Ever since the first week here I've had this weird desire to see at least one person I knew from home. I didn't think this was likely, but I was wrong! In June we were having a 'Meet the Branch' activity. I thought one of the members looked a lot like a seminary teacher I had as a freshmen but then I figured there was no way. Well when she introduced herself she said, "...I taught seminary in Provo." Then I blurted out, "Oh my goodness, you were my seminary teacher." We didn't have time to talk because we made the connection right before we had to rotate to meet other members in a different room. So later while we were having refreshments she came up and gave me a big hug and said she remembered me and Marie. (Marie was in the class as well and we had so much fun.)
It has been so fun to come to church and see a familiar face from my past. It's always fun to catch up on each other's week, and she gives the greatest hugs! Plus we're slowly recalling memories from 6 years a go. Well today she taught the Relief Society lesson and I had serious deja vu. It was so great. Later we saw each other at the Garden of Gethsemane and we talked for a little while. Who'd have thought that I'd have the opportunity to discuss the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane with my seminary teacher who taught me the New Testament? I have been so blessed.
"Each life that touches our for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love." (Hymn #293)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Last week I went to Bethlehem. At first I was having a hard time picturing the modern city of Bethlehem thousands of years a go. Then we walked through the older part of the city and I could see Joseph leading the donkey with Mary on it walking through the crowded, narrow streets seeking for refuge.
We went to the Nativity cave and it was...different. The nativity cave now has a big shrine built around it. It doesn't look like a cave at all because it's all decorated with big, gaudy ornamentations. I touched the exact spot where Christ was born. It was neat but definitely interesting. Talk about the plain and precious things being taken away.
My favorite part of the day was when we went to a nearby cave where St. Jerome, a monk, lived and translated the Bible into Latin. This translation was kind of a parent to other translations of what is now the King James Version of the Bible. All of the students and teachers (80+ people) crammed into this little cave and we sang Christmas carols. Because this cave isn't as 'famous' as the nativity cave it hadn't been all decorated. It was just a simple cave and so it was very easy to picture the humble nativity scene there. I'm so grateful for that night so long ago. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father would send his son Jesus Christ and I'm grateful Jesus Christ came to redeem and save us all.
When we were singing I thought a lot about all of the angels rejoicing and singing praises. I don't know exactly where I was this sacred night but I like to think I was looking down on that beautiful scene smiling and singing.
We went to the Nativity cave and it was...different. The nativity cave now has a big shrine built around it. It doesn't look like a cave at all because it's all decorated with big, gaudy ornamentations. I touched the exact spot where Christ was born. It was neat but definitely interesting. Talk about the plain and precious things being taken away.
My favorite part of the day was when we went to a nearby cave where St. Jerome, a monk, lived and translated the Bible into Latin. This translation was kind of a parent to other translations of what is now the King James Version of the Bible. All of the students and teachers (80+ people) crammed into this little cave and we sang Christmas carols. Because this cave isn't as 'famous' as the nativity cave it hadn't been all decorated. It was just a simple cave and so it was very easy to picture the humble nativity scene there. I'm so grateful for that night so long ago. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father would send his son Jesus Christ and I'm grateful Jesus Christ came to redeem and save us all.
When we were singing I thought a lot about all of the angels rejoicing and singing praises. I don't know exactly where I was this sacred night but I like to think I was looking down on that beautiful scene smiling and singing.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Classroom Etiquette by Becky Dayton
So you want to raise your hand?
• Wait until the teacher at least finishes his sentence. Likelihood is he’ll answer your question.
• If the teacher makes eye contact with you while your hand is raised and they keep talking then there’s no need to keep holding your hand up. The teacher saw it and obviously doesn’t want to answer your question. Just put your hand down. Maybe they’ll come back to you.
• Have you been paying attention in class? No? Then don’t raise your hand and have the teacher repeat something because you weren’t listening.
• Don’t ask questions/make statements just to make yourself look smart. (While I was reading The Odyssey I found…)
• Limit your questions. Everyone has questions and comments (most of us just don’t say them) so don’t take all the space.
• There’s no need to hold your hand straight up, a 90 degree angle will suffice.
• Ask yourself, “Does the whole class need to hear this question, or could it wait until after class?”
• Don’t, under any circumstance, raise your hand when there’s >1 min. left of class. Some of us have countdowns going on and you’re totally messing them up! This is especially uncalled for when there is a meal right after class.
So you want to sit behind me? Great just don’t:
• Scratch my back
• Play with my hair (I love this, just not in class)
• Jiggle my chair
• Stick your foot up on my chair. It’s just gross, Okay? Especially if you have bare feet.
• Answer questions the students ask the teachers. I’m pretty sure the teacher knows more than you do so just let them answer okay?
• Whisper constantly.
• Shush other people. You know the, “SHHHH!!!” The shushers always get to me…
So you are teaching the class. Here are a few pointers for you:
• Never snap at the students, it makes us want to hurt you.
• Don’t stop your lecture every time a student talks and say, “Listen to me. This is very important. I want you to do well on your final.” I’m sorry, but students are going to talk every once in a while, and if you stop every time one of them talks when there are 80+ students, well that’s just a waste of time.
• Don’t give us reading in size 8 font. This also makes us want to hurt you.
• Keep up with the breaks half way through they class. They make me happy.
• Don’t schedule midterms so they last for more than two weeks! Coordinate with other teachers. Okay?
• We do love those take home quizzes. Keep them coming.
• Don’t assign a 15 page (mostly single spaced paper) midterm for a two credit class. That’s just not nice.
So you are trying to stay awake. Here are a few suggestions:
• Write a poem
• Doodle
• MASH (classic)
• Actually take notes on what the teacher is saying…
The basic idea is to stay awake while at least paying ½ attention. Do things that will allow you to still take notes and listen. Don’t do things that will distract others. If you’re not going to pay attention at least keep it to yourself.
Most importantly never, ever blog during class. That’s just totally inappropriate. Seriously though don’t think I’m a bad student after reading this. I almost always pay attention in class. Not many people get the opportunity to take these classes and I know I’m very lucky. I’ll start trying harder. Tomorrow.
• Wait until the teacher at least finishes his sentence. Likelihood is he’ll answer your question.
• If the teacher makes eye contact with you while your hand is raised and they keep talking then there’s no need to keep holding your hand up. The teacher saw it and obviously doesn’t want to answer your question. Just put your hand down. Maybe they’ll come back to you.
• Have you been paying attention in class? No? Then don’t raise your hand and have the teacher repeat something because you weren’t listening.
• Don’t ask questions/make statements just to make yourself look smart. (While I was reading The Odyssey I found…)
• Limit your questions. Everyone has questions and comments (most of us just don’t say them) so don’t take all the space.
• There’s no need to hold your hand straight up, a 90 degree angle will suffice.
• Ask yourself, “Does the whole class need to hear this question, or could it wait until after class?”
• Don’t, under any circumstance, raise your hand when there’s >1 min. left of class. Some of us have countdowns going on and you’re totally messing them up! This is especially uncalled for when there is a meal right after class.
So you want to sit behind me? Great just don’t:
• Scratch my back
• Play with my hair (I love this, just not in class)
• Jiggle my chair
• Stick your foot up on my chair. It’s just gross, Okay? Especially if you have bare feet.
• Answer questions the students ask the teachers. I’m pretty sure the teacher knows more than you do so just let them answer okay?
• Whisper constantly.
• Shush other people. You know the, “SHHHH!!!” The shushers always get to me…
So you are teaching the class. Here are a few pointers for you:
• Never snap at the students, it makes us want to hurt you.
• Don’t stop your lecture every time a student talks and say, “Listen to me. This is very important. I want you to do well on your final.” I’m sorry, but students are going to talk every once in a while, and if you stop every time one of them talks when there are 80+ students, well that’s just a waste of time.
• Don’t give us reading in size 8 font. This also makes us want to hurt you.
• Keep up with the breaks half way through they class. They make me happy.
• Don’t schedule midterms so they last for more than two weeks! Coordinate with other teachers. Okay?
• We do love those take home quizzes. Keep them coming.
• Don’t assign a 15 page (mostly single spaced paper) midterm for a two credit class. That’s just not nice.
So you are trying to stay awake. Here are a few suggestions:
• Write a poem
• Doodle
• MASH (classic)
• Actually take notes on what the teacher is saying…
The basic idea is to stay awake while at least paying ½ attention. Do things that will allow you to still take notes and listen. Don’t do things that will distract others. If you’re not going to pay attention at least keep it to yourself.
Most importantly never, ever blog during class. That’s just totally inappropriate. Seriously though don’t think I’m a bad student after reading this. I almost always pay attention in class. Not many people get the opportunity to take these classes and I know I’m very lucky. I’ll start trying harder. Tomorrow.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I Love the Hymns
I have so many things to say, and I've come to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try I can't tell you everything. So I've decided to share a journal entry. My thoughts were all over the place, but I still wanted to share it:
It is a beautiful Sabbath morning and I'm in the Garden of Gethsemane. I've come here once before, but I was on the outskirts and I didn't stay for long. We just spent the last half hour singing Hymns. Now as I try to think of words to express my feelings I can only hear others testimonies that have been written down in Hymns.
"Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord, I'll share they love again according to thy word."
I am so blessed to be here. I know that I'm only here because of the love others have shown to me. I'm here because of the love Jesus Christ proved when he suffered in this very garden thousands of years a go.
"Come cast your burdens on the Lord and trust his constant care."
How easy this is. Because of the Atonment I can truly cast any trial any heartache that comes my way on the Lord. He will take care of it. With his help I can be led home.
"To those who fall how kind thou art."
I am imperfect and I will always be imperfect. I've made so many mistakes and I know I'm not done making them. It's so comforting to know that even with my mistakes Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are ready to welcome me in with open arms. I'm so thankful for the gift of repentance, this gift of saving power.
"He shed a thousand drops for you. A thousand drops of precious blood." Sitting here and looking at the intricate details on the beautiful Olive Trees I can't help but feel extremely humbled to the point of almost feeling insignifact. I'm such a small part of all of this, but I know that my older brother Jesus Christ knows and loves me. He suffered here in this garden for me.
"He only could unlock the gate of Heav'n and let us in."
Christ was the only one perfect enough to redeem the world from sin. Christ is the only one who could provide an infinite Atonement. Heavenly Father sent His son for me. It is through this I can return to live with my Heavenly Father again.
"I believe in Christ, so come what may."
Life is hard, but I know it has to be. I know that with Christ nothing is impossible. I can bear any trial with Him at my side.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be here. At least once a day I'm hit with this overhwelming feeling of gratitude. I don't know why I've been so blessed to have this experience, but I'm trying everyday to get the most out of it.
It is a beautiful Sabbath morning and I'm in the Garden of Gethsemane. I've come here once before, but I was on the outskirts and I didn't stay for long. We just spent the last half hour singing Hymns. Now as I try to think of words to express my feelings I can only hear others testimonies that have been written down in Hymns.
"Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord, I'll share they love again according to thy word."
I am so blessed to be here. I know that I'm only here because of the love others have shown to me. I'm here because of the love Jesus Christ proved when he suffered in this very garden thousands of years a go.
"Come cast your burdens on the Lord and trust his constant care."
How easy this is. Because of the Atonment I can truly cast any trial any heartache that comes my way on the Lord. He will take care of it. With his help I can be led home.
"To those who fall how kind thou art."
I am imperfect and I will always be imperfect. I've made so many mistakes and I know I'm not done making them. It's so comforting to know that even with my mistakes Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are ready to welcome me in with open arms. I'm so thankful for the gift of repentance, this gift of saving power.
"He shed a thousand drops for you. A thousand drops of precious blood." Sitting here and looking at the intricate details on the beautiful Olive Trees I can't help but feel extremely humbled to the point of almost feeling insignifact. I'm such a small part of all of this, but I know that my older brother Jesus Christ knows and loves me. He suffered here in this garden for me.
"He only could unlock the gate of Heav'n and let us in."
Christ was the only one perfect enough to redeem the world from sin. Christ is the only one who could provide an infinite Atonement. Heavenly Father sent His son for me. It is through this I can return to live with my Heavenly Father again.
"I believe in Christ, so come what may."
Life is hard, but I know it has to be. I know that with Christ nothing is impossible. I can bear any trial with Him at my side.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be here. At least once a day I'm hit with this overhwelming feeling of gratitude. I don't know why I've been so blessed to have this experience, but I'm trying everyday to get the most out of it.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
20 Reasons Why I Can't Be 20:
1. My mom has started using my age as a reason why I'm supposed to be mature. When I was a teenager my behavior was totally justified. Now not so much.
2. This past year I've read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Number the Stars, Angel's Don't Do Karate, The Twits, and Stories from Wayside School.
3. I can no longer quote Barnaby from Hello Dolly and say, "I'm only 19 1/2, for me it's not so urgent."
4. I insisted on an easter egg hunt this year even though the youngest at home was 18.
5. I still don't know how to cook. Most girls should have a pretty good understanding of cooking at 20, but I don't.
6. I'm VL. Not many 20 year olds are. Maybe I should be embarrassed about this, but I'm not.
7. Most 20 year olds don't play the High School Musical Sing Along on the Wii. I don't know why they don't. It's awesome. And for the record I totally creamed the little girls I babysit.
8. 1/3 of my movies are animated.
9. I still chase birds. I was in paradise in Venice.
10. Sometimes if I scoot all the way back in my chair at school then my feet hang down and I can swing them. I love doing that.
11. Justin Bieber is only 16. That's four years younger than me. But seriously the cute boys in movies that I watch are now younger than me. Maybe I need to start watching more mature movies. Speaking of which...
12. I love Disney Channel. As a matter of fact I almost always watch Disney Channel Movies the night they come out. I'm pretty distraught I'll miss the premiere of Camp Rock 2: Final Jam.
13. I have Noah, Noah on my ipod.
14. I love sleepovers. They're so much fun. Thanks to my awesome cousin Barbara when I'm at home I have at least one a week.
15. I still don't know how to do my hair. Aren't you supposed to figure that out by like 12? Also I still can't use finger nail polish without making a mess all over my hand/foot.
16. I still plug my nose when I swim.
17. Sometimes I catch myself skipping. But if you lived in a beautiful white mansion in Jerusalem you'd skip too.
18. I still have tea parties. Believe me when I say they are AWESOME!
19. I make an awesome teenager.
20. 20 is old. At least it is for me.
So there you have it. I don't want to grow up.
2. This past year I've read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Number the Stars, Angel's Don't Do Karate, The Twits, and Stories from Wayside School.
3. I can no longer quote Barnaby from Hello Dolly and say, "I'm only 19 1/2, for me it's not so urgent."
4. I insisted on an easter egg hunt this year even though the youngest at home was 18.
5. I still don't know how to cook. Most girls should have a pretty good understanding of cooking at 20, but I don't.
6. I'm VL. Not many 20 year olds are. Maybe I should be embarrassed about this, but I'm not.
7. Most 20 year olds don't play the High School Musical Sing Along on the Wii. I don't know why they don't. It's awesome. And for the record I totally creamed the little girls I babysit.
8. 1/3 of my movies are animated.
9. I still chase birds. I was in paradise in Venice.
10. Sometimes if I scoot all the way back in my chair at school then my feet hang down and I can swing them. I love doing that.
11. Justin Bieber is only 16. That's four years younger than me. But seriously the cute boys in movies that I watch are now younger than me. Maybe I need to start watching more mature movies. Speaking of which...
12. I love Disney Channel. As a matter of fact I almost always watch Disney Channel Movies the night they come out. I'm pretty distraught I'll miss the premiere of Camp Rock 2: Final Jam.
13. I have Noah, Noah on my ipod.
14. I love sleepovers. They're so much fun. Thanks to my awesome cousin Barbara when I'm at home I have at least one a week.
15. I still don't know how to do my hair. Aren't you supposed to figure that out by like 12? Also I still can't use finger nail polish without making a mess all over my hand/foot.
16. I still plug my nose when I swim.
17. Sometimes I catch myself skipping. But if you lived in a beautiful white mansion in Jerusalem you'd skip too.
18. I still have tea parties. Believe me when I say they are AWESOME!
19. I make an awesome teenager.
20. 20 is old. At least it is for me.
So there you have it. I don't want to grow up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)