Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sometimes I'm unreasonable
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
BYU Letter of recommendation.
I got my first letter from a professor today and they made a copy of it for me in the admissions office. This is the professor that I know the least of the 4 writing them.
"I am writing to support Devin Gleason's admission as a full-time BYU student. I had Devin as a student in my US Foreign Policy class (Poli Sci 376) this past summer term. This difficult upper-division class requires hundreds of pages of scholarly reading every week in order to keep up with class discussions and do well on exams. The class is especially difficult during a summer tern when students have to do all the work in half the time. Devin's performance in the class was very strong. He had excellent scores on all exams and his short essays were very good. He participated actively and effectively in class discussions. His research paper was a bit weaker but he finished in the top quarter of the class overall, earning an A- for the semester. Devin's class performance showed me that he could hold his own in difficult, upper-division BYU classes. In fact, I only knew Devin was not a regular student because he mentioned it to me when when discussing his research paper. I strongly recommend him for admission to BYU. I am confident that he fits in well with the high-quality group of student we already have. He will absolutely succeed here."
After this application is turned in I think my hair will turn grey waiting for an answer.
"I am writing to support Devin Gleason's admission as a full-time BYU student. I had Devin as a student in my US Foreign Policy class (Poli Sci 376) this past summer term. This difficult upper-division class requires hundreds of pages of scholarly reading every week in order to keep up with class discussions and do well on exams. The class is especially difficult during a summer tern when students have to do all the work in half the time. Devin's performance in the class was very strong. He had excellent scores on all exams and his short essays were very good. He participated actively and effectively in class discussions. His research paper was a bit weaker but he finished in the top quarter of the class overall, earning an A- for the semester. Devin's class performance showed me that he could hold his own in difficult, upper-division BYU classes. In fact, I only knew Devin was not a regular student because he mentioned it to me when when discussing his research paper. I strongly recommend him for admission to BYU. I am confident that he fits in well with the high-quality group of student we already have. He will absolutely succeed here."
After this application is turned in I think my hair will turn grey waiting for an answer.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Joseph Smith
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”
President Hinckley
“Each of us has a fourfold responsibility. First, we have a responsibility to our families. Second, we have a responsibility to our employers. Third, we have a responsibility to the Lord’s work. Fourth, we have a responsibility to ourselves."
Been a while
It's been a long while since the last time I blogged. Mostly because I just haven't felt like it. But today I got the idea in my mind. I'm working on essays for my application to BYU, and am distracted by something else currently.
For various reasons I've spent more time in the last few days thinking and praying about where I stand in life and if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and how to govern my time etc. Probably more time then I can ever remember. And it's been really good.
Anyways, today I got an answer to my prayers. Very clearly. I was in Institute and as the teacher was speaking I got the clear impression not of my own, "You've been praying, and here's your answer." The class I was sitting in (conveniently enough) was The Gospel and the Productive Life. The teacher taught us from a talk by Elder G. Homer Durham
“On January 2, 1891, a 19-year-old Norwegian immigrant sat down in his home in Logan City, Cache County, Utah Territory, and wrote the following lines on some lined paper:
“‘As I have come to fully realize; that, I am as weak as all other mortals—perhaps weaker than many; and realizing that happiness in life is only obtained by having a pure heart, a clear conscience; and fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments; also as I realize that happiness in old age consists of reviewing a life devoid from great sins; the gratification of noble desires manfully carried out; and finding that my life up to this time has not been as I should like it to have been: I lay down the following regulations by which I shall try to conduct my life hereafter; to which end may the Lord Almighty, my Creator, help me.’
“He then spelled out 17 resolutions. Nearly eight months later, on Tuesday, August 25, 1891, he copied them in a hardcover journal. Here he was to record his years of struggle as a stranger-student from Utah Territory at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He began by entering the 17 resolves that were to guide his life."
I may not be perfect on these but I'll do better on all of them. And here's my thoughts on some of them...
Resolved:
“1st. That religion, the science of sciences, be made my chief concernment throughout life."
I think of Grandpa and how even though he was always busy with business and family he always acccepted and fulfilled hurch callings fully. I can do that.
“2nd. That I will daily pray to God in secret."
“3rd. That I will daily reflect upon God and his attributes and try to become like him."
“4th. That I will receive Light, Wisdom or Knowledge, wherever or however it may be offered."
Reminded me of a quote from President Young
"There is no knowledge, no light, no wisdom that you are in possession of, but what you have received it from some source." So I will try to continue to educate myself no matter where I get that knowledge
“5th. That I never be ashamed to acknowledge my principles, beliefs and religion when I once become fully convinced of (Converted to) their correctness."
“6th. That I never lose one moment of time but improve it."
That every activity I engage myself in regularly will be worth my time and I won't idle away the time that I do have. Example. I just hid or "unsubscribed" from about 50 people who used to come up on my Facebook news feed so I spend less time reading over it.
“7th. That I maintain strict temperance in eating and drinking."
I don't eat healthy and never really have. I gotta be honest, I'll TRY on this one. I just love food way too much. It's pry my favorite thing. But I don't eat large amounts of food, and for some reason I've lost tons of weight after my mission (I was fed VERY well in my last area where I spent 10 months), so I think I'm good enough?
“8th. That I never do anything that I would not do were it the last hour of my life."
I read this one pertaining to me more that I should change behaviors and irreverances I have that I wouldn't want to answer for soon after. In other words, continually do better.
“9th. That I daily read the word of God, that I may learn his will and that I may be comforted, strengthened and encouraged by so doing."
Even if it's just a verse or 2, I will pick them up and read them.
“10th. That in any narrations I speak nothing but the pure and simple verity."
I'll try not to say anything to anybody I would later have need to apologize for. Pry not going to be perfect at first. But better.
“11th. That I always do that which I think is my duty and for the best good for my fellow beings."
“12th. That I live with all my might while I do live, that I may not die a living death."
This phrasing just confused me but I'll be happy and if not I can blame myself.
“‘13th. That I never by word or manner try to force my opinions on others but that I simply state them and offer my arguments against others!"
So don't get mad at others just because they have other opinions or feel differently then me.
“14th. That I seek to overcome the habit of being quick tempered, loud speaking, impatient motions and whatever might offend my fellowmen and hurt me."
Again I don't get mad. I could use a LOT more patience though. So I'll try to be patient.
“15th. That I never for a moment forget my duty towards my mother, she who has made me who I am and who will make what I will become, she who has spent the better portion of her life in my behalf and to whom I owe all the honor, respect, and affection that I can give; also that I always remember my duties toward my brother and all my friends and relations."
“16th. That I complete every task which I begin; also that I carefully consider my purpose and its results before taking upon me any duty."
“17th. That I always remember that the men and women I meet are my brothers and sisters and that I look to the beam in my own eye before attempting to remove the mote in my fellow’s eye."
I am pretty sure all 17 of those were written especially for me.
"It would be well if every young man and woman today would similarly evaluate his or her position in life. The young man who wrote these lines was John Andreas Widtsoe. In March 1921 he was called to the apostleship by President Heber J. Grant and continued in that position throughout a long and eventful life"
For various reasons I've spent more time in the last few days thinking and praying about where I stand in life and if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and how to govern my time etc. Probably more time then I can ever remember. And it's been really good.
Anyways, today I got an answer to my prayers. Very clearly. I was in Institute and as the teacher was speaking I got the clear impression not of my own, "You've been praying, and here's your answer." The class I was sitting in (conveniently enough) was The Gospel and the Productive Life. The teacher taught us from a talk by Elder G. Homer Durham
“On January 2, 1891, a 19-year-old Norwegian immigrant sat down in his home in Logan City, Cache County, Utah Territory, and wrote the following lines on some lined paper:
“‘As I have come to fully realize; that, I am as weak as all other mortals—perhaps weaker than many; and realizing that happiness in life is only obtained by having a pure heart, a clear conscience; and fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments; also as I realize that happiness in old age consists of reviewing a life devoid from great sins; the gratification of noble desires manfully carried out; and finding that my life up to this time has not been as I should like it to have been: I lay down the following regulations by which I shall try to conduct my life hereafter; to which end may the Lord Almighty, my Creator, help me.’
“He then spelled out 17 resolutions. Nearly eight months later, on Tuesday, August 25, 1891, he copied them in a hardcover journal. Here he was to record his years of struggle as a stranger-student from Utah Territory at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He began by entering the 17 resolves that were to guide his life."
I may not be perfect on these but I'll do better on all of them. And here's my thoughts on some of them...
Resolved:
“1st. That religion, the science of sciences, be made my chief concernment throughout life."
I think of Grandpa and how even though he was always busy with business and family he always acccepted and fulfilled hurch callings fully. I can do that.
“2nd. That I will daily pray to God in secret."
“3rd. That I will daily reflect upon God and his attributes and try to become like him."
“4th. That I will receive Light, Wisdom or Knowledge, wherever or however it may be offered."
Reminded me of a quote from President Young
"There is no knowledge, no light, no wisdom that you are in possession of, but what you have received it from some source." So I will try to continue to educate myself no matter where I get that knowledge
“5th. That I never be ashamed to acknowledge my principles, beliefs and religion when I once become fully convinced of (Converted to) their correctness."
“6th. That I never lose one moment of time but improve it."
That every activity I engage myself in regularly will be worth my time and I won't idle away the time that I do have. Example. I just hid or "unsubscribed" from about 50 people who used to come up on my Facebook news feed so I spend less time reading over it.
“7th. That I maintain strict temperance in eating and drinking."
I don't eat healthy and never really have. I gotta be honest, I'll TRY on this one. I just love food way too much. It's pry my favorite thing. But I don't eat large amounts of food, and for some reason I've lost tons of weight after my mission (I was fed VERY well in my last area where I spent 10 months), so I think I'm good enough?
“8th. That I never do anything that I would not do were it the last hour of my life."
I read this one pertaining to me more that I should change behaviors and irreverances I have that I wouldn't want to answer for soon after. In other words, continually do better.
“9th. That I daily read the word of God, that I may learn his will and that I may be comforted, strengthened and encouraged by so doing."
Even if it's just a verse or 2, I will pick them up and read them.
“10th. That in any narrations I speak nothing but the pure and simple verity."
I'll try not to say anything to anybody I would later have need to apologize for. Pry not going to be perfect at first. But better.
“11th. That I always do that which I think is my duty and for the best good for my fellow beings."
“12th. That I live with all my might while I do live, that I may not die a living death."
This phrasing just confused me but I'll be happy and if not I can blame myself.
“‘13th. That I never by word or manner try to force my opinions on others but that I simply state them and offer my arguments against others!"
So don't get mad at others just because they have other opinions or feel differently then me.
“14th. That I seek to overcome the habit of being quick tempered, loud speaking, impatient motions and whatever might offend my fellowmen and hurt me."
Again I don't get mad. I could use a LOT more patience though. So I'll try to be patient.
“15th. That I never for a moment forget my duty towards my mother, she who has made me who I am and who will make what I will become, she who has spent the better portion of her life in my behalf and to whom I owe all the honor, respect, and affection that I can give; also that I always remember my duties toward my brother and all my friends and relations."
“16th. That I complete every task which I begin; also that I carefully consider my purpose and its results before taking upon me any duty."
“17th. That I always remember that the men and women I meet are my brothers and sisters and that I look to the beam in my own eye before attempting to remove the mote in my fellow’s eye."
I am pretty sure all 17 of those were written especially for me.
"It would be well if every young man and woman today would similarly evaluate his or her position in life. The young man who wrote these lines was John Andreas Widtsoe. In March 1921 he was called to the apostleship by President Heber J. Grant and continued in that position throughout a long and eventful life"
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Jeffrey R. Holland
"In our heartfelt devotion to Jesus of Nazareth as the very Son of God, the Savior of the world, we invite all to examine what we have received of Him, to join with us, drinking deeply at the “well of water springing up into everlasting life,” these constantly flowing reminders that God lives, that He loves us, and that He speaks. I express the deepest personal thanks that His works never end and His “words … never cease.”"
What a great talk
What a great talk
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"It is the office of a true teacher to show us that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake"
We watched Joesph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration in Institute tonight. I really like that movie.
We watched Joesph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration in Institute tonight. I really like that movie.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A New Blog!
So, I haven't blogged in a bit. Mostly cause I went on a trip Thursday till Tuesday. Also cause I haven't had a whole lot I feel like posting on the internet for whomever to read. Stephanie wants me to blog about Mcflurries, but I've never had one. Now I'm telling her to move to Utah this summer.
Anywho, I had a really great trip. Here's more info then most of you pry care about what I did.
Tuesday spent the day in Salt Lake at Temple Square and such. I walked up to the park where Brigham Young is buried but the gate was locked shut. That's quite the climb up the hill (especially since I didn't know exactly where I was going and had to roam a bit), so not being able to get in was disappointing. I did go with my friend Brian to see the Tabernacle Choir's rehearsal and really enjoyed that.
Saturday I went to lunch with an old companion and his fiance (Elder Wong. Read a previous blog). It was so much fun. We went to a Chinese Restaurant ("What made you pick this place Gleason??"). Every time I'm around him I just laugh pretty much the whole time. He's so funny.
Sunday it snowed a lot and I went to Ian's ward and then had dinner at a friend of my mom's. A good day. He gave me and JJ a copy of the new MoTab CD (which is awesome by the way!) cause he's in the choir. Monday I went and watched frisbee take place, then went to Denny's with Justin and Jennifer. I think one of my favorite parts of the weekend was kicking it with those 2. Me and JJ ate at J-Dogs That night I went with Brian to see my mission President. He's one of those people that just makes you feel good being around him.
Tuesday I went to Lunch with JJ and Carly, then to the airport. My flight was 2 hours delayed, so I spent a good amount of time getting to know the B terminal in Salt Lake.
Now I have a really soar throat thing going on. It's not like a normal soar throat, just the back of my throat. Either its all dry and irritated from the dry air/plane, or I think something's wrong with my tonsils. But who wants to go to a doctor complaining about something you don't even know how to explain ("well It SEEMS... but I'm no doctor"). So here's hoping it just magically gets better.
During my trip I spent a lot of time reading President Bush's book. Now, I've been a fan of the former President, but who expected a book by him to be that engaging? I didn't. But it is.
So, there's all about my trip. I'm going to bed. Here's some of the lyrics to my favorite song on that CD though.
Oh when shall I see Jesus, And reign with Him above,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
And from the flowing fountain Drink everlasting love,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
But now I am a soldier, My Captain's gone before;
And I hear the trumpet sound in that morning
He's given me my orders, And bids me ne'er give o'er;
Til I hear the Trumpet sount in the Morning.
When shall I be delivered From this vain world of sin,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
And with my blessed Jesus Drink endless pleasures in,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
Oh Shout, With glory!
I shall mount above the skies,
When I hear the trumpet sound in the morning!
Anywho, I had a really great trip. Here's more info then most of you pry care about what I did.
Tuesday spent the day in Salt Lake at Temple Square and such. I walked up to the park where Brigham Young is buried but the gate was locked shut. That's quite the climb up the hill (especially since I didn't know exactly where I was going and had to roam a bit), so not being able to get in was disappointing. I did go with my friend Brian to see the Tabernacle Choir's rehearsal and really enjoyed that.
Saturday I went to lunch with an old companion and his fiance (Elder Wong. Read a previous blog). It was so much fun. We went to a Chinese Restaurant ("What made you pick this place Gleason??"). Every time I'm around him I just laugh pretty much the whole time. He's so funny.
Sunday it snowed a lot and I went to Ian's ward and then had dinner at a friend of my mom's. A good day. He gave me and JJ a copy of the new MoTab CD (which is awesome by the way!) cause he's in the choir. Monday I went and watched frisbee take place, then went to Denny's with Justin and Jennifer. I think one of my favorite parts of the weekend was kicking it with those 2. Me and JJ ate at J-Dogs That night I went with Brian to see my mission President. He's one of those people that just makes you feel good being around him.
Tuesday I went to Lunch with JJ and Carly, then to the airport. My flight was 2 hours delayed, so I spent a good amount of time getting to know the B terminal in Salt Lake.
Now I have a really soar throat thing going on. It's not like a normal soar throat, just the back of my throat. Either its all dry and irritated from the dry air/plane, or I think something's wrong with my tonsils. But who wants to go to a doctor complaining about something you don't even know how to explain ("well It SEEMS... but I'm no doctor"). So here's hoping it just magically gets better.
During my trip I spent a lot of time reading President Bush's book. Now, I've been a fan of the former President, but who expected a book by him to be that engaging? I didn't. But it is.
So, there's all about my trip. I'm going to bed. Here's some of the lyrics to my favorite song on that CD though.
Oh when shall I see Jesus, And reign with Him above,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
And from the flowing fountain Drink everlasting love,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
But now I am a soldier, My Captain's gone before;
And I hear the trumpet sound in that morning
He's given me my orders, And bids me ne'er give o'er;
Til I hear the Trumpet sount in the Morning.
When shall I be delivered From this vain world of sin,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
And with my blessed Jesus Drink endless pleasures in,
And shall hear the trumpet sound in the morning?
Oh Shout, With glory!
I shall mount above the skies,
When I hear the trumpet sound in the morning!
Friday, February 11, 2011
I don't really have anything to blog about right now
But I'm sitting here so I'll type.
As most of you being my facebook friends can tell I've been on a Chirchill kick of late. Why? I don't know really. Perhaps cause he saved the world for Democracy. Perhaps because everything he ever said was right and turned out exactly way he said it would happen. Churchill had been among the first to recognise the growing threat of Hitler long before the outset of the Second World War, and his warnings went mostly ignored. He was absolutely opposed to appeasment which just made the Nazis stronger("You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, and you will have war." Maybe Chamberlian thought he was improving Britian's image abroad). He also had a speech impediment when he was young, and failed out of a speech class. Ironic cause he was one of the best public speakers of his time.
I love wikipedia. I typed this up earlier, looked up Churchill to get the war quote, and a couple hours later, I'm just stopping reading.
Anywho, I'm going to bed.
As most of you being my facebook friends can tell I've been on a Chirchill kick of late. Why? I don't know really. Perhaps cause he saved the world for Democracy. Perhaps because everything he ever said was right and turned out exactly way he said it would happen. Churchill had been among the first to recognise the growing threat of Hitler long before the outset of the Second World War, and his warnings went mostly ignored. He was absolutely opposed to appeasment which just made the Nazis stronger("You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, and you will have war." Maybe Chamberlian thought he was improving Britian's image abroad). He also had a speech impediment when he was young, and failed out of a speech class. Ironic cause he was one of the best public speakers of his time.
I love wikipedia. I typed this up earlier, looked up Churchill to get the war quote, and a couple hours later, I'm just stopping reading.
Anywho, I'm going to bed.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Churchill
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Yep, it's a blog
I haven't had a whole lot new to blog about the last couple weeks. I had what I think was some strain of the flu the last couple days. I got home Saturday night and broke out into a wicked fever. My whole body got cold and shivering pretty violently, and at the same time my head heated quite a bit.
Right now I'm listenning to Firework by Katy Perry. Weird? Yes. Right before the song started (it's on Youtube. I wanted to see if the music video was as trippy as California gurlz. Which was really weird btw. If you haven't seen it, it's worth the watch. She gets flipped off by a gummy bear and it blurs it out. 2 questions on that. 1. Why would a gummy bear flip her off? we dunno. 2. Gummy bears don't have fingers, so they pretty much blurred out a gummy bear's paw. But it all adds up when Snoop Dog enters). Anywho, there was a commercial for bing that had a guy calling a girl asking her to a dance. I have no idea what it had to do with bing, but it was funny. It reminded me of what I must sound like on the phone with a girl. Yeah, this video's a bit weird too.
I recently saw the movie Forever Strong for the first time. I was pleasently surprised by how good it actually was. Especially the main kid's acting. Quite convincing. I mean, towards the beginning you really do hate that guy, but towards the end when he turns it around, you believe it. If that makes any sense. Plus the movie has Gary Cole who played Bob Russell on the West Wing. So it also has that going for it.
I've really been loving the movie Angels and Demons lately. Since the first time I saw it it was one of my favorites. I tend to like movies where there's problems being solved and thinking and such. Like the Da Vinci Code or National Treasure movies. But Angels and Demons is quite great. The plot's exciting. It basically takes place at the Vatican as a new Pope is being chosen then there's a bomb threat and the Cardinals that make up the Preferiti that are the most likely to succeed the Pope are kidnapped. The acting's great cause Tom Hanks tends to always be pretty great. As well as Ewan McGregor. Plus I'm pretty sure the bad guy is one of the most hard-core, awesome bad guys there are in movies. And the script's awesome as well.
"May god forgive you for what you've done."
"Father, if God has issues, they won't be with what I've done. They will be with what I'm about to do."
"...but science and religion are not enemies! There are simply some things that science is just too young to understand. So the church pleads: "stop", "slow down", "think", "wait"... and for this - they call us backward. But who is more ignorant: the man who cannot define lightning, or the man who does not respect its natural awesome power?"
Right now I'm listenning to Firework by Katy Perry. Weird? Yes. Right before the song started (it's on Youtube. I wanted to see if the music video was as trippy as California gurlz. Which was really weird btw. If you haven't seen it, it's worth the watch. She gets flipped off by a gummy bear and it blurs it out. 2 questions on that. 1. Why would a gummy bear flip her off? we dunno. 2. Gummy bears don't have fingers, so they pretty much blurred out a gummy bear's paw. But it all adds up when Snoop Dog enters). Anywho, there was a commercial for bing that had a guy calling a girl asking her to a dance. I have no idea what it had to do with bing, but it was funny. It reminded me of what I must sound like on the phone with a girl. Yeah, this video's a bit weird too.
I recently saw the movie Forever Strong for the first time. I was pleasently surprised by how good it actually was. Especially the main kid's acting. Quite convincing. I mean, towards the beginning you really do hate that guy, but towards the end when he turns it around, you believe it. If that makes any sense. Plus the movie has Gary Cole who played Bob Russell on the West Wing. So it also has that going for it.
I've really been loving the movie Angels and Demons lately. Since the first time I saw it it was one of my favorites. I tend to like movies where there's problems being solved and thinking and such. Like the Da Vinci Code or National Treasure movies. But Angels and Demons is quite great. The plot's exciting. It basically takes place at the Vatican as a new Pope is being chosen then there's a bomb threat and the Cardinals that make up the Preferiti that are the most likely to succeed the Pope are kidnapped. The acting's great cause Tom Hanks tends to always be pretty great. As well as Ewan McGregor. Plus I'm pretty sure the bad guy is one of the most hard-core, awesome bad guys there are in movies. And the script's awesome as well.
"May god forgive you for what you've done."
"Father, if God has issues, they won't be with what I've done. They will be with what I'm about to do."
"...but science and religion are not enemies! There are simply some things that science is just too young to understand. So the church pleads: "stop", "slow down", "think", "wait"... and for this - they call us backward. But who is more ignorant: the man who cannot define lightning, or the man who does not respect its natural awesome power?"
Friday, February 4, 2011
Parley P. Pratt
"He has organzed the Kingdom of God.- We will extend it's dominion.
He has restored the fulness of the Gospel.- We will spread it abroad.
He has laid the foundation of the temple.- We will bring up the top stone with shouting.
He has kindled the fire.- We will fan the flame.
He has kindled up the dawn of a day of glory.- We will bring it to its meridian splendour.
He was a 'little one' and became a thousand. We are a small one, and will become a strong nation
In short, he quarried the stone from the mountain; We will cause it to become a great mountain and fill the whole Earth."
On Joseph Smith
He has restored the fulness of the Gospel.- We will spread it abroad.
He has laid the foundation of the temple.- We will bring up the top stone with shouting.
He has kindled the fire.- We will fan the flame.
He has kindled up the dawn of a day of glory.- We will bring it to its meridian splendour.
He was a 'little one' and became a thousand. We are a small one, and will become a strong nation
In short, he quarried the stone from the mountain; We will cause it to become a great mountain and fill the whole Earth."
On Joseph Smith
President Hinckley
"Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
More information then any of you really care to know... probably
I"m listenning to flogging Molly right now and am loving it. I have the weirdest taste in music. But it's a song I haven't heard before, and it's great. As they usually are. I wonder where they came up with the name Flogging Molly. As it turns out, according to wikipedia, they're influenced by Johnny Cash another one of my random music loves. You guys know the Killer's song Mr. Brightside? I hate that song. Just saying.
Geoff Bulson is pry the funniest person I've ever met. We became friends quite randomly. He was my Elder's Quorum President when I got home but we hadn't really talked at all. Then after a frisbee night this summer I was looking for somebody to go to Menchies with me so I could get a girl's phone number. I believe we were both covered in mud, and pretty trashed from the intense sports of that evening, but let's be real. She was excited when I asked (as they would all be). Ever since then me and Geoff have been friends. I think it was my recomendation of the German Chocolate with rasberries that endeared me to him.
Matt J. is in a contest to win a new boat. He has to stand there in a wake board holding a tow rope until everyone else gives up. They go for 3 hours then get a half hour break, and it's expected to go 3 days. Tomorrow I'm going to go up and spend the day being his "assistant." I have no idea what that entails. How random though. So that's what I'll be up to tomorrow. Then work tomorrow night.
Now I'm gonna go to sleep and listen to All These Things That I've done.
Geoff Bulson is pry the funniest person I've ever met. We became friends quite randomly. He was my Elder's Quorum President when I got home but we hadn't really talked at all. Then after a frisbee night this summer I was looking for somebody to go to Menchies with me so I could get a girl's phone number. I believe we were both covered in mud, and pretty trashed from the intense sports of that evening, but let's be real. She was excited when I asked (as they would all be). Ever since then me and Geoff have been friends. I think it was my recomendation of the German Chocolate with rasberries that endeared me to him.
Matt J. is in a contest to win a new boat. He has to stand there in a wake board holding a tow rope until everyone else gives up. They go for 3 hours then get a half hour break, and it's expected to go 3 days. Tomorrow I'm going to go up and spend the day being his "assistant." I have no idea what that entails. How random though. So that's what I'll be up to tomorrow. Then work tomorrow night.
Now I'm gonna go to sleep and listen to All These Things That I've done.
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
Because I try to listen to church music on my way to work, today I had the Tabernacle Choir's Praise to the Man CD in my car. I can understand why Joseph Smith loved this song so much.
A poor, wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not pow’r to ask his name,
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.
Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.
In pris’n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.
My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, “I will!”
Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in his hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name he named,
“Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”
A poor, wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not pow’r to ask his name,
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.
Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.
In pris’n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.
My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, “I will!”
Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in his hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name he named,
“Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”
Heber C. Kimball
"I am perfectly satisfied that my Father and my God is a cheerful, pleasant, lively, and good-natured Being. Why? Because I am cheerful, pleasant, lively, and good-natured when I have His Spirit. That is one reason why I know; and another is--the Lord said, through Joseph Smith, 'I delight in a glad heart and a cheerful countenance.' That arises from the perfection of His attributes; He is a jovial, lively person."
Blog.
This is just a hodgepodge of random thoughts I've had lately.
Currently I'm listenning to the soundtrack to the Social netowrk. For those who haven't seen that movie you should. Just get rid of any pre-conceived notions you have about what you think it might be and go. There was way more substance in it then you'd think, and the acting was incredible. Jesse Eisenberg definately deserves the Oscar for that (Those are this week aren't they?). And it or the King Speech (another incredible movie you should all see) should win the best picture. Both any other year pry would win it.
I've recently made a new friend named Devin. How weird. I've never had the problem before of people having to establish what Devin they're talking about. It's pretty stressful. He's pretty cool though.
Being the terribly witty guy that I am, I've noticed that the more tired I get, the more witty I am. At least I think I am. That may just be me not thinking straight. I do my best thinking at night.
I was watching Mr. Rogers the other day. Not like I turned it on and sat there through an episode. Remember, my mom has a daycare. So it was on. anyway, How cool is that guy? I wish I had sneakers like his and I could socially get away with calling the sneakers.
Super Bowl in a couple weeks. Like I've said, I generally don't care about football too much, but like we all should, I hate Pittsburg. So let's go Green Bay!
Currently I'm listenning to the soundtrack to the Social netowrk. For those who haven't seen that movie you should. Just get rid of any pre-conceived notions you have about what you think it might be and go. There was way more substance in it then you'd think, and the acting was incredible. Jesse Eisenberg definately deserves the Oscar for that (Those are this week aren't they?). And it or the King Speech (another incredible movie you should all see) should win the best picture. Both any other year pry would win it.
I've recently made a new friend named Devin. How weird. I've never had the problem before of people having to establish what Devin they're talking about. It's pretty stressful. He's pretty cool though.
Being the terribly witty guy that I am, I've noticed that the more tired I get, the more witty I am. At least I think I am. That may just be me not thinking straight. I do my best thinking at night.
I was watching Mr. Rogers the other day. Not like I turned it on and sat there through an episode. Remember, my mom has a daycare. So it was on. anyway, How cool is that guy? I wish I had sneakers like his and I could socially get away with calling the sneakers.
Super Bowl in a couple weeks. Like I've said, I generally don't care about football too much, but like we all should, I hate Pittsburg. So let's go Green Bay!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Reading drudge
Forget whatever feelings you may have about politics and let's all just admit one thing. Mitt Romney is one handsome man.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Elder Ballard
"We live in an era when the boundaries of good taste and public decency are being pushed to the point where there are no boundaries at all. The commandments of God have taken a beating in the vacillating marketplace of ideas that absolutely rejects the notion of right and wrong. Certain factions of society seem generally mistrustful of anyone who chooses to live according to religious belief."
Reagan
"Someone once said that the difference between an American and any other kind of person is that an American lives in anticipation of the future because he know it will be a great place. Other people fear the future as just a repetition of past failures. There's a lot of truth in that. If there is one thing we are sure of it is that history need not be relived; that nothing is impossible, and that man is capable of improving his circumstances beyond what we are told is fact."
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Reading
I haven't blogged for almost a week and don't really have much time now. Football was a huge letdown this weekend. The only thing worst then the Steelers winning is the Seahawks losing. Both of which happened. I'm not that into football but it's a huge letdown when I do get into it and the teams I'm watching and want to win lose.
I've been reading a lot lately...I'd say a bit more then usual. I just started Karl Rove's book, which is actually somewhat entertaining to read. He lived in Salt Lake for a time as a teenager and was apparently pretty nerdy (shocking... for those who even know whom I'm talking about). But it was there that he got his interest in Politics. Cool.
"He took me aside and in his prim, proper manner told me that if I wanted an A, I had to get involved in a political campaign. At the time, I was a little over five feet tall, had glasses with thick frames, wore hush puppies, and carried a briefcase. A's mattered a lot to me"
The other one I'm reading mostly for entertainment is the J. Golden Kimball Stories but Eric Eliason. Since I'm planning on majoring in English and he's actually an English Professor, I think I'll try to take a class from him. Anywho, I just thought it would be a random book of stories but it's actually a biography and just look deep into Elder Kimball and is quite a deep read in addition to being funny. It's really interesting to read how the author thinks about him and how important Elder Kimball was to church history and such.
"There is no hint in the humor surrounding him of the handwringing or condescension that sometimes accompanies doubting about, or anger toward , religion. If such humor were to appear in the oral tradition it would be counter to his personality. J. Golden Kimball served for forty-six years as a General Authority, giving thousands of sermons and visiting nearly every latter Day Saint settlement in the Intermountain West. To the end of his days, and despite severe life trials and failing health, his faith gave him comfort and direction that he attempted to impart to others."
Good books and both definately worth the read. Goodnight
I've been reading a lot lately...I'd say a bit more then usual. I just started Karl Rove's book, which is actually somewhat entertaining to read. He lived in Salt Lake for a time as a teenager and was apparently pretty nerdy (shocking... for those who even know whom I'm talking about). But it was there that he got his interest in Politics. Cool.
"He took me aside and in his prim, proper manner told me that if I wanted an A, I had to get involved in a political campaign. At the time, I was a little over five feet tall, had glasses with thick frames, wore hush puppies, and carried a briefcase. A's mattered a lot to me"
The other one I'm reading mostly for entertainment is the J. Golden Kimball Stories but Eric Eliason. Since I'm planning on majoring in English and he's actually an English Professor, I think I'll try to take a class from him. Anywho, I just thought it would be a random book of stories but it's actually a biography and just look deep into Elder Kimball and is quite a deep read in addition to being funny. It's really interesting to read how the author thinks about him and how important Elder Kimball was to church history and such.
"There is no hint in the humor surrounding him of the handwringing or condescension that sometimes accompanies doubting about, or anger toward , religion. If such humor were to appear in the oral tradition it would be counter to his personality. J. Golden Kimball served for forty-six years as a General Authority, giving thousands of sermons and visiting nearly every latter Day Saint settlement in the Intermountain West. To the end of his days, and despite severe life trials and failing health, his faith gave him comfort and direction that he attempted to impart to others."
Good books and both definately worth the read. Goodnight
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday Nights
Since, as a general rule, I work nights and Mondays, Sunday nights are the only ones during the week that I should go to bed earlier. I have to get up at like 430 to be in Bellevue at the Temple by 6 or so. Ironically, Sunday nights are also the ONLY nights I'm never tired and have trouble going to sleep. Funny how that works out. It's a combination of a few factors I think. 1. is that I would generally sleep in on Sundays. The Single's ward used to start at 1. But now that it starts at 9 one would think that I'd be plenty tired come Sunday night. False. Cause now I stay up late Saturday night and take a nap Sunday all day. 2. When I lay in bed I stress about having to get up early and end up laying awake for a long time. So tomorrow I'll roll out of bed, muster uip the strength and drive up to Bellevue before rush hour traffic beats me. I hope Phil comes in. Phil's the guy I usually work with and he's awesome. Last week he was passing a kidney stone or something. I think I'll maybe blog about Phil sometime.
I'm currently reading another book. It's short and titled "one in thine hand." it's actually not strictly LDS based though written by an LDS author. Pretty interesting novel about people in Israel in the lead up (and I assume will include) to the Yom Kippur War. I'm just hoping is has some Israel kicking some trash like they do best. Anywho, I'm pretty tired and have like 4 chat conversations taking place on Facebook ("weeeell, look who's Mr. Popular!") I should give more focus to.
I'm currently reading another book. It's short and titled "one in thine hand." it's actually not strictly LDS based though written by an LDS author. Pretty interesting novel about people in Israel in the lead up (and I assume will include) to the Yom Kippur War. I'm just hoping is has some Israel kicking some trash like they do best. Anywho, I'm pretty tired and have like 4 chat conversations taking place on Facebook ("weeeell, look who's Mr. Popular!") I should give more focus to.
Friday, January 7, 2011
President Uchtdorf
"We are servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are not given the priesthood so that we can take our bows and bask in praise. We are here to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We are enlisted in no ordinary task. We are called to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek not our own honor but give praise and glory to God...
I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. It did not say to me, “I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog, or at high altitudes.” The pen did not say, “Use me only for important documents, not for the daily mundane tasks.” With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve.
In a similar way we are tools in the hands of God. When our heart is in the right place, we do not complain that our assigned task is unworthy of our abilities. We gladly serve wherever we are asked. When we do this, the Lord can use us in ways beyond our understanding to accomplish His work."
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Blogging again
It's been a while since I posted anything. I haven't really had much to talk about. Anywho, I just posted the most hilarious Office moment in my mind on Facebook. So, since you're all my fb friends you should go check it out.
Anywho, I hope the rest of you had fun on New Year's eve. I sure did. Ian was talking the other day about how I have such weird taste in Music. I think that may be true. What I've been listenning to the last few minutes is evidence of such. I was listenning to Hallelujah sang by Kate Voegele, and then I was listenning to Tik Tok by Ke$ha (it actually had the dollar sign in her name... how weird). Now I'm listenning to the theme/soundtrack from the new Star Trek... I don't even really like this one, but I just got curious and looked it up.. weird, yeah? I really want to see King's Speech. It's about King George and looks pretty sweet.
I talked to one of my mission companoins last night. Pry my favorite one actually. He's getting married in March. What sets him apart is, while I really did always enjoy my mission, I really started loving being a missionary while we were together. Spencer Wong is Chinese (well he was born and raised in West Valley, but his parents are from Hong Kong) which led to so many funny conversations in the south... Asians are kind of a novelty down there. One time after a district meeting I wanted to go visit an older couple I'd been close to in my old area. The most awesome old couple. But I don't think they'd ever met an Asian person in their life. I'm not even exagerating. She asked him where he was from (I think more accurately it was "you're not from around here, are you?"). She refused to take Utah as an answer ("you don't look like you're from Utah"). After finally having his ancestry explained she insisted his mother make really good chinese food (he tried explaining to this sister that his mom didn't cook). Then insisted on giving us money to go to a chinese restaraunt so he would feel right at home.
Another reason I loved working with him. I was his last companion but right up to the end we worked hard and he stayed completely focused. I mean like to the day. It wasn't like "I'm making a point for show" or anything. We just kept going. The last week together was the same as the first week with him. It affected me so much that I wanted to do my best so as not let him down. I was never so sad to have a transfer and see a companion leave. Even at the end of my mission, I wanted to make sure I finished like I'd seen Elder Wong finish.
He was pry the best missionary in the field although he would have never acted like it. He was absolutely without guile, or pride and had completely pure desires to just do missionary work and serve the Lord. So I knew I could always trust trust him completely. He was always reliable, dependable, predictable (yes I did just use all 3 of those and there is a difference), and loyal. I was grateful for everything I learned just working with him. Which was more then any other time during the 2 years.
Even though (especially comparatively) I was complete mediocrity he never once made me feel unequal in the companioinship. In fact, I don't ever remember not feeling completely unified with him. Our personalities may have been quite different but there wasn't any clash. There was never any arguments. I don't ever remember him being in a bad mood, or even being upset by anything. Perhaps it happened. I don't think so though.
Anywho, I hadn't planned on blogging about Elder Wong, but oh well. He's a great guy, and I'm glad we're still and will be friends. And I'm really happy for him, and his future wife. They're great and will be great together.
Anywho, I hope the rest of you had fun on New Year's eve. I sure did. Ian was talking the other day about how I have such weird taste in Music. I think that may be true. What I've been listenning to the last few minutes is evidence of such. I was listenning to Hallelujah sang by Kate Voegele, and then I was listenning to Tik Tok by Ke$ha (it actually had the dollar sign in her name... how weird). Now I'm listenning to the theme/soundtrack from the new Star Trek... I don't even really like this one, but I just got curious and looked it up.. weird, yeah? I really want to see King's Speech. It's about King George and looks pretty sweet.
I talked to one of my mission companoins last night. Pry my favorite one actually. He's getting married in March. What sets him apart is, while I really did always enjoy my mission, I really started loving being a missionary while we were together. Spencer Wong is Chinese (well he was born and raised in West Valley, but his parents are from Hong Kong) which led to so many funny conversations in the south... Asians are kind of a novelty down there. One time after a district meeting I wanted to go visit an older couple I'd been close to in my old area. The most awesome old couple. But I don't think they'd ever met an Asian person in their life. I'm not even exagerating. She asked him where he was from (I think more accurately it was "you're not from around here, are you?"). She refused to take Utah as an answer ("you don't look like you're from Utah"). After finally having his ancestry explained she insisted his mother make really good chinese food (he tried explaining to this sister that his mom didn't cook). Then insisted on giving us money to go to a chinese restaraunt so he would feel right at home.
Another reason I loved working with him. I was his last companion but right up to the end we worked hard and he stayed completely focused. I mean like to the day. It wasn't like "I'm making a point for show" or anything. We just kept going. The last week together was the same as the first week with him. It affected me so much that I wanted to do my best so as not let him down. I was never so sad to have a transfer and see a companion leave. Even at the end of my mission, I wanted to make sure I finished like I'd seen Elder Wong finish.
He was pry the best missionary in the field although he would have never acted like it. He was absolutely without guile, or pride and had completely pure desires to just do missionary work and serve the Lord. So I knew I could always trust trust him completely. He was always reliable, dependable, predictable (yes I did just use all 3 of those and there is a difference), and loyal. I was grateful for everything I learned just working with him. Which was more then any other time during the 2 years.
Even though (especially comparatively) I was complete mediocrity he never once made me feel unequal in the companioinship. In fact, I don't ever remember not feeling completely unified with him. Our personalities may have been quite different but there wasn't any clash. There was never any arguments. I don't ever remember him being in a bad mood, or even being upset by anything. Perhaps it happened. I don't think so though.
Anywho, I hadn't planned on blogging about Elder Wong, but oh well. He's a great guy, and I'm glad we're still and will be friends. And I'm really happy for him, and his future wife. They're great and will be great together.
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