I was assigned to give a talk today on what parents can do to help their youth prepare for missionary service. The full text of the talk is located here.
Here are a few excerpts:
Gospel Knowledge
Our minds are wonderful things. All the studying we do, both before and during our missions is indelibly recorded in our brains. The power Heavenly Father has given our brains to absorb and retain information is one of the reasons that we must be careful about the kinds of words and images we view. Sometimes as mortals – especially when we get older – we have a hard time recalling all the information that has been stored in our minds.
However, the Holy Ghost has a key to unlock our minds. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, all that we have previously studied and learned can become available to us as we teach the gospel. One of the special functions of the Holy Ghost is to bring all these things to our remembrance. (See John 14:26)
If we have diligently studied and learned the gospel beforehand, the Spirit will bring the things we learned back to our remembrance, just in the moment they are needed in teaching situations. I know this was the case with me when I was on my mission. A scripture, or a concept would just pop into my head at the most opportune moments. I learned that this was Spirit prompting me to teach the things that the person I was teaching needed to hear – at that very moment.
On the other hand, if we have not sufficiently prepared ourselves, the Spirit will have less within us to work with, and we will not be as effective of a teacher as we might have otherwise have been.
Recognizing The Spirit
As parents, one of the greatest things we can do is to help our children learn to recognize the presence of the Holy ghost. Take the time when you have your family scripture study, or home evenings to point out moments when the presence of the Spirit can be felt. In fact, helping children and youth learn to feel the promptings and impressions of the spirit may be even more important than the subject matter that you are teaching at the time. Because once a person learns how to receive light and knowledge from the Holy Spirit, the key to the knowledge of all things is then opened up to them.
Practical Living Skills
Practical living skills are also important for a young man, or young woman as they enter the mission field. Things like basic cooking skills, how to do laundry and household cleaning, and even a little bit of basic sewing – like how to sew on a button or basic mending. Other practical skills like budgeting, time management, and goal setting are also great preparation for a mission. Many of these skills can be learned throughout their lives from daily chores and responsibilities around the house.
So kids -- when your parents ask you to do the dishes, or clean up your room, they are not only wanting you to do your chores, but they are also trying to help you prepare for your mission as well. While its true, parents could do these chores themselves, they are actually unselfishly *grin* trying to help you prepare for your mission, and for your life later on after you leave home! You will one-day thank them for teaching you these valuable skills! (Yeah, right.)
Physical and Mental Preparedness
Spiritual preparedness, and the ability to take care of oneself on your own are important ways to prepare for a mission. However, we also need to prepare ourselves physically and mentally as well.
One thing you will find, is that missionary work is hard, strenuous work – both physically and mentally! A missionary’s day begins early in the morning, at 6:30 am, and their whole day is filled with scheduled activities until 10:30 pm. It takes a lot of energy to be a missionary. Being in good physical condition is important to be being able to keep up with what is expected of you.
Likewise, good mental health is also important for effective missionary service. One problem many missionaries struggle with is homesickness. It is good for youth to occasionally spend some time away from home. This can come in the form of scout or young women’s camps. Spending a few days away from home with grandma and grandpa, or an aunt or uncle when school is not in session is another way to learn about being away from home. Time spent away from home, while going to college also his an excellent way to learn how to function on one’s own, while still being able to call mom or dad on a regular basis, or come home for the weekend if you are close enough to home.
When a young man or woman enters the mission field, it is time to leave the thoughts of home, school, and girlfriends behind. Time serving on a full-time mission is consecrated time. When we agree to missionary service, we are asked to serve with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength. If a part of us is still so wrapped up in life back home, we cannot fully focus on our missionary responsibilities, and we are not able to give the full measure of service that is required.
Teaching our children how to deal with discouragement is also another way in which parents can prepare their children for the mission field, and for life in general. Missionary work is filled with many ups and downs. There are many great and marvelous experiences to be had. However, we know that there is opposition in all things, and along with those highs, will be some low moments as well. We cannot expect every moment of our mission, or of our live to be one continuous high. Young people need to learn how to deal with discouragement, and how to continue pressing forward, with faith, even in the face of adversity.
Discouragement comes to all missionaries at one time or another. It is not the same thing as depression. Individuals who are prone to serious states of depression or mental illness, who have previously required counseling and medication should consult with their priesthood leaders prior to submitting an application for missionary service. The application must include an honest history. If medication has been prescribed, it should be continued while serving in the mission field. (See: S. Brent Scharman, “Preparing Your Future Missionary,” Ensign, Oct. 2004, 17)
Be Missionaries Now!
All of the things we have talked about thus far, are important, excellent ways in which to prepare our youth to serve missions. All of these things are quite useful and necessary.
However, if I were to choose one single way, that you can best prepare a child for a mission, it would be to become missionaries right now! You don't have to wait until your are 19 (or 21) to be a missionary. Likewise, we shouldn't quit being missionaries after being released from full-time missionary service.
If you, as a family are actively seeking out missionary opportunities, and inviting your friends and neighbors to be taught the gospel in your own home, you will provide the opportunity for your children to see real missionaries in action!
Having the full-missionaries frequently in your home, as they teach a neighbor or friend brings a powerful spirit into your home. What better preparation for a mission is there than actually seeing the change of conversion come over a friend or loved-one as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a powerful influence it will be on your children as they see investigators enter the waters of baptism, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Let your own children study and pray, and gain their own testimonies of the gospel, right along with the investigators who are being taught in your home.
The spirit and the example of the full-time missionaries will also rub-off on your whole family as well. If your home is filled with the spirit of missionary work, your children will be also. They will have tasted of that sweet spirit the gospel brings, and have a desire to share it with others. And when the time comes, it will be their desire to serve a full-time mission, and declare the glad tidings of the gospel to all who will hear.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
So . . . What's YOUR Major?
Sometime way back in the last century, I attended BYU. Back in those olden days, I remember three questions that always seemed to come up when meeting someone new:
I recently visited Mark Hansen's blog, Mo Boy, the other day, and found this quiz. It's supposed to help you decide what would be perfect college major for you. After taking the quiz, these were the results I received:
For me, the results of this quiz are quite accurate. In fact, when I first started college, I was really was a journalism major for my first year! After I came home from my mission, I switched to Business, which is what I eventually graduated in. Of course, now, I work in neither business nor journalism -- I'm a computer programmer of all things!
How the heck did that happen? (I suppose that that's where the "mathematics" and logic part of me comes out.)
I've always loved the written word. I see writing as a true craft -- even an art form. I love to find just the right words to communicate the point I am trying to get across. I also find writing as a way to express the feelings of my heart. So that explains why journalism and English are at the top of my list of "perfect" majors. Because I am a religious person, in nearly any of these kinds of tests, I usually get a high score in philosophy or I am advised to seek a career in the clergy. Well, since I am LDS, becoming a professional clergyman is just not an option. The closest thing to a professional clergyman would be a religion professor at BYU, or to be a chaplain in the military -- neither of which appeals to me very much. As for philosophy, there is just not much of a market for it. They don't have a Mars Hill anymore, where you can sit atop the hill and philosophize and pontificate all day long, and have people put tips in the hat, as they sit enraptured at your feet. Once again, academia seems to be the only place you can get away with something like that!
I've always thought that my favorite career would be that of a high school English teacher. However, being able to read (my English skills) and understand salary scales (my math skills) I could see that supporting a family in Utah solely on a teacher's salary would be a tall order, indeed. Most likely, my wife would have to work too, in order to make ends meet. So, I chose other opportunities as they came to me, which would better help me achieve my family goals.
I found that I had a talent with computers, and programming. When I saw that a programmer was about to retire from his position, I took classes and prepared myself for that position as best I could. When the time came, the way was opened up for me to make the transition from working in public safety to computer programming. I thank the Lord for opening these doors for me, and showing me the way to move forward. Sometimes it took a leap of faith to make the jump. More faith may yet be required of me before I enter retirement. (I still have young children, and am probably looking at working another 20 years before I can retire.) Thankfully, over time, we have been blessed with the means that allows my wife is able to stay home with our children. We're not rich, but we have sufficient for our needs. Currently she is homeschooling our oldest son. None of this would be possible without these great blessings that the Lord has given us.
I have been working in the full time work-force for a little over 22 years now. During that time, I have had 5 different jobs, and 3 different careers. I understand that this is not unusual. Most people nowadays will have up to 6 different "careers" in their lifetime. More likely than not, I will probably have to learn, grow and adapt more in the future.
One thing I found was that music was missing in the quiz above. Although my musical talents are pretty ordinary (not professional level) music is still very important to me. Even though "Art" is shown at the bottom of the scale, if you included music and writing as "arts", then it would be at near the top of the scale.
So . . . How does a writer, who normally writes computer code "gobbeldy-gook" and helps people with computer problems all day long have the chance to express himself in writing? --- Why he gets a BLOG, of course! For me, blogging has been a way to keep up on my writing skills, as well as to provide a form of self expression.
Now, back to the original question of this post -- What's YOUR major? Take the quiz above, and see if it matches your personality. Leave a comment, and tell me what the quiz suggested as your perfect major, and how close it came what you actually studied or what you have ended up doing in real life.
And I promise, you won't even have to come onto the dance floor to tell me either!
- What's your name?
- Where Are You From?
- What is your Major?
I recently visited Mark Hansen's blog, Mo Boy, the other day, and found this quiz. It's supposed to help you decide what would be perfect college major for you. After taking the quiz, these were the results I received:
| You are an aspiring journalist, and you should major in journalism! You are passionate about writing and expressing yourself, and you want the world to understand your beliefs through writing.
What is your Perfect Major? created with QuizFarm.com |
For me, the results of this quiz are quite accurate. In fact, when I first started college, I was really was a journalism major for my first year! After I came home from my mission, I switched to Business, which is what I eventually graduated in. Of course, now, I work in neither business nor journalism -- I'm a computer programmer of all things!
How the heck did that happen? (I suppose that that's where the "mathematics" and logic part of me comes out.)
I've always loved the written word. I see writing as a true craft -- even an art form. I love to find just the right words to communicate the point I am trying to get across. I also find writing as a way to express the feelings of my heart. So that explains why journalism and English are at the top of my list of "perfect" majors. Because I am a religious person, in nearly any of these kinds of tests, I usually get a high score in philosophy or I am advised to seek a career in the clergy. Well, since I am LDS, becoming a professional clergyman is just not an option. The closest thing to a professional clergyman would be a religion professor at BYU, or to be a chaplain in the military -- neither of which appeals to me very much. As for philosophy, there is just not much of a market for it. They don't have a Mars Hill anymore, where you can sit atop the hill and philosophize and pontificate all day long, and have people put tips in the hat, as they sit enraptured at your feet. Once again, academia seems to be the only place you can get away with something like that!
I've always thought that my favorite career would be that of a high school English teacher. However, being able to read (my English skills) and understand salary scales (my math skills) I could see that supporting a family in Utah solely on a teacher's salary would be a tall order, indeed. Most likely, my wife would have to work too, in order to make ends meet. So, I chose other opportunities as they came to me, which would better help me achieve my family goals.
I found that I had a talent with computers, and programming. When I saw that a programmer was about to retire from his position, I took classes and prepared myself for that position as best I could. When the time came, the way was opened up for me to make the transition from working in public safety to computer programming. I thank the Lord for opening these doors for me, and showing me the way to move forward. Sometimes it took a leap of faith to make the jump. More faith may yet be required of me before I enter retirement. (I still have young children, and am probably looking at working another 20 years before I can retire.) Thankfully, over time, we have been blessed with the means that allows my wife is able to stay home with our children. We're not rich, but we have sufficient for our needs. Currently she is homeschooling our oldest son. None of this would be possible without these great blessings that the Lord has given us.
I have been working in the full time work-force for a little over 22 years now. During that time, I have had 5 different jobs, and 3 different careers. I understand that this is not unusual. Most people nowadays will have up to 6 different "careers" in their lifetime. More likely than not, I will probably have to learn, grow and adapt more in the future.
One thing I found was that music was missing in the quiz above. Although my musical talents are pretty ordinary (not professional level) music is still very important to me. Even though "Art" is shown at the bottom of the scale, if you included music and writing as "arts", then it would be at near the top of the scale.
So . . . How does a writer, who normally writes computer code "gobbeldy-gook" and helps people with computer problems all day long have the chance to express himself in writing? --- Why he gets a BLOG, of course! For me, blogging has been a way to keep up on my writing skills, as well as to provide a form of self expression.
Now, back to the original question of this post -- What's YOUR major? Take the quiz above, and see if it matches your personality. Leave a comment, and tell me what the quiz suggested as your perfect major, and how close it came what you actually studied or what you have ended up doing in real life.
And I promise, you won't even have to come onto the dance floor to tell me either!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
And They Shall Rise Up And Bless Thee, As Their Father
Abraham received many blessings of the Lord. Because of his faithfulness, he was promised an innumerable posterity. Through the descendants of Abraham, the rights to the Priesthood, and the blessings of the Gospel would go forth unto all mankind. It was promised that those who would benefit from these blessings would one day rise up, and bless Abraham as their father. (See Abraham 2: 8-11)
This past week, my dad was diagnosed as having suffered a mild stroke. His symptoms include some mental confusion, and some memory loss as a result. Common, everday things which had been quite easy for him to do in the past, now have become difficult, or impossible for him to do.
Last week he underwent several tests, including an MRI that confirmed the presence of stroke damage. Tomorrow, he goes in for additional testing to determine if there is any blood clotting activity in his heart. Blood clots formed in the the heart, and later transferred to the brain are a frequent cause of stroke. You can learn more about strokes from the Mayo Clinic here.
Dad requested that my brother and I give him a priesthood blessing tonight prior to the tests that he will undergo tomorrow.
With today being Fast Sunday, our family chose to make dad's health, and the tests that he will undergo this coming week as the focus of our fast. My brother and his family, who live in Virginia also joined in our fast today as well. We have been remembering dad in all of our family and personal prayers as well.
Tonight my brother (who lives here locally) and I administered to our father. It was our privilege to rise up and bless our father, with that same priesthood that he once bestowed upon us. He who helped bring us mortal life. He who taught us the gospel. He who has been a great example for goodness in our lives. He who has blessed and sustained us in our own lives, during in our own times of need. Tonight was our opportunity to love and bless him in return.
Just as we inherit the rights to the priesthood, and the blessings of the gospel through Abraham, my brother and I also have inherited the rights to the priesthood, and the blessings of the gospel through our own father as well.
I felt a sweet spirit as I pronounced the words of the blessing. I felt directed by the Spirit in what I said. After the blessing was over, I gave my dad a big hug, and told him that I loved him. My brother did the same. I felt the sweet reassurance of the spirit that what had been said and done was in harmony with Heavenly Father's will.
As an heir to the covenant of Abraham, dad too, has been given the same promise as Abraham, that one day his sons shall rise up, and bless him as their father. Today, in some small measure, we saw that promise fulfilled.
This past week, my dad was diagnosed as having suffered a mild stroke. His symptoms include some mental confusion, and some memory loss as a result. Common, everday things which had been quite easy for him to do in the past, now have become difficult, or impossible for him to do.
Last week he underwent several tests, including an MRI that confirmed the presence of stroke damage. Tomorrow, he goes in for additional testing to determine if there is any blood clotting activity in his heart. Blood clots formed in the the heart, and later transferred to the brain are a frequent cause of stroke. You can learn more about strokes from the Mayo Clinic here.
Dad requested that my brother and I give him a priesthood blessing tonight prior to the tests that he will undergo tomorrow.
With today being Fast Sunday, our family chose to make dad's health, and the tests that he will undergo this coming week as the focus of our fast. My brother and his family, who live in Virginia also joined in our fast today as well. We have been remembering dad in all of our family and personal prayers as well.
Tonight my brother (who lives here locally) and I administered to our father. It was our privilege to rise up and bless our father, with that same priesthood that he once bestowed upon us. He who helped bring us mortal life. He who taught us the gospel. He who has been a great example for goodness in our lives. He who has blessed and sustained us in our own lives, during in our own times of need. Tonight was our opportunity to love and bless him in return.
Just as we inherit the rights to the priesthood, and the blessings of the gospel through Abraham, my brother and I also have inherited the rights to the priesthood, and the blessings of the gospel through our own father as well.
I felt a sweet spirit as I pronounced the words of the blessing. I felt directed by the Spirit in what I said. After the blessing was over, I gave my dad a big hug, and told him that I loved him. My brother did the same. I felt the sweet reassurance of the spirit that what had been said and done was in harmony with Heavenly Father's will.
As an heir to the covenant of Abraham, dad too, has been given the same promise as Abraham, that one day his sons shall rise up, and bless him as their father. Today, in some small measure, we saw that promise fulfilled.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Cowboy Days
Grandpa's Ranch
The following is a series of posts about my grandpa's ranch in Randolph, Utah. I spent much of my youth there. Much of who I am today comes from those days.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The Best of 2005
Since I now have a full year's worth of posts, I thought I'd do a little recap of what I think are the best posts of the past year. The posts listed below are in chronological order, rather than any kind of ranking order. Some of these posts will be new to more recent vistors to The Whole Note.
- Wally World. This post gives a little history and background into the 10 years I spent working as a 9-1-1 police/fire dispatcher.
- Deluge in Dixie. This post is my account of the floods that hit Southern Utah in January 2005.
- Letter From Tina. This is a poignant first-hand account of the Santa Clara floods from my Sister-in-law, Tina who lives in Santa Clara.
- W-2's. Believe it or not, this post about filing income taxes and handling W-2 forms may have received more hits than any other post on my blog during the past year. It also gives some insight as to the kind of work I do.
- LDS Jews. This is a post about an LDS-Jewish group called B'nai Shalom. It also talks about some of my thoughts and experiences with Jewish people.
- The Case of the Missing Mudder (Mother). This is the story of how I rescued my wife from the friendly neighborhood mud bog.
- This Is Not Fun! Mama's response to going 4-wheeling in our 4x4 truck.
- Too Tired Day. Our harrowing account of nearly getting stranded in the Utah desert with two flat tires.
- Stop Growing Up! - Or how I explained the "Birds and the Bees" to my 12-year old son.
- Piano Lessons. The role of music study in cognitive development.
- Homeschool for Bryan? Our rationale for considering homeschooling for our eldest son.
- Schoolyard Fights for Grownups. This is a post by my wife, Dawn Ann on her blog about our battles with school administrators.
- Ai Chihuahua Mama! - Or how we spent an afternoon in the ER at the hospital in Filmore, Utah.
- David Lewis - Pioneer Forefather. This is a post on our Family History blog about one of our ancestors, who survived the Haun's Mill Massacre.
- Grandpa's Ranch
The following is a series of posts about my grandpa's ranch in Randolph, Utah. I spent much of my youth there. Much of who I am today comes from those days.
- The Biggest Hole On Earth. This post about our visit to the Kennecott Copper Mine has been one of the top three posts all year for page visits.
- Jailbirds. Our family adventure of being "trapped" inside the Bear River Waterfowl Refuge. Also, here are some photos from our "Jailbird" experience.
- Good Samaritians. Story of how our family was helped one-day by perfect strangers.
- California Trip. Story of our September, 2005 Trip to Southern California.
- Joshua Moments. My account of a pivotal moment, when I had to make a choice.
- Texas Schoolbook Depository. My impressions of visiting Dealy Plaza, where the Kennedy Assassination took place.
- Baby What You Goin' To Be. A post about the Natalie Sleeth Christmas song, and how it has affected me. This has been one of the top three posts, based on visits of the entire year. I included a little player that allows you to play the song. To date, it has been played 104 times.
- A New Kind of Magic. How I kept the magic in Christmas, even after the kids were told about Santa Claus.
- Joseph Smith, The Prophet. How I gained my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
- The Year In Photos. Finally, you can view our photos from the last year here.
- Wally World. This post gives a little history and background into the 10 years I spent working as a 9-1-1 police/fire dispatcher.
- Deluge in Dixie. This post is my account of the floods that hit Southern Utah in January 2005.
- Letter From Tina. This is a poignant first-hand account of the Santa Clara floods from my Sister-in-law, Tina who lives in Santa Clara.
- W-2's. Believe it or not, this post about filing income taxes and handling W-2 forms may have received more hits than any other post on my blog during the past year. It also gives some insight as to the kind of work I do.
- LDS Jews. This is a post about an LDS-Jewish group called B'nai Shalom. It also talks about some of my thoughts and experiences with Jewish people.
- The Case of the Missing Mudder (Mother). This is the story of how I rescued my wife from the friendly neighborhood mud bog.
- This Is Not Fun! Mama's response to going 4-wheeling in our 4x4 truck.
- Too Tired Day. Our harrowing account of nearly getting stranded in the Utah desert with two flat tires.
- Stop Growing Up! - Or how I explained the "Birds and the Bees" to my 12-year old son.
- Piano Lessons. The role of music study in cognitive development.
- Homeschool for Bryan? Our rationale for considering homeschooling for our eldest son.
- Schoolyard Fights for Grownups. This is a post by my wife, Dawn Ann on her blog about our battles with school administrators.
- Ai Chihuahua Mama! - Or how we spent an afternoon in the ER at the hospital in Filmore, Utah.
- David Lewis - Pioneer Forefather. This is a post on our Family History blog about one of our ancestors, who survived the Haun's Mill Massacre.
- Grandpa's Ranch
The following is a series of posts about my grandpa's ranch in Randolph, Utah. I spent much of my youth there. Much of who I am today comes from those days.
- Little Creek Reservoir
- Grandpa's Ranch - New Canyon
- Grandpa's Ranch - Old Canyon
- Grandpa's Ranch by Satellite
- Cowboy Up!
- The Biggest Hole On Earth. This post about our visit to the Kennecott Copper Mine has been one of the top three posts all year for page visits.
- Jailbirds. Our family adventure of being "trapped" inside the Bear River Waterfowl Refuge. Also, here are some photos from our "Jailbird" experience.
- Good Samaritians. Story of how our family was helped one-day by perfect strangers.
- California Trip. Story of our September, 2005 Trip to Southern California.
- Joshua Moments. My account of a pivotal moment, when I had to make a choice.
- Texas Schoolbook Depository. My impressions of visiting Dealy Plaza, where the Kennedy Assassination took place.
- Baby What You Goin' To Be. A post about the Natalie Sleeth Christmas song, and how it has affected me. This has been one of the top three posts, based on visits of the entire year. I included a little player that allows you to play the song. To date, it has been played 104 times.
- A New Kind of Magic. How I kept the magic in Christmas, even after the kids were told about Santa Claus.
- Joseph Smith, The Prophet. How I gained my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
- The Year In Photos. Finally, you can view our photos from the last year here.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
The Utah Boys Ranch
I spoke at the Utah Boys Ranch Today (Recently Re-named Westridge Academy). For those of you not familiar with the Boys Ranch, it is an early intervention, residential, Christian Based treatment center for boys (and now girls too!). It is located in West Jordan, Utah, and is not too far away from my home. Our Stake is responsible for sponsoring two LDS Church Branches at the academy (one branch for the boys, and another branch for the girls). I am usually assigned to speak at their church services twice each year. I was originally scheduled to give today's talk last week (Christmas Day), however they had a special program they wanted to do last week, and asked me to come this week instead.
Here are some of the kinds of treatment options offered at Westridge Academy:
Spiritual Growth is an integral part of the program at the Boys Ranch. Here is an excerpt from their web site:
When I entered the chapel at the academy this morning, there was a line of about 10 "church service" missionaries there. These are generally retired couples who live in the Salt Lake area who volunteer 40 hours + per week. They do a great work there. They are the ones who help provide spiritual guidance to the young men and women throughout the week. The church service missionaries work closely with the Branch Presidency. It was my privilege to contribute to those efforts, in my own small way on this New Year's Day. I have posted my talk over on my Gospel Study blog, if you are interested.
Here are some of the kinds of treatment options offered at Westridge Academy:
- Drug and Alcohol Use
- ADD/ADHD
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Behavioral Problems
- Divorce and Family Conflict Issues
- Adoption Issues
- School Problems
- Poor Peer Choices
- Runaway and Curfew
- Minimal Legal Issues
- Accountability and Responsibility Issues
- Integrity
- Self Esteem and Emotional Issues
Spiritual Growth is an integral part of the program at the Boys Ranch. Here is an excerpt from their web site:
"We are committed to helping our students grow spiritually. We seek constantly for ways to help our boys fulfill their spiritual potential. The spiritual principle approach does not just integrate truth into subject content or give it a Christian appearance, it approaches subject matter assuming that God is all knowing and knowledge is given through him We firmly believe that as a student gains knowledge he gains a closer relationship with his Father in Heaven. . . . By helping students understand the world about them, we give them knowledge of the Creator. The spiritual principle approach brings a child to logic and faith whether it is in algebra, language arts, sports, or study hall. Our curricula and methods of teaching and learning cultivate our youth unto full spiritual potentials."Part of that spiritual program is provided by the LDS Church Branch. For those who are not LDS, there are non-denominational church services available as well.
When I entered the chapel at the academy this morning, there was a line of about 10 "church service" missionaries there. These are generally retired couples who live in the Salt Lake area who volunteer 40 hours + per week. They do a great work there. They are the ones who help provide spiritual guidance to the young men and women throughout the week. The church service missionaries work closely with the Branch Presidency. It was my privilege to contribute to those efforts, in my own small way on this New Year's Day. I have posted my talk over on my Gospel Study blog, if you are interested.
Happy New Year!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
For new years eve, we spent the evening at my parents' house for our traditional gathering. Mom made a nice homemade Leek Potato Soup with herbed, pull-apart bread rolls. We had a nice dinner together. Unfortunately, my wife, Dawn Ann had come down with a nasty cold. She decided to stayed home and rest up. (She also didn't want to pass along her cold to the rest of the family).
Tradition in our family has it that we all gather together, and play all the board and card games we can stand until at least midnight. However, due to the fact that New Year's day fell on a Sunday this year, we had to abbreviate our celebrations. Our ward rotated to the 9:00 am bloc for this year, and I had to give a talk at the Utah Boys Ranch at 10:00. We decided that we would watch the ball drop from Times Square (10:00 pm our time) and call it a night.
This year, we tried a new game called Apples to Apples. It is a game of comparisons. One person will draw a card with a certain quality or attribute (a green card). The other players are dealt several a (red) cards with various nouns that may or may not go along with the green card. Each player plays a red card (face-down). Then the person who drew the green card gets to judge which card is the best match. The red cards are all mixed up, so that the judge doesn't know who played which card, and can't play favorites. Lobbying the jugde, however is allowed. Each person in the game takes turns being the judge.
Here's an example:
Green Card:
The nice thing about this game is that it is really low key. No great tumults and contentions like monopoly. You can still try to win, but without having to destroy your opponent. The game also doesn't take forever to complete (45 min to an hour at most). Younger people have just as good of a chance to win as adults. During the process of the game, you get to know people getter, by what kinds of cards they tend to play. Sometimes the results can be quite funny too. The genius part of this game is that on a more basic level, people are actually learning English grammar and vocabulary to boot! All in all we found that it was a pleasant way to spend some time together with friends and family.
For me, New Years Eve has always just been a fun time to get together with the family. When I was a kid it was the only night of the year that I didn't have a bedtime curfew. I could stay up as late as I wanted. Being the natural night-owl that I am, I often would stay up until dawn - playing games with my dad and brothers. (Mom and sis usually went to bed shortly after midnight -- sensible folk that they are!) I never did understand the appeal of drunken reveling, and I still don't. It got me wondering why we, as a society have so many revelers going crazy as they ring in the new year. Is it just an excuse for a party -- or am I just getting so old that the point has passed me by completely?
For new years eve, we spent the evening at my parents' house for our traditional gathering. Mom made a nice homemade Leek Potato Soup with herbed, pull-apart bread rolls. We had a nice dinner together. Unfortunately, my wife, Dawn Ann had come down with a nasty cold. She decided to stayed home and rest up. (She also didn't want to pass along her cold to the rest of the family).
Tradition in our family has it that we all gather together, and play all the board and card games we can stand until at least midnight. However, due to the fact that New Year's day fell on a Sunday this year, we had to abbreviate our celebrations. Our ward rotated to the 9:00 am bloc for this year, and I had to give a talk at the Utah Boys Ranch at 10:00. We decided that we would watch the ball drop from Times Square (10:00 pm our time) and call it a night.
This year, we tried a new game called Apples to Apples. It is a game of comparisons. One person will draw a card with a certain quality or attribute (a green card). The other players are dealt several a (red) cards with various nouns that may or may not go along with the green card. Each player plays a red card (face-down). Then the person who drew the green card gets to judge which card is the best match. The red cards are all mixed up, so that the judge doesn't know who played which card, and can't play favorites. Lobbying the jugde, however is allowed. Each person in the game takes turns being the judge.
Here's an example:
Green Card:
- Manly
- The Dallas Cowboys
- Bruce Willis
- Body Odor
- Giving a Hug
- Camping Trips
The nice thing about this game is that it is really low key. No great tumults and contentions like monopoly. You can still try to win, but without having to destroy your opponent. The game also doesn't take forever to complete (45 min to an hour at most). Younger people have just as good of a chance to win as adults. During the process of the game, you get to know people getter, by what kinds of cards they tend to play. Sometimes the results can be quite funny too. The genius part of this game is that on a more basic level, people are actually learning English grammar and vocabulary to boot! All in all we found that it was a pleasant way to spend some time together with friends and family.
For me, New Years Eve has always just been a fun time to get together with the family. When I was a kid it was the only night of the year that I didn't have a bedtime curfew. I could stay up as late as I wanted. Being the natural night-owl that I am, I often would stay up until dawn - playing games with my dad and brothers. (Mom and sis usually went to bed shortly after midnight -- sensible folk that they are!) I never did understand the appeal of drunken reveling, and I still don't. It got me wondering why we, as a society have so many revelers going crazy as they ring in the new year. Is it just an excuse for a party -- or am I just getting so old that the point has passed me by completely?
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