Location: Office
Listening to: Piano Classics.
Avoiding: the end.
Seeing as it's Sunday night, and all my friends are either consumed with homework, with their families, or just can't talk. So tonight- good ol' blogger.com is my friend.
It's the beginning of the end.
I just attended seminary graduation, and it's weird. Tonight it hit me. Everyone is going to be going their separate ways in three weeks and I'm still going to be here with another year of high school left. It was weird sitting on a bench all alone watching them all get their diplomas.[there were a few tears in my eyes] Just weird. The end will come inevitably. There is no denying it. But I'm not going to dwell on it. I am going to simply party it up these last couple of weeks with them and even during the summer when they are around, and who knows there will probably be some crazy stuff that's going to go down in Provo next year. But needless to say, I will miss each and everyone of them in a different way. It's hard to imagine high school without them. All of my friends have had a profound influence in my life that I am eternally grateful for. All I can hope for now I that they don't forget me [i don't think any of them will] and make the most of the time I have left.
Here's to each and every on of you. To CHLOE for being my sister and giving me the best advice when I need it. To KYLIE for just being crazy with me and loving me just the way I am. no matter what. To TYLER VALE for being one of the best friends I have, and keeping me sane. To KELSSE for all the laughs and understanding my innate need to be loud. To MITCH for all the car rides, advice, good memories, laughs, "the staff", and just being my brother. To ERIKA for all the crazy adventures to the hot potts, girls nights, being top secret, and hanging with A.Smith. To NATHAN for being as level headed as he is-and playing the piano at our demand. To KINZIE for being my buddie in seminary (it was the best even when it was hard) and being a nerd with me to go hang out with our leaders, and all the crazy girls nights that we just sang Taylor Swift ate food and laughed for hours on end. To DIXON for being the sweetest, most innocent, caring, trustworthy, lovable girl I know and for being spontaneous with me and always making me smile. I love each and every single one of you with my whole heart. I feel and am simply privleged to have you in my life. I cannot even express how much I love you all, and this post doesn't even suffice. I have something special in mind. And for now, we party like this isn't ever going to stop. Becuase as brandnew says "We'll stay eighteen forever. so we can live like this forever." I love you all. Goodnight.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
An Addition
Location: The desk.
Listening to: Clair de lune. among other classics. i love the piano.
Avoiding: Reality.
Here's another little thing on optimism to consider. I will say no more, because President Hinkley words it so much more eloquently then I do-but it's exactly what I would have liked to say. Enjoy.
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism,” New Era, Jul 2001, 4
"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."
There never was a greater time in the history of the world to live upon the earth than this. How grateful every one of us ought to feel for being alive in this wonderful time with all the marvelous blessings we have. … And on top of all that is the Restoration of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with all of the keys and authority, with all the gifts and blessings, with all the organization and doctrine of all previous dispensations all brought into one. And you and I are partakers of that marvelous restoration (from Church News, Aug. 14, 1999, 7).
I see so many good people everywhere—and there’s so much of good in them. And the world is good. Wonderful things are happening in this world. This is the greatest age in the history of the earth. …
We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes. … You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen (from Ensign, June 1995, 4).
Truth will triumph
I suppose you have heard the story of the absent-minded professor who went shopping and lost his umbrella. Discovering his loss, he retraced his steps. At the first three stores on which he called, the clerks denied having found his umbrella. At the fourth store the clerk handed him the missing umbrella. He grumbled, “Thank goodness for an honest man. The other three told me they didn’t have it.”
I am inclined to think that notwithstanding the gains we see in the work of the Lord, notwithstanding the reformation we see in the lives of many people, we are prone to emphasize the problems and disregard the progress.
I [am] an optimist concerning the work of the Lord. I cannot believe that God has established His work in the earth to have it fail. I cannot believe that it is getting weaker. I know that it is getting stronger. …
I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail. I am not so naive as to believe there will not be setbacks, but I believe that “truth crushed to earth will rise again” (from Improvement Era, Dec. 1969, 97–98).
Be happy
I have a great and compelling sense of gratitude and optimism about the youth of the Church. In saying this, I do not wish to imply that all is well with all of them. There are many who have troubles, and many who live far beneath the high expectations we have concerning them.
But even considering these, I have great confidence in our young people as a whole. I regard you as the finest generation in the history of the Church. I compliment you, and I have in my heart a great feeling of love and respect and appreciation for you (from New Era, Sept. 1993, 4).
I have little doubt that many of us are troubled with fears concerning ourselves. We are in a period of stress across the world. There are occasionally hard days for each of us. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 4–5).
The Lord has said: “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made” (D&C 25:13).
I believe He is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people … who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine (from Ensign, Nov. 1984, 91–92).
The good news
Let us not partake of the negative spirit so rife in our times. There is so much of the sweet and the decent and the beautiful to build upon. We are partakers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel means “good news!” The message of the Lord is one of hope and salvation! The voice of the Lord is a voice of glad tidings! The work of the Lord is a work of glorious accomplishment!
In a dark and troubled hour the Lord said to those He loved: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
These great words of confidence are a beacon to each of us. In Him we may indeed have trust. For He and His promises will never fail (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 6).
Be positive
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4).
Let us go forward in this glorious work. How exciting and wonderful it is. I do not know how anybody can feel gloomy for very long who is a member of this Church. Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes. This is a day of prophecy fulfilled, … this great day in the history of this Church. This is the day which has been spoken of by those who have gone before us. Let us live worthy of our birthright. Keep the faith. Nurture your testimonies. Walk in righteousness, and the Lord will bless you and prosper you, and you will be a happy and wonderful people (from Ensign, Aug. 1996, 61).
Listening to: Clair de lune. among other classics. i love the piano.
Avoiding: Reality.
Here's another little thing on optimism to consider. I will say no more, because President Hinkley words it so much more eloquently then I do-but it's exactly what I would have liked to say. Enjoy.
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism,” New Era, Jul 2001, 4
"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."
There never was a greater time in the history of the world to live upon the earth than this. How grateful every one of us ought to feel for being alive in this wonderful time with all the marvelous blessings we have. … And on top of all that is the Restoration of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with all of the keys and authority, with all the gifts and blessings, with all the organization and doctrine of all previous dispensations all brought into one. And you and I are partakers of that marvelous restoration (from Church News, Aug. 14, 1999, 7).
I see so many good people everywhere—and there’s so much of good in them. And the world is good. Wonderful things are happening in this world. This is the greatest age in the history of the earth. …
We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes. … You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen (from Ensign, June 1995, 4).
Truth will triumph
I suppose you have heard the story of the absent-minded professor who went shopping and lost his umbrella. Discovering his loss, he retraced his steps. At the first three stores on which he called, the clerks denied having found his umbrella. At the fourth store the clerk handed him the missing umbrella. He grumbled, “Thank goodness for an honest man. The other three told me they didn’t have it.”
I am inclined to think that notwithstanding the gains we see in the work of the Lord, notwithstanding the reformation we see in the lives of many people, we are prone to emphasize the problems and disregard the progress.
I [am] an optimist concerning the work of the Lord. I cannot believe that God has established His work in the earth to have it fail. I cannot believe that it is getting weaker. I know that it is getting stronger. …
I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail. I am not so naive as to believe there will not be setbacks, but I believe that “truth crushed to earth will rise again” (from Improvement Era, Dec. 1969, 97–98).
Be happy
I have a great and compelling sense of gratitude and optimism about the youth of the Church. In saying this, I do not wish to imply that all is well with all of them. There are many who have troubles, and many who live far beneath the high expectations we have concerning them.
But even considering these, I have great confidence in our young people as a whole. I regard you as the finest generation in the history of the Church. I compliment you, and I have in my heart a great feeling of love and respect and appreciation for you (from New Era, Sept. 1993, 4).
I have little doubt that many of us are troubled with fears concerning ourselves. We are in a period of stress across the world. There are occasionally hard days for each of us. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 4–5).
The Lord has said: “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made” (D&C 25:13).
I believe He is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people … who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine (from Ensign, Nov. 1984, 91–92).
The good news
Let us not partake of the negative spirit so rife in our times. There is so much of the sweet and the decent and the beautiful to build upon. We are partakers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel means “good news!” The message of the Lord is one of hope and salvation! The voice of the Lord is a voice of glad tidings! The work of the Lord is a work of glorious accomplishment!
In a dark and troubled hour the Lord said to those He loved: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
These great words of confidence are a beacon to each of us. In Him we may indeed have trust. For He and His promises will never fail (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 6).
Be positive
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4).
Let us go forward in this glorious work. How exciting and wonderful it is. I do not know how anybody can feel gloomy for very long who is a member of this Church. Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes. This is a day of prophecy fulfilled, … this great day in the history of this Church. This is the day which has been spoken of by those who have gone before us. Let us live worthy of our birthright. Keep the faith. Nurture your testimonies. Walk in righteousness, and the Lord will bless you and prosper you, and you will be a happy and wonderful people (from Ensign, Aug. 1996, 61).
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The optimist
Location: Ze office
Listening to: She & him
Avoiding: CALCULUS. multiple choice is the vain of my existence.
today, children, we talk about optimism.
I have been recently told that "my optimism button is stuck in the on position." According to this person, I am what they like to call a "Blind optimist." I do believe this to be quite the contrary.
Optimism is defined by Websters as, an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions or events or to anticipate the best possible outcome. Some may say that this is simply done by ignoring the problem. That my friends is foolish. I would agree that blind optimism is not the right way to go about your problems. However, there is nothing wrong with being positive- which I do believe I have come to have a very good grip on.
I would call myself an optimist. And I'm not ashamed of that. When I have problems, I don't automatically think, "well this is never going to be fixed." or some other negative-straight-to-jail-do not-pass-go thought. I don't intentionally seek out bad situations. Rather, I assess the situation, and try to take the least negative route of dealing with the problem. And sometimes, the only thing you can do is hope for the best and push forward and take what comes your way in stride. Not to say that things don't bother me, they do. I, like any other person, have ups and downs, but how I deal with them is the biggest difference. It is said that optimism is a learned trait, as is pessimism. It has largely to do with environmental factors. Put simply, optimists emerge from difficult circumstances with less distress than that of pessimists. Even research has shown that optimists seem intent on facing problems head-on, taking active and constructive steps to solve their problems; pessimists are more likely to abandon their effort to attain their goals.
I may color my thoughts with the brightest of hues, and you may call me ignorant and annoying but it's not going to change anything. This is who I AM. I am an optimist. I am positive. I am colorful. I am complex. I am NOT ignorant. I will always shine, weather you like it or not. But sometimes, we just have to accept people as they are. I am learning every day. There is nothing wrong with being positive. Nothing wrong with wanting to do good. Nothing wrong with being me. Colorful. Loud. Optimistic. Outgoing me. Don't hate me for it. Learn to love it.
I can't help but have personality.
It's too much fun.
Listening to: She & him
Avoiding: CALCULUS. multiple choice is the vain of my existence.
today, children, we talk about optimism.
I have been recently told that "my optimism button is stuck in the on position." According to this person, I am what they like to call a "Blind optimist." I do believe this to be quite the contrary.
Optimism is defined by Websters as, an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions or events or to anticipate the best possible outcome. Some may say that this is simply done by ignoring the problem. That my friends is foolish. I would agree that blind optimism is not the right way to go about your problems. However, there is nothing wrong with being positive- which I do believe I have come to have a very good grip on.
I would call myself an optimist. And I'm not ashamed of that. When I have problems, I don't automatically think, "well this is never going to be fixed." or some other negative-straight-to-jail-do not-pass-go thought. I don't intentionally seek out bad situations. Rather, I assess the situation, and try to take the least negative route of dealing with the problem. And sometimes, the only thing you can do is hope for the best and push forward and take what comes your way in stride. Not to say that things don't bother me, they do. I, like any other person, have ups and downs, but how I deal with them is the biggest difference. It is said that optimism is a learned trait, as is pessimism. It has largely to do with environmental factors. Put simply, optimists emerge from difficult circumstances with less distress than that of pessimists. Even research has shown that optimists seem intent on facing problems head-on, taking active and constructive steps to solve their problems; pessimists are more likely to abandon their effort to attain their goals.
I may color my thoughts with the brightest of hues, and you may call me ignorant and annoying but it's not going to change anything. This is who I AM. I am an optimist. I am positive. I am colorful. I am complex. I am NOT ignorant. I will always shine, weather you like it or not. But sometimes, we just have to accept people as they are. I am learning every day. There is nothing wrong with being positive. Nothing wrong with wanting to do good. Nothing wrong with being me. Colorful. Loud. Optimistic. Outgoing me. Don't hate me for it. Learn to love it.
I can't help but have personality.
It's too much fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)