"Child of God" Devotional Response

Henry B. Eyring's "Child of God" devotional was given over ten years ago. I believe that there is great truth in this speech, for it is still applicable to me today. President Eyring's thesis appears to be this: "I will speak to you today of one of the great things God asks of you and how you will deal with the spiritual hazard that always comes with it."

What is it that God asks of us? President Eyring says that the answer is "educational excellence" throughout our lives. He notes that this does not simply mean while we are in school. The spiritual hazard that we must be careful to avoid is pride. President Eyring quotes Nephi, "When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God."

It seems paradoxical, but President Eyring assures us that "not only can you pursue educational excellence and humility at the same time to avoid spiritual danger but that the way to humility is also the doorway to educational excellence." Then President Eyring lays out some of the characteristics of great learners, they:

1. Welcome correction
2. Keep their commitments
3. Work Hard
4. Help other people
5. Expect resistance and overcome it

To avoid pride, President Eyring taught us to remember. He repeated this word multiple times throughout his speech. We should especially remember our Savior and His sacrifice for us. I think that when we remember the Atonement we begin to realize how much we need it in our lives and just how much we owe to Jesus Christ our Savior.

I believe that President Eyring also points out that the proud stop learning whereas the humble will continue to learn. Children of God who remain humble and desire to learn have the opportunity to become like Him someday.

General Conference Blog: "The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

In the October 2010 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the end of the Sunday Morning Session, President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude." He began with several funny statements. These statements appealed to pathos through humor. When people laugh, they tend to relax and become more receptive to what someone has to say. At the very least, they begin to listen.

President Monson then switches to a far more serious story that appeals to ethos. His story is about one of his numerous visits to widows. As the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Thomas S. Monson already has much credibility. Especially as many of his listeners are members of the Church. This story, however, reminds us of President Monson's compassion and humility even in his position of power and authority. This appeals to us because we will not be led astray by arrogance.

Nearly all of the scriptural stories that President Monson shares are familiar to Latter-Day Saints. He includes the Parable of the Ten Lepers, a parable we commonly associate with gratitude. Then, however, he also includes one of the instances where Jesus feeds a multitude. We generally see this instance as an illustration of the Lord's ability to perform miracles- and it is. But President Monson also highlights a portion we often overlook. He notes that the Savior gave thanks before the miracle occurred. This illustration is particularly apt because it adds a new dimension to a story we already know, targeting our logos.

I love this line in President Monson's talk: "If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." I also love the line, but to live with gratitude ever within our hearts is to touch heaven."

President Monson ends his talk by speaking of the Savior and His atonement. This is very appropriate because the Savior and the atonement are integral, perhaps the most integral, doctrines of the Gospel. President Monson affects our emotions when he inspires us to live like the Savior as an act of gratitude towards the Savior.

Research Topic Blog

For my research topic, I am considering doing something related to sleep. Correct sleep patterns have been something I've struggled with for a long time. I have done surface research on the topic and find it fascinating. The sleep cycles and REM really interest me. The problem that I have is how I can make my topic a question with out it being too simple for a paper. From what I know at this moment, sleep is not a very controversial topic. What if I did something related to sleep disorders? Or, what about sleep disorders in prominent writers. That's related to my major. Would there be much research to make comparisons for that?

What if I backed away from the sleep topic and looked at the media of writing. I'm an English major and I want to be a writer. Maybe I could examine where print and writing stand in the media scheme of things and make an argument for whether or not this is appropriate. But I'd probably have to narrow it down to journalism or something like that. Any thoughts?

Class Notes: Discussing General Conference

President Uchtdorf began his talk with humor: The funny line "You are wondering what this has to do with flying an airplane builds his ethos."
Plan: Another word for thesis.
Elder Holland: Encouraging tone.
President Packer:
Nothing new said but resulted in a protest. KAIROS.

14 points in following the prophet repeated twice.
Prophet will not be popular.
Bomb threat every day

President Monson
Subject was Gratitude.
Loving Tone.
Inflection in his voice
Roommate's dog story.

First thing said and last thing said draw attention.

Themes:
following the prophet
following the spirit
gratitude
following the Lord.

Why would these be the themes?
Who will you listen to?