took all of this upon ourselves. Upon our homes.
It is no wonder that President Hinckley has said, "Imagine how our own families, let alone the world, would change it we vowed to keep faith with one another, strengthen on another, look for an accentuate the virtues in on another, and speak graciously concerning one another. Imagine the cumulative effect if we treated each other with respect and acceptance, if we willingly provided support. Such interactions practiced on a small scale would surely have a rippling effect throughout our homes and communities and, eventually, society at large."
Married, Single, or still in your parents home, can you not imagine the wonders that would happen if we took these simple principles into our homes? Even if it be with only with roommates, rather then immediate or extended family. Life is a fantastical thing. It is amazing what progress we can make in it, if only we put forth the effort of doing so.
As President Kimball has once said, "When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 172).
This is what we strive for: the Millennium, the Zion within our home. It will grow outward from there into the communities around us, into other's lives. Not just our own.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Reason why to Gain Wisdom and Knowledge
There is a question that has been repeated to me over and over again since I was in Kindergarten: What do you want to be when you grow up?
I had no idea in Kindergarten. I had no idea in First Grade. I had no idea in Second Grade. I didn’t know what sort of things I could be when I grew up. Being the oldest child, I honestly didn’t know what there was. So the standard question was treated with a standard answer that I thought they expected of me: a doctor, a policewoman, a fire-woman, the first female president, a teacher, a lawyer. That was the extent of my knowledge of what I could be when I grew up, perhaps because that was all I was exposed to. William Golding in “Thinking as a Hobby” explains how as a kid he was to mold himself into a certain way of thinking and this is how I felt the question tried to mold me as well. However, every year, my answer would be different, because I had no real interest in any of those careers.
But if I could talk to my younger self now, I would make my self aware of the goals that I already had at that age. I cannot remember a time in which I have not had a great hunger for gaining Knowledge and Wisdom continuously. I cannot recall a time in my life where I had thought knowledge and wisdom were the same; I always knew they were separate meanings.
My family owned many children’s books before I was five years old. I would pull them down and follow the words on the page with my finger and make up the story as it continued; I knew I could not read and I wished to learn. My mother told me that I would learn to read when I was five. On my fifth birthday, I had run to the bookshelf, pulled out a book, and tried to read, then immediately burst into tears; I could not read. My mother then told me that I would learn when I start school. Three months later that day came, and my mother sent her oldest child out into the world and worried all day. When my mother came to pick me up I was in tears. She worried and panicked that her daughter was picked on and bullied and had a horrible day. Once I was able to speak to where she could understand what it was I was saying she had a hard time trying not to laugh; I was crying because I couldn’t read yet.
In primary, I remember of learning of King Solomon, how he was the wisest man. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 it says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much . . . And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; . . . and his fame was in all nations round about. . . . And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard his wisdom.” I was determined then and there that I wanted wisdom. I thought that he was very clever and I wanted to be as well.
Growing up in a family who has been strong and active form the time in which all of my ancestors were converted before they traveled West, the Gospel is just a part of life. It defines my family. It defines our traditions. It defines our thoughts. It defines our philosophy. It defines how we see the world and the events that occur in it. We talk of math and it somehow relates. We talk of friends and it relates. We talk of money and it relates. We talk of anything and it’ll relate.
Before my tenth birthday, I came to a conclusion as to why gaining knowledge and wisdom is important. The gospel is all about progression; if we do not progress, then that is the definition of damnation. The reason we wish to gain entry into the highest kingdom in the Celestial Kingdom is because it means we can progress and increase. Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19 says, “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” I take this to heart.
Knowledge and wisdom are not just to be gained for money and wealth and public recognition; They are gained as preparation for the Eternities. That is my goal in all my mortal life. I realized that this life is only a probationary stage, but a stage in which we experience because we can only truly learn by experiencing it so I should take full advantage of it as I do not think I will ever experience it again, even in the Eternities. The Life Lessons I learn here are lessons that I’m going to be able to use forever, but only if I take the right wisdom and knowledge from the experience, otherwise it would almost be an entire waste of mortal time and useless to me in the Eternities. Then how could you progress without any real wisdom gained?
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said in Stand a Little Taller, “It is not a sacrifice to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is never a sacrifice when you get back more than you give. It is an investment. And the living gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a greater investment than any of which we know because its dividends are eternal and everlasting.”
Keeping the commandments of God, being obedient, it just makes you gain knowledge and wisdom and more blessings. It is not that difficult to practice and live the gospel. You are the one that gains in the long run, in the Eternities. I do not think we can adequately comprehend all the blessings we gain just by following the law.
So I’ve always had this thirst for knowledge, but not always the classical school knowledge. I don’t much care for geology for example. I’ve always wanted to learn how to care for a horse. Or how exactly it is that the words can be phrased in such as way that it means different things. Or what a true friend is. Or how I can help the world be a little better. Or just the workings of the government and economy. Or how to live within a budget. Or how to better interact with people.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Seek for the real things, not the artificial. Seek for the everlasting truths, not the passing whim, Seek for the eternal things of God, not for that which is here today, gone tomorrow. Look to God and live, as the scripture enjoins us.”
There are many who seek knowledge that could advance them in this world. But in the Eternal perspective, there are things that you could learn here in our mortal life that would have not as much value in the next life than other possible things to learn. It is much better to seek for those things that have true value. These are more of a type of the things I wish to learn.
Jacob 6:12 “O be wise; what can I say more?” is one of my favorite scriptures that I try to apply to my life. I think of that scripture every day and what it means to me. The phrase, or command, “be wise” continues to change its meaning for me. Wise in the ways of the Lord. Wise in the workings of the planet. Wise in the abstract ideas. Wise in material things. Wise in relationships. Wise in how I manage my life. Wise in how I interact. Wise in my schooling and education and learning. Wise in my finances. Wise in my health. Wise in exercising my agency. Wise in preparing for the future and Eternity.
My family has cultivated the habit of thinking and pondering. Before coming to college, it’s a tradition in my family to just philosophize and bounce ideas off each other and be open to learning by inspiration. We recognize that we do not know everything; that the things we do know may be wrong. However, no matter what we learn from the world we always have Faith and confidence that it somehow fits into the complex plan of our Father in Heaven. That the holes and questions we have on life, on the missing parts of history, on understanding the standard works, will be answered eventually. We just need to be faithful and obedient and all will be answered.
As Doctrine and Covenants 6:7 says, “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” This seems to be the theme of my family’s way of learning; realizing that we do not know everything, nor is it likely we will in this life and so ask our Father in Heaven, yet be grateful for the knowledge we are blessed with and continue to learn all we can from it.
Here in college, Life has been wonderful. Because I am learning, but I am learning things that I can see be actually applicable to my life. My mind is exploding with knowledge, wisdom, ideas, and how that can be utilize in my life and in making the world a little bit better then before, even if it’s just the way I live my life.
I am now making the habit of thinking better professional.
Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8 says, “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.” President Hinckley has says, “Knowledge without labor is profitless. Knowledge with labor is genius.” In my belief, this is what the professional thinker should be. Gaining knowledge with labor, with work, not just something you do every day, is what divides the professional from the hobbyist.
I am making my limited and slightly molded way of thinking from my time in the nest at home transform into a professional way of thinking in which there is no limits in what you can learn from every little thing you come in contact with. Much like William Golding’s highest way of thinking; the first grade thinker; the professional.
“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” ~D&C 93:36
I had no idea in Kindergarten. I had no idea in First Grade. I had no idea in Second Grade. I didn’t know what sort of things I could be when I grew up. Being the oldest child, I honestly didn’t know what there was. So the standard question was treated with a standard answer that I thought they expected of me: a doctor, a policewoman, a fire-woman, the first female president, a teacher, a lawyer. That was the extent of my knowledge of what I could be when I grew up, perhaps because that was all I was exposed to. William Golding in “Thinking as a Hobby” explains how as a kid he was to mold himself into a certain way of thinking and this is how I felt the question tried to mold me as well. However, every year, my answer would be different, because I had no real interest in any of those careers.
But if I could talk to my younger self now, I would make my self aware of the goals that I already had at that age. I cannot remember a time in which I have not had a great hunger for gaining Knowledge and Wisdom continuously. I cannot recall a time in my life where I had thought knowledge and wisdom were the same; I always knew they were separate meanings.
My family owned many children’s books before I was five years old. I would pull them down and follow the words on the page with my finger and make up the story as it continued; I knew I could not read and I wished to learn. My mother told me that I would learn to read when I was five. On my fifth birthday, I had run to the bookshelf, pulled out a book, and tried to read, then immediately burst into tears; I could not read. My mother then told me that I would learn when I start school. Three months later that day came, and my mother sent her oldest child out into the world and worried all day. When my mother came to pick me up I was in tears. She worried and panicked that her daughter was picked on and bullied and had a horrible day. Once I was able to speak to where she could understand what it was I was saying she had a hard time trying not to laugh; I was crying because I couldn’t read yet.
In primary, I remember of learning of King Solomon, how he was the wisest man. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 it says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much . . . And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; . . . and his fame was in all nations round about. . . . And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard his wisdom.” I was determined then and there that I wanted wisdom. I thought that he was very clever and I wanted to be as well.
Growing up in a family who has been strong and active form the time in which all of my ancestors were converted before they traveled West, the Gospel is just a part of life. It defines my family. It defines our traditions. It defines our thoughts. It defines our philosophy. It defines how we see the world and the events that occur in it. We talk of math and it somehow relates. We talk of friends and it relates. We talk of money and it relates. We talk of anything and it’ll relate.
Before my tenth birthday, I came to a conclusion as to why gaining knowledge and wisdom is important. The gospel is all about progression; if we do not progress, then that is the definition of damnation. The reason we wish to gain entry into the highest kingdom in the Celestial Kingdom is because it means we can progress and increase. Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19 says, “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” I take this to heart.
Knowledge and wisdom are not just to be gained for money and wealth and public recognition; They are gained as preparation for the Eternities. That is my goal in all my mortal life. I realized that this life is only a probationary stage, but a stage in which we experience because we can only truly learn by experiencing it so I should take full advantage of it as I do not think I will ever experience it again, even in the Eternities. The Life Lessons I learn here are lessons that I’m going to be able to use forever, but only if I take the right wisdom and knowledge from the experience, otherwise it would almost be an entire waste of mortal time and useless to me in the Eternities. Then how could you progress without any real wisdom gained?
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said in Stand a Little Taller, “It is not a sacrifice to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is never a sacrifice when you get back more than you give. It is an investment. And the living gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a greater investment than any of which we know because its dividends are eternal and everlasting.”
Keeping the commandments of God, being obedient, it just makes you gain knowledge and wisdom and more blessings. It is not that difficult to practice and live the gospel. You are the one that gains in the long run, in the Eternities. I do not think we can adequately comprehend all the blessings we gain just by following the law.
So I’ve always had this thirst for knowledge, but not always the classical school knowledge. I don’t much care for geology for example. I’ve always wanted to learn how to care for a horse. Or how exactly it is that the words can be phrased in such as way that it means different things. Or what a true friend is. Or how I can help the world be a little better. Or just the workings of the government and economy. Or how to live within a budget. Or how to better interact with people.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Seek for the real things, not the artificial. Seek for the everlasting truths, not the passing whim, Seek for the eternal things of God, not for that which is here today, gone tomorrow. Look to God and live, as the scripture enjoins us.”
There are many who seek knowledge that could advance them in this world. But in the Eternal perspective, there are things that you could learn here in our mortal life that would have not as much value in the next life than other possible things to learn. It is much better to seek for those things that have true value. These are more of a type of the things I wish to learn.
Jacob 6:12 “O be wise; what can I say more?” is one of my favorite scriptures that I try to apply to my life. I think of that scripture every day and what it means to me. The phrase, or command, “be wise” continues to change its meaning for me. Wise in the ways of the Lord. Wise in the workings of the planet. Wise in the abstract ideas. Wise in material things. Wise in relationships. Wise in how I manage my life. Wise in how I interact. Wise in my schooling and education and learning. Wise in my finances. Wise in my health. Wise in exercising my agency. Wise in preparing for the future and Eternity.
My family has cultivated the habit of thinking and pondering. Before coming to college, it’s a tradition in my family to just philosophize and bounce ideas off each other and be open to learning by inspiration. We recognize that we do not know everything; that the things we do know may be wrong. However, no matter what we learn from the world we always have Faith and confidence that it somehow fits into the complex plan of our Father in Heaven. That the holes and questions we have on life, on the missing parts of history, on understanding the standard works, will be answered eventually. We just need to be faithful and obedient and all will be answered.
As Doctrine and Covenants 6:7 says, “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” This seems to be the theme of my family’s way of learning; realizing that we do not know everything, nor is it likely we will in this life and so ask our Father in Heaven, yet be grateful for the knowledge we are blessed with and continue to learn all we can from it.
Here in college, Life has been wonderful. Because I am learning, but I am learning things that I can see be actually applicable to my life. My mind is exploding with knowledge, wisdom, ideas, and how that can be utilize in my life and in making the world a little bit better then before, even if it’s just the way I live my life.
I am now making the habit of thinking better professional.
Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8 says, “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.” President Hinckley has says, “Knowledge without labor is profitless. Knowledge with labor is genius.” In my belief, this is what the professional thinker should be. Gaining knowledge with labor, with work, not just something you do every day, is what divides the professional from the hobbyist.
I am making my limited and slightly molded way of thinking from my time in the nest at home transform into a professional way of thinking in which there is no limits in what you can learn from every little thing you come in contact with. Much like William Golding’s highest way of thinking; the first grade thinker; the professional.
“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” ~D&C 93:36
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