Writing 150: Evaluative Conclusion

Throughout the course of my first semester of college, I have been updating my blog based on class driven topics, pieces of my writings, and various inspirational moments in my life. As a student, I have been gearing my blog posts to my other classmates in hopes that they will begin to really understand me as a person.

As I have looked back throughout my blog, I have noticed two common themes among a good majority of my posts. One being that we must be a true disciples of Christ through our actions, thoughts, words, and deeds. On the other hand, the other common theme was about how much I admire and love my amazing family. Interestingly enough, I believe that these two different themes coincide with each other. To truly become a disciple of Christ and strive to follow all of his teachings, we must love our family. Understanding His Plan of Salvation is a vital part of his gospel. Also, as we begin to love our family more and allow more love in our life, we in return become more like our Savior, who has an endless amount of love for everyone.

Through this process of blogging, I have been able to realize how truly blessed I am. At times, life seems hard and maybe even impossible, but with the help of my Lord Jesus Christ, I can do anything. Like my post November 28 quotes, "when I'm feeling small, And wondering if I'll ever, find courage to stand tall. Through His love I remember, There's so much more to me. He helps me to see that I have so much to offer." I know that he will always be there for me if I ask. He loves me. He loves everyone. 

Turkey Day Wars

Turkey Day Wars

            As the miles got shorter, my anticipation increased. I had never before been so excited to see the glow of the city. The lights of Las Vegas. Home was only a few moments away and all I could think about was the traditional Egbert Thanksgiving family competitions.

            “Welcome home!” shouted my mom as I walked in. Her eyes sparkled and her kind, warm smile filled the kitchen. The familiar apple cinnamon candle captured my attention. It’s glow, burning from the back corner of the counter, filled my mind with so many memories. The seasonal decorations adorned the house. The oranges, the yellows, the reds. Handmade turkey drawings on the fridge prompted me to be thankful for what I had. On the dinning room table laid the cornucopia filled with plastic fruits and vegetables, which were surrounded by Indian corn.

            My mom’s concerned question, “How have you been?” finally brought me back to reality.

            “Good. I am just glad to finally be home,” I replied. I was at home! Home sweet home.

            One by one my dad and my siblings began to slowly show themselves. Dad, Lindsay, David, Kristen, Aaron, Joshua… “Joshua?” I thought. As my eyes traveled from one of my siblings to the next, they quickly fell on the youngest boy.

 “Wow! Joshua!” I shouted. “How in the…When did this…What the…You are tall! Man! You must have shot up at least a foot!” Only the look of embarrassment was shown in his face.

“Well, now that you are home who’s ready to begin the competition?” my mom asked. That was when I knew the long awaited traditional Egbert Thanksgiving family competitions were about to commence. The most popular events included a pie making contest and, of course, turkey bowling. No, not a turkey bowl, but actually bowling with a turkey. Mom had previously assigned this year’s groups. Mom and Dad would be the judges; Lindsay and Aaron were a team; David and Kristen would be together; and of course the greatest group of all, Joshua and myself. This was our year. It was obvious that we would win the title of The Greatest Egbert’s. No one would, or even could, get in our way.

I swiftly grabbed Joshua’s arm and dragged him to the computer in the kitchen to search for the greatest pie recipe. The pie competition was the most thrilling of them all, and we were bound to win.

“So, what kind of pie should we make? Fruit? Chocolate?” I asked as I searched the web.

“Whatever will make us win. So, chocolate,” replied Joshua. “Obviously.”

As I scrolled down the page, both of our eyes landed on the future Egbert pie winner. The Chocolate Oreo Fudge Pie. Its chocolaty goodness was all we could think about. This was definitely the one. The winner.

The next day all the teams were in the kitchen making their pies and in the process turning home sweet home into a mad house.

“Aaron, mix this!” Lindsay shouted.

“Kristen, that’s too much!” David cautioned.

“I need more sugar, Joshua!” I yelled from across the room.

Teammates sprinting around and around made it crazier every instant. The apple cinnamon candle could no longer be smelt as other aromas took over. Scents of chocolate, banana cream, and pizza…pizza?

“Why in the world does it smell like pizza?” Lindsay asked amidst her mixing and whipping.

Mischievously, David and Kristen revealed their masterful pie creation. The scent of the pizza sauce filled the room while the sizzling pepperonis made my mouth water. A pizza pie! What a genius invention. “But, how could they?” I thought. “That’s not even a real pie! That’s cheating!”

My dad then interrupted my angry thoughts, “You guys ready for turkey bowling?”

“Yeah!” everyone shouted at once. Quickly, we all shoved our finished pies in the refrigerator to cool and ran out to the street to bowl. And there it was. The bowling ally was set up. The turkey was frozen and ready to be bowled. Down the street, I could see the water bottles neatly spaced out across the asphalt posing as bowling pins. You could almost cut the tension with a knife.

“Youngest to oldest,” my oldest sibling, Lindsay called. (I am pretty sure she always says that just so she can see her competition.)

“What!” Joshua complained. “It is always like that! How come…Oh come on! Fine.” With one disapproving glance from Mom, Joshua agreed.

As he lined up for the bowl, everyone moved in. Time slowed down. All eyes were on Joshua. His arm swung back, then forward, then back, then forward, then back…

“Just bowl the turkey!” someone impatiently said from behind me.

And so, Joshua let go. It began to roll, and then it began to wobble.

“NO!” Joshua and I shouted together as a team. His bowl had veered off course only to produce a gutter turkey.

“Emily, it is all up to you,” Joshua reminded my already anxious self. I lined up, picked up the turkey, tested its weight, and finally let it go. It began to roll, and then it began to wobble.

“Oh!” my siblings yelled.

“You guys did not even get one pin!” David mocked.

The sadness began to build inside Joshua and I as we witnessed all of our other siblings slowly begin to knock the water bottle pins over. Lindsay and Aaron jumped and yelled with excitement as they knocked over pin after pin. Then, David and Kristen were up and ready to finish the game. Surprisingly, both teams’ skills were equally matched. Both of their points totaled 15 pins.

“Let’s have a bowl-off,” Dad suggested. “It is the only way to see who really won.”

Every single bowl made the inch-by-inch race almost unbearable.

Lindsay and Aaron bowled the frozen turkey and then David and Kristen bowled. In the end, the victors were Lindsay and Aaron. They strutted and gloated and celebrated. They had beaten everyone. They were the winners of the turkey bowl. Not me.

“Who’s ready for the pie tasting contest?” Dad shouted. Everyone forgot about their wins or loses and sprinted into the kitchen to taste the delicious variety of desserts. One by one, we all tried each other’s masterpieces.  Chocolate Oreo fudge pie, banana cream brownie pie, and pizza pie. How was I supposed to choose? They were all so scrumptiously satisfying. Finally, after much deliberation, everyone’s ballots were cast. Anticipation grew as my dad calculated the total points for each pie.

“And the winner is…” Dad paused for dramatic effect, “Lindsay and Aaron’s banana cream brownie pie!”

Failure.

“Everyone is a winner!” exclaimed my mom. She would. Okay, I guess if you think about it she was right. “I think we all had fun and that’s all that matters.” That is what is so great about my family. Everyone just loves everyone no matter what.

When all of the fabulous traditional Egbert Thanksgiving family competitions came to a close at the end of break, I started feeling sad at the thoughts of leaving home. It was time to go back to the reality of school, homework, and stress.

*     *     *

             As I looked out the window of the silver 2001 Hyundai Sonata, I saw my family waving good-bye on the sidewalk. How could I leave? With a full stomach from endless Turkey and a sore arm from baking and bowling, a smile crossed my lips as we pulled out of the driveway. With memories filled with happiness and relaxation, I finally pulled the car away from the curb. I watched as my parents and my siblings got smaller and smaller in the distance. 

Home Sweet Home (Draft)

Emily Egbert

Sister Steadman

Writing 150 T/Th       

26 November 2011

Home Sweet Home

            As the miles got shorter, my anticipation increased. I had never before been so rallied up to see the glow of the city. The lights of Las Vegas. Home sweet home was only a few moments away and all I could think about was the negative.

            “What if I do not fit in anymore? What if I have changed so much that everyone doesn’t like me?” These are the questions that plagued my mind the rest of the drive home. And when the car finally pulled up, my heart was a racecar, fast and furious.

            “Welcome home!” shouted my mom as I walked in. Her eyes sparkled and her kind, warm smile filled the kitchen. The familiar apple cinnamon candle captured my thoughts. It’s glow burning from the back corner of the counter brought back so many memories that happened in this home. So much joy, happiness, and love. I honestly asked myself, “and why was I worried?” The decorations around the house were beautiful. The oranges, the yellows, the reds. The plastic Indian corn on the table reminded me of the excitement and fun that was about to befall me. Handmade turkey drawings prompted me to be thankful for what I had.

            My mom’s concerned question, “How have you been?” finally brought me back to reality.

            “Good. I am just glad to finally be home,” I replied. And I think I honestly was glad. No matter how different I was, it was still home. Home sweet home.

            One by one my dad and my siblings began to slowly show themselves. Dad, Lindsay, David, Kristen, Aaron, Joshua… “Joshua?” I thought. As my eyes traveled from one of my siblings to the next, they quickly fell on the youngest boy.

 “Wow! Joshua!” I shouted. “How in the…When did this…What the…You are tall! Man! You must have shot up at least a foot.” Only the look of embarrassment was shown in his face.

“Well, who’s ready to begin the competition?” my mom asked. That was when I knew the long awaited traditional Egbert Thanksgiving family competitions were about to begin. The most popular events included a pie making contest and of course turkey bowling. No, not a turkey bowl, but actually bowling with a turkey. Mom had previously assigned this year’s groups. Mom and Dad would be the judges; Lindsay and Aaron were a team; David and Kristen would be together; and of course the greatest group of all, Joshua and myself. This was our year. It was obvious that we would win the title of The Greatest Egbert’s. No one would, or even could, get in our way.

I swiftly grabbed Joshua’s arm and dragged him to the computer in the kitchen to search for the greatest pie recipe. The pie competition was the most thrilling of them all and we were bound to win.

“So, what kind of pie should we make? Fruity? Chocolate?” I asked as I searched the web.

“Whatever will make us win. So, chocolate,” replied Joshua. “Obviously.”

As I scrolled down the page, both of our eyes landed on the future Egbert pie winner. The Chocolate Oreo Fudge Pie. Its chocolaty goodness was all we could think about. This was definitely THE one. THE winner.

The next day all the teams were in the kitchen making their pies and in the process turning home sweet home into a mad house. “Aaron, mix this!”, “Kristen, that’s too much!”, or “I need more sugar, Joshua!” was all that could be heard. Teammates sprinting around and around made it crazier every instant. The apple cinnamon candle could no longer be smelt. Only the delicious scents filled the kitchen. Scents of chocolate, banana cream, and pizza…pizza?

“Why in the world does it smell like pizza?” Lindsay asked amidst her mixing and whipping.

Mischievously, David and Kristen revealed their masterful pie creation. The scent of the red sauce filled the room while the sizzling pepperonis made my mouth water. A pizza pie! What a genius invention. “But, how could they?” I thought. “That’s not even a real pie! That’s cheating!”

My dad then interrupted my angry thoughts, “You guys ready for turkey bowling?”

“Yeah!” everyone shouted at once. Quickly, we all shoved our finished pies in the refrigerator to cool and ran out to the street to bowl. And there it was. The bowling ally was set up. The turkey was all frozen and ready to be bowled. Down the street, I could see the water bottles neatly spaced out across the asphalt posing as bowling pins. You could almost taste the tension in the air.

“Youngest to oldest,” my oldest sibling, Lindsay called. I am pretty sure she always says that just so she can see her competition.

“What!” Joshua complained. “It is always like that! How come…Oh come on! Fine.” With one disapproving glance from Mom, Joshua agreed.

As he lined up for the bowl, everyone moved in. Time slowed down. All eyes were on Joshua. His arm swung back, then forward, then back, then forward, then back, then forward, then back…

“Just bowl the turkey!” someone inpatient from behind me said.

And so Joshua let go. It began to roll, and then it began to wobble.

“NO!” Joshua and I shouted together as a team. His bowl had veered off course only to produce a gutter turkey.

“Emily, it is all up to you,” Joshua reminded my already nervous self. I lined up, picked up the turkey, tested its weight, and finally let it go. It began to roll, and then it began to wobble.

“Ohhhhhh!” my siblings yelled.

“You guys did not even get one pin!” David mocked.

The sadness began to build inside Joshua and I as we witnessed all of our other siblings slowly begin to knock the water bottle pins over. Lindsay and Aaron jumped and yelled with excitement as they knocked over pin after pin. Then, David and Kristen were up and ready to finish the game. Surprisingly, both teams’ skills were exactly the same. Both of their points ended up at 15 pins

“Let’s have a bowl-off,” Dad suggested. “It is the only way to see who really won.”

Every single bowl made the inch-by-inch race almost unbearable.

Lindsay and Aaron bowled the frozen turkey and then David and Kristen bowled. In the end, the victors were Lindsay and Aaron. They strutted and gloated and celebrated. They had beaten everyone. They were the winners of the turkey bowl. Not me.

“Who’s ready for the pie tasting contest?” Dad shouted. Everyone forgot about their wins or loses and sprinted into the kitchen to taste of the delicious variety of desserts. One by one, we all tried each others masterpieces.  Chocolate Oreo fudge pie, banana cream brownie pie, and pizza pie. How was I supposed to choose? They were all so scrumptiously satisfying. Finally, after much deliberation, everyone’s ballots were cast. Anticipation grew as my dad calculated the total points for each pie.

“And the winner is…” Dad paused for dramatic effect, “Lindsay and Aaron’s banana cream brownie pie!”

Failure.

“Everyone is a winner!” exclaimed my mom. She would. But, I guess if you think about it she was right. Maybe. “I think we all had fun so that’s all that matters.” Okay, she is right. That is what is so great about my family. Everyone just loves everyone no matter what.

As all of the fabulous traditional Egbert Thanksgiving family competitions came to a close, I started feeling sad at the thoughts of leaving home sweet home in Las Vegas. All the laughter, the fun, the inside jokes, I would miss all of it. In the end I realized that it did not matter if Joshua and I won the competitions or not, but it mattered whether we had fun and created happy memories with the family. I realized that it did not matter how much I had changed or grown at college, I would still be accepted by my family and they would still love me. And I realized that it did not matter how much fun I had at college or how many friends I made, I would always feel safer and happier when I was with my family in home sweet home.

I Am His Daughter

I have always loved this EFY song! It is so amazing to think about how Heavenly Father is my own Father, and like it says so many times, I am his daughter. It helps me to realize and see that I am truly important and I am loved. The line that I love the most says, "He is my strength when I stand." This is so true in my life. Without Him, I don't know what I would do it. I love him so much and am so blessed to have the knowledge that I can pray to him anytime my heart desires.

I Am His Daughter

The photos in the magazines

Don't dictate who I'm supposed to be

The world can't recognize, all that I am inside

But I know in His eyes, I am a part of, the bigger picture,

There's so much more to me

He helps me see that I have so much to offer

I am His daughter

He loves me the way I am,

He's my strength when I stand

He is my King, and my Father,

I am His daughter.

The people on the TV screen,

The leaders, rulers, and queens

I watch them shape the world,

And though I'm just a girl, I still know for sure, 

That I am a part of, the bigger picture

There's so much more to me

He helps me see that I have so much to offer

I am His daughter

He loves me the way I am,

He's my strength when I stand

He is my King, and my Father,

I am His daughter

And when I'm feeling small,

And wondering if I'll ever, find courage to stand tall

Through His love I remember

There's so much more to me

He helps me to see that I have so much to offer

I am His daughter

He loves me the way I am

He's my strength when I stand

He is my King, and my Father,

I am His daughter

My Favorite People

Although I was excited to come home for Thanksgiving break to see my family, I was a little nervous as well. So many people had told me that going home was a strange experience and that everything would be different. I was told that I would have to watch what I say and do around my parents. I was also told that there might be tension and possibly awkward situations. However, I was shocked to find that everything I had been told was false. Everything was still pretty much the same (except for my younger brother's height). I got along with my family, I talked with my family, and I even preferred hanging out with my family over my high school friends.

So this Thanksgiving I have decided that what I am the most grateful for is my family. I am grateful for my parents and my siblings. They are the kindest, funniest, weirdest, loveliest group of people that I know. I feel so happy and loved when I am around then. Everyone supports each other and cares what the other has to say. Yes, we have our little disagreements, but what family doesn't? We always have the greatest time with each other and always have so much to laugh about. I love all of our inside jokes and the fun activities we do together. Just this weekend, we had tennis matches, competitions, and temple trips. I just love them and am so excited that I have the blessed opportunity to live with them for eternity. They simply are my favorite people.

Cannon and Temple Wednesdays

Back at home in Las Vegas, I challenged my family to do baptisms together at least once a month. It was difficult with all eight of our busy schedules, but I wanted to see it happen. Everyone agreed and with each month we went, we felt our family growing closer and closer together. However, since my last visit to the temple with my family, I hadn't been until November 2. That night my roommate, the beautiful Sammy Stapley, invited me to go to the temple with her and some friends. Since I hadn't been to the Provo temple I was extremely excited. I got dressed in my Sunday best and headed out with Sammy. I had been stressing about school the past week but as soon as I entered the temple, I simply felt calm. I hadn't felt such peace for two months and I missed it! Then and there I decided that I would attend the temple more often.

So, a few of my friends and I decided to begin a weekly tradition of eating together at the cannon center and then going to the temple to do baptisms. We went last we and what an amazing experience it was! I was able to read my favorite scriptures in 3 Nephi while I was watching my close friends being baptized. It was such a happy feeling to know that all of my friends and I were making the right choices to all be worthy to attend the temple. I am so excited for tomorrow night when I get the opportunity to enter the House of the Lord once more.

Be a Righteous Example

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to attend devotional at the Marriott Center. At this devotional, the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Thomas S. Monson, addressed those in attendance. When he entered the Marriott Center, a hush feel over the audience and everyone stood in awed reverence. This was my second time I blessed to see the prophet and just as the first time, it was a remarkable experience.

In his address he talked about how as students her at BYU, we can be righteous examples to everyone. He talked about how the light of Christ is given to everyman. It is whether we choose to use it or not that matters. If we are truly followers of Christ, then we need to be a light to the world. We need to be able to illuminate the light and love of Christ in the midst of a dark world. The light and love of Christ can change human nature and changed humans can in return change the world.

One of my favorite quotes of President Monson's from his devotional today says that "we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but are actually spiritual beings having a human experience." We must not give up in the trials of this human experience, but we must have faith. For "faith and doubt can not exist at the same time in the same person."

As President Monson continued, he focused on the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and knowing for ourselves whether it was true or not. He challenged all of those in attendance to set aside time everyday to seek to know for ourselves whether the Book of Mormon was true or not, whether Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, and whether this church was the only true church. Knowing the truth will change our hearts and our minds

As he concluded, President Monson recited a quote that he feels we should all live by. It says, "You are more than what you become. Remember who you are. Remember." As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I must always remember that I am a daughter of God. I must illuminate the light and love of Christ where ever I go. I must be a righteous example.

The Beauty of Music

I had such an amazing experience today when i least expected it. I thought that I was going to be bored out of my mind and waste my time, but I was wrong. Today, I attended the Men's Choir and Women's Choir performance and it was beautiful! I had to attended for my voice class and at first I was a little upset that I had to spend my Saturday afternoon watching and listening to people sing. Yes, I do usually enjoy attending choir concerts, but seriously, on a Saturday? So, of course I went with a negative, sarcastic attitude.

However, as the music started, that negative attitude of mine quickly changed and I thought it was incredible. Both choirs started out with spiritual songs about the Savior and as I listened, I began thinking of my own life. I thought of how blessed I am to know that the Savior lives and that he cares for me. One of the songs talked about how he knows every need and every sorrow and every trial we go through. I thought of the stresses in my life right and simply felt calm. I knew I would have to face everything and that it would be hard, but I knew that it would be okay. Overall, I am happy that I was able to "waste" my time by attending the vocal performance because I loved it!

Magazines' Effect on the Body-Image of Adolescent Girls

Starting around the 7th grade, I began to have a health problems. I starting fainting sporadically, having feelings of overwhelming nausea,  and feeling extremely lethargic on a daily basis. My mom began taking me to many different doctors, but not until this last summer were the doctors able to figure out anything. They found out that I had a mild form of hypoglycemia and that my thyroid was hypo active. With both of these combined, they found that my body reacted strangely to sugars, carbohydrates, fats, and other various factors. As a result, I consulted often with a nutritionist who trained me in the science of nutrition and exercise. As strange as if may sound, I am grateful for my health problems because through it I was able to discover one of my biggest passions in life, which is the effect of diet and exercise on the human body. Also, through my training I became extremely interested in body image and eating disorders So when my class was asked to write down our three biggest passions in life and then choose one to write an issues paper about, I choose to write about how viewing magazines negatively effects adolescent girls self-image, their drive to be thin, and as a result, their overall health.

To start this assignment, I began researching in the library with our class. From the articles I read there, I have learned that adolescent girls are the most vulnerable to negative practices and ideas than males or any other female of a different age. They are pressured to meet unrealistic and unattainable "perfect body" goals seen in magazines. Some of these negative "practices" and "ideas" include adolescent girls' drive to be thin, their desire for social acceptance, body dissatisfaction, body image distortion, and unhealthy practices/habits such as excessive exercising and dieting, the usage of laxatives, and extreme eating disorders.

As I continue on in my research I am excited to be able to learn more. I may not be as excited to write the actual paper but I am happy to be informing others of what I know!

Time for Writing Reflection

Surprising to myself I enjoyed writing this rhetorical analysis paper. The speech that I choose was  "Women's Rights are Human Rights" by Hillary Clinton and it discussed the injustices of women throughout the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the speech because it motivated me to desire change in the world concerning the cruel way women are treated. It was such a structured assignment and because it was so structured, it was easier to organize my thoughts and write them in my paper. I loved how we were given the essay outline because I just followed exactly what it instructed. It was difficult at first to get started but as soon as I began my body paragraphs it seemed to flow. The hardest part of the essay for me was writing the thesis. It was difficult to explain all of the ideas that I had for my paper in a logical statement.   I am really grateful that we were allowed to have our instructor conferences. At my conference, we figured out how to better state my thesis in order to coherently include everything. The conference was also effective in that it helped me continue on in editing and organizing my paper. If allowed I would like to have a short conference before I turn any other papers so that I can correctly check my thesis and any other major errors. From this assignment I have noticed that in everyday speech people tend to use rhetorical devices in order to persuade others. However, they consciously do not know which tools they are using or even that that they are using them. I have even caught myself using certain devices while talking to my friends. Even thought this assignment was difficult, overall, I feel that it was beneficial to me as a writer and a student.

           

The Plan of Happiness

Today in relief society our lesson was on the post-mortal spirit world. At first I was listening, but not really listening with my heart. Then one of the teachers mentioned how the knowledge of the plan of happiness not only blesses us as individuals but as friends able to help others with difficult times in their lives. I immediately thought of my best friend from high school and the struggle she went through during our junior year of high school.

 I remember walking out to lunch just like any other day. My friend then came up to me and as I looked at her I could tell something was wrong. She was crying and when I pulled her to the side she informed me that her best friend from her childhood had been killed in a car accident. Her friend was on his way home from a motocross tournament up in the mountains. As he was on his way down the canyon with his trailer full of motocross bikes, his car hit some ice on the road and started rolling down the canyon. Her friend was killed instantly. I did not know exactly what to say to her but i just tried to comfort her with the knowledge that he was in the care of our Savior. I told her that she would see him again and that it would all be okay. She is Mormon so she fully understood the Plan of Happiness, but I still could never imagine the pain that she went through and still feels knowing that he is gone. She has told me how grateful she is that I was there that day to help her and to remind her of our Heavenly Father's plan.

I am so grateful to have known how to comfort her and to know that no matter what she will get to see her friend again. I am so grateful to know that the Plan of Happiness is real. Through it, I know that I will be able to see my grandfathers who have previously passed on. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ I will be able to live with my family forever. I know that if I live righteously I will receive the miraculous blessing of living with my Savior and my Father in Heaven again. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father and I know that they love me. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Persuasive Appeals of Hillary Clinton

Here's just a piece from my rhetorical analysis paper:

“Women’s Rights are Human Rights”: Hillary Clinton’s Use of Anaphora

            The United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Plenary Session occurred September 4^th-15^th, 1995, in Beijing, China. At this Conference, over 4,750 delegates from 189 countries gathered to discuss the issue of the violation of women’s rights. On September 5^th, one of the speakers for the conference was first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton. In her speech, “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” she educates and motivates the delegates of the conference to fight for the rights of women by using anaphoras to demonstrate ethos and provide a logical argument.

            Clinton’s first use of an anaphora occurs within paragraph nine. She speaks of edifying experiences Clinton increases her appeal to ethos. She explains, As Clinton recounts all of her experiences, her credibility in the eyes of her audience is increased. The delegates of the conference have a basis from which to trust her. They see her passion in the fight for women’s rights from which she hopes they are more willing to join her cause.

            Clinton effectively uses another passionately worded anaphora to inform the delegates of the conference what exactly “is a violation of human rights”. In doing so, she increases the clarity and the tension of her argument, thus providing her with a compelling argument. Repeatedly she defines that “It is a violation of human rights when, drowned, or suffocated…It is a violation of human rights when women and girls are sold into the slavery of prostitution…It is a violation of human rights when women are…burned to death…It is a violation of human rights when individual women are raped…It is a violation of human rights when a leading cause of death…is the violence…in their own homes…It is a violation of human rights when young girls are brutalized by…genital mutilation…It is a violation of human rights when women are forced to have abortions or [be] sterilized against their will” (para. 19-25).

One cannot argue against the fact that Clinton’s address “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” in the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Plenary Session, affected the delegates in attendance. Through her use of multiple anaphoras, Clinton was able to inform the delegates of the problems that the women of the world face and motivate them to work for a change.

Become a Witness of Christ

Today in sacrament meeting, we had 3 exceptional talks. The second one was given by a girl named Stephanie and I thought that it was very interesting. Her focus was on the gospel principle that out the mouth of two to three witnesses every word shall be established. She mention how important this teaching was and explained how it was stated multiple times throughout the scriptures, including in Deut. 17:16, Deut. 19:15, 2 Cor. 13:1, Matt. 18:16, D&C 6:28, D&C 128:3, and many more. This repetition of a gospel principle helps to emphasize the importance that the Lord establishes his work and purposes through multiple speakers. Stephanie then continued her talk by giving example of where this principle is applied within the church. She gave the example of general conference. The Lord does not call just his prophet to speak to us, but he asks his prophet, his first presidency, his twelve apostles, and his quorums of seventy. She then spoke of missionaries preaching as a pair, each testifying of the truthfulness of this gospel. The Book of Mormon and the Bible also work as companions, both testifying of Jesus Christ as the Savoir of the World. She mentioned the three witnesses of the book of Mormon and explained that because of their testimonies, many were convinced that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. Stephanie also explained how she thought that it was interesting that in sacrament meeting we never have just the bishop speak week after week like a pastor or a priest would in another church. Instead, we always have new speakers giving new insight and bearing their testimonies, or in other words, every week we have more and more witnesses testifying of Christ and of his gospel.

After giving more examples of this gospel principle, Stephanie challenged all of the students in my ward to become a true witness of Christ and to not be "ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16). She then referenced Mosiah 18:9 by telling us to "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places." I immediately thought of the common theme of New Media in general conference and in our Writing 150 class. Both in conference and in class, it has been instructed to not be afraid "to share the gospel," through the use of the internet, "and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration" (Perspectives on New Media pg. 4). For it has been commanded that we must talk of Christ and rejoice in Christ. I personally know that I can do better at sharing the message of the gospel online. I know that if I do I can be an example to my non-member and member friend and become a true witness of Christ. Overall, I want to live like my favorite quote suggests:

"LIVE in such a way that those who know YOU, but don't know CHRIST, will want to know CHRIST because they know YOU" (unknown).

Go Cougars!

Yesterday was my first BYU football game as a BYU student and let me just say, I was incredibly excited! I was a little hesitant in using my money to buy a ticket but I decided that to make the homecoming game my first game would be a fabulous idea. So I bought my ticket as I was waiting for my teacher conference with Sister Steadman on Thursday and every moment from then until the game was just thrilling!

When Saturday came I could hardly control my excitement and when I was invited to go to my friends house for a pre-game dinner I could not help but grin from ear to ear. For dinner we decided to make cinnamon french toast which was such a great idea! Then, as I walked from my friends apartment in Wyview Park to the game, my excitement increased to a level that I did not know was even possible. I began running and skipping and dancing towards the entrances with my ticket in hand. (and yes, I am pretty confident when I say that the ticket man thought I was insane).

When I finally entered the grand stadium, I was so happy and proud to be a cougar! Many of the students here at BYU that I have talked to always talk negatively about our sports teams and athletes (specifically Jake Heaps right now), but no matter what happens on the field, no matter how arrogant the athletes can be, I am so grateful to be apart of the big BYU family. As the game began and all throughout the game I was so happy to be there. I do not know absolutely everything there is to know about football, but I still enjoyed it immensely. As the game concluded I was so pleased that we had won! Overall, I had such a great experience and I can not wait to go to my next BYU football game.

Through the Deceptive Currents of Life, We MUST Choose Eternal Life

I loved the October 2011 General Conference! It was the first time that I ever had the opportunity to attend and to see the prophet of the Lord. The spirit was so strong when President Thomas S. Monson walked in, and overall it was such an amazing experience! One of my favorite talks in the conference was given during the Sunday afternoon session by Elder Randall K. Bennett of the Seventy. His talk, entitled "Choose Eternal Life", was focused around Lehi's prophecies in which Lehi counsels that we are "free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" (2 Nephi 2:27).

In order to portray this scripture, Elder Bennett decided to compare our choices in life to a personal experience of his through the use of an analogy. In doing so, he creates a mental picture which engages the audience and edifies his pathos. He told a story of how he was at a beach on a family vacation. On the beach there was a sign warning everyone of the strong currents. It advised people not to swim into open water. Thinking that this sign did not apply to him, he decided to swim anyways. Before he knew what was happening the deceptive currents had captured him; however, the life guard on duty saw Elder Bennett swimming out toward the current and knowing that he would not make it, he patiently waited for Elder Bennett to call for help. (para. 5). Similarly in our lives today, we hear the words of our living prophets advising us to stay away from the adversary and the dangers of the world. Too often we consider these rules to not apply to us, decide to not follow them, and without knowing it are eventually engulfed by the deceptive currents of the adversary. However, the Lord, like the life guard in the story, is always looking out for us. He is there when we need his help. All we have to do ask and he will guide us back to the light of his gospel. This analogy helps to explain that through the rough waters of life, the Lord is always there, if we but have the courage to ask. This feeling of hope and message of trusting in the Lord evokes an emotional response within his audience.

Mentioned in 2 Nephi, we do have a choice of either eternal life or captivity of the adversary, but as an apostle of the Lord, Elder Bennett is able to use his ethos to advise us to choose eternal life. He states, "It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!" (para. 1 & 24). Being called of God, he is extremely credible. Therefore, his audience can trust him and follow his advice. Although life is difficult with the deceptive currents of the world all around us, we must not allow the adversary to slowly lead us away unknowingly. We must follow all of God's teachings regardless of how relevant they may seem to us. We must choose to follow Elder Bennett's advice to choose eternal life. I know that if we listen to what Elder Bennett's said and choose eternal life, we will truly be happy--not only in this life, but in the life to come.

My Week of Gratitude

For my Book of Mormon class I have Brother Todd Parker and I absolutely love him and all of his class lectures. One of the assignments that he has given to his classes is titled the "Application Paper". In this assignment we are all to choose a scripture each week and focus on living the message and doctrine that it teaches. We then must write a one page response describing how we applied this doctrine into our lives and what our thoughts on it were. This past week i choose to pick 2 Nephi 9:52 in which it says "...remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night..." I really enjoy this scripture because it focuses on how we should be grateful for all that we are given. So to apply this scripture I decided to make this last week my week of gratitude. I decided that when I prayed I would only pray about things that I was grateful for and not for things that I wanted or desired. I tried to have a positive attitude in everything that I did. Whenever something bad happened I tried to think of what was good about that situation or what I could possibly learn from it. At first this was difficult and I really had to focus on what I was saying, but I knew that it was be pleasing to the Lord so I decided to continue with it.

During my week of gratitude i specifically remember one event that really stood out to me and made me wonder how grateful I really was for everything. It occurred when I was, as always, dying, sweating, and struggling up that Freshman hill in between to Helamen Halls and the Tanner building (I am sure most of you know exactly what I am talking about). Then out of no where some guy walked past me whistling the song "Count Your Many Blessings". At first I was thinking, "Wow, this guy is really...interesting...", but then as I continued to trek up the steep daunting hill I started thinking about the words to the song. The words had so much more meaning to me as i realized how much God truly does for me on a daily basis and because of my dedicated week of gratitude I was able to see how much He really does love me. I am so blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I am so grateful to know that if I live righteously I will be able to live with my family forever. I am so grateful to know that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me. So I guess you could say that I completely fulfilled my Book of Mormon class requirement and applied the scriptures to my life by making my past week my week of gratitude!

The forget-me-not

This past weekend was the first general relief society address I have ever watched or listened to. I have to admit that I really enjoyed it, but it also felt weird to know that I am now a member of the relief society because I still as if I am too young. In the address, my favorite talk was the concluding talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. As he began he shared a German legend about a flower called a forget-me-not. The legend says that during the creation, God created all of the plants and animals and then named them. However, this flower was so small that it thought that the Lord had forgotten about him. So the flower shouted out to the Lord, "Forget me not!" However, the Lord forgets nothing and no one; so "forget-me-not" became the name of this beautiful flower. Uchtdorf then relates all people to this flower saying that as humans we forget many things, but to try to perfect ourselves and attempt to become like God, we must follow five "forget-me-not" rules.

The first rule is to "forget not" to be compassionate and patient with yourself. As children of God, we must realize that we are not perfect and that no one else around us is perfect. God wants us to stop comparing our weaknesses to other strengths. However, this does not mean that we are to stop working on becoming better people, it means that we must stop punishing ourselves when we feel we are lacking in certain areas. Then, with God's help, we will be able to turn these weaknesses into our own strengths.

The second rule  is that we must "forget not" the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. One example Uchtdorf gave of a good sacrifice is when you dedicate time for studying the scriptures or preparing for a lesson. On the other hand, a foolish sacrifice would be to stay up late and sacrifice sleep in order to stitch the title of your lesson into potholders. We must ask ourselves, "am i committing my time and energies to the things that matter most in this life?"

As a third rule, Uchtdorf said to "forget not" to be happy now. He explained this through the use of another analogy in which he talked about the children's story "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". He said that people tend to always be waiting for the next "Golden Ticket" in life and then once it comes, they can not wait for the next ticket to arrive. It is not bad to be excited and look forward to the upcoming event in our lives, but the problem comes when we put our happiness on hold. “The lesson here," Uchtodorf said, "is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-not's that are all around us."

Uchtdorf's fourth rule is that we must "forget not" the "why" of the gospel. As humans, we tend to see the gospel as a long "to-do" list and once we have finished, we simply check things off. We know what the Lord wants us to do, but we can sometimes forget why. This gospel is not an obligation but a pathway that we ourselves can choose. If we choose it, it will bring us happiness in this life and in the life to come.

The last "forget-me-not" rule is to "forget not" that the Lord loves you. Like the forget-me-not flower we can sometimes feel as if we are forgotten, small, and insignificant in this world, but as a child of God, we are never forgotten and we are always loved.

As Uchtdorf concluded his talk he asked the sisters in the meeting to make sure that the other "forget-me-not" flowers are not forgotten by being kind and loving to others. As a daughter of God, I know that my Father in Heaven loves me and knows me individually. He knows everyone and loves everyone just as much. I know that at times it feels as if I am alone, but i never truly am. He will always be there for me and He will always love me. I am so grateful for this gospel and the opportunity to know that I can live with my creator again. I know that President Uchtdorf is called of God and that he receives inspiration directly from God. I know that if i follow his words given through his living prophets, i will be blessed and be able to live with him once more.

An Inspired Calling

To start off this post I would like to explain how amazing my mom is and I know that I have already bragged about my spectacular family, but I simply can not resist doing it again! My mom is one of the most compassionate and service oriented people I have every meet. She is always the one to offer service to anyone in need and is known throughout our stake and community as the kindest lady. To some, her nickname is "Angel" and it is obvious why...she is simply AMAZING!!!

Ever since I was little, I remember my mom trying to teach my siblings and I how to be kind, compassionate, and offer service towards others. Every night at the dinner table she would ask us all what we had done that day to serve others. It did not matter if what we had to say was big or small, we just had to say something. Sometimes it would be hard to remember to give service to someone but because of my mom's teachings, it has become easier to notice the needs of others.

As I headed off this past month to come up to BYU, my mom gave me one last piece of advice. She told me that everything would be difficult and strange as I started my new life away from home. However, she warned me that I should never forget how to serve and be compassionate towards others. So this past month I have been praying and asking the Lord how I could follow my mom's advice better. Then in church my bishop announced that they would be giving out callings. Of course i was freaking out thinking that i was going to be called to be Relief Society President, but when the call came I was surprised and excited. My bishop called me to be the compassionate service leader for my ward. I am not fully aware of everything that this calling entitles but I know that it was called of God and that he was answering my prayers. Whatever I am asked to do, I know that the Lord will help me. He loves me and with the help of Him and my mother, I will be able to become a kinder and more compassionate person and be able to fulfill my calling to the best of my ability.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I would just like to start off  by saying that I love my family so much and that they are the absolutely the greatest! I love my parents and my siblings like crazy and no other family can even try to compare! Sorry to brag, but I am just blessed! :) Having come from such an amazing family, I have such a strong testimony of the plan of Salvation. I love my siblings and my parents so much and am so grateful to know that I will have the opportunity to live with all of them again if i live righteously. As a latter-day saint, I am blessed to have modern day prophets who receive direct revelation from God for our day. In one of their recent addresses to the world, titled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", the first presidency and the council of the twelve apostles discusses the divine right of individual children of God, the sacredness of the institution of the family, and the roles of a father and a mother.

Individually we are all described as "beloved spirit son[s] or daughter[s] or heavenly parents" and were all created in the image of our Father in Heaven. With this knowledge we must learn to treat others with kindness and remember that everyone is a sacred creation of our Heavenly parents. We must act accordingly in order to receive our divine inheritance. We all came to earth to obtain a physical body and learn how to become like our Savior, a perfect being.

Continuing on, the proclamation starts to focus less on the individual and more on a man and wife as equal partners. As the Lord commands in Genesis 1:28, we must "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" in order to build his kingdom up and allow other spirit children the opportunity to obtain a physical body. However, these sacred powers are to only be used between a husband and wife and as husband and wife, they must raise their children unto the Lord. Each child is "entitled to birth" and as a child of God they must be provided for, loved, and taught of the ways of Christ. These are parents "sacred dut[ies]".

As most people know, happiness and successful relationships do not simply come. You must work for them. In my own family I know this to be true because we have not always been as close with each other as we are now. We have always loved each other and enjoyed each others company, but only after many years have we built strong relationships with one another. In this proclamation, it is advised that in order to have a happy family, your lives must be centered around the Savior and his teachings. Fathers must "preside" and "provide" for their families while mothers must be "responsible for the nurture of their children". Together with the Lord a happy and strong family unit can be built. I am so grateful for my parents willingness to follow the prophets teachings. They always have loved me and my siblings unconditionally and have always taught my family in love and righteousness. I LOVE MY ETERNAL FAMILY!!!!!!

A Child of God

For my writing 150 class I was recently assigned to read "A Child of God" by President Henry B. Erying. In this address, it is stressed that to pursue educational excellence here at BYU everyone must know that they are children of God and what specifically that divine right entails. President Erying began by saying that as children of God, we must free ourselves of pride for it is "the great spiritual destroyer" of all men. Instead, we must become humble because "the way to humility is also the doorway to educational excellence". To combat pride we must remember our Heavenly Father and the atoning sacrifice our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As the talk continues, President Erying highlights what he believes to be the greatest five characteristic behaviors to be a great learner and achieve educational excellence. The first characteristic behavior is to welcome and seek out correction. This can be hard because as humans we like to think that our thoughts and actions are correct and perfect. When in reality, others can see our divine heritage as more than we are. The second characteristic behavior is to keep commitments. In a learning community, we must live up to society's "accepted standards". In doing so others will trust us more and in return, they will keep their commitments with us. President Erying's third characteristic is that great learners work hard and know that "hard work is the only reasonable option". The fourth characteristic is service to others. Learners who are willing to help others are not "absorbed only in themselves" but have the ability to see that "every person they will ever meet is a child of God". The fifth and final characteristic is that a great learner expects resistance and overcomes it. Yes various aspects of our lives can become extremely difficult; however, we can't get too discouraged because resistance polishes us for the better. As President Erying concludes his talk he says that the time to start to pursue educational excellence is now. Having grown up in the church I already knew from a young age that I was a child of God, but I had never combined that knowledge with my education. I must realize the divine heritage of myself and of others around me and I must "do it now".