Week #14:

Yesterday in Stake Conference the theme of the meeting was christlike joy. The Stake leadership each took gave their own perspective and opinion on how we obtain joy through both the scriptures and the church leaders counsel.

One of the main takeaways for me, had to do with trusting in God. Recently I have had multiple conversations on trust and what trust entails. When I refer to the word trust, I usually use this word to describe a very generalized idea of believing another person, or another entity's motives being for good.

A good friend of mine opened my mind to the thought of trust not only being trusting somebody's intentions, but also trusting their decisions. I know that sounds vague, but the easiest way for me to think of this concept is in a marriage, one spouse doesn't just tolerate the other's needs or demands. Rather, trust in the spouses decisions and demands requires the other to not only accept these demands, but also understand that maybe their current opinion on the given topic may be inaccurate or flawed.

This same concept holds true in us as God's children trusting God and his timing. Speaking for myself, I know that I am quick to say I believe in God and have faith in his will. But I am just as fast to trust in my own preparation and my own will. Rather than pride creeping into my life by actions of commission to walk away from God's will, I typically find myself walking away from God's will by actions of omission.

Overall, the Stake Conference's message can be summed up to the following:
As God's children, we can find true joy as we find our answers to this self-reflective question, "You trust in the Lord, but do you really trust in the Lord?" Or, "You seek joy, but do you really seek joy?"

Blog #13

This week I attended the funeral of a family friend. Annie Schmidt's story caught the attention of many news stations across the United States, and as the story came to a close Monday morning I couldn't help but see God's hand in her story's outcome.

Although Annie was raised in a very conservative community, Annie was known for her free thinking and open minded response to life. Anybody that knew Annie will tell you she was the most caring individual and that she blessed the lives of anybody to cross her path.

During her funeral service, her brother Spencer shared a quote from Annie's journal that has stuck with me ever since. The quote reads, "Nature is where Christians, Muslims, Agnostics, and Atheists can go to something beautiful and something bigger than themselves." I love this quote and her purposeful use of incorporating the most contrast belief systems, and still show that with God's creation we can look past differences to find the beauty in the big picture.

Living in Provo, Utah comes with many pros and many cons. The pros of living in Provo include: living in a clean city, being surrounded by peers that your same values and beliefs, the opportunity to pursue a great education, and having family close to home.  The cons of living in Provo are few, but one of the biggest cons being the lack in diversity we have in Provo, Utah. With so many peers sharing the same beliefs and values, inclusivity becomes a norm amongst groups that don't share the same beliefs and values. Annie's message in this quote is a message of hope in the individual, looking past the individual's beliefs.

I love this. Being raised in a non-member home, I often find myself stuck between life back home, and life as an active member of the church. Annie's quote shows that this stuck position that I sometimes experience, comes as a result of my lack in efforts to bridge the gap between the two contrast lifestyles and beliefs. Both of which are filled with some of the best people to enter my life.

Although Annie Schmidt has since moved on to the next life, her story and her sweet message has caused me to wake up, and make the changes necessary to be the person that bridges the gap between belief systems. Her message is one that motivates spirit to spirit connection, rather than religion to religion connection. And that spirit to spirit connection is what Christ has been asking of us since the beginning of time.

Blog Post #12

This week I have been thinking a lot about character and what it means to society. When I think of the word character, I think of the quiet heroes that live in our world's limelight. I think of people like Russell Westbrook, who although is one of the NBA's best players in the league, continues to keep a good presence in the media and in his family life.

Often, I find that I have the utmost respect for a spouse who only sings praises about their significant other. Hearing people pour their love and admiration out for their family is something that I feel is a quality everybody needs.

Service workers, and those individuals that devote their careers and lives to improving the community are also the behind-the-scenes heroes that show great character.

I have found in my own life that character is a human trait that cannot be given a dollar price on it's importance in an individuals life. Striving to become someone who is known by the vast majority to have great character and integrity, is a goal worth all of us pursuing.

I believe that if we as a society could focus more on becoming men and women of character, and focus less on becoming men and women of solidified opinion, we would begin to see many of the socialistic trends change for the better part of society.

Week #11

This week I have thought a lot about optimism. With the chaotic presidential election coming to an end, I feel that optimism is a critical focal point for both myself and society. What I mean by optimism, is actively choosing to see the good in the future; rather than focusing on the possible negatives that may come in the future.

Rather than discussing the election results, I'd like to focus more on the topic of optimism. Optimism is a choice. I believe that choosing to look out through "rose-colored glasses". I don't believe this is a state of ignorance, or choosing to bat  a blind eye. I feel that in a world changing day-to-day, actively looking for good is the better alternative to focusing on the coming negatives.

I have had a feeling that somewhere I've lacked personally, is in seeing the good in others--in all aspects of life. I do not believe that more than just a small fraction of ill-willed people exist in this world. Doing good is a natural human motive. As such, I choose to be optimistic in seeing the good in the world and the people that inhabitant the world in which we live in.

Week #10

Today, I woke up and went about my regular morning routine: (1) Roll out of bed (2) Grab a glass of water, (3) Scroll through social media. I



I believe that at the core of every person is the desire to do good. Being a benefit to those around us is a need in all humans. Because of this, I find it hard to believe that because you may have voted for Hilary Clinton, you directly believe that the life of a fetus doesn't matter. And, if you do feel pro abortion, there is a good-willed reason as to why you feel the way you do.
Likewise, I expect you to give me the same decency. I didn't vote for Trump because I don't care for illegal immigrants; I have illegal immigrants in my life that I would say have shaped my life and opened my eyes to the most important things in life. I didn't vote for Trump because I don't care for the LGBT community; in fact, I have childhood friends and mother-figure women that are active parts of the LGBT community. I didn't vote for trump because I don't care for African Americans; I don't feel like I need to explain myself on such an ignorant statement.

To be honest, I failed to register in time and didn't actually vote. But, these are some of the issues our country faces going forward. If we can not give others the benefit of the doubt, how will we grow as a country?

Week #9

Today, as I sit in the library cramming for my two hardest midterms given this semester, I can't help but reflect back on how grateful I am for the blessings I have received. This past week I have felt like I am up to my ears in exams/reviews/projects/internships. I have allowed myself to become stressed out of my mind, and focusing on the here and now. I received a heart dropping call on Wednesday, telling me that a good family friend of mine had just received the news that his younger sister has been missing since this past Sunday (six days).

Spencer, my family friend, dropped everything and flew out with his parents on the next flight to Oregon to search for his sister. I couldn't help but think about how that would influence his midterms and scores missing such vital days in class and review sessions. Shortly after allowing myself to think of this, I realized that Spencer and his parents showed 0% concern on what they were missing to fly to Oregon, and 100% concern on finding their daughter and sister.

This was a great learning experience for me. Seeing a family go through such a trying time, they focused all of their attention on the things that really matter, and gave little attention to the trivial concerns.

Considering the fact that my conversation with Spencer Wednesday night came right after I felt as if I did less than optimal on my book of mormon midterm, it showed me how roped up I had allowed myself get on something that doesn't matter. I have a home, I have a loving family that is currently safe, I have food, I have water, I have God.

I need to focus more of my attention on what I'm lucky enough to have, and less on what I don't have.

Week #8:

This week has been a learning experience for me. I have lived a rather blessed life. I was not raised in a family with loads and loads of money, but my parents always provided my brother and I with every opportunity or resource we needed/desired. Growing up, I never had the experience of defeat in any aspect of my life. When I decided I wanted to be the best at something, I would set my mind on it and I always achieved my goals. Today, my goals are no longer focused on athletics, student body leadership, or social status. Pursuing an education at BYU has been a learning experience, and much needed humbling experience for me at such a critical time in my life.

I never had a desire to work for top-notch grades until beginning college. In fact, when I was in high school I would often cheat on assignments and fake my way through tests. A funny joke my friends and I had in high school, was that although I was the only one who did not take school seriously, I was the only one that took the ACT seriously; and, as a result I scored the highest on the ACT. Starting my education at BYU as an Economics Major has taught me that "The law of returns" is a true principle. My girlfriend and I have this conversation often. We both have very challenging courses we are enrolled in. The difference, is that she has taken her education seriously from an early age, and I am now trying to maintain above-average grades at an above-average university. Although I am able to do so (for the most part), it definitely does not come without stress.

I am grateful for my educational experience at Brigham Young University. I don't agree with the education system, and although I can't say I will remember derivatives, logarithms, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, Protein synthesis, Chemical bonds and their formulas; however, I can say that as I have taken the time to learn these different abstract concepts, Brigham Young University has tested me beyond my own limits, and has helped me see that I can accomplish anything that I want to in life. Even if it's an educational pursuit. I couldn't have said that before enrolling at this great university.

For that reason alone, I am grateful for my educational experience.

Week #7:

This week I had the opportunity to go and visit my girlfriend's family in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are currently serving as Mission President and wife of the Redlands, California mission. Yesterday, I had the chance to listen to both of her parents talk about the current struggles the Redlands, California mission has been facing; and what they are wanting to do to resolve the missions' concerns. One of the main concerns both President Dixon and Sister Dixon mentioned was the lack of love their missionaries had for the people of Redlands. Their point is that people will feel less like they are being preached to, and more like a close friend sharing loving counsel, as missionaries take the time to develop a true love for the people they are teaching in each of their areas.

A personal application I was able to make from that conversation, is that in my personal relationships with day-to-day relationships, I can help people feel that my intentions are pure as I help people feel as if I am consistently acting out of love. I believe that the best way to develop any relationship is off of a basis of love. As a father/mother shares counsel with their children, or a teacher has counsel for his/her students, the best way to promote a positive attitude in the individual receiving counsel, is for th adult to develop a relationship built off of love.

I feel like the Redlands mission will be bursting at the seams if they are able to develop this characteristic for members, investigators, and everyday members of the Redlands community. I also believe that any individual can build and promote strong relationships in day-to-day life as they build relationships with a foundation of love.

Week #6 "Do ye believe that I am able to do this?"

I have pondered this verse of scripture over this past week. As I reflect on my own relationship with Jesus Christ, this question "do ye believe that I am able to do this?" has shown me that I really don't let my faith, or belief in Jesus Christ cast out my fear of doubts. That is, although I feel confident in saying I have a stable and dependable testimony in my Savior, there are times that I am in the midst of a trial and I fail to confirm my belief in the Savior when he asks me , "do ye believe that I am able to do this?"

I believe that one of the greatest restraints on my testimony has been this principle of not showing my belief in what I say I believe. Moving forward, I have written this verse of scripture above my desk to remind me to allow the Savior to see that I do believe that He is able to do this. As I allow myself to show my faith, I believe I'll see the Savior's intervention in my life; and, as a result I will have an increased condition of Jesus Christ

Week #5

As I reflect on General Conference and the message from each of the brethren, I can't help much ponder on the importance of sincerity. I feel as though the topic of sincerity is at the root of each brethren's message. Elder Ballard's message had the strongest initial impact on me, as he discussed the concerns that come as individuals consider pursuing life without the Gospel.

In recent weeks I have had a lot of my closest friends open up to me about no longer being very active in the Gospel, and that their testimonies are dwindling. I have always been the go-to friend in the group when people are having gospel doubts or struggles. I was not raised in the church, and the majority of my closest friends and family are still nonmembers of the church.  Because of this, my active, LDS friends feel as though I am a safe haven for advice. What is unfortunate, however, is that I often times feel that I downplay the severity of their actions/decisions. I find myself usually trying to console these friends and help them see that where their at spiritually isn't so far off the mark, that getting back on track isn't out of the question. When these spiritually, struggling friends discuss their gospel concerns with me, I find myself giving them immediate response and answers. Although I feel that I usually give them correct answers to their concerns, I recently have realized that I could disprove every question they may have, but if they don't want to accept the truth than I am just spinning my wheels.

Elder Ballard's message opened my eyes on where I have errored in handling these situations, rather than having a back-and-forth conversation about the pros-cons of the church, talking to these friends about how the gospel makes them feel, discussing what fruits they have seen from the gospel, and discussing where they intend to go as they leave the church, are the best routes for these conversations. People with questions typically respond much better to answers that they find on their own, rather than the answers they are force-fed by their peers, church leaders, and family.

Week #4

As I continue through this semester, I have found both my understanding and appreciation for pursuing an education has increased almost daily. Although i would never say I'm the personality type to say I enjoy spending my free time studying, it is interesting to see how an effective study changes my day. There is a natural high that comes from successfully accomplishing goals. I believe this to be true, and I have seen this hold true in many areas of my life. This semester I have seen that I now enjoy studying, because I enjoy seeing the results that follow from taking the time required to succeed in various courses at Brigham Young University. Also, I have seen the positive effect studying has had on the rest of my life. As I make school a priority, many of the concerns I have regarding time management seem to subside.

Although I am pursuing an education to prepare myself for my future career path, I have seen that my education has the ability to positively mold me into a better version of myself; if I allow my education to do so. My MCOMM class has taught me much more than just grammar and sentence structure thus far, and I can't imagine what I will learn going forward!

Week #3

This week I wanted to focus on loyalty and what this word encompasses. Saturday evening I went to the BYU Football game against UCLA. BYU's game against the Bruins resulted in an unfortunate 4th quarter heartbreaking loss, and led to many questions in play calling and playing time for various positions. As the game came down to its last seconds I was let down by the reactions of the students in the student section and BYU fans surrounding me. These fans began to chant against one or two of the BYU players and requested that these players find the bench, and get their second string replacements in immediately.

Although I attend BYU, I am actually a Utah Football fan (my family are avid fans). I attend BYU football games because I'm a student at BYU, I enjoy the game of football, and because I have a girlfriend that is a big time fan. In just three weeks time I have seen the enthusiasm for this year's football team diminish week-to-week. The student section had signs that read "Taysom the great has returned" and just as fast as the Taysom signs went up, they came back down and were replaced by fans requesting Tanner as his replacement.

As this has been a topic of discussion for the last couple of days, I have taken time to read into press conference interviews and opinions from professional analysts on the matter, and have seen that there isn't a clear cut answer to the quarterback discrepancy at BYU. I think its important to be loyal as fans, and as students, but i think being loyal as fellow teammates to these players is the most important loyalty. This is what I want to focus on. Tanner Mangum, the backup quarterback that is being cheered on by fans to be the saving grace for BYU football, recently shared a post that showed both Tanner and Taysom celebrating in the middle of one of the last three games. I don't know Tanner personally, I have heard both good and bad things about Tanner (it comes with being a college athlete), and this simple act speaks more than any opinion that I have read/listened to thus far.

Remaining loyal to the ones we love and surround ourselves with is vital for long-lasting relationships. Not just long-lasting, but I would go even further to say successful relationships.

Week #2
This week I had the chance to focus on the topic of "being sober". My Book of Mormon class asked us to research and provide a report on not abstaining from drugs and alcohol, rather, leading a sober and pure life. As I researched this topic I read many scripture passages and real world stories of leaders and individuals who live "sober" lifestyle. After reading and pondering the topic of soberness, I have found a whole new meaning for this word and I have gained respect for those people that make a conscious effort to live a sober life.

To live a sober life means that one is willing to be conscientious of making decisions with a longterm, rational outlook. To be sober in life is to consider the consequences of their actions, or, to live by the idea of "measure twice, and cut once". I feel like this is a great lesson to learn. I know that I could do a much better job of focusing on making rational decisions. Often times it is easy to make decisions with short-term vision. I know that when I make these irrational and short-term decisions I often find myself in a predicament that is less than ideal.

I read a quote that I love that says "although making the sensible and sober decision isn't always the right way of thinking, 9 out of 10 times it will lead you in the right direction" (jared Naymen). I want to apply this idea, and put my money on the safe side. That is, thinking before I speak, weighing out the consequences for my actions, and living a life with contentment due to sensible and longterm decision making.

Week #1:
As I begin another first week of school, I have had the opportunity to reflect back on my past and present school year experiences. After 18 years of "first days of school" it is amazing to see how much has changed in life. Today, I feel like above obtaining an education and financial freedom, this year I have decided to focus on obtaining a respected character and integrity to continue to build upon in years to come. As an elementary-high school student, the only important goals I ever made revolved around athletic endeavors each year. Athletics are long gone, and although I now only play recreationally, I see many life lessons I learned in my past athletic experiences. Above all other characteristics respected in coaching and teammates, integrity and honesty always seemed to be the most important. Today, as I choose friend groups, and as I continue to date to establish what characteristics I'm looking for in my future wife, honesty and integrity seems to be at the core of what I value most in individuals.

As I was sitting in Professor Dixon's first class hour, I reflected on how I could use my blog to talk about my goals and pursuits for the next academic year. In coming blog posts I will introduce other goals for the academic year, but first and foremost I want to talk about my goal to become someone known for my honest and sober character. In order to obtain this, I feel that humility will be what I need most.

I chose this as my main goal for this academic year, not because I feel that I have an issue of lacking this quality. Rather, because I don't feel that I have ever taken the time to accentuate this quality. So, here's to new beginnings.  Although I've never been much of a blogger, it is my hope that I can turn this blog assignment into a positive resource for out-of-class decisions as well.