Saturday, December 29, 2012
New Year, New Start
"Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world."
- Richard Bach
I thought this was very meaningful, and something to consider at the end of this year. Although we have all made mistakes that we wouldn't want published anywhere, we can start again. Our thoughts are generally focused on starting to do better at this time of the year, because this year dies, giving us an opportunity to start again with the new year.
I hope everybody had a very merry Christmas, and that they were able to re-focus on what is really important in their lives.
Also, for your pleasure, here is a very funny video by Studio C about New Year's resolutions. (Don't follow Matt's example. Not a good idea. :P)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV5JFEmLbjM
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Presents for Jesus
1. A broken heart and a contrite spirit.
He wants us to come to him and be healed, so we can be perfected in him.
2. He wants us to take care of his siblings here on Earth, who need help.
He wants us to take care of every brother that we see who has the need of help that we can give.
While I was writing this post, my little brother said, "What he wants us to give is ourselves." I thought this was very wise. He wants us to give all of ourselves for his holy cause of love and peace.
Marjorie Hinckley said it well:
“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder."
Monday, December 10, 2012
George Washington and Superman
1. They are both incredibly virtuous.
The only fault I can find with George Washington is that he tended get angry easily, which he learned to control in his more mature years. There isn't a fault with Superman.
2. They both stand for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way".
George Washington helped to establish America to begin with, and Superman saw how amazing it was and decided to protect it.
3. They seem to be bulletproof.
George Washington is famous for not having been shot one time during the whole Revolution, and everybody knows that Superman is bulletproof.
The differences?
One's real and the other is not. (And George Washington had a cooler wife.)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
"If" for Girls
"If you can hear the whispering about you,
And never yield to deal in whispers, too;
If you can bravely smile when loved ones doubt you,
And never doubt, in turn, what loved ones do;
If you can keep a sweet and gentle spirit
In spite of fame or fortune, rank or place,
And though you win your goal or only near it,
Can win with poise and lose with equal grace;
If you can meet with Unbelief, believing,
And hallow in your heart a simple Creed,
If you can meet Deception, undeceiving,
And learn to look to God for all you need;
If you can be what girls should be to mothers:
Chums in joy and comrades in distress,
And be unto others as you'd have the others
Be unto you - No more, and yet no less;
If you can keep within your heart the power
To say that firm, unconquerable "No";
If you can brave a present shadowed hour,
Rather than yield to build a future woe;
If you can love, yet not let loving master,
But keep yourself within your own self's clasp,
And not let dreaming lead you to disaster,
Nor pity's fascination loose your grasp;
If you can lock your heart on confidences,
Nor ever needlessly in turn confide;
If you can put behind you all pretenses
Of mock humility or foolish pride:
If you can keep the simple, homely virtue
Of walking right with God - then have no fear
That anything in all the world can hurt you-
And - which is more - you'll be a Woman, dear."
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Gratitude
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/articles/gratitude-is-not-just-about-saying-thank-you/
A lot of times, people think of gratitude as just thinking, "Oh, this is pretty cool. I'm glad about it." Really, gratitude is something that you are. In a Thanksgiving devotional by Donna Goff, (which can be purchased here: http://store.princessacademies.com/p/14/family-devotionals), she included a section from The Hiding Place. This section describes how Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were moved from one horrible situation to an even worse one. I can't even describe how horrible it was, so you'll have to look it up and read for yourself. Betsie has the quality of gratitude, and in this situation she gives thanks to God for everything in this room, including fleas.
In real life and in literature, there are many examples of gratitude. I think that if we looked at them, we wouldn't find that they are examples of gratitude not because they say thanks for the things that they like, but rather because their hearts are turned to look for the good in everything.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
101 Blessings
Since it's November now, and almost Thanksgiving, I thought I'd make a list of 101 things that I'm thankful for, in no particular order. There's going to be ten sections of ten things, and an extra that I couldn't fit anywhere.
First- Gospel Truths/Principles
1. The Atonement.
2. Families can be together forever.
3. Prayer.
4. Having a living prophet today.
5. The restored gospel.
6. The Holy Spirit can guide us.
7. The commandments.
8. The sacrament.
9. Mortal experience.
10. Heavenly Father loves and knows me.
Second- Modern Day Inventions
1. Showers.
2. The computer.
3. Heating and air conditioning systems.
4. Sinks.
5. Mass publishing systems.
7. Elf.
8. Phones.
9. Cars.
10. Trampolines.
Third- Types of People.
1. Family.
2. Friends.
3. Teachers.
4. Soldiers.
5. Librarians.
6. Store workers.
7. Neighbors.
8. Musicians.
9. Authors.
10. Inventors.
Fourth- Educational Things
1. Pencils/pens.
2. Paper.
3. Erasers.
4. Books.
5. People to discuss things with.
6. ALEKS math.
7. Post-it notes.
8. Rulers.
9. People that have taken the time to write out the multiplication table so it's easier to memorize.
10. Art supplies.
Fifth- Physical Abilities
1. Thinking.
2. Talking
3. Walking.
4. Playing music.
5. Singing.
6. Writing.
7. Sleeping.
8. Dreaming.
9. Eating.
10. Seeing.
Sixth- Music
1. Hymns/Children's Songbook
2. Les Miserables (the musical is referred to in this section, but the book is absolutely amazing.)
3. Elvis Presley.
4. Bing Crosby.
5. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
6. Frank Sinatra.
7. Piano.
8. My piano teachers.
9. Lord of the Rings musical score.
10. The ability that music has to make you feel, and to express more fully what words can only inadequately express.
Seventh- Books/Essays//Authors
1. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
2. The Law by Frederic Bastiat. (His other essays that I have read are great, as well.)
3. Louisa May Alcott.
4. Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.
5. The Constitution.
6. Animal Farm by George Orwell.
7. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
8. Shakespeare.
9. William W. Phelps.
10. Jane Austen.
I almost put the scriptures, but they don't quite feel right going with the rest of the things on that list, so I didn't put them. I am, however, very thankful for the scriptures.
Eighth- Words
1. Home.
2. Cheerful.
3. Righteousness.
4. Wisdom.
5. Love.
6. Gladness.
7. Gloriumptious.
8. Lovely.
9. Yellow.
10. Lavender.
Ninth- Things that I've Learned
1. I've learned some about freedom.
2. I've learned some about government.
3. I've learned how to play the piano.
4. I've learned how to read.
5. I've learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
6. I've learned how to write.
7. I've learned some basic cooking skills.
8. I've learned about friendship.
9. I've learned about Shakespeare.
10. I've learned to be grateful.
Tenth- Miscellaneous Things
1. Shelter.
2. Food.
3. Bedding.
4. My body.
5. My pets.
6. The opportunity to gain an education.
7. Listening to my brothers and cousin play guitar.
8. Feelings.
9. Leadership Education Academy.
10. Words.
Writing down blessings is so beneficial. It leads to happiness and being content, because there is always silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Announcement
Working on the Building, One Dish at a Time
"I'm working on the building
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord"
I realized that I was also working on the building and holding up a banner for my Lord, and it made me so much happier to do this work. The kingdom of God is built in such simple ways; being kind, reading scriptures, helping others, and even washing the dishes help the Lord.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
What Makes Right be Right?
Sometimes it is really, really hard to tell what is right and what is wrong, because the lines seem to be gray and unclear.
Here are some ways to help us figure out what is right and what is wrong:
If something is right, it helps in the long term, although it may occasionally seem to harm immediately. If something is wrong, it only gives temporary help, or none at all.
Things that are right do not infringe unjustly on others' rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Infringing unjustly means killing and taking away freedom of innocent people who are not harming anybody else.
Sometimes, things like war seem wrong, but they are truly necessary. Wars should not be inspired by anger or hate, but rather love for those whose rights are being infringed upon. Sometimes you have to make really tough decisions between right and wrong, and nobody else can tell you what is right or wrong. You have to rely on your inner compass and have faith that help will come through your steadfastness in trying to do the right thing.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
How Characters in The Lord of the Rings Show the Young Women Values
Faith: Samwise Gamgee
Without Sam's faith in what they were doing, there would have been no reason for him to continue on, going through many hardships and almost death just to destroy a simple ring. There would be no reason to leave his little hobbit hole and go all the way to the heart of evil in Mordor unless he knew that the Ring must be destroyed in order for peace to stay in the land. He knew that it was his duty to risk his everything to vanquish evil and be loyal to his master.
Divine Nature: Aragorn
Aragorn knew who he was, and that he was destined to be king of Gondor. Nobility exudes out of him in every action.
Individual Worth: Peregrin Took
Sometimes Pippin seems kind of unessential, and like the story could go on without him, but he does some really brave and important things, that are utterly unexpected of a hobbit, if you observe their daily lives. One of these things is saving Faramir from being burned alive.
Knowledge: Gandalf
Gandalf astonishes me with the vastness of his knowledge. When he sees something that he doesn't understand and that he needs to know about, he studies on it. Without his knowledge, Frodo and his companions would have been dead the moment they left the Shire.
Choice and Accountability: Frodo Baggins
Frodo didn't have to go to Mordor and destroy the ring. Things were gong great in Hobbiton. He had a nice hole, he had a lot of wealth, friends, family, and the beauty of the Shire. But he did leave, because he knew that evil would become almost unstoppable if Sauron was allowed to get the Ring.
Good Works: Farmer Maggot
We don't know too much about him, but when Frodo and his companions show up in the dead of night, trespassing over his property on a night when a mysterious black rider had just stopped at his house. I would have not even answered the door, and let my dogs deal with them. Farmer Maggot, however, went to see who they were, fed them, and gave them a ride to Buckleberry Ferry.
Integrity: Samwise Gamgee
Sam did what he said he would. He continued on his journey and didn't let anything stop him, even when Frodo was taken by Orcs and it seemed like he would surely die. He just carried on,prepared to take the Ring himself if he couldn't find Frodo.
Virtue: All the good characters
A lot of the people in The Lord of the Rings a good way to act. They show that good is always stronger than evil, and that if we continue in the right then those who support evil will surely be smitten at last.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Transforming Power of Jesus
I just finished reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader a few days ago, and I really enjoyed it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
My Garden (Part 2)
The Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence Video
Have a great Independence Day. :)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Integrity
-Mahatma Ghandi
When people are divided, they cannot be happy. It reminds me of a scripture that I read recently:
For man is spirit. The elements are eternal and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy."
-Doctrine and Covenants 93:33-34
I couldn't figure out what this scripture was saying for the longest time. I think it's talking about the reconnection of spirits and bodies after the judgement, but I thought of it in this instant because when a person's body and spirit are not connected, he can't be happy.
Integrity is about being whole and acting according to what you believe. This is what brings happiness, along with virtue.
Monday, June 25, 2012
My Garden (Part 1)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
What You Love Determines Who You Will Be
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
What do you love? Is it consistent with your knowledge of moral rightness?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Happy Father's Day!
"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!"
~ Lydia M. Child
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Gardening Poster
I saw this poster, and wanted to share it with all of you. I myself have not planted yet. But as soon as it gets sunny, I'm going to plant pumpkins. I know, it's not a very big start, but honestly I'm not that great with keeping things alive, so I want to start small. It's a move towards more self-reliance, which is a good thing.
Artist: Alva Edwards, Louisiana Agricultural Extension Division, c.1917.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The American Flag
I attended my cousin's high-school graduation today, and they sang the national anthem. I was overcome with the feelings that the sight of the flag inspired in me. The American flag represents the blood, hope, life, courage, sweat, and death that went into establishing and preserving this country as a refuge of freedom.
When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we are pledging to do all that we can to join the heroes who have done their part for our country, whether in war, government, or just by raising a family that loves freedom.
Everybody that is a resident in the United States of America has this duty, young or old. Do it.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Entitlement
As Mark Twain said, “Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”If there's something that you don't like, change it yourself. Don't wait for it to change or for somebody else to do it for you, because they likely won't, and you'll be more miserable doing nothing.
As we strive to do something about our situation, we have more opportunities to grow our characters. Please, remember this.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Joy
These aren't the only places she likes to visit, but they are some of them. She doesn't like to visit with those who think of themselves and their own misfortunes all day, or people who envy others.
She loves being with people who laugh, serve, play, and be nice to people. And she doesn't have to be at one place only. She can be with everybody at the same time, making all of their days brighter.
What can you do today to encourage Joy to visit you?
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day
I think one way to honor their memories is to study the Constitution, so we can better try to preserve that freedom instead of letting it be trampled on.
Today, please try to do all you can to grow in your knowledge of what it takes to be free. It's the least we can do when people are fighting and dying for us.
Friday, May 25, 2012
The Hunger Games
A few weeks ago, I started a Hunger Games class, because I was intrigued by these books.
Now I have found a lot of meaning that I couldn't have even guessed at before. When I try to discuss The Hunger Games with a lot of people, the discussion ends up being about whether Peeta or Gale should end up with Katniss, but there is a lot more meaning.
In my class, we keep a notebook with a page for Ahas! (it has to have an exclamation point :P), I-Wonders, Questions, Truths, Archetypes, Imagery, Satire, Irony, Symbolism, Foreshadowing, Allusions, Use and Misuse of Personal Power, and Random Acts of Love and Kindness. This helps us to think critically while reading any book.
Anyway, I thought I might share with you all so you can understand why people like or dislike The Hunger Games, past things like, "Peeta is so amazing!", or "Katniss is so awesome.", etc., and so I can give you some tips on thinking critically and expanding your ability to become better.
:)
Friday, May 18, 2012
Joan of Arc
For my Creative Writing class, which is mentored by the amazing Mrs. Williams, I have to write about a time I met a hero. So I chose one of my many heroes to write about. Here is my assignment:
"I met a hero that has been dead since May 30th 1431, on May 6th 2012.
She is my hero because of her amazing faith during times of adversity and in the face of death. She put courage into the hearts of her countrymen, and helped her country win a war as a young girl in her teens. She burned at the stake at age nineteen, her king not helping her, even though he could have.
She is Joan of Arc.
I met her when I read Joan of Arc by Mark Twain.
Even though some people may not think that counts as meeting somebody, it does because you learn about her life, how she acted, where she grew up, how she died, and more than you generally learn when you meet somebody. You rejoice with her, cry with her, and feel her pains and sorrows, when you read about her life in that book.
When I met her, I was inspired by her acts of kindness, compassion, love, faith, and bravery.
One example is when a person left without a home from the war comes to her father's house. He's a complete stranger, and has an unkempt appearance due to poverty and hunger. Joan's father turns him out, because he doesn't look like he should be trusted, but Joan makes her father feed the stranger and let him warm by the fire for a while.
A better-known example of faith and bravery is when she led the armies of France in order to drive out the English, or when she made the Dauphin be crowned king and take responsibility for his country.
Or when she refused to speak what wasn't true while being tried for witch-craft at Rouen, which led to her being burned at the stake, where she died while praying.
I look forward to visiting her again, and learning more from her life, because it's hard to associate with better company than that."Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Scripture
I've been reading the Old Testament lately, and I really love this scripture.
The scriptures can always be a source of strength and comfort. They can be as a drink of fresh water when you're fatigued from the long journey, and can help you to carry on.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Happiness
Just do your best to live God's commandments and be truly humble and loving, and I believe you will be happy.
An argument against this could be made by saying that the most virtuous people seem to have the worst things happen to them. First, of all, there are a lot of really great people that don't have terrible things happen to them on a daily basis. They have the normal trials of everyday people, without the knowledge that they're not doing their best pressing in on them and making their consciences feel stained. Second, if you follow God's commandments you can have the peace of God with you at all times, which brings happiness.
SO when you are discouraged, remember to truly do your best to be a disciple of Christ.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Friends
And then there are friends that are really nice and friendly, but when any trouble comes, or they get bored of you, they go away. These are alright to have, but do you really want everybody you associate with to be like that? With them, you won't be sure if they like you because they genuinely find you awesome, or because nobody else will be their friend, or because you have something they want.
In Timon of Athens by Shakespeare, Timon is a really rich person, and he gives stuff away all the time. He throws parties, and everybody comes to them. But when he has financial troubles, all of his friends go away. Only his steward is still faithful.
And there are friends who are there for you no matter what, who live righteously, and who are real rather than putting on a false front for you. These are the people who you want to have with you through your whole life, to cherish.
So choose your friends wisely, be a good friend, and love everybody.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Spring
What fiery force the earth renews,
The wealth of forms, the flush of hues;
Joy shed in rosy waves abroad
Flows from the heart of Love, the Lord."
Thursday, April 26, 2012
You are Wonderful
You have qualities to develop and enlarge also. It's not just people in general that are amazing. It's each and every one of us individually. Consider making a list of some qualities that you have that are awesome, and that you can work on to become even better.
You are each different, and beautiful in your own way, just like different types of flowers. Don't forget that.
Monday, April 23, 2012
You Only Live Once
I personally would regret that I didn't give more time doing what God has told me to do, that I wasted time judging instead of loving, and that I didn't be generally more kind and gentle.
So, how are you going to improve your life so you have less to regret when you do die?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Reading
A lot of fiction today doesn't have good morals, quite a bit of it has bad morals, and some of it is just pure fluff, even though some of it is really good.
When you think about, there really isn't that much time to read. We only live approximately 80 years, and we should use our lives for good.
http://familymatters.net/blog/2012/04/11/love-darcy-a-classic-reminder/
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Learning
Learning goes on infinitely. There isn't any end to the amount of ways that things have been written, to new ideas that haven't been learned, new views on things. We should learn new things every day of our lives, that we may improve ourselves and refine our souls.
Here are some ways that we can continue learning things:
Reading books, preferably that teach you a lesson.
Doing new things, like learning to knit, ride a horse, or keep bees.
Talking with other people, yourself, and God about meaningful things.
Writing down ideas that you have.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Why we Need to Improve our Moral Standards
- C.S. Lewis
An education is an excellent thing. It helps us to do what we're supposed to do and make informed choices. Get an education if you possibly can.
But good morals and values are what we really need today. In our world today, it seems like less people see right and wrong, and more people view morals as relative. It doesn't matter what people do. It all depends on what they think is right.
Please, make sure to have morals and standards. It will improve yourself, your family, and everybody who comes in contact with you.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Following the Savior's Example
We must truly love and forgive those that do evil things and hate us. In Hamlet, a play by Shakespeare, Hamlet doesn't forgive his uncle for killing Hamlet's father and marrying Hamlet's mother. In the end, this just leads to everybody dying, including Hamlet himself.
Although the results of not forgiving people aren't always like this, they are still horrible. It makes the person that doesn't forgive foster hatred in his heart, which makes his heart grow tough, and unsensitive. It squashes love, kindness, generosity.
Jesus forgave everybody, He prayed for the people that were nailing him on the cross. He died for us, that we may be free from sin. We can all follow His example by forgiving others, as He forgave us.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
John Jay
I wrote a thing about John Jay for my school, so I thought I might as well post it on here.
"John Jay was born on December 12, 1745, in New York City, New York. The thing that he is most famous for is being the first Chief Justice of the U.S..
He also wrote federalist papers two, three, four, five and sixty four, served as president of the Continental Congress, served as governor of New York, was Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Articles of Confederation, and an ambassador to Spain and France.
He was educated at home until age fifteen, when he attended King's College, now Columbia University, and graduated four years later. After college, he studied and went into law. When he had the opportunity, he established his own law office.
In 1774 he married Sarah Livingston. They had six children.
His father was very loyal to England, and even when England started increasing taxes and restricting our freedom more John Jay wished to avoid separation. However, when the Revolution started, he became a staunch patriot, and declared that separation from England was inevitable.
Jay did not support slavery. He drafted state laws to abolish slavery, but they failed. Sometimes he would buy slaves and then free them when their labor had payed for their price.
“...we have the highest Reason to believe that the Almighty will not suffer Slavery & the Gospel to go Hand in Hand. It cannot, it will not be.”- John Jay
During his term as Chief Justice, he only had four cases, because the Court wasn't very big at the time. In one of them, Chisholm v. Georgia, Alexander Chisholm came to court because Georgia owed him money. This led to the eleventh amendment, and it was the first major case of the court.
Jay was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church of America.
"Real Christians will abstain from violating the rights of others, and therefore will not provoke war. Almost all nations have peace or war at the will and pleasure of rulers whom they do not elect, and who are not always wise or virtuous. Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
Jay died on May seventeenth, 1829, in Bedford, New York. His wife had died in 1802."
John Jay
Sarah Jay