Elder Bednar's "Things As They Really Are."

    Elder Bednar’s main topic in his talk was discussing “Things As They Really Are.”   He brought many impactful insights to light, one of which was discussing the crucial role our bodies have.  Gaining a body is an essential part to God’s plan.  Our bodies are the homes to our spirits here on earth.  By possessing a body Elder Bednar explains that we are able to recognize truth, and obey principles and ordinances more fully.   We are able to experience love, joy, family life, kindness, sorrow, and pain.  By discussing all of the things human beings can have pathos is created within the reader.  It allows a reader to reflect on their own life and realize even more of the capabilities their bodies bring them.

    Elder Bednar goes on by discussing how Lucifer, although he wants one, does not have a body.  In fact he wants one so bad he would even prefer “a swine’s body over none.”  However, he does not have a body and therefore we as humans have power over him.  This provides logos because Elder Bednar allows us to see the logic behind this concept.   Although the Devil is very powerful, he cannot force us to do anything we do not choose to do.  We have the ability to act as we wish.

    By reading through Elder Benar’s impactful talk a reader is able to believe what is said because of his ethos.  He holds a lot of credibility by being a member of the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles.  However he takes it one step further by quoting other prophets.  Because of Elder Bednar’s pathos, logos, and ethos we as readers are able to learn and appreciate the crucial role our bodies hold.

Grandma's SURPRISE Party!!!!!

My Grandma Linda is a sight to behold.  If I were to describe her in five words they would be generous, classy, diva, and world traveler.  She is taking on the world one step at a time, and I look up to her completely.  Not only is she the CEO of a company that she started, but she has received her PH.D., written three books, and is the best grandma anyone could ask for.  Pedicure trips, shopping sprees, and taking the family on vacations does not even begin to describe how kind she is to her grandchildren. She has always been an active member in my life.  She is one of the most generous people I have ever met, freely giving of her time, money, and love.

She recently had her 70^th birthday.  My wonderful grandpa decided that he wanted to throw her a SURPRISE PARTY to show a small fraction of the gratitude countless people have towards her.  He rented Eagle Gate Golf Course in Salt Lake and invited her children, grandchildren, employees, ward members, and various friends she has met over the years.  By seven o’clock the room was filled with various decorations people had put together, and anxious guests awaiting her arrival. 

As she pulled up, the lights went out and everyone fell silent.  The surprise was evident on her face as she came into the room. She was completely flabbergasted at what awaited her in that room.  It was not an empty room she thought she was touring for her friend’s reception, but instead it was a jammed packed room full of familiar smiling faces.

 The remainder of the night everyone enjoyed dinner, a program full of stories, and a photo booth filled with crazy costumes.  This night was all about her and the good she has done.  I owe a great deal to her and my full love and respect goes out to her!

Response to Elder Eyring's Talk

  Elder Eyring’s talk is one filled with insightful advice geared to helping us all remember that we are children of God.  Despite this divine heritage we posses there are many stumbling blocks that we face here on earth that causes us to lose our way, and in some cases become lost forever.  Elder Eyring’s address gives us help and guidance to some of the challenges people face. Pride.  Pride is one tactic that Satan employs on others to make them lose sight of what is really important.  I think Elder Eyring clearly portrayed the impact pride can have by making us realize what we are looking over if we give ourselves so much credit.

  God has given us everything.  When we let ourselves become enthralled with the things of the world, giving ourselves all recognition, we not only weaken our true power that comes with being a righteous child of God but we begin to mix up our priorities.  Whether pride comes with becoming a famous NBA star, an actor, or perhaps through the intellect we receive here on earth the effects are the same.  We see this all around us and at times even see ourselves becoming entangled with this dangerous trap. 

  One of my favorite “antidotes” he discusses in helping us with pride is remembering who we are and where we came from.   When we realize that we are children of God and that Christ has sacrificed everything for us we can gain humility.  He truly loves us.  By realizing some of the blessings we have, such as the plan of salvation, we can also discover the necessity of hard work in this life.

  Elder Eyring’s words have very much truth and brilliance behind them.  This life really does determine the “rest of our condition for eternity.”  By reading his insights to why we need to work hard and remain humble, determination begins to stir within me.  This life is full of challenges and difficulties.  However, just as Elder Eyring discussed, we must work hard and expect difficulties because of the truth we as members of the church have.  This life is a test.  We were sent here to show that we are faithful, and will remain faithful, throughout this life so we can make it back to God.  God has high hopes for us.  He has faith in us.  We must take Elder Eyring’s important advice by remaining humble and working hard throughout our entire lives!