Sunday, February 10, 2008

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Hinckley Challenge

http://www.hinckleychallenge.com/

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Book of Mormon
"I take in my hand the Book of Mormon. I read its words. I have read Joseph Smith's explanation of how it came to be. To the unbelieving it is a story difficult to accept, and critics for generations have worn out their lives writing books intended to refute that story and to offer other explanations than the one given by Joseph the Prophet. But to the open-minded, this critical writing has only stimulated them to dig deeper; and the more deeply they dig, the greater the accumulation of evidence for the validity of Joseph Smith's story. Still, as has been demonstrated for a hundred and fifty years, the truth of the Book of Mormon will not be determined by literary analysis or by scientific research, although these continue to be reassuring. The truth about the origins of the Book of Mormon will be determined today and tomorrow, as it has been throughout the yesterdays, by reading the book in a spirit of reverence and respect and prayer."

( "Praise to the Man," Ensign, Aug. 1983, 4)



Sunday, February 3, 2008

President Hinckley

I, like so many others, have reflected this week on my thoughts and feelings about President Hinckley. So much has been said about this great leader in the past week, and I thought I'd put in my two cents here.

Perhaps the talk that I remember him best for was a CES fireside he gave on September 9, 2001. It was at the Conference Center, and I was able to get a ticket through my institute class to attend in person. He spoke on many topics, but the one that stands out best in my mind was that he spoke about 'accentuating the positive' - looking for the best and finding the positive in a situation, and go forward with faith. Just two days later, 9-11 occurred, and it definitely was a depressing time. Even though I had no personal connections with the situation or victims of the attacks, it was awful (and unavoidable), watching again and again the attacks on the news and listening to so many people's take on the events. It was a relief to come back to this talk when it was posted online the next week and read it and remember President Hinckley's words of wisdom. Looking back, I know that he knew we'd need to hear the message he gave. He knew something was coming, and we'd need his words of guidance to get us all through with faith and optimism.

I will miss President Hinckley, but am grateful for his leadership and example to us and the world. I look forward to the new leaders that will come forth, and am excited to see how they fill President Hinckley's shoes.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Hogwarts House



Which Hogwarts House Would You Be In?

The Sorting Hat would put you in Gryffindor. You are bold, passionate, and brave. You have a highly-defined sense of right and wrong, and you are not afraid to speak your mind or fight for what you want.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com



Like I'd publish this here if I were something else? What kind of a Harry Potter fan would I be if I were a Slytherin?

Who I'm looking for...



What Kind of Guy Will You Fall For?

You would fall part for the geek. If you're looking for love, consider spending a little more time studying up in the library. To you, there's nothing more attractive than intelligence, shyness, and kindness; your future love may have four eyes and zero social skills, but he'll make up for it in brains and heart.
You would fall part for the sensitive guy. You'll find your future man wherever turtlenecks are sold. He will have depth, introspection, and a disturbing knowledge of musical theatre. And he may be a little weird. But hey, while your girlfriends cry over broken hearts, you'll be having Shakespeare read to you every night.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com



Well... at least I know what I'm looking for. What a relief!

College?



What Should You Have Done After High School?

You should have gone to a state school. You're a realist. You're not expecting a lifetime in academia, you just want to compete for a decent job and your piece of the pie. Besides, you know that a state school will prepare you to survive in the real world. When you graduate, you won't need someone holding your hand as you cross the street into the working world.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com





Looks like I made a good choice!

NYC!



What City Should You Live In?

You should live in New York City. America's largest city will ensure that you will blend into the crowd. You are the brooding type--introspective, creative, and eccentric--and NYC's cutting-edge, individualistic culture and ambience will appeal to you.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com