WAIT WHAT DID YOU SAY!?

Language

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good”
 (Ephesians 4:29).''

The first thing I thought of when I thought of Language was "cuss words". After thinking about it all of my Speech Communication classes I came to the realization that it is YOU and only YOU that controls your language. You develop your own habits when you hang out with certain people, listen to bad music, or watch sketchy television. It is always your choice to participate in those things. If you have a problem with language all I can say to you is that you need to change it. In one of my Speech Communication classes at Utah State we discussed how fowl language is used. Most of the time it is used when someone has nothing better to say because their vocabulary is not extensive, so to be simple it makes you look dumb. HOWEVER, that's okay, you can change. When I got to New York, our Director Elder Lenker taught us if we want our language to change and our thoughts we would need to read the scriptures. After reading the scriptures every day I have been able to see the changes in my thoughts and in my language. Do NOT be afraid to pray for help, I promise your language and thoughts change you will be happier and more respected :)

Most people think that the concept of GOSSIP only exists in High School. Well sorry its a MYTH! It is something that exists from the time you can talk all the way until you take your last breath. It happens in school, work, church, mutual, missions, sports, and hair salons. Gossip is something we thrive on! I have realized that sometimes its hard to find other things to even talk about. Many times in my life I should have kept my mouth shut. In the end it only hurt people, and broke the trust that was built up. Even though it might be nice to hear all of the good rumors but it is only harmful...The next time you want to say something you should not picture this tar in your hands and the how hard it would to be clean it up.

FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH



THE PECKING ORDER

--Friends--

"A true friend will encourage you to be your best self."

-FOR THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH

Kaitlyn and I she is serving in NY south :]

In the FOR STRENGTH OF THE YOUTH pamphlet we are told to "  Choose our friends carefully."   From what I understand, that does not mean we need to hand our resumes to people so they can do background checks to see if we qualify. I have found that many times throughout High School that many people took this idea to heart, which is not bad, but it does close a few doors. Students would not talk to people who would drink, do drugs, or have sex in fear that they would be tarnished from their presence. I am here to tell you that is FALSE. That we can talk to ALL people no matter who they are. You do not have to go to the parties they do, you do not have to participate in the things they do. However you can be their friend.

Freshman Roommates: Disney, Renee, Lauren, Jackie, Me, Rica

In High School students feel embarrassed to be friends with the kids who have been labeled as a

loser. Always remember that a loser is in fact a child of God and he loves them. In the end you may be their one and only friend.  

High School Days: Nic, Jason, Me

Rica, Wyatt, Me

I love what the apostle Russel M. Ballard said:

"If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times."

-Doctrine of Inclusion

Elder Ballard tells us that we need to help ALL people at ALL times. Selecting friends is something that should be done very carefully. 

Scott, Nic, Jason, Me

I know that the focus of friends is mainly on choosing people who you can enjoy and keep your standards with. I find that RARELY we think of befriending those who have none. My dad grew up in Preston Idaho. For our family reunion a few summer's ago we went to the chicken coups he had worked in (yes they are in Napoleon Dynamite). As I stood amongst the thousands of chickens my thoughts changed when I was given the analogy of PECKING ORDER.

  

At a chicken ranch there are countless chickens running around and a PECKING ORDER is very often established. For some reason all of the chickens SINGLE OUT one chicken who they relentlessly pick on. They always follow the chosen chicken around and peck him until the chicken has its eyes gauged out, until his feathers are gone, and until the chicken eventually dies. When the chicken is finally pecked to death, they pick a new one. It is a never ending trend. 

I can remember many times in High School where the "popular" kids would pick on the "losers" until they were so low they just stopped coming to school. It is so easy, to fall into the trap of teasing and taunting but it is SO MUCH MORE rewarding in the end to befriend the friendless.

 BE A FRIEND :]

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