So, it's summertime, which is usually an awesome time. This summer, however, has not lived up to expectations and it's probably all my fault. See, I don't have a job, which means no means of paying for my room and board next year. I've looked for one and applied at several places but I haven't been altogether diligent about it. I just wish finding a job was easier. Like you could take a series of exams that looked at your skills/intelligence, entered important info about experience, awards, location, and hobbies/interests and have it all stored in some database that matches you up with the most suitable jobs. Bleh.
I also haven't been the best person this summer. I've been really lackadaisical with my scripture study and journal writing. But on the other hand, I feel like I've learned a lot and changed a lot. For example, my mom recently remarried a man that has four kids of his own. As you can imagine, it's been a challenge to try and blend families. Through it all, I've been able to really treat my new step siblings and stepfather with the respect and love that I know they deserve. It hasn't always been easy and I know I haven't been perfect, but I have been definitely acting more mature and considerate. I've also been treating my little brother better (we used to have all out brawls) and I like our relationship a whole lot more now. So in lots of ways I've grown, and in some ways...not so much. Yeah, I have some things to work on.
Just for fun, I thought I would go through all my friends on facebook (which happens to be a whoping 708) to find out who is engaged/married/on missions/about to be on missions. It took a very long time, but I have it all nice and organized in a spread sheet. Here are the statistics: 18 friends are engaged (I don't know exactly when each one is getting married, some of their weddings are really soon and some are a ways away, but it would be good to figure out), 18 friends are recently married ( some of the people I knew were getting married and some were surprises to me), 17 friends on missions, and 9 friends soon to be missionaries.
These numbers will most likely change in a couple of days. I have two friends that are expecting mission calls in the next week or so. I thought I would post these stats because I just feel so grateful to have these people in my life and because I'm so excited for them in the individual stage of their life that they're in. I know eventually I'll get to experience what they're all going through and they'll be just as excited for me as I am for them.
Also, seeing the stats made me think about my life. I'm only 18 now but everyday I get a little older and each day I'm one more day closer to a big landmark in my life. I just don't know which one yet or when it's coming. I just know I want to be more ready than I am now.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Finalement
So, I'm finally (mostly) stress-free. I'm done with all things related to school 'til fall! I only have good memories of summertime. Mainly because it's time I can use to curl up with a good book and just chill out. Without a doubt, this summer will be different because I need to find a job, but that's still kind of an exciting process.
Listed below are the best things about summer in my opinion:
1. READING. I can't really read during school because if I get too caught up in a book I'm bound to not do much else.
2. VACATION. Every summer since I can remember, I've gone some where for summer. When I was a child I got to spend my summers havind adventures in my Grandparents' neighborhood. Those were good days. Other summers we would go elsewhere like Colorado or Cali. These last couple summers have included trips to Cali (and Disneyland!). I don't know if I'll be going anywhere this summer, but just knowing it's possible is good enough for me.
3. FAMILY. Usually during the summer I'm able to spend some real quality time with my family. It'll be especially good this summer cuz I've been away from home for so long and I actually miss my little siblings. *gasp* I know, I know, crazy thought.
4. AIR CONDITIONING. You really get to being thankful for air conditioning during a hot summer in AZ. But who doesn't love the heat??? I can't wait for my skin to drink it in when I get there. delightful.
5. SUMMER LOVIN'. lol, okay so this isn't technically a "favorite", but it is kinda fun to have summer flings. Although, I'll admit I've never really had one. More like summer crushes...still quite fun.
So my list is not too long, but definitely enjoyable. On a non-related note, I would like to let you in on some of the things that have made these last couple days amusing.
As I've been packing and cleaning for my inevitable trip back to AZ, my grandma has been close at hand to help me prepare for any possible contact with the swine flu. I am now in the possession of a whole bag of hand wipes and three face masks. One is for me, and the others, I was told, are for the two people I sit next to. According to my Grandpa, the best way to give my neighbors the masks is to accompany the giving with a joke. She also provided me with a Beethoven joke that is sure to break the tension and the awkwardness of passing out facemasks. I would share it with you here, but it really needs to be told, not typed.
Well, I really need to finish packing. =( An althogether neccesary evil. I also have to be up pretty early. =P Yeah, I'll probably be writing in here more frequently seeing as I don't have to write on my other blog. So yeah, peace out.
Listed below are the best things about summer in my opinion:
1. READING. I can't really read during school because if I get too caught up in a book I'm bound to not do much else.
2. VACATION. Every summer since I can remember, I've gone some where for summer. When I was a child I got to spend my summers havind adventures in my Grandparents' neighborhood. Those were good days. Other summers we would go elsewhere like Colorado or Cali. These last couple summers have included trips to Cali (and Disneyland!). I don't know if I'll be going anywhere this summer, but just knowing it's possible is good enough for me.
3. FAMILY. Usually during the summer I'm able to spend some real quality time with my family. It'll be especially good this summer cuz I've been away from home for so long and I actually miss my little siblings. *gasp* I know, I know, crazy thought.
4. AIR CONDITIONING. You really get to being thankful for air conditioning during a hot summer in AZ. But who doesn't love the heat??? I can't wait for my skin to drink it in when I get there. delightful.
5. SUMMER LOVIN'. lol, okay so this isn't technically a "favorite", but it is kinda fun to have summer flings. Although, I'll admit I've never really had one. More like summer crushes...still quite fun.
So my list is not too long, but definitely enjoyable. On a non-related note, I would like to let you in on some of the things that have made these last couple days amusing.
As I've been packing and cleaning for my inevitable trip back to AZ, my grandma has been close at hand to help me prepare for any possible contact with the swine flu. I am now in the possession of a whole bag of hand wipes and three face masks. One is for me, and the others, I was told, are for the two people I sit next to. According to my Grandpa, the best way to give my neighbors the masks is to accompany the giving with a joke. She also provided me with a Beethoven joke that is sure to break the tension and the awkwardness of passing out facemasks. I would share it with you here, but it really needs to be told, not typed.
Well, I really need to finish packing. =( An althogether neccesary evil. I also have to be up pretty early. =P Yeah, I'll probably be writing in here more frequently seeing as I don't have to write on my other blog. So yeah, peace out.
Friday, February 13, 2009
oh l'amour
Okay! tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I'll tell you what, I'm not depressed! Haha, I don't have a valentine or anything, but it really doesn't bother me all that much, so I figured I'd talk about it. The good thing is, I won't have to see hardly anybody that is in that love-dovey mood practically all day! And I got a package today that made my day. It was from Darlene--she always seems to know what I need and she's always so willing to give. I guess Valentine's Day isn't just about your sweetheart, but it's about real love and you can feel real love for anybody, you friends and your family. So there's no reason for me to go into hiding tomorrow or any other Valentine's Day.
On another note, I love ice-skating. I got to go today and we had to whole ice to ourselves and so I got to do whatever I wanted and it was just awesome! I can't wait til I feel just as comfortable skating as I do walking, I think that's possible. I also got to know some of the people in the ward better, so it was all good.
I'm really loving life now. honestly. and i don't even have a guy in it. Okayyy so there are guys in it that I like and all that, but I don't have a boyfriend and I'm dealing pretty well, which makes me glad.
So to the world, Happy Valentine's Day!
On another note, I love ice-skating. I got to go today and we had to whole ice to ourselves and so I got to do whatever I wanted and it was just awesome! I can't wait til I feel just as comfortable skating as I do walking, I think that's possible. I also got to know some of the people in the ward better, so it was all good.
I'm really loving life now. honestly. and i don't even have a guy in it. Okayyy so there are guys in it that I like and all that, but I don't have a boyfriend and I'm dealing pretty well, which makes me glad.
So to the world, Happy Valentine's Day!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Janvier, oh janvier.
So far, January has been pretty kind. I mean, not everything has worked out like I imagined it would, but then, when does it ever. There are a couple things I'm way excited about though. Almost at the same time during the week, my sister and I had the brilliant idea to go to France this summer. She is graduating from ASU in May and it would be a perfect time to celebrate that, improve our French speaking skills, and (hopefully) make some money with temp work. We have some relatives that live in France that said that we could call them if we were ever in France again (the 'we' is in reference to when my sister and mom went to France and met these relations the summer after my sister graduated from high school). Just the prospect of being able to go to France is exciting. I know that it's possible to do so and I feel really good about the idea. I mean, why else would both my sister and I get the same idea at the same time?
Another thing I'm excited about is the Honors activity this Friday. It's ice-skating at the Peaks Arena and I found a new love for ice-skating when I went again a while ago. It's very cheap because the Honors Program is obviously paying to rent out the arena, but most importantly it's a great date opportunity. I could ask somebody to go with me, but I already had someone in mind and then that train crashed when i found out he was dating somebody (i'm glad i found that out before i asked him, if i ever would have worked up the courage). I'm not altogther sad about that, but just the fact that everybody seems to has a significant other, except for me. And I'm not even kidding. Anyways, I know I could have fun by myself, but I think it would be fun to invite somebody, so I need to come up with a couple names of guys I would like to go with.
Then next Saturday I'm going apartment-hunting with my friend, Camille. (or at least that's what we've been planning, no definite word yet). We've talked about sharing an apartment before and I think it's a great idea. Plus, I'm keen to get out of my grandparents house. It's not that I don't like it here, I really like it a lot actually. I just think there's something to experience in living by yourself (well not all by yourself but you know what i mean). And I think it would be incredibly fun to live in an apartment complex. The only concern is, what if after I try it, I decide that it's not worth it and I want to live back with my Grandparents? or what if I just don't have enough money to keep staying at an apt? Will my Grandparents let me stay there again? I want to say that of course they would, but maybe they're actually sick of me! haha that would be something, wouldn't it. I could see how somebody could get sick of me. I'm not the best tenant. And i don't pay rent.
Last, but not least, I just feel like venting here. I really don't get how people so easily forget what's important when they get mixed up in the dating scene. I mean, I guess I know how it feels to really like somebody and how that can make you not prioritize your time right, but when it comes to comprimising on promises you made to yourself...it just makes me a little disappointed. I am writing this about one friend in particular and I wouldn't be so disappointed if he hadn't been in this situation before, but he has. I seriously think the world of this guy-he's always been kind and honest-but maybe I've misjudged him? I have the tendency of being gullible and naive. So in all reality this could be my problem, but I have no clue. And I suppose my disappointment is a little more complex. I feel like what he does is his business, and certainly I haven't treated him any differently, but it seemed almost when I saw him he became a little uncomfortable. But enough with that, I don't intend to treat him differently, but I'll probably talk to him about it (oh, how i'm looking forward to that conversation...:/). Ha, with any luck he won't think I'm jealous, because I most certainly am not. Aside from like the first week I met him, I haven't really been interested in him, but I still think he's an awesome guy and want the best for him. Okay, enough with other people's affairs.
Well maybe I lied....this in a way is related to other people's affairs. What happened to that culture of going after what you want, even when it refers to a guy/girl? I've never been one to act like this, because it always seems like it's not worth it, but I've realized that here at BYU I just seem to step down automatically whenever I hear a guy is seeing somebody. And when I think of maybe deposing that girl from the equation, I feel horrible for even thinking about it. I think it has something to do with the setting. I mean, I'm at BYU where there are so many good people and where, if a RM is dating somebody, he most likely is testing to see if this is the girl he will marry. And for some reason, it seems like that relationship of boyfriend/girlfriend is some sacred bond, like marriage. When in all reality, it's not, is it? I'm not saying this because I intend to go and try to steal some girl's man, but merely to say, 'why shouldn't I'? ha, I think I really could be going crazy, but I'll let you be the judge of that. At least nobody could accuse me of not being complex. :)
Have a great three-day weekend if everybody! I hope your plans are better than mine! (they're actually bond to be, because as of now, I have none).
Another thing I'm excited about is the Honors activity this Friday. It's ice-skating at the Peaks Arena and I found a new love for ice-skating when I went again a while ago. It's very cheap because the Honors Program is obviously paying to rent out the arena, but most importantly it's a great date opportunity. I could ask somebody to go with me, but I already had someone in mind and then that train crashed when i found out he was dating somebody (i'm glad i found that out before i asked him, if i ever would have worked up the courage). I'm not altogther sad about that, but just the fact that everybody seems to has a significant other, except for me. And I'm not even kidding. Anyways, I know I could have fun by myself, but I think it would be fun to invite somebody, so I need to come up with a couple names of guys I would like to go with.
Then next Saturday I'm going apartment-hunting with my friend, Camille. (or at least that's what we've been planning, no definite word yet). We've talked about sharing an apartment before and I think it's a great idea. Plus, I'm keen to get out of my grandparents house. It's not that I don't like it here, I really like it a lot actually. I just think there's something to experience in living by yourself (well not all by yourself but you know what i mean). And I think it would be incredibly fun to live in an apartment complex. The only concern is, what if after I try it, I decide that it's not worth it and I want to live back with my Grandparents? or what if I just don't have enough money to keep staying at an apt? Will my Grandparents let me stay there again? I want to say that of course they would, but maybe they're actually sick of me! haha that would be something, wouldn't it. I could see how somebody could get sick of me. I'm not the best tenant. And i don't pay rent.
Last, but not least, I just feel like venting here. I really don't get how people so easily forget what's important when they get mixed up in the dating scene. I mean, I guess I know how it feels to really like somebody and how that can make you not prioritize your time right, but when it comes to comprimising on promises you made to yourself...it just makes me a little disappointed. I am writing this about one friend in particular and I wouldn't be so disappointed if he hadn't been in this situation before, but he has. I seriously think the world of this guy-he's always been kind and honest-but maybe I've misjudged him? I have the tendency of being gullible and naive. So in all reality this could be my problem, but I have no clue. And I suppose my disappointment is a little more complex. I feel like what he does is his business, and certainly I haven't treated him any differently, but it seemed almost when I saw him he became a little uncomfortable. But enough with that, I don't intend to treat him differently, but I'll probably talk to him about it (oh, how i'm looking forward to that conversation...:/). Ha, with any luck he won't think I'm jealous, because I most certainly am not. Aside from like the first week I met him, I haven't really been interested in him, but I still think he's an awesome guy and want the best for him. Okay, enough with other people's affairs.
Well maybe I lied....this in a way is related to other people's affairs. What happened to that culture of going after what you want, even when it refers to a guy/girl? I've never been one to act like this, because it always seems like it's not worth it, but I've realized that here at BYU I just seem to step down automatically whenever I hear a guy is seeing somebody. And when I think of maybe deposing that girl from the equation, I feel horrible for even thinking about it. I think it has something to do with the setting. I mean, I'm at BYU where there are so many good people and where, if a RM is dating somebody, he most likely is testing to see if this is the girl he will marry. And for some reason, it seems like that relationship of boyfriend/girlfriend is some sacred bond, like marriage. When in all reality, it's not, is it? I'm not saying this because I intend to go and try to steal some girl's man, but merely to say, 'why shouldn't I'? ha, I think I really could be going crazy, but I'll let you be the judge of that. At least nobody could accuse me of not being complex. :)
Have a great three-day weekend if everybody! I hope your plans are better than mine! (they're actually bond to be, because as of now, I have none).
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A New Year Means...
...a new semester?? That is what has been drawing most of my attention this year, and it hasn't left me with much time to think about what most people do at the start of the year: make new year's resolutions. Now, I've never been a big one to write new year's resolutions, usually only doing so at the insistence of others. Yet, this year, I've decided to be like so many people and concretely decide on resolutions, but I intend to hold myself to these resolutions as if it were a binding contract with myself. By so doing, I hope to teach myself more discipline and hopefully in the process learn more about myself and my abilities.
My 2009 New Year's Resolutions:
Spiritual-
1. Read completely through the New Testament.
2. Read completly through the Doctrine and Covenants.
3. Be a full-tithe payer and faithful fast-offering payer.
4. Say a prayer of thanksgiving at least once a day.
5. Write in my journal faithfully
Academic-
6. Study hard for all my classes, so that above all, I understand the material.
7. Meet with each of my professors one-on-one and not be afraid to go to them for help.
8. Achieve a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
Physical-
9. Establish a regular pattern of cardio excercise.
10. Continue to practice Badminton.
11. Stay physically active through participation in Intramural sports.
Personal-
12. Improve my relationship with my mother and father, as well as each one of my siblings.
13. Be a reliable and understanding friend.
14. Continue to meet people by coming out of my comfort zone.
15. Learn charity for all men.
These fifteen resolutions look sort of intimidating when looked at all together like they are here. I know that they can be accomplished by remembering them daily and so I will print out this list and tape it to my mirror so that everyday I will be able to see my goals and hopefully through "small and simple means" accomplish some very great things.
Having come off of a really great Fast and Testimony meeting at Church and a great lesson in Relief Society. Even though I know that these goals come with great challenges, I feel like they are all possible and as of now, I have faith in my ability to see these resolutions through.
I'm really excited for school to start tomorrow! I have at least two classes with someone I know and I can't wait to meet even more people! I also think my professors this semester will be ones to remember.
My 2009 New Year's Resolutions:
Spiritual-
1. Read completely through the New Testament.
2. Read completly through the Doctrine and Covenants.
3. Be a full-tithe payer and faithful fast-offering payer.
4. Say a prayer of thanksgiving at least once a day.
5. Write in my journal faithfully
Academic-
6. Study hard for all my classes, so that above all, I understand the material.
7. Meet with each of my professors one-on-one and not be afraid to go to them for help.
8. Achieve a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
Physical-
9. Establish a regular pattern of cardio excercise.
10. Continue to practice Badminton.
11. Stay physically active through participation in Intramural sports.
Personal-
12. Improve my relationship with my mother and father, as well as each one of my siblings.
13. Be a reliable and understanding friend.
14. Continue to meet people by coming out of my comfort zone.
15. Learn charity for all men.
These fifteen resolutions look sort of intimidating when looked at all together like they are here. I know that they can be accomplished by remembering them daily and so I will print out this list and tape it to my mirror so that everyday I will be able to see my goals and hopefully through "small and simple means" accomplish some very great things.
Having come off of a really great Fast and Testimony meeting at Church and a great lesson in Relief Society. Even though I know that these goals come with great challenges, I feel like they are all possible and as of now, I have faith in my ability to see these resolutions through.
I'm really excited for school to start tomorrow! I have at least two classes with someone I know and I can't wait to meet even more people! I also think my professors this semester will be ones to remember.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Choice and Accountability
In light of recent events, I have been deeply impressed by certain individuals that are not afraid to say what they think. I admire these people because for so long I have struggled to find the voice to say what I truly think about certain things. I do believe there is wisdom in not voicing thoughts or feelings of hatred or anger, especially when you may regret it eventually. I have always wondered if I had the mettle to stand up what I believe for in difficult situations, like what happened at Columbine or in other recent shootings. Anyways, thanks to my Relief Society President I've read a couple of things recently that have really made me think about or society and what we've done. What's more, I've been forced to think about how I want to change what I do in the future based off of this.
This is something that my RS prez posted on her facebook: The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too... But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school.The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Soooo, it all makes sense to me. I think he expressed it very well too, so I won't bother repeating what he said. Since I had a really good class in high school, I've always thought about the call to action. And here, I find the call to action more than just passing this on, because you can do that and lots of people will think, "oh wow, that's a good thought", but it may not really do anything. I think the call to action here to actually change the way you react. For me, I should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Just because I have friends that believe otherwise doesn't mean I should act like I don't have certain beliefs when I'm in front of them. I also felt this deep desire to raise children that would honor their God amidst all the pressures and temptations of men. I also want to raise them to above all else, value their integrity with their lives. And I think all this is easier said than done, how am I, one that is not known for standing out because of my beliefs, ever going to teacher children to be courageous and honor-driven? The answer is I can't unless I become that kind of person. It's a challenge, but I think it's one I'm ready and willing to take on.
I guess this is kind of being fueled by just having watched Gandhi (by the way, if you haven't seen it, I suggest doing so sometime in your life. But it's a three hour movie so you need to devote some time). I was impressed that even though Gandhi was born a Hindu, he understood the teachings of the Christians and the Muslims enough to know that we are all children of God and deserve to be treated as such. I've never really met anybody that asserts that whenever they see somebody being picked on or harassed. Hopefully I can learn to be the person that does and the person that's not afraid to get hurt or killed for a great cause.
Alright, I think I probably have more to say about this, but it's late and I'm tired and I still have some things to do. And I think I lost my temple recommend somewhere =(
Sincerely,
Amy Camille Cappuccio
This is something that my RS prez posted on her facebook: The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too... But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school.The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Soooo, it all makes sense to me. I think he expressed it very well too, so I won't bother repeating what he said. Since I had a really good class in high school, I've always thought about the call to action. And here, I find the call to action more than just passing this on, because you can do that and lots of people will think, "oh wow, that's a good thought", but it may not really do anything. I think the call to action here to actually change the way you react. For me, I should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Just because I have friends that believe otherwise doesn't mean I should act like I don't have certain beliefs when I'm in front of them. I also felt this deep desire to raise children that would honor their God amidst all the pressures and temptations of men. I also want to raise them to above all else, value their integrity with their lives. And I think all this is easier said than done, how am I, one that is not known for standing out because of my beliefs, ever going to teacher children to be courageous and honor-driven? The answer is I can't unless I become that kind of person. It's a challenge, but I think it's one I'm ready and willing to take on.
I guess this is kind of being fueled by just having watched Gandhi (by the way, if you haven't seen it, I suggest doing so sometime in your life. But it's a three hour movie so you need to devote some time). I was impressed that even though Gandhi was born a Hindu, he understood the teachings of the Christians and the Muslims enough to know that we are all children of God and deserve to be treated as such. I've never really met anybody that asserts that whenever they see somebody being picked on or harassed. Hopefully I can learn to be the person that does and the person that's not afraid to get hurt or killed for a great cause.
Alright, I think I probably have more to say about this, but it's late and I'm tired and I still have some things to do. And I think I lost my temple recommend somewhere =(
Sincerely,
Amy Camille Cappuccio
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Joining the Congregation
I know several people that have blogs and now I'm joining the masses and starting my own. There are a few benefits I see to having a blog and are the main reasons I decided to go through with this. They are mainly: (1)I can express my views and beliefs plainly and without restriction, (2)I can vent on days when I think my life truly sucks, and (3)through it all have a documentation of my thoughts and concerns over the years to realize how blessed I have truly been. You probably don't really care about why I'm starting a blog, but really what I plan on writing in it. Since this weekend was the 178th General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have some pretty good subject matter.
Luckily for me, I had no prior commitments (i don't work and i live in provo) and so was able to watch all 4 sessions of Conference. I remember as a child feeling regret when I missed the Saturday sessions of conference, but I figured that all the important stuff was said on Sunday and so my decision to miss Saturday was not administering damnation to my soul. And indeed, missing general conference does not constitute grounds for ex-communication at all. But now that I am more cognizant of the words spoken in GC I realize that one of the most fundamental reasons for having GC is that in the first session we gather together to sustain our Prophet and his Counselors and Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators for the Church. When we raise our hands to sustain them we are covenanting to follow their guidance and counsel, as we believe it comes from the Lord. It gives an added importance to the rest of the meetings as we are next given the opportunity to hear the voice of the Lord through his sustained prophets and given the chance to act upon our covenant.
So everybody should just know that I love our Prophet, Presdent Thomas S. Monson. He is a heck of a priesthood holder. He spoke today on change and couldn't have addressed it better. I found tears coming to my eyes as I reflected on the many things in my childhood that I wished had not changed. And even now as I enjoy my time at BYU, I wish things wouldn't have changed as fast. I miss my brother and am sad that when he gets back, things will never be the same. I miss my sister and the relationship we shared when we shared a room. More than anything, I suppose, I miss the pretense of a united family, even if it was only a pretense. It made happiness for us a whole lot easier. Pres Monson's message comforted me in the sense, that as members of this Church, we have the absolute and never-changing truths from a constant God. The fact that I can find relief from the burdens of a changing world through Christ is reason enough to rejoice. And as Pres. Monson's talk progressed I found new gratitude for the experiences I had and new determination to make today the day to change me, not tomorrow.
I wish to speak on change as it applies to the world. I am not in AZ right now but have heard through friends about the upcoming election that will give citizens the opportunity to vote for or against Prop 102 which is on the definition families. I have never felt particularly strong about supporting legislation to "defend the family" because I felt that all in all, it wouldn't have all that big of an impact on society. Nevertheless, I always figured I would vote for any proposition that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. It just wasn't something I was really adamant about. Then I found a statement from the Church regarding the several upcoming elections and the Church's standpoint on this issue. It is rather long, but very well written, so if you would like to read it the link is here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage .
It's soooo true that marriage is ordained of God, I know that with all my heart. More importantly, I realized through this statement that these propositions will have a lasting effect on our society. Recently I have been pondering on the role of the family in society. I was reading out of my textbook for PL SC 170 when I came to a passage that read:
"When a family member tries to influence another member of the family, a variety of influence-seeking tactics may take place; so it happens between states. The family member can beg and plead, cry, threaten some kind of act, reason, or bargain. Just as a family member may try to coerce another member, so a state may seek to influence behavior in an attempt to get a desired to result"
Disregarding what it is talking abou(which is this case is power), I want to point out how it is talking about that. It is using a simile to relate the interactions of countries to the interactions of families. I don't believe this is a coincidence. The relationships of the family are what we base the relationships we have in the world on, including a nation's relations with other nations. Marriage between a man and woman is the only means by which the divinely designed institution of the family should be built and can be built to ensure the promised blessings of the eternities in our Heavenly Father's presence. And families built upon this principle, if whole, can bring about the greatest change in society than any legislative bill or human activist can achieve.
The statement also talks about how gay rights and religious liberties clash which I found to be an interesting and afore-neglected idea to me. I really suggest reading it if you have the time.
Okay, so I think that is all for this first and inaugurating post. I'm sorry to have made it so long and I hope I haven't scared you away from future posts with the size of this one. I also don't intend this to be a wholly relgious blog, but since my religion is rather important to me, you should expect it to pop up quite often. I hope things in your life are going well and I am really grateful you took the time to read my blog. If you have any questions or comments, please post them!
Luckily for me, I had no prior commitments (i don't work and i live in provo) and so was able to watch all 4 sessions of Conference. I remember as a child feeling regret when I missed the Saturday sessions of conference, but I figured that all the important stuff was said on Sunday and so my decision to miss Saturday was not administering damnation to my soul. And indeed, missing general conference does not constitute grounds for ex-communication at all. But now that I am more cognizant of the words spoken in GC I realize that one of the most fundamental reasons for having GC is that in the first session we gather together to sustain our Prophet and his Counselors and Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators for the Church. When we raise our hands to sustain them we are covenanting to follow their guidance and counsel, as we believe it comes from the Lord. It gives an added importance to the rest of the meetings as we are next given the opportunity to hear the voice of the Lord through his sustained prophets and given the chance to act upon our covenant.
So everybody should just know that I love our Prophet, Presdent Thomas S. Monson. He is a heck of a priesthood holder. He spoke today on change and couldn't have addressed it better. I found tears coming to my eyes as I reflected on the many things in my childhood that I wished had not changed. And even now as I enjoy my time at BYU, I wish things wouldn't have changed as fast. I miss my brother and am sad that when he gets back, things will never be the same. I miss my sister and the relationship we shared when we shared a room. More than anything, I suppose, I miss the pretense of a united family, even if it was only a pretense. It made happiness for us a whole lot easier. Pres Monson's message comforted me in the sense, that as members of this Church, we have the absolute and never-changing truths from a constant God. The fact that I can find relief from the burdens of a changing world through Christ is reason enough to rejoice. And as Pres. Monson's talk progressed I found new gratitude for the experiences I had and new determination to make today the day to change me, not tomorrow.
I wish to speak on change as it applies to the world. I am not in AZ right now but have heard through friends about the upcoming election that will give citizens the opportunity to vote for or against Prop 102 which is on the definition families. I have never felt particularly strong about supporting legislation to "defend the family" because I felt that all in all, it wouldn't have all that big of an impact on society. Nevertheless, I always figured I would vote for any proposition that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. It just wasn't something I was really adamant about. Then I found a statement from the Church regarding the several upcoming elections and the Church's standpoint on this issue. It is rather long, but very well written, so if you would like to read it the link is here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage .
It's soooo true that marriage is ordained of God, I know that with all my heart. More importantly, I realized through this statement that these propositions will have a lasting effect on our society. Recently I have been pondering on the role of the family in society. I was reading out of my textbook for PL SC 170 when I came to a passage that read:
"When a family member tries to influence another member of the family, a variety of influence-seeking tactics may take place; so it happens between states. The family member can beg and plead, cry, threaten some kind of act, reason, or bargain. Just as a family member may try to coerce another member, so a state may seek to influence behavior in an attempt to get a desired to result"
Disregarding what it is talking abou(which is this case is power), I want to point out how it is talking about that. It is using a simile to relate the interactions of countries to the interactions of families. I don't believe this is a coincidence. The relationships of the family are what we base the relationships we have in the world on, including a nation's relations with other nations. Marriage between a man and woman is the only means by which the divinely designed institution of the family should be built and can be built to ensure the promised blessings of the eternities in our Heavenly Father's presence. And families built upon this principle, if whole, can bring about the greatest change in society than any legislative bill or human activist can achieve.
The statement also talks about how gay rights and religious liberties clash which I found to be an interesting and afore-neglected idea to me. I really suggest reading it if you have the time.
Okay, so I think that is all for this first and inaugurating post. I'm sorry to have made it so long and I hope I haven't scared you away from future posts with the size of this one. I also don't intend this to be a wholly relgious blog, but since my religion is rather important to me, you should expect it to pop up quite often. I hope things in your life are going well and I am really grateful you took the time to read my blog. If you have any questions or comments, please post them!
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