This internship takes way more out of me then I ever thought it would!!! Luckily my class is great and I love spending my time with them! Yesterday I got to go to the play of one of my students. She was in the production of Forever Disney and it was so fun to go watch it!
Yesterday we also discussed the BYU/U of U game today and who would win. I had one student who was positive that both teams would win because they would tie. I guess if BYU and U of U tie we call it quits and forget about overtime! ;)
We also got to go on a field trip Thursday. It was great, we learned about the solar system and heat and light at the planetarium. We then learned about the environment at the landfill. After our field trip we had an assembly about the jog-a-thon for our school. There was a little skit for the assembly and I got to star in it as Cinderella. After the assembly I had kids coming up to me concerning my awesome acting skills but since not everyone was at the assembly not everyone was on the same page... Here are some of my favorites:
S1: Hey look, it's Cinderella!
S2: Yeah, that is so cool!
S1: Do you want to play with us?
S3: Hey look it's Cinderella.
S4: No, thats Miss Fiso
S3: Cinderella
S4: Miss Fiso
S3: Cinderella!
S4: No, she is a third grade teacher
S5: Hey look it's Cinderella
S6: From the movie?
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Summer is for Parties!
This week (my last week of Summer freedom) Has been great!
Yesterday I got to try out paint twister. It was a blast!!! Afterwards we had a paint/water balloon fight and it was great but messy...
Yesterday I got to try out paint twister. It was a blast!!! Afterwards we had a paint/water balloon fight and it was great but messy...
Today I had a back to school party. We went to the playground to play. We had swing contests and played the dot game with sidewalk chalk. It was great! Oh and I got into my classroom this morning!!!!
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| Jonathan won but I came in 2nd... |
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| Abigail had an unfortunate encounter with the baby swing! |
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday Thoughts
Today in Relief Society we had an amazing lesson taught by my lovely roommate. The topic for this lesson came from conference it was a talk by Elder Hales Stand Strong in Holy Places. He talks about the challenges that we face in these latter days and the importance of standing in holy places and wearing the armor of God. There was one part of the talk that I found thought provoking.
"In January of 1982, I spoke in a devotional on the BYU campus in Provo, Utah. I invited the students to imagine that the Church was on one side of the podium, and the world was just a foot or two away on the other side. This represented the 'very short distance between the world was and where the Church standards were' when I was in college. Then, standing before the students 30 years later, I help up my hands in the same manner and explained, 'The world has gone far afield; [it has traveled; it is nowhere to be seen;] it has proceeded way, way out, all the way out of this [building and around the world]. ... what we and our children and our grandchildren have to remember is that the church will remain constant, yet the world will keep moving- that gap is [becoming] wider and wider... Therefore, be very careful. If you judge your actions and the standards of the Church on the basis of where the world is and where it's going, you will find that you are not where your should be."
In my mind I see a house (the church) and a tent (the world). The house is constantly changing but foundation is the same, it is unmovable like the morals taught in church are the same though revelation (thereby change) is always present. On the other hand the tent is constantly moving from place to place like the world's ideas of morals are always changing they are not steady and can come down at any time the same way a tent might when it comes under pressure. We are blessed to have a church that has a strong foundation. It is able to withstand the opposition that presents itself.
"In January of 1982, I spoke in a devotional on the BYU campus in Provo, Utah. I invited the students to imagine that the Church was on one side of the podium, and the world was just a foot or two away on the other side. This represented the 'very short distance between the world was and where the Church standards were' when I was in college. Then, standing before the students 30 years later, I help up my hands in the same manner and explained, 'The world has gone far afield; [it has traveled; it is nowhere to be seen;] it has proceeded way, way out, all the way out of this [building and around the world]. ... what we and our children and our grandchildren have to remember is that the church will remain constant, yet the world will keep moving- that gap is [becoming] wider and wider... Therefore, be very careful. If you judge your actions and the standards of the Church on the basis of where the world is and where it's going, you will find that you are not where your should be."
In my mind I see a house (the church) and a tent (the world). The house is constantly changing but foundation is the same, it is unmovable like the morals taught in church are the same though revelation (thereby change) is always present. On the other hand the tent is constantly moving from place to place like the world's ideas of morals are always changing they are not steady and can come down at any time the same way a tent might when it comes under pressure. We are blessed to have a church that has a strong foundation. It is able to withstand the opposition that presents itself.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
For a Friend
My great friend Miss Megan Mitton is on her mission in Georgia. Megan and I met about a year ago at work (We had been at the same job for a year and hadn't met) and we clicked! She is one of my favorite people and I miss her, but she sends regular emails! Yesterday was her birthday and she sent me an email telling me that I should dance to Taylor Swift's 22 for her because she couldn't. I decided to upgrade the idea and include our mutual friend. Conviniently we were all at the retirement reception for one of our bosses and we cranked up the music to dance for Megan's Birthday! I love my friends oh so much that they would do something so quirky with me! :)
Here are some pictures of our dance party (I couldn't very well send her a video...)
And because I feel like it, here are some pictures!
Here are some pictures of our dance party (I couldn't very well send her a video...)
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| Missy and I started it off.... |
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| Soon to be joined by everyone else (well, everyone there) |
And because I feel like it, here are some pictures!
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| We were really bad at taking a sad picture, I ended up getting pushed to the floor,,, |
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| At Halloween |
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| We once went to the Brigham City Temple Open House Also, Megan has challenged people to post a Mormon Message each week and I have been slacking... But here goes! |
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Dad's are the best!
Happy Father's Day to my wonderful dad (and all the dad's out there). I hope that you feel appreciated and know how much you are loved! Continue to be so amazing, I am glad for the example in my life.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
If 'a dream is a wish your heart makes'...
... then I have some pretty bizarre wishes! I never ever remember my dreams, everyone has been sharing their 'teacher' dreams with me and I haven't remembered mine. But, it has happened, I had my first 'teacher' dream last night. It was quite random! Here is the dream:
It was the first day of class and when I walked in the room I realized that the room was 'U' shaped. The desks were all facing the middle of the 'U' (So it wasn't possible to see everyone at once unless you stand behind the desks). In addition to the shape of the room, there were tons of desks and they were all filled with students and parents. There was a guy teaching the class, my class, I had no idea why. Then one of my practicum teachers walked in and took over teaching. I decided to sit in a desk. After a few minutes of teaching she turned to me and said "Shouldn't you be teaching?" so I got up and started to teach but nobody was listening. I tried to get everyone's attention but nobody heard. Then the bell rang, all the children left but all the parents stayed and were looking at me. There was one mom in front who had a piece of paper in front of her and she started consulting it while firing questions at me about how I was going to teach their students and how long I was going to be in school after the bell rings. Was I going to help the kids put on a lu'au? I calmed her worries with answers from my management plan (No idea how that worked and then all the parents left). The guy that was teaching earlier was still in the room. He told me to follow him as it was my turn to teach art.
I started following him down the hallway and realized that my school had its own swimming pool and ice rink! When I commented on it he told me that I would be teaching swimming and ice skating in the future but for now to just focus on art but not to worry because I had volunteers to help me with the art teaching. When we got to the art room I saw my volunteers. One volunteer was a boy from my freshman ward and the other was the brother of a friend from Vegas. They told me that the kids had already had their lesson and it was time to go to lunch so we left for the lunchroom.
While walking in the hall to lunch I saw all of my ELED friends talking about their internships but I knew nothing about mine so I hurried along to the microwave so that I could cook my lunch. I opened up my bag of popcorn (What else would I have?) and put it in the microwave for three minutes then I went to sit down. Jonathan (from catering) was sitting by the microwave and said, "Corrine, I think your popcorn is done" I walked back over and saw that the bag was not done (it was still popping) but it was huge! It was almost taking up the whole microwave. I told him not to worry because the popcorn was still popping but that I would stay there to make sure nothing went wrong. Then from the table next to me Chef Mindy (Also catering) told me that I didn't know how to make popcorn and there was something wrong with it. I was so upset, I know how to make popcorn! But then I noticed that the popcorn looked weird almost as if there was some aluminum foil around the bag, which I know can't go in the microwave so I decided I was done cooking my popcorn. I opened the microwave door a crack to get out my popcorn but just at that moment the bag exploded and all the popcorn was set free. I closed the door quickly, trapping all of the popcorn inside of the microwave. By now the popcorn filled every space of the microwave and I decided that the only way to clean it up was to open the microwave while holding a trash can up. I got the trash can into place pulled open the microwave door and woke up!
It was the first day of class and when I walked in the room I realized that the room was 'U' shaped. The desks were all facing the middle of the 'U' (So it wasn't possible to see everyone at once unless you stand behind the desks). In addition to the shape of the room, there were tons of desks and they were all filled with students and parents. There was a guy teaching the class, my class, I had no idea why. Then one of my practicum teachers walked in and took over teaching. I decided to sit in a desk. After a few minutes of teaching she turned to me and said "Shouldn't you be teaching?" so I got up and started to teach but nobody was listening. I tried to get everyone's attention but nobody heard. Then the bell rang, all the children left but all the parents stayed and were looking at me. There was one mom in front who had a piece of paper in front of her and she started consulting it while firing questions at me about how I was going to teach their students and how long I was going to be in school after the bell rings. Was I going to help the kids put on a lu'au? I calmed her worries with answers from my management plan (No idea how that worked and then all the parents left). The guy that was teaching earlier was still in the room. He told me to follow him as it was my turn to teach art.
I started following him down the hallway and realized that my school had its own swimming pool and ice rink! When I commented on it he told me that I would be teaching swimming and ice skating in the future but for now to just focus on art but not to worry because I had volunteers to help me with the art teaching. When we got to the art room I saw my volunteers. One volunteer was a boy from my freshman ward and the other was the brother of a friend from Vegas. They told me that the kids had already had their lesson and it was time to go to lunch so we left for the lunchroom.
While walking in the hall to lunch I saw all of my ELED friends talking about their internships but I knew nothing about mine so I hurried along to the microwave so that I could cook my lunch. I opened up my bag of popcorn (What else would I have?) and put it in the microwave for three minutes then I went to sit down. Jonathan (from catering) was sitting by the microwave and said, "Corrine, I think your popcorn is done" I walked back over and saw that the bag was not done (it was still popping) but it was huge! It was almost taking up the whole microwave. I told him not to worry because the popcorn was still popping but that I would stay there to make sure nothing went wrong. Then from the table next to me Chef Mindy (Also catering) told me that I didn't know how to make popcorn and there was something wrong with it. I was so upset, I know how to make popcorn! But then I noticed that the popcorn looked weird almost as if there was some aluminum foil around the bag, which I know can't go in the microwave so I decided I was done cooking my popcorn. I opened the microwave door a crack to get out my popcorn but just at that moment the bag exploded and all the popcorn was set free. I closed the door quickly, trapping all of the popcorn inside of the microwave. By now the popcorn filled every space of the microwave and I decided that the only way to clean it up was to open the microwave while holding a trash can up. I got the trash can into place pulled open the microwave door and woke up!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
'On Being Worthy'
I read an amazing conference talk by Elder Ashton the other day called 'On Being Worthy'. He starts of by talking about the meaning of the word worthy and the way we determine our worthiness. Often we are under the impression that we decide whether we are worthy or not. While that is true we are not the only ones who judge our worthiness. Elder Ashton states "We do not have to be hindered by self-Judgement. All of us have the benefit and added wisdom of a bishop and a stake president to help us determine our worthiness..." We are not alone, we have the wisdom of others to help us find our way.
Elder Ashton defines worthiness as "a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being perfect". Today in Relief Society we were talking about Temples and being worthy to enter the Temple. We came to the conclusion that as long as we are making an effort to be perfect we are worthy of the Temple and the blessings that come from visiting the Temple.
Sometimes I struggle with where I am in the gospel. I often feel that I am missing something because I judge my worthiness through comparison to others. I know that this is not wise and that it is a result of pride. Elder Ashton addresses this struggle in his talk.
"Perhaps we all live under some misconceptions when we look at each other on Sundays as we attend our meetings. Everyone is neatly dressed and greets each other with a smile. It is natural to assume that everyone else has his life under control and doesn't have to deal with dark little weaknesses and imperfections.
There is a natural, probably a mortal, tendency to compare ourselves with others. Unfortunately, when we make these comparisons, we tend to compare our weakest attributes with someone else's strongest. For example, a woman who feels unschooled in the gospel may take particular note of a woman in her ward who teaches the Gospel Doctrine class and seems to have every scripture at her fingertips. Obviously these kinds of comparisons are destructive and only reinforce the fear that somehow we don't measure up and therefore we must not be as worthy as the next person.
We need to come to terms with our desire to reach perfection and our frustration when our accomplishments or behaviors are less than perfect. I feel that one of the great myths we would do well to dispel is that we've come to earth to perfect ourselves, and nothing short of that will do. If I understand the teachings of the prophets of this dispensation correctly, we will not become perfect in this life, though we can make significant strides toward that goal."
I have only addressed a few of the ideas from this talk but I would suggest that everyone go through and read this talk because I feel like is is something that everyone should hear.
Elder Ashton defines worthiness as "a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being perfect". Today in Relief Society we were talking about Temples and being worthy to enter the Temple. We came to the conclusion that as long as we are making an effort to be perfect we are worthy of the Temple and the blessings that come from visiting the Temple.
Sometimes I struggle with where I am in the gospel. I often feel that I am missing something because I judge my worthiness through comparison to others. I know that this is not wise and that it is a result of pride. Elder Ashton addresses this struggle in his talk.
"Perhaps we all live under some misconceptions when we look at each other on Sundays as we attend our meetings. Everyone is neatly dressed and greets each other with a smile. It is natural to assume that everyone else has his life under control and doesn't have to deal with dark little weaknesses and imperfections.
There is a natural, probably a mortal, tendency to compare ourselves with others. Unfortunately, when we make these comparisons, we tend to compare our weakest attributes with someone else's strongest. For example, a woman who feels unschooled in the gospel may take particular note of a woman in her ward who teaches the Gospel Doctrine class and seems to have every scripture at her fingertips. Obviously these kinds of comparisons are destructive and only reinforce the fear that somehow we don't measure up and therefore we must not be as worthy as the next person.
We need to come to terms with our desire to reach perfection and our frustration when our accomplishments or behaviors are less than perfect. I feel that one of the great myths we would do well to dispel is that we've come to earth to perfect ourselves, and nothing short of that will do. If I understand the teachings of the prophets of this dispensation correctly, we will not become perfect in this life, though we can make significant strides toward that goal."
I have only addressed a few of the ideas from this talk but I would suggest that everyone go through and read this talk because I feel like is is something that everyone should hear.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Summertime Catch-up
It has been a while and a lot has happened, let me share. (By the way, these are in no real order I just decided I wanted to number them...)
First, I have been busy planning for my class next year. I decided to use a theme that involves music because I am such a fan of music... Right now I am leaning toward a rockstar theme but I don't want it to be too cliche (That's the biggest problem, everything has been done) so I will maybe twist it a little. I have been having so much fun planning out my classroom, I can't wait to see my class!!! Recently I was told that I will have 27 students. I am awed by the opportunity I have to teach these students and for the chance I have to be a part of their lives! I have also started my classroom library. Scholastic books has a warehouse sale twice a year. I was able to go and get a ton of books for my class. I also got some books from teachers as the school I will be teaching at! I am super excited!!!
Second, the pools opened on Monday, I went to Seven Peaks (Yay for the Pass of All Passes) and played in the water for a little while. I ended up getting a little bit of a sunburn, as funny as it seems I was really excited about it because it means Summer is finally here!
Third, the Provo Rec Center opened up. I bought an annual pass and I have enjoyed going to different classes and relaxing in their pool. I actually saw one of my fifth graders there when I went one time, funny story.
Fourth, I was able to go to see my fifth grade class one more time (They got out last week) to watch their program. It was great. After the program they asked me to stay for the end of the day. I ended up going out to recess with them and they wanted to play big booty. We ended up with such a big group that we had two games going, craziness!!!
Fifth, I have had the chance to do a lot of reading... I love to read and Summer is the best time to do it! One day when I was at the Provo Library I met the nicest librarian, she took me around just suggesting and talking about different books that I might enjoy. It was the greatest thing!
Because I love to share YouTubes I will share a new one that I found the other day. I love the song "Over You" by Miranda Lambert, it is not what you think. I discovered this cover the other day and it gave me chills I have always been a fan of Cassadee Pope (I liked Hey Monday) but I love the emotion she puts into this song.
First, I have been busy planning for my class next year. I decided to use a theme that involves music because I am such a fan of music... Right now I am leaning toward a rockstar theme but I don't want it to be too cliche (That's the biggest problem, everything has been done) so I will maybe twist it a little. I have been having so much fun planning out my classroom, I can't wait to see my class!!! Recently I was told that I will have 27 students. I am awed by the opportunity I have to teach these students and for the chance I have to be a part of their lives! I have also started my classroom library. Scholastic books has a warehouse sale twice a year. I was able to go and get a ton of books for my class. I also got some books from teachers as the school I will be teaching at! I am super excited!!!
Second, the pools opened on Monday, I went to Seven Peaks (Yay for the Pass of All Passes) and played in the water for a little while. I ended up getting a little bit of a sunburn, as funny as it seems I was really excited about it because it means Summer is finally here!
Third, the Provo Rec Center opened up. I bought an annual pass and I have enjoyed going to different classes and relaxing in their pool. I actually saw one of my fifth graders there when I went one time, funny story.
Fourth, I was able to go to see my fifth grade class one more time (They got out last week) to watch their program. It was great. After the program they asked me to stay for the end of the day. I ended up going out to recess with them and they wanted to play big booty. We ended up with such a big group that we had two games going, craziness!!!
Fifth, I have had the chance to do a lot of reading... I love to read and Summer is the best time to do it! One day when I was at the Provo Library I met the nicest librarian, she took me around just suggesting and talking about different books that I might enjoy. It was the greatest thing!
Because I love to share YouTubes I will share a new one that I found the other day. I love the song "Over You" by Miranda Lambert, it is not what you think. I discovered this cover the other day and it gave me chills I have always been a fan of Cassadee Pope (I liked Hey Monday) but I love the emotion she puts into this song.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mother's Day
Today was great! I was able to go to my mom's ward and sing with her and other family. After that we stopped by Grandma Fiso's grave and left some flowers. We then went up to Morgan to spend some time with Grandma Dickson and my mom's family. It was great. I love my mom and I am so thankful for the example she is to me...
Friday, May 10, 2013
My Broken Record
So I've broken my first bone and I almost didn't figure it out. I guess I had to break something eventually and better a finger than a leg, right?
A few weeks ago for FHE they (the people in charge of FHE) decided that we were going to get together to play a game involving an exercise ball. While we were playing the ball got jammed into my finger and it started to swell (I talked about it a little bit here). I put some ice on it and went home. It was sore (When I moved my pinkie finger it stung) but I could still move it so I thought it was probably just sprained. I created a splint out of a Popsicle stick and kept it on my finger for a few days until it was feeling well enough that I could move my finger without a lot of pain. It was still swollen but it hurt less. Yesterday my finger was hurting and the swelling had gone down but my finger still looked funny and I decided that going to the doctor wouldn't be a bad idea. I had an appointment today and after taking a look at my X-Rays the doctor told me that it was broken and I should splint it for a few more weeks in hopes that it gets better and the swelling goes away.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Seeking the Light
Today in Relief Society our President gave a great lesson based on Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk from last conference "The Hope of God's Light". The talk was a great one and the lesson brought up many ideas that I had not previously considered...
To me, the most interesting idea that showed up from the lesson is the idea of light vs. dark. When thinking about the light and the dark I decided that there is not really such a thing as darkness. It is not tangible you cannot 'create' darkness. Darkness only comes when you remove the light. When you fill your life with light there is no darkness. Darkness cannot be where the light is and that is something that I often forget but at the same time it is something that is crucial to remember. If we are constantly putting light in our life we are removing all traces of darkness because they cannot dwell together after all darkness is defined as the absence of light. One day in institute we referred to the water bottle metaphor. We talked about how when you fill the water bottle with water or good things (Light) there is no room for air or sin (darkness) but if you get rid of some of the water there is more room for air. By filling our bottle with light we are removing all darkness because the darkness cannot occupy the areas where there is light.
In his address President Uchtdorf refers to John 8:12 "I am the light of the word: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". Through following the Savior we are able to continue in our growth and live to fulfill our potential. The idea of light and its application in the gospel fascinates me and I hope that as I study the scriptures and the words of our prophets that I will continue to learn more about the light and how to have it in my life.
Elder Bednar did a three part series concerning the ideas of light, this is the first.
To me, the most interesting idea that showed up from the lesson is the idea of light vs. dark. When thinking about the light and the dark I decided that there is not really such a thing as darkness. It is not tangible you cannot 'create' darkness. Darkness only comes when you remove the light. When you fill your life with light there is no darkness. Darkness cannot be where the light is and that is something that I often forget but at the same time it is something that is crucial to remember. If we are constantly putting light in our life we are removing all traces of darkness because they cannot dwell together after all darkness is defined as the absence of light. One day in institute we referred to the water bottle metaphor. We talked about how when you fill the water bottle with water or good things (Light) there is no room for air or sin (darkness) but if you get rid of some of the water there is more room for air. By filling our bottle with light we are removing all darkness because the darkness cannot occupy the areas where there is light.
In his address President Uchtdorf refers to John 8:12 "I am the light of the word: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". Through following the Savior we are able to continue in our growth and live to fulfill our potential. The idea of light and its application in the gospel fascinates me and I hope that as I study the scriptures and the words of our prophets that I will continue to learn more about the light and how to have it in my life.
Elder Bednar did a three part series concerning the ideas of light, this is the first.
By the way... My 100th post! Go me!!!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Springtime is here!!!
This week has been crazy!!!! Thursday was the semi-finals for the Volleyball tournament. Because BYU was ranked #1 the games were played at BYU. The first game was between Long Beach and U.C. Irvine, it was a good game but because the winner didn't matter as much to me I wasn't so invested in the game. The next game was BYU playing against UCLA. This was one of the best volleyball games I have been to this season! BYU lost the first 2 sets and everyone was disappointed. Then on the third set BYU started playing better and won the set! The fourth set was close but BYU ended up winning that one too. We then started the fifth set and it was intense! Both teams played well but in the the end BYU pulled ahead and won the set 15-10. The cheers in the Fieldhouse were deafening! It was so exciting to win the game and move on to the Finals! Saturday night I went to watch the finals and it was great but the game was not as exciting as Thursdays game. BYU won the match with a sweep and won the title! I am so glad that the volleyball team did well this year! I love the games and they are something I look forward to every year!
I also worked a lot this week... There were a lot of events going on due to graduation. I love working the graduation events but this year was interesting. Technically I would have graduated this year (I have been at college four years already!) but because of changes within my major I don't graduate until next year. Although I don't graduate for a year I have many friends who graduated this past week and it was crazy to me to see everyone decked out in their cap and gown with their family everywhere! I am so excited for graduation and seeing everyone else graduating has made me even more anxious... I can't believe I have to wait another year because of my internship!
In other news... My internship, I had a meeting the other day and we talked about themes and decorations for a classroom. I am struggling with ideas for my classroom theme. I don't want to do anything too cookie-cutter but I have not had any extremely creative ideas at the moment... Oh well, I have about 3 months to plan for it!!! I get to go to my school and meet my facilitator in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait! I have so many questions and I can't wait to get started actually planning my year! :)
By the way... I have created a new group blog (see it here.)! I'm super excited for it... The idea is for everyone to post little things that make their life better. A gratitude journal of sorts. I think that it can be a good thing to have when I need something to cheer me up!
Well I think that's about it for now but I do have one last thing to share... There is a new Mormon Message that talks about love and loving as Christ loves I hope that we can all come to accept those who are different from us and that we can realize that "different is good!" I truly believe that if we put forth the effort and learn to accept people for who they are we will see them as Christ sees them and recognize who they can become!
I also worked a lot this week... There were a lot of events going on due to graduation. I love working the graduation events but this year was interesting. Technically I would have graduated this year (I have been at college four years already!) but because of changes within my major I don't graduate until next year. Although I don't graduate for a year I have many friends who graduated this past week and it was crazy to me to see everyone decked out in their cap and gown with their family everywhere! I am so excited for graduation and seeing everyone else graduating has made me even more anxious... I can't believe I have to wait another year because of my internship!
In other news... My internship, I had a meeting the other day and we talked about themes and decorations for a classroom. I am struggling with ideas for my classroom theme. I don't want to do anything too cookie-cutter but I have not had any extremely creative ideas at the moment... Oh well, I have about 3 months to plan for it!!! I get to go to my school and meet my facilitator in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait! I have so many questions and I can't wait to get started actually planning my year! :)
By the way... I have created a new group blog (see it here.)! I'm super excited for it... The idea is for everyone to post little things that make their life better. A gratitude journal of sorts. I think that it can be a good thing to have when I need something to cheer me up!
Well I think that's about it for now but I do have one last thing to share... There is a new Mormon Message that talks about love and loving as Christ loves I hope that we can all come to accept those who are different from us and that we can realize that "different is good!" I truly believe that if we put forth the effort and learn to accept people for who they are we will see them as Christ sees them and recognize who they can become!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
The Will of God
I have been re-reading one of my favorite books. This book focuses on living your life with a focus on the Gospel and growth in your situation. I have been contemplating some of the ideas within this book and I would like to share some of those thoughts today...
I would like to address the idea of goals. I am not the person I want to be. I like to think that I am a good person but I know I can be better. In making goals to improve myself I need to remember that "the achievement of some important goals in our lives is subject to more than the timing of the Lord. Some personal achievements are also subject to the agency of others... Do you see the difference between committing to what you will do, in contrast to trying to plan that you will be... married by the time you graduate from college or that you will earn at least X amount of dollars on your first job?" This thought was poignant to me it is important that I not make goals that depend on someone else. The book goes on to state that though we cannot justify goals that are 'subject to the agency of others' we can develop goals that will help us be better prepared. "Life has some strange turns. Do your best and then trust in the Lord and his timing." If we can have patience enough to accept the Lords timing we will be blessed! That does not mean that we wait to live our live we need to make plans an prepare to move on with our lives but we also need to stay focused on the Lord and strive to follow his will. Elder Oaks stated "Do not rely on planning every event of your life- even every important event. Stand ready to accept the Lord's planning and the agency of others in matters that inevitably affect you. Plan, of course, but fix your planning on personal commitments that will carry you through no matter what happens." I know that I can grow in many ways and I know that as I struggle to improve myself I can always trust in the Lord and ask for guidance and he will give it to me!
I would like to address the idea of goals. I am not the person I want to be. I like to think that I am a good person but I know I can be better. In making goals to improve myself I need to remember that "the achievement of some important goals in our lives is subject to more than the timing of the Lord. Some personal achievements are also subject to the agency of others... Do you see the difference between committing to what you will do, in contrast to trying to plan that you will be... married by the time you graduate from college or that you will earn at least X amount of dollars on your first job?" This thought was poignant to me it is important that I not make goals that depend on someone else. The book goes on to state that though we cannot justify goals that are 'subject to the agency of others' we can develop goals that will help us be better prepared. "Life has some strange turns. Do your best and then trust in the Lord and his timing." If we can have patience enough to accept the Lords timing we will be blessed! That does not mean that we wait to live our live we need to make plans an prepare to move on with our lives but we also need to stay focused on the Lord and strive to follow his will. Elder Oaks stated "Do not rely on planning every event of your life- even every important event. Stand ready to accept the Lord's planning and the agency of others in matters that inevitably affect you. Plan, of course, but fix your planning on personal commitments that will carry you through no matter what happens." I know that I can grow in many ways and I know that as I struggle to improve myself I can always trust in the Lord and ask for guidance and he will give it to me!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Review
First day of finals and I have finished all of my finals... I can now say that I am officially done with my last semester of classes at BYU!!!! All I have left is my internship and I will be graduating college! I am so excited and I cannot wait to start teaching but in the meantime Summer sounds like a nice idea! ;)
My experience...
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| Fun times with the neighbors |
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| Monday Movie Nights |
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| Wish with all your heart! |
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| CES Fireside (Pres. Uchtdorf) |
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| Cousin Fun |
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| Halloween Party |
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| Breaking into the house with out FHE boy's help. |
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| Locking professors out of the classroom... |
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| Realizing that together our apartment starts the ABC's |
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| Kicking people off the internet |
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| Country Swing dance |
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| Valentines day lesson on love |
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| Family Time |
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| My brother's Graduation |
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| Football games with Friends |
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| Exploring Provo |
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| Bonfires in the Canyon |
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| Muse-ing with my roommates |
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| Proposals at the football games |
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| Finals week countdowns |
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| Trips with Friends |
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| Cultural experiences |
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| Masquerade Balls |
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| Finals Week Puzzles |
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| Playing in the Park |
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| Photoshoots |
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| YouTube laughs |
And here is the video referred to is here
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Happenings
So life after practicum has been crazy! Here is what has happened...
1) I got an internship!!!! Starting in July (year-round school) I will be teaching 3rd grade at Jordan Ridge Elementary, if you want to know more about the school you can look here! I am so excited and I can't wait to get started and meet my 3rd graders!!! I will be on A track and I have a friend also on A track so we are planning exotic vacations to China and Africa... Well maybe in the future, but very possibly California.
2) My grandmother died. On Friday April 5th I was out shopping with a friend when I started feeling uneasy, we ended up heading home soon after and I felt like calling my parents, they had just gotten home and went to grandma's room to find that she was not breathing. She died soon after. This was tough for me because I have never had anyone close to me die before and I have never really gone to a funeral of someone I knew before. But I know that she is in a better place now (More to come on my amazing grandmother later). The night before the funeral we had a family meeting (Samoan tradition) where all the extended family (my grandpa's mother's brother's children included) came and were able to share rememberances of my grandmother, it was lovely. On Saturday we had the funeral and we actually watched them lower the coffin and the concrete into the ground before leaving the cemetery (Samoan tradition). This morning I got an email including a video of my grandma that I want to share, it was taken soon before she passed away.
3) I had my last day of classes as an undergrad today!!!!!! I still have finals but I am so close to done and I cannot wait to actually graduate. In the meantime I will be satisfied with having my own classroom for a year! But seriously, being done with classes is great but I will miss the amazing girls that I have met and befriended on the way to graduation! I hope we can all stay in touch...
4) General Conference happened and was great! Although I enjoyed conference I was not as focused as I could have been so I will go back and reread the talks but I loved the ideas presented. I especially liked Sister Wixom's talk about children and the way we speak to them.
Okay so maybe it is only four things... I feel like there has been much more that has happened but at the moment my brain is not cooperating so those four it shall be.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Yesterday Was Plain Awful!
Yesterday was just plain depressing, I had my interview for an internship and it was my last day of practicum with my fifth graders! It had its highs but it also had its lows...
I woke up early to get ready for my internship interview and left for the interview I got there (quite nervous, I was finding out if I got a position that night) interviewed (It was fine) and then drove to school. I was a little late to school and when I got there I had this spread waiting for me on the back table. Every student had written me a poem (some two or three) One girl made me cookies and a few others brought presents for me. I felt so loved!
Acrostic
Much Appreciated
In all aspects, amazing
So very fun
Super fun
Fantastic-ly fun
Is awesome
Super nice
Over the level of awesomeness
Marvelous
Intelligent
Special
Smart
Fun
Important
Smiley
Optimistic
Haiku:
A dark stormy night
An awesome teacher appears
And kills dark monsters
You are amazing!
I love it when you teach us
Don't go Miss Fiso! :(
Concrete:
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| The words for this one: Please don't go and we all will miss you and you are a part of this class! Please don't, Don't leave, we will all miss you! |
Telephone poem:
Nice, loving, caring
Awesome substitute teacher is Miss Fiso
I hope you come back to visit us
The class loves you
We're going to miss you
You're super super super nice
So goodbye Miss Fiso we'll all miss you always
(And last but not least) Limerick:
There once was a student teacher,
And I'm really gonna miss her
Her success was definite
Her love was infinite
Goodbye, Miss Fiso you're a winner!!
We went through the morning, I taught math, we did reading, recess and then lunch. I told the students I would eat lunch with them on my last day of lunch so I did. While we were eating the students were talking to me about things and they found out about my internship interview. It was at that point of lunch that the students started cheering for me and chanting my name to the chagrin of the lunch lady. It was so amazing! After lunch we did some more school-ish things and then the students got ready for the end of the day and said goodbye to me. While the students were in various parts of the room getting ready to go home this is what I heard...
Did someone bring string? We can tie her up and she can't leave...
It's okay we can just kidnap her. (As he comes up to me to put his sweater on my head to "kidnap" me)
We don't have to tie her up for too long, just enough to make her stay with us
and then everyone came back to give me hugs and look at me with sad eyes. I told them to stop the sad eyes and that is when they started their sad faces. :(
But the bell rang and after we finally ushered everyone out of the room I went to collaboration with my mentor teacher. It was good but nothing special. After the meeting I went to the car to go home and got the phone call that I was not offered a teaching position but I could try for Jordan District. I was devastated. I have nothing against Jordan but I was really looking forward to Nebo. Wish me well, Interviews for Jordan are next week.
**Also I am so so so excited for my friends who got their internships! They are all amazing!**
I went to my parent's home and I couldn't stop crying which is odd because I am not a crier... I was just so devastated. My mind was telling me that I was being an idiot. I originally wanted to do Jordan and it would be a new experience for me but I was a mess. My mom had the idea that we go to the Temple. So we did. It was great! I still was a little teary but I love going to the Temple and it calmed me down a lot.
Well there is my sad and sordid story but I'm sure the 'sun will come out tomorrow' My 5th graders are having a party and I just might stop by...
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Sunday thoughts
I have so many family and friends at the moment who are on missions or leaving soon on a mission so I get a lot of missionary emails. I love reading these emails and seeing how much these family and friends have grown and applying their knowledge to my life. One of my friends recently challenged those back home to share a message every week that will strengthen or comfort someone else. I am going to try just that...
While looking at the Mormon Channel on Youtube I found this video. The video focuses on courage and perseverance. It refers to the story of Ester and the faith and courage that she needed, to accomplish the things asked of her. The story of Ester is one of my favorites. I'd like to think that I could be as faithful as her if the situation ever arose, so likening Ester to modern women of the church really made an impression on me. I know that we can do hard things. Like Ester and many others we are not alone, we have the support system of our family, friends, ward members, Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. As long as we are striving to be our best we will have the strength and courage to go on. I hope you enjoy this...
While looking at the Mormon Channel on Youtube I found this video. The video focuses on courage and perseverance. It refers to the story of Ester and the faith and courage that she needed, to accomplish the things asked of her. The story of Ester is one of my favorites. I'd like to think that I could be as faithful as her if the situation ever arose, so likening Ester to modern women of the church really made an impression on me. I know that we can do hard things. Like Ester and many others we are not alone, we have the support system of our family, friends, ward members, Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. As long as we are striving to be our best we will have the strength and courage to go on. I hope you enjoy this...
Thursday, March 14, 2013
It's done...
This week was the BYU Lu'au I have been practicing every Saturday since January so it's nice to be done but at the same time I love participating in the Lu'au. This year I danced for Tahiti and Samoa. It was great! Samoa had a sick Sasa this year and Tahiti had a lot of time devoted to costumes as well as the dances. Both sections were great and I was so happy to participate in them! I'm so thankful for everyone who came to watch... I've heard that this year we can get a copy of the performance... I can't wait!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Funny thought of the day
Today there was a student reading me a book she came to a part where the person speaking called another person an arrogant jerk (she stopped after reading arrogant)...
Her: What does Arrogant mean?
Me: Well it means that he was stuck-up?
Her: What is that (She is learning English)
Me: It means he thinks he is better than everyone else. Go ahead and keep reading.
Her: (After looking at the Page) J-E-R-K. Ohhh I can't believe it! They used a bad word. Can you believe it. That is a bad word!
**I love kids so much!**
Thursday, February 28, 2013
It's here!
Practicum started today... I am one step closer to having my own classroom. This is my second time joining another teachers classroom and I am psyched!!! For those of you who are wondering what practicum is let me explain. For a month I get to go into a classroom and observe/teach/learn it is a great way to prepare for student teaching or an internship. Last semester I was able to spend some time with some amazing first graders and this semester I get the chance to meet some fifth graders.
Today I didn't actually get to meet my kids, that will happen tomorrow. Today, for half the day, I met my teacher and got to talk to her about things. It was great! She seems awesome and very organized (She already gave me a list of what I am going to teach next week). I am so excited I can't wait to meet the kids and let them meet me tomorrow. The other half of the day I was able to sub in another teachers classroom as she met her practicum student. It was great. I think my favorite part was when one of the students came up to me and said, "Those boy's over there talking are called the five, they cause problems for us". Is it bad that I wanted to laugh at that? (Don't worry I kept it inside)
After I got home I went shopping... I was able to find a new dress and a few other teacher outfits. I love having an excuse to go shopping and I feel justified in counting new teacher outfits as a reason to go to the store... Also tonight was Dinner with a Principal it was amazing to have the chance to talk to potential employers, very enlightening. Well I think that's it for now.
My Excitement for today...
My kids from last semester... (They are hiding in their costumes so hopefully this picture is okay?)
Today I didn't actually get to meet my kids, that will happen tomorrow. Today, for half the day, I met my teacher and got to talk to her about things. It was great! She seems awesome and very organized (She already gave me a list of what I am going to teach next week). I am so excited I can't wait to meet the kids and let them meet me tomorrow. The other half of the day I was able to sub in another teachers classroom as she met her practicum student. It was great. I think my favorite part was when one of the students came up to me and said, "Those boy's over there talking are called the five, they cause problems for us". Is it bad that I wanted to laugh at that? (Don't worry I kept it inside)
After I got home I went shopping... I was able to find a new dress and a few other teacher outfits. I love having an excuse to go shopping and I feel justified in counting new teacher outfits as a reason to go to the store... Also tonight was Dinner with a Principal it was amazing to have the chance to talk to potential employers, very enlightening. Well I think that's it for now.
My Excitement for today...
My new dress
My kids from last semester... (They are hiding in their costumes so hopefully this picture is okay?)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ramblings...
It has been a while but tonight I felt like sharing what has been on my mind:
1) PRACTICUM starts THURSDAY!!!!! I am so stinkin' excited! This semester I will be working in a fifth grade classroom out in Mapleton. I can't wait to meet my students!
2)This snow needs to go... Don't get me wrong I love the snow as much as any other kind of weather but last Saturday at 11:00 I was laying by the window in the sun, this Saturday at 11:00 I was sitting across from the window watching the snow fall. Also I almost got in a crash due to the ice on the road but that is a story for another time...
3) My grandma Fiso has been in the hospital since Wednesday and has everyone worried. Everyone has been coming to visit her. So many people were coming that she was moved to a bigger room to accommodate everyone. Before she switched rooms one of my cousins came to visit (at a time when a lot of people were visiting) when she got to the room she said "This room is so small, why are they not prepared for Polynesian families?" It was soon after that grandma moved rooms.
For a while she was not herself but I keep seeing her personality come out and that makes me so happy! At the hospital they have her on a BiPAP machine which helps to keep her oxygen levels up but she hates having the mask on her face and continuously rips it off, recently they have tied down her hands to ensure that she does not take of the BiPAP. Before they taped down her hands she pulled of the mask while her family was in the room we all tried to get it back on her but she wouldn't let us. One of the nurses came in to put it on her. While the nurse was trying to get it back on my parents were holding down grandmas hands and grandma was yelling (as well as she could) "No, I said no and I meant no!" The nurse finally got the mask on grandma's face and before securing it said "Pat, this is to help you. I know you don't like it but it is important for your health." It was then that grandma stated, "If you don't take your hand off of me there is going to be a war in here!" As sad as the situation was I couldn't help but laugh inside. It made me happy to see that my grandma still had her personality about her. Things are looking up but there is still no expected release date for her.
4) Lu'au tickets go on sale Friday!!! Everyone should come!
5) Psych comes back Wednesday!
6) I am rereading one of my favorite books and I found this quote inside of it that I love... "You don't love someone because they are perfect... You love them in spite of the fact that they're not" I love this because it helps me to keep a perspective. I know that it is hard to recognize that everyone has their faults but once you realize that it is not only you with faults you realize that you can work through the faults and grow from them. When you love someone no matter what you are not only loving them for who they are but who they may become.
1) PRACTICUM starts THURSDAY!!!!! I am so stinkin' excited! This semester I will be working in a fifth grade classroom out in Mapleton. I can't wait to meet my students!
2)This snow needs to go... Don't get me wrong I love the snow as much as any other kind of weather but last Saturday at 11:00 I was laying by the window in the sun, this Saturday at 11:00 I was sitting across from the window watching the snow fall. Also I almost got in a crash due to the ice on the road but that is a story for another time...
3) My grandma Fiso has been in the hospital since Wednesday and has everyone worried. Everyone has been coming to visit her. So many people were coming that she was moved to a bigger room to accommodate everyone. Before she switched rooms one of my cousins came to visit (at a time when a lot of people were visiting) when she got to the room she said "This room is so small, why are they not prepared for Polynesian families?" It was soon after that grandma moved rooms.
For a while she was not herself but I keep seeing her personality come out and that makes me so happy! At the hospital they have her on a BiPAP machine which helps to keep her oxygen levels up but she hates having the mask on her face and continuously rips it off, recently they have tied down her hands to ensure that she does not take of the BiPAP. Before they taped down her hands she pulled of the mask while her family was in the room we all tried to get it back on her but she wouldn't let us. One of the nurses came in to put it on her. While the nurse was trying to get it back on my parents were holding down grandmas hands and grandma was yelling (as well as she could) "No, I said no and I meant no!" The nurse finally got the mask on grandma's face and before securing it said "Pat, this is to help you. I know you don't like it but it is important for your health." It was then that grandma stated, "If you don't take your hand off of me there is going to be a war in here!" As sad as the situation was I couldn't help but laugh inside. It made me happy to see that my grandma still had her personality about her. Things are looking up but there is still no expected release date for her.
4) Lu'au tickets go on sale Friday!!! Everyone should come!
5) Psych comes back Wednesday!
6) I am rereading one of my favorite books and I found this quote inside of it that I love... "You don't love someone because they are perfect... You love them in spite of the fact that they're not" I love this because it helps me to keep a perspective. I know that it is hard to recognize that everyone has their faults but once you realize that it is not only you with faults you realize that you can work through the faults and grow from them. When you love someone no matter what you are not only loving them for who they are but who they may become.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Teachers
This semester I have some of the most amazing and most confusing teachers I have ever had in school. Right now I am going to focus on one of those amazing teachers... This teacher's main focus is us. She wants to prepare us for a future of teaching and she wants to tailor her teaching to our needs. At the beginning of the semester she asked us what we wanted to learn so we made lists. She took those lists and created our schedule for the semester. She has many connections and has used those connections to provide us with special guest speakers to inform us. The thing I like the most about this teacher is... She is real. She understands that time is a limit and recognizes that what we are taught is not always the most practical but she tries to make it so.
Anyway to the point of this blogpost... The other day this teacher started a discussion, realized it was going nowhere and changed the objective of her lesson all in the space of 5 minutes! I want to be that type of teacher... I want to be the teacher that understands what her students need and can recognize when the plan isn't working. I want to be the kind of teacher that can change my direction without a second thought because that is what is best for my students.
By the way I am taking the PRAXIS today. I'm past the point of studying... In case this blog post didn't tip you off but I figure whatever happens happens, right?
By the way I love this version of the song!!!!
Anyway to the point of this blogpost... The other day this teacher started a discussion, realized it was going nowhere and changed the objective of her lesson all in the space of 5 minutes! I want to be that type of teacher... I want to be the teacher that understands what her students need and can recognize when the plan isn't working. I want to be the kind of teacher that can change my direction without a second thought because that is what is best for my students.
By the way I am taking the PRAXIS today. I'm past the point of studying... In case this blog post didn't tip you off but I figure whatever happens happens, right?
By the way I love this version of the song!!!!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Wisdom
I read a great article this morning before going to school... I love the point that Elder Anderson shares through this article. In the article he talks about wisdom in the world today and then relates it to the Gospel. Here are a few of my favorite parts along with my thoughts (Because let's face it I always have an opinion):
"The wisdom of the world, while in many cases very valuable, is most valuable when it humbly bows to the wisdom of God" I love that Elder Anderson recognizes that the wisdom of the world can be valuable. I think that often we are taught that the things of this world are horrible and that isn't the case. This things of this world have their place and their purpose but we benefit from having a knowledge of God's plan and His wisdom. The main thing to remember is to keep perspective and I love the way Elder Anderson reminds us to keep this perspective.
"We can pole-vault over many of the sad experiences that come in life by obtaining wisdom early..." Here he is talking of the wisdom that we gain through others. Yes we remember a lesson better when we learn from experience but if we can observe what happens to others and learn from that we will be able to 'pole-vault' those experiences and continue our growth. Elder Anderson tells us to be reflective and obtain wisdom early which helps us in the long run.
Although we can learn wisdom we do not know everything "we should realize the limitations of this wisdom" Elder Anderson talks of different professions and the importance of professional wisdom. You would not want a teacher performing surgery on you and you would not want a surgeon teaching your children. Both careers mentioned have a set of knowledge that correlate with them and neither is more important. They are both important and they both deserve respect.
These are just a few of my favorite parts of the talk but if you do have a few minutes I would suggest that you read it. I love the connections that Elder Anderson makes between wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God.
Knowledge comes in many ways... when we turn to the Lord we are welcoming knowledge from Him and he will help us 'pole-vault' to where we need to be.
"The wisdom of the world, while in many cases very valuable, is most valuable when it humbly bows to the wisdom of God" I love that Elder Anderson recognizes that the wisdom of the world can be valuable. I think that often we are taught that the things of this world are horrible and that isn't the case. This things of this world have their place and their purpose but we benefit from having a knowledge of God's plan and His wisdom. The main thing to remember is to keep perspective and I love the way Elder Anderson reminds us to keep this perspective.
"We can pole-vault over many of the sad experiences that come in life by obtaining wisdom early..." Here he is talking of the wisdom that we gain through others. Yes we remember a lesson better when we learn from experience but if we can observe what happens to others and learn from that we will be able to 'pole-vault' those experiences and continue our growth. Elder Anderson tells us to be reflective and obtain wisdom early which helps us in the long run.
Although we can learn wisdom we do not know everything "we should realize the limitations of this wisdom" Elder Anderson talks of different professions and the importance of professional wisdom. You would not want a teacher performing surgery on you and you would not want a surgeon teaching your children. Both careers mentioned have a set of knowledge that correlate with them and neither is more important. They are both important and they both deserve respect.
These are just a few of my favorite parts of the talk but if you do have a few minutes I would suggest that you read it. I love the connections that Elder Anderson makes between wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God.
Knowledge comes in many ways... when we turn to the Lord we are welcoming knowledge from Him and he will help us 'pole-vault' to where we need to be.
Friday, January 25, 2013
"We can cry about it or we can dance about it!"
There is a video that has been going around facebook that is so cute and quite quotable. I wanted to share it here as I was thinking about putting it up I thought about another amazing video so I figured I would post them both so you now get two motivational video's. Lucky you!!! These are my favorite and it just shows you how amazing kids truly are...
Okay I lied. One more... I promise!!! This kid is just so invested I had to share it!
Okay I lied. One more... I promise!!! This kid is just so invested I had to share it!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Icy Conditions
For those of you not in Provo this lovely day you are missing out... The Icy rain has caused conditions that can lead to a lot of fun. If you are not afraid of slipping, or crashing into others. On second thought maybe these Icy Conditions are more dangerous and everyone should take care.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Wikipedia Races
As I was thinking about this game I was thinking about how great it could be for a classroom. Wikipedia is not usually something that teachers advocate but through playing this game with students I can help them make certain connections between topics in a fun way. I think it is definitely worth a try.
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