And Nothing Shall Offend Them

I have an older sister who has become less active. Over the last 12 years she has gone to church on and off and I believe, nay I know, that she still has a small but strong glimmer of a testimony left in her heart. As I recently read Elder David A. Bednar's conference talk, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them," I couldn't help but to think about my older sister. She has made some hard choices in her life and the people around her have mistreated her and judged her wrongfully and left her feeling offended. Because of her stubbornness she remains offended.

Now I'm not sure if anything I could ever say to my sister could help her, but I am constantly trying to live my life as a good example to her and her kids. After some thinking I have decided that there are other people in my life that I can influence. I can do little things everyday to help my roommates, classmates, and friends not to be offended. One of which is to not offend them. The second great commandment given us from the Lord is to love our fellow men. If we strive to love all of our fellow men we will reduce the hurt and offense in the world. This is a small way we can help others.

I pray that I can search out those who have been offended and as Elder Bednar said, "extend the invitation to once again worship." I also pray that I can have the spirit of the Lord with me in my life so that I can choose not to be offended and remain strong in my testimony of the true gosple.

Let me assure you, friend, every day is ice cream and chocolate cake

Can I just start out by saying that I love the gospel? I love attending a school where it is a common experience for a person to feel the spirit in classes everyday. And how awesome is it to be able to apply the things being learned in class and through the spirit to your everyday life?

I'll let you in on a little secret, it's awesome.

Just yesterday I had a lovely experience with being someone's significant other*.

I have a friend named James. A few things you should know about my friend James: He is recently 31 years old, he has lived in the same house his whole life (excepting his mission and college), he has a successful career and many friend, he is single, shy, and loves horses, motor-biking, hobby farming, snowmobiling, fixing cars, and doing very dangerous things. He is essentially a 31 year old kid. And in the time I have known James I have never considered myself to be a great example or influence in his life.

Saturday James had his birthday. The big 3-1. On Sunday I called him to wish him a slightly belated happy birthday and inquire about the festivities the previous day. I thought nothing of it. After a few minutes of lively banter and laughter we said our goodbyes and that was that.

Later, as I lay in bed, I received a text message from James informing me that my phone call had brightened his otherwise blue day and my friendship has always been uplifting and important to him. Now this isn't a huge deal. It isn't even an uncommon experience. But it was amazing and influential and strengthening to both parties involved.

Today in class we talked about self concept and how our individual self concepts are formed by reflected appraisal, social comparison, and significant others. My favorite part of the discussion was when Brother Embry took the time to point out that as we participate in the formation of other's self concepts, we must listen and recognize the promptings from the spirit and how they can direct us to help the people in our lives. I thought it was so amazing and testimony strengthening that the previous day I had an experience that was applicable and relevant to our class discussion.

Once again let me say, I love attending a school where it is a common experience for a person to feel the spirit in classes everyday.

And on that thought, adieu.

*This portion of my blog is for the people who are not involved in, or don't pay attention to, my interpersonal communications class. If you see italicized words or phrases within the text, please refer to the bottom of the post where the definitions or explanations can be found.

Significant other - A person whose opinion and influence we especially value

Self Concept - The relatively stable set of perceptions you hold of yourself

Reflected appraisal - The idea that we believe ourselves to be what other people say we are

Social comparison - Comparing ourselves to others and basing our perceptions of ourselves on them

Mail. It was called mail.

JOE FOX: You wrote her letters?

SCHUYLER FOX: Mail. It was called mail.

NELSON FOX: (fondly nostalgic and kidding it slightly) Stamps. Envelopes.

JOE FOX: You know, I think I've heard of it.

I've always been a lover of two things. Movies and mail. Knowing this, it's easy to understand why my favorite movie of all time is absolutely, positively, without question You've Got Mail. Along with witty dialogue and great actors such as Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and Dave Chapellle, You've Got Mail is the perfect blend of my two favorite kinds of communication.

But what has happened to mail these days? In my mind it's slowly on its way out the door, which might be the most unfortunate thing that could ever happen to the human race. What do you think about mail? Effective or ineffective? Does it have a place in our future world? Let me know because i think it's great. I think it's just got to stay around. The Lords loves his people too much to take such an exciting, lovely,simple pleasure away from us.