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| Families are a lot like Cookies |
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| Each is Unique |
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| But all are Beautiful |
Friday, December 24
Thursday, December 23
advancements
Ok, so I'm kind of a techy girl. I really love getting new gadgets and gizmos (that reminds me of the Little Mermaid..) I think technology is fabulous, and I use facebook, texting, emailing, skype and obviously blogging almost daily, but I'm really beginning to worry about the direction technology is taking society.
This all was sparked by going to see Tron on Monday night with my family. During the commercials we saw a Pirates of the Caribbean #4 (that annoyance is for a totally different post), and a million more advertisements for 3D movies. We were ironically watching Tron in 3D and I started to think about things.
When I was in 2nd grade, the highest form of entertainment our teacher needed to preform in order to keep our attention was nothing more than a song and dance; which she frequently did. Why was this? Maybe it was because that's all we had been exposed to? The media I saw growing up didn't have these amazing capabilities. No 3D, digital surround sound, LCD 60" plasma screen TV's, no interactive gaming (I'm thinking Wii here), no high scores to beat etc.
Now because kids ARE being exposed to these things, teachers are no longer going to be able to entertain their students through a mere song and dance. The kids are going to want animations, touch screens, remotes, Wi-Fi, flying cars, talking backpacks etc. How much harder is teaching going to be because of this?
I don't know how many of you have read Fahrenheit 451, I probably wouldn't have myself if it wasn't a reading assignment for Miss. Armstrong's sophomore English class. That book downright scared me! For those who haven't read it... here's a quick synopsis of the story:
This all was sparked by going to see Tron on Monday night with my family. During the commercials we saw a Pirates of the Caribbean #4 (that annoyance is for a totally different post), and a million more advertisements for 3D movies. We were ironically watching Tron in 3D and I started to think about things.
When I was in 2nd grade, the highest form of entertainment our teacher needed to preform in order to keep our attention was nothing more than a song and dance; which she frequently did. Why was this? Maybe it was because that's all we had been exposed to? The media I saw growing up didn't have these amazing capabilities. No 3D, digital surround sound, LCD 60" plasma screen TV's, no interactive gaming (I'm thinking Wii here), no high scores to beat etc.
Now because kids ARE being exposed to these things, teachers are no longer going to be able to entertain their students through a mere song and dance. The kids are going to want animations, touch screens, remotes, Wi-Fi, flying cars, talking backpacks etc. How much harder is teaching going to be because of this?
I don't know how many of you have read Fahrenheit 451, I probably wouldn't have myself if it wasn't a reading assignment for Miss. Armstrong's sophomore English class. That book downright scared me! For those who haven't read it... here's a quick synopsis of the story:
"Guy Montag is a fireman who lives in a society in which books are illegal. His job is not to extinguish fires, but to light them. He burns books, and all the firemen wear the number "451" on their uniforms because that is the temperature at which books burn.
But the role reversal of the firemen is not the only difference between present-day society and the world in which Montag lives. People of Montag's world take no interest in politics or world issues. The only point of life is pleasure. Montag's wife, Mildred, spends her time watching the televisions that take up three of the four walls in their parlor, or listening to the seashell radios that fit snugly in the ear. It isn't until Montag meets a young girl named Clarisse that he realizes that there might be more to life than the electronic entertainment that absorbs everyone. Clarisse makes him think about the world beyond the wall television and seashell radios; she makes him wonder about life.
This newfound curiosity gets Montag into trouble when he takes an interest in reading the books that he's supposed to burn. When Captain Beatty, the fire chief, realizes that Montag has traded sides, he forces Montag to burn his own home. To save himself, Montag kills the fire chief and escapes the city. A manhunt ensues on live television, but when Montag eludes the authorities, an innocent man is killed in his place to appease the audience.
Montag finds a group of educated, vagrant men who remember great novels so that when the world returns to an appreciation of literature, they will be ready to help out. He joins them. As they are walking away from the city, a bomb destroys the place that was once Montag's home. Knowing they will be needed, the men turn back to the shattered city to help rebuild a society that has destroyed itself"
Ok, so hopefully you get the idea that the book is trying to illustrate the importance that books have in the world. Just last night I was watching Eat, Pray, Love and in the movie an old medicine man asked Liz (the main character) if she could copy a bunch of pages down for him so that he could preserve the knowledge he had gained and he could share it with those to come.
I guess in essence, I'm worried that the "rising generation" (that sounds incredibly ominous to me) won't have the appreciation or sense to use the millions of books that have been written to their fullest potential. I'm worried my own kids are going to find the newest 4D (yes... I do mean 4D, it includes the sensationof smell) TV show to be more entertaining than watching a caterpillar become a butterfly. I'm worried that nature will continue to change and go completely unnoticed by everyone.
Nature is beautiful.
Books are beautiful.
Knowledge is beautiful.
Monday, December 20
15... 25 songs
Ok ok, so this is one of the ideas that I'm stealing from other people's blogs...
So here it goes; the first 15 songs that my iTunes plays out.
1. Judas by Kelly Clarkson. I went through a stage where I loved her as I'm sure most teenaged girls could attest to. This song really made me feel understood. I have no idea why.
2. Poker Face by Lady Gaga. Let it be known... I don't like the artist. I like the songs... and the beat. Although after this one was played for the 2836518651039718325 time on the radio I nearly threw up.
3. Paralyzer by Finger Eleven. The first time I heard this song it was the ring tone of my cousin Nathan's phone. It rang during Thanksgiving dinner, and I liked the chorus enough to buy the song apparently.
4. Glitter in the Air by Pink. Weird, I haven't heard this song since the summer, but I love it. Pink isn't my favorite artist in the world, mostly because I feel like she does the same type of song with a different tune each CD. This song though was truly unique and actually showed how talented she is.
5. Man- I Feel like a Woman by Shania Twain. Call it my shout out to country. My ONLY shout out. It's the great pump up song before a girls night out. Obviously lol
6. I'd Come For You by Nickelback. Too many words to describe this song. Nickelback's songs sound a lot alike, but if you really pay attention to the words you'll be surprised. This one has a lot of sentimental value tied to it. It was one of the "Our Songs" I've had in my life.
7. All We Are by Matt Nathanson. I've loved him for a really long time. It's hard to describe my music style because I can go from this mellow tune to Bon Jovi in 3:37 (the length of this song). Matt's got an incredibly soothing voice if you're feeling sad. That's how I got hooked on him.
8. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. Let me introduce you to my lullaby's as a child. Got to love having head-banger parents :) Well at least I know I did...
9. Dirty Pop by N'Sync. Thank heavens for Jillian Koontz right? She put this on a CD for me. I was more of an N'Sync fan than a Backstreet Boys fan, and this song just screams 90's to me. Good memories in the 90's.
10. Lean Like A Cholo by Down AKA Kilo. Ok... so my friend Talleah came to visit me back in '08 and she was singing this song the WHOLE time, so I looked it up and I liked it too. I have no idea what else the artist has put out, so don't judge me!
11. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses. Such a classic band. Enough said.
12. Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. Another one of those radio songs that mean a lot when you happen to turn it on at the opportune moment. This one has a lot of memories also associated with it, but the meaning diminished as it sky rocketed to the top of the charts over the 7 months it played on the radio. And let me clarify something... I really do NOT like Taylor Swift. All she comes out with are different versions of the same scenario. A break-up, romance, or a pitiful girl who can't get noticed.
13. Walk This Way by Aerosmith. Can I just say how much I love Aerosmith? Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are iconic legends in the history of rock. This one time on Guitar Hero I beat Joe Perry in a "Guitar Off". Made me feel legendary too.
14. Gettin' Over You by David Guetta feat. Fergie and Chris Willis. Hahahaha, another song Jillian got for me. I heard it once after I put the CD on my iTunes, and I couldn't remember the title of the song forever, so I listened to EVERY SINGLE SONG I had put on my iTunes that day just to find it. Consider it found. And seriously, what a great party song this is.
15. The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script. This summer I really got into The Script. A lot of their other songs are on my iPod too, but I really do like this one in particular. Something about the titles and the subject of the lyrics seem really unique to me and I appreciate the uniqueness they offer.
** Bonus!
Out of pure curiousity, I went to the next song on the playlist, and I loved it enough to put it on here as well.
16. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds. For some reason this song reminds me of the Breakfast Club, but I don't think that's right. Actually, I'm not entirely sure that that's even the right movie. The one where the kids are in detention on a Saturday morning and they all end up smoking and then the bad guy gets the good girl in the end? Yeah... that one.
ANYWAYS I feel like this song could've been heard in every car at a drive-in movie right before the movie started.
I wish I was born in the 80's.
Ok. so I keep finding songs that I love... so here it goes.
the 25 top songs of Jess's life.
17. Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. I feel like this song would play in a movie where the guy and the girl just had a huge fight and both are contemplating whether or not to forgive the other. So they happen to see each other at this random location and then they both pause and look at each other (cue the beginning of the song) and they both wait for a couple seconds. And then as the run towards each other the song goes "I dare you to move!" That was a huge run-on sentence... whatever. It's my blog :)
18 The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. It's my "drive because I'm in a bad mood" song, and my "I just need to relax" song. So versatile.
19. Just A Kiss by Kelly Clarkson. It's on the same CD as the #1 song is above. I was lying in a tent in the early morning on a vacation in California when I first heard this song. I had this massive crush on a guy who I'd met there and we were leaving that day and I figured I'd never see him again. Although the title lends itself to be a super cheesy, girly song, it has a lot more behind it.
20. Bebot by Black Eyed Peas. I do not understand one word of this song... because it's all in Tagalog... or whatever the Phillipino language is. But once again... Jillian introduced me to this song, and I think it's so cool because even though I don't know a word of it I can still rock out to the beat. THAT'S what great music is.
21. Secrets by OneRepublic. Hands down my favorite artist. I love Apologize before it was popular as well as this song. I love the violins in the background of the beginning of the song and I love how "unsynthesized" it is. Makes me so happy that there is still talent in the world.
22. Feelin' Good by Michael Bublé. Ok, so if you didn't know that he wasn't the original artist of the song.... shame on you. This would be one of the most sexy songs for a guy to sing to his bride at the reception. Just saying.
23. Mercy by Duffy. Ok so confession... this was one of the weekly free songs that iTunes hands out every Tuesday and me being a fan of Great Britain, and she being from Great Britain, I assumed that I would like it without listening to it. And I do :) But it's interesting because even though this song is nearly 3 years old on my iPod, it's just now starting to be played in the clothing stores. Like Aeropostale and Old Navy.
24. Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson. Alright, so even though this song isn't the most played on my iPod, and she not being the most popular artist in my repertoire, I do appreciate this song. I imagine myself riding my bike in the summer time, wearing a white dress with a white basket on front that has flowers in it as I listen to this song.
25. Come Together by Aerosmith. Yet another classic. So many people don't realize that they aren't the original creators of the song. This one is a cover for the original song by the Beatles. While I don't really like the Beatles, (and I know someone somewhere just died....) this is basically my tribute to them. Actually scratch that, I really do like Hey Jude, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand but who doesn't like those ones?
So here it goes; the first 15 songs that my iTunes plays out.
1. Judas by Kelly Clarkson. I went through a stage where I loved her as I'm sure most teenaged girls could attest to. This song really made me feel understood. I have no idea why.
2. Poker Face by Lady Gaga. Let it be known... I don't like the artist. I like the songs... and the beat. Although after this one was played for the 2836518651039718325 time on the radio I nearly threw up.
3. Paralyzer by Finger Eleven. The first time I heard this song it was the ring tone of my cousin Nathan's phone. It rang during Thanksgiving dinner, and I liked the chorus enough to buy the song apparently.
4. Glitter in the Air by Pink. Weird, I haven't heard this song since the summer, but I love it. Pink isn't my favorite artist in the world, mostly because I feel like she does the same type of song with a different tune each CD. This song though was truly unique and actually showed how talented she is.
5. Man- I Feel like a Woman by Shania Twain. Call it my shout out to country. My ONLY shout out. It's the great pump up song before a girls night out. Obviously lol
6. I'd Come For You by Nickelback. Too many words to describe this song. Nickelback's songs sound a lot alike, but if you really pay attention to the words you'll be surprised. This one has a lot of sentimental value tied to it. It was one of the "Our Songs" I've had in my life.
7. All We Are by Matt Nathanson. I've loved him for a really long time. It's hard to describe my music style because I can go from this mellow tune to Bon Jovi in 3:37 (the length of this song). Matt's got an incredibly soothing voice if you're feeling sad. That's how I got hooked on him.
8. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen. Let me introduce you to my lullaby's as a child. Got to love having head-banger parents :) Well at least I know I did...
9. Dirty Pop by N'Sync. Thank heavens for Jillian Koontz right? She put this on a CD for me. I was more of an N'Sync fan than a Backstreet Boys fan, and this song just screams 90's to me. Good memories in the 90's.
10. Lean Like A Cholo by Down AKA Kilo. Ok... so my friend Talleah came to visit me back in '08 and she was singing this song the WHOLE time, so I looked it up and I liked it too. I have no idea what else the artist has put out, so don't judge me!
11. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns and Roses. Such a classic band. Enough said.
12. Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. Another one of those radio songs that mean a lot when you happen to turn it on at the opportune moment. This one has a lot of memories also associated with it, but the meaning diminished as it sky rocketed to the top of the charts over the 7 months it played on the radio. And let me clarify something... I really do NOT like Taylor Swift. All she comes out with are different versions of the same scenario. A break-up, romance, or a pitiful girl who can't get noticed.
13. Walk This Way by Aerosmith. Can I just say how much I love Aerosmith? Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are iconic legends in the history of rock. This one time on Guitar Hero I beat Joe Perry in a "Guitar Off". Made me feel legendary too.
14. Gettin' Over You by David Guetta feat. Fergie and Chris Willis. Hahahaha, another song Jillian got for me. I heard it once after I put the CD on my iTunes, and I couldn't remember the title of the song forever, so I listened to EVERY SINGLE SONG I had put on my iTunes that day just to find it. Consider it found. And seriously, what a great party song this is.
15. The Man Who Can't Be Moved by The Script. This summer I really got into The Script. A lot of their other songs are on my iPod too, but I really do like this one in particular. Something about the titles and the subject of the lyrics seem really unique to me and I appreciate the uniqueness they offer.
** Bonus!
Out of pure curiousity, I went to the next song on the playlist, and I loved it enough to put it on here as well.
16. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds. For some reason this song reminds me of the Breakfast Club, but I don't think that's right. Actually, I'm not entirely sure that that's even the right movie. The one where the kids are in detention on a Saturday morning and they all end up smoking and then the bad guy gets the good girl in the end? Yeah... that one.
ANYWAYS I feel like this song could've been heard in every car at a drive-in movie right before the movie started.
I wish I was born in the 80's.
Ok. so I keep finding songs that I love... so here it goes.
the 25 top songs of Jess's life.
17. Dare you to Move by Switchfoot. I feel like this song would play in a movie where the guy and the girl just had a huge fight and both are contemplating whether or not to forgive the other. So they happen to see each other at this random location and then they both pause and look at each other (cue the beginning of the song) and they both wait for a couple seconds. And then as the run towards each other the song goes "I dare you to move!" That was a huge run-on sentence... whatever. It's my blog :)
18 The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin. It's my "drive because I'm in a bad mood" song, and my "I just need to relax" song. So versatile.
19. Just A Kiss by Kelly Clarkson. It's on the same CD as the #1 song is above. I was lying in a tent in the early morning on a vacation in California when I first heard this song. I had this massive crush on a guy who I'd met there and we were leaving that day and I figured I'd never see him again. Although the title lends itself to be a super cheesy, girly song, it has a lot more behind it.
20. Bebot by Black Eyed Peas. I do not understand one word of this song... because it's all in Tagalog... or whatever the Phillipino language is. But once again... Jillian introduced me to this song, and I think it's so cool because even though I don't know a word of it I can still rock out to the beat. THAT'S what great music is.
21. Secrets by OneRepublic. Hands down my favorite artist. I love Apologize before it was popular as well as this song. I love the violins in the background of the beginning of the song and I love how "unsynthesized" it is. Makes me so happy that there is still talent in the world.
22. Feelin' Good by Michael Bublé. Ok, so if you didn't know that he wasn't the original artist of the song.... shame on you. This would be one of the most sexy songs for a guy to sing to his bride at the reception. Just saying.
23. Mercy by Duffy. Ok so confession... this was one of the weekly free songs that iTunes hands out every Tuesday and me being a fan of Great Britain, and she being from Great Britain, I assumed that I would like it without listening to it. And I do :) But it's interesting because even though this song is nearly 3 years old on my iPod, it's just now starting to be played in the clothing stores. Like Aeropostale and Old Navy.
24. Be Ok by Ingrid Michaelson. Alright, so even though this song isn't the most played on my iPod, and she not being the most popular artist in my repertoire, I do appreciate this song. I imagine myself riding my bike in the summer time, wearing a white dress with a white basket on front that has flowers in it as I listen to this song.
25. Come Together by Aerosmith. Yet another classic. So many people don't realize that they aren't the original creators of the song. This one is a cover for the original song by the Beatles. While I don't really like the Beatles, (and I know someone somewhere just died....) this is basically my tribute to them. Actually scratch that, I really do like Hey Jude, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand but who doesn't like those ones?
nonsensical.
There is no point to this post.
sometimes... there doesn't have to be I guess.
I don't believe in nonsense. It's.... well...nonsensical. and just annoying.
but I've got too many thoughts in my head pounding their way out that this post is going to be exactly that. nonsensical.
How am I going to make it through next semester?
I need to read more. and not just Harry Potter because it doesn't count when you have it memorized. I need to read more church books. Like Mormon Doctrine, and Neal A. Maxwell's biography. And possibly the scriptures...
Why do I use periods so often in my writing?
Ad why does making something capitalized sound like you're shouting
I discovered a new blog today! It belongs to a good friend who will probably be reading this... but I'm impressed by his writing. Truly.
And really envious too. And that's about the truth of it.
Oh and from it I gleaned a lot of different post ideas
sometimes... there doesn't have to be I guess.
I don't believe in nonsense. It's.... well...nonsensical. and just annoying.
but I've got too many thoughts in my head pounding their way out that this post is going to be exactly that. nonsensical.
How can I be awake right now?
Why do I love hot chocolate so much?
How have I missed so many opportunities to teach my siblings something valuable?
Why in the world are tennis balls fuzzy? Did someone decide to make them unique in this way?
How many other people in this world are there yet to discover that can be so influential to me?
Why do I go to school again?
I need to read more. and not just Harry Potter because it doesn't count when you have it memorized. I need to read more church books. Like Mormon Doctrine, and Neal A. Maxwell's biography. And possibly the scriptures...
Why do I use periods so often in my writing?
Ad why does making something capitalized sound like you're shouting
freak I'm starving...
I wish my mom didn't have to work because I know it's not her favorite thing to do. I'm immensely grateful that she does, but all the same, I'm sad for her.
I wish I could put my brain into my sisters' heads for a while, that way I wouldn't have to explain what I feel and they'd just know.
I'm a HUGE fan of sleeping diagonally. try it. freals (for+reals=freals)
I miss my roommates
I wish I was a band groupie follower fan person type... thingy....
and I wish I was a better writer.
I discovered a new blog today! It belongs to a good friend who will probably be reading this... but I'm impressed by his writing. Truly.
And really envious too. And that's about the truth of it.
Oh and from it I gleaned a lot of different post ideas
Typically I'm not a fan of using set templates or ideas for blog posts
But the ideas I've been seeing from other people's blogs sound fun to try out.
So I think I will.
Tomorrow I will.
Because I'm tired. And hungry
And bored from this nonsense.
Saturday, December 18
Thoughts on the times I've missed
I'm home now :) Good ol' Enumclaw always just seems to call it's residents back over and over. No matter where I go in life now, I feel like I'll always just refer to Enumclaw as "Home".
Speaking of which, I love my house :) The first thing I did when I got back was make a carpet angel. In the carpet. THE CARPET. The carpet we don't have in my dorm!
The second thing I did was use the bathroom. That's probably a little too much information but I'm telling you what, using your own home's bathroom is... for lack of a better word... relieving hahahaI couldn't think of just one simple, straight-forward answer to either of the questions posed. How do you explain to some one 4 months worth of experiences and growing in a one sentence answer?
- I've learned that I judge people way too harshly, and way too critically
- I've learned that I want to incorporate my own testimony of Jesus Christ into my life more
- I've learned the need for prayer
- and for sleep
- I've learned that I can't compare myself to others. It's like comparing every fruit in the world: each has bad and good qualities, and some fruits are better served with different combinations of different fruits. (Roughly translating to mean that not everyone is going to like me and that's ok)
- I've learned that patience is a virtue.
- I've learned to be more aware of people and their needs. Not everyone wears their hearts on their sleeves and part of being a good friend is realizing that while figuring out the emotions of their hearts without prying.
- I've learned that there is hope in a world of ever sinking morals. There are families across the globe that were able to raise their kids in the gospel, regardless of the circumstances. What an amazing display of faith and devotion it is to see the next generation of church leaders. Living with the next generation of the church. Being the next generation of the church.
- I've learned that I love learning the deep nature of the basic doctrine of the church. Not like trying to answer odd questions like the "Where is Kolob" questions, and the "Well, if one day to the Lord is 1000 years to us, then the Creation would've taken 7,000 years right? Isn't that enough time for the dinosaurs to have lived and died?" questions. But the faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, Atonement, grace and works and agency questions
- Along similar lines, I've learned that I love seeking after truth regardless of the subject.
- I've learned that I'm not always right. ouch
- I've learned that people's reality are dependent on their perception. It's totally normal for me to drop a piece of food on the ground then pick it up and eat it. Someone else out there just threw up reading this.
- I've learned that parenting must be the hardest job that you don't get paid for.
- I've learned that science and God are not in conflict with each other if you understand both subjects thoroughly
- I've learned that I am not well-read and that that bothers me immensely.
- I've learned that I've love talking and that I hate small talk.
- I've learned over and over again that Christ loves His children, no matter how small, insignificant, or unworthy they view themselves as.
What a wonderful first semester right?
Anyways, now that I'm home I can't believe it. It's still a little surreal; like I'm watching things behind a window pane.
I talked with my brother on the way to go get Frankie's pizza (so much better than the $5 Lil' C's pizza's I've become deeply acquainted with) and he shared with me this conversation:
Jess: so how has school been for you buddy?
Ethan: It's ok. I like recess, that's like, the best part. Except I only play handball during recess.
(Then he explained how to play handball to me. Sounds like a sweet game really)
Ethan: I didn't know Uncle _____ drank beer. Doesn't he go to church though?
Jess: Well sometimes, but people who drink those things can still come to church you know.
Ethan: Oh right! Because you're supposed to invite people to come to church right? Isn't that what Elder Durrant said?
Jess: Yes, inviting them to church is what we're supposed to do
Ethan: mmmmm I was talking with my friend Lewis at school and I told him that whenever he says the Lord's name in vain that it's really disrespectful.
Jess: Wow Ethan, that's really impressive. What did he say to that?
Ethan: Oh, I can't remember, we were playing handball
What 9 year old has the courage to ask his friends to be respectful of his beliefs? I don't think I even knew what the purpose behind not saying God's name in vain was at his age. All I knew is that I'd get my mouth washed out with soap if I did.
He's a wonderful brother.
Well since I've been home I have slept for a total of 7 hours, driven to Bellevue and back, around Enumclaw, and to Bonney Lake and back, made a LEGIT looking gingerbread house, and cried because I no longer have MY room.
What a successful day!
Sunday, December 5
"Out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses...
shall all my word be established".
Or something along those lines... I know it's close though
Today was Fast and Testimony meeting, and since it's the last one of the semester in my BYU ward, the Bishopric extended the meeting by nearly an hour.
My friends in my ward truly amaze me. There are people who have had to go through some really hard things. They've had family members die, get sick, fall away from the church etc. There are people in my ward who are the only members in their families, converts along with their families, completely paying for their own way throughout college. My own roommates wake up at 3:30 each morning for work from 4-8. Some have had clinical depression, suicide attempts, physical handicaps, mental handicaps; have had to support their families, have had to move to a new country etc.
But they are ALL willing to do this because they ALL believe and understand the truthfulness of the gospel. I've never been in a place so spiritually saturated. These kids are PAYING to be here, and they all know the requirements and standards that they must uphold in order to remain students here. And the best part is, THEY WANT TO DO THIS! It blows my mind to see so many kids my own age, gathered in a ward from across the nation, who all have chosen good things throughout high school.
I don't mean to make this sound as though all of them are perfect because they'd be the first to tell you that they aren't. We all beat ourselves up over small things, like not studying long enough for scripture study, judging other too harshly and too quickly, and not remembering our Savior throughout the week. But they all had to have an ecclesiastical endorsement to apply here, and they all want to keep the Savior at the center of their lives.
I've been so blessed to be here.
Or something along those lines... I know it's close though
Today was Fast and Testimony meeting, and since it's the last one of the semester in my BYU ward, the Bishopric extended the meeting by nearly an hour.
Today "His" word was established by a LOT of witnesses.
Attending a singles ward has completely changed my appreciation for Testimony Meetings. Back in my home ward I looked forward to hearing testimonies, but I was never excited. Here though, I'm genuinely excited. A part of that is because I still don't know everyone, and so I get to be introduced to people I haven't met: but the major part is hearing the common themes in every ones beliefs. We've all come from different backgrounds, states, sometimes countries, and yet the SAME gospel, the SAME atonement has been, is, and will, affect our lives in ways that we are all amazed by.My friends in my ward truly amaze me. There are people who have had to go through some really hard things. They've had family members die, get sick, fall away from the church etc. There are people in my ward who are the only members in their families, converts along with their families, completely paying for their own way throughout college. My own roommates wake up at 3:30 each morning for work from 4-8. Some have had clinical depression, suicide attempts, physical handicaps, mental handicaps; have had to support their families, have had to move to a new country etc.
But they are ALL willing to do this because they ALL believe and understand the truthfulness of the gospel. I've never been in a place so spiritually saturated. These kids are PAYING to be here, and they all know the requirements and standards that they must uphold in order to remain students here. And the best part is, THEY WANT TO DO THIS! It blows my mind to see so many kids my own age, gathered in a ward from across the nation, who all have chosen good things throughout high school.
I don't mean to make this sound as though all of them are perfect because they'd be the first to tell you that they aren't. We all beat ourselves up over small things, like not studying long enough for scripture study, judging other too harshly and too quickly, and not remembering our Savior throughout the week. But they all had to have an ecclesiastical endorsement to apply here, and they all want to keep the Savior at the center of their lives.
I've been so blessed to be here.