Adversity

Overcoming adversity is something that we all face daily. I decided to attend my first Tuesday morning devotional as a student here at BYU and really learned some interesting stuff. The devotional was about facing our adversities and fighting through them, understanding along the way why we have our adversities and trying to make the best of them. Every trial or struggle we have in our lives is for a reason and is put in our lives to make us stronger. The tough part about adversity is being able to see the good in it and making the best of it, but I understand that as we try to make the best of bad situations, we will be blessed. The ability to do such is something I can gain over time, but only if I continue to work at it. I must do my part by putting in all my effort and staying optimistic and faithful in our God. I know that he has a plan for me, and I'm thankful for the adversity I've faced throughout my life.

"Checkers"

Given by Richard M. Nixon, "Checkers" is a convincing speech in which he takes an accusation made towards him, accepts it, and then turns immorality into good. Because of his rhetoric, Nixon is able to convince his audience, America, that the wrong he has committed is actually understandable and justifiable. Without using certain specific tools in his speech, he never would have been able to earn back America's trust. Because it was so amazing to me how he was able to take a bad thing and flip it around into an opportunity for him to receive more followers and voters, I decided to use this speech as the basis for my Rhetorical Analysis. After reading this speech, I understand that much more how rhetoric can affect people. Promoting his ideas, Nixon is a great example of a respectable leader that understood the true power of the word.

Media

It always amazes me how "hip" and knowledgeable the prophets and apostles of our church are on the topic of electronics and media. Typically, all teenagers and young adults believe that the older people of the population are naive to the ways of the world today. Before humbling myself enough, I used to believe the same; there was no way that people born around the time of WWII could possibly understand the world that I'm growing up in right now. What I found is amazing! Quite honestly, the leaders of our church have kept up with the constant sprint of new inventions in our society. Not only that, they also have a deep, interesting, and proactive view on how to deal with media. Now whenever the prophet or apostles have something to say about media, I pay attention. I know that what they have to say is inspired--intriguing at the least.

Rhetoric

Rhetorical devices are everywhere. It had never occurred to me that the prophets and apostles of my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, would use rhetorical devices in their talks also. This week has been an eye opener for me; I always thought that rhetorical devices were used by liars that wanted to persuade their audience that what is bad is actually good. In this sense, I considered rhetoric to be a minor form of evil that the devil himself would use in order to persuade us to do what is wrong. In my writing class this week, I learned that even the good things in history that have brought about benefits to society were only carried out because of leaders that knew how to use rhetoric. In this way, rhetorical devices can be used for good. As we discussed in class ways in which rhetoric is used, someone suggested that the leaders of our church utilize these persuasive techniques in General Conference in order to portray their thoughts. I now understand that rhetoric is used as a base for persuading, whatever the cause or intent may be.

"Preparation Precedes Power"

Last Christmas, my brother who is currently serving a mission in Mexico City sent me a copy of "Preparation Precedes Power" by Randy L. Bott. I've always loved reading but church gospel books didn't seem to interest me. On the recommendation that this book helped prepare my brother more than anything for his mission, I decided to give it a try. I want to take the reading seriously so I pick three things out of the book that I can work on every week. I plan on beginning the mission paper process soon so preparing myself for the mission is always on the forefront of my mind. Here are three things that I know will help you keep the spirit throughout the day just like they did for me:

1. Be thankful for everything. Take nothing for granted. Everything you are given is an extra blessing.

2. Become knowledgeable in the gospel. We are our Lord's servants, and as such we need to be prepared to spread the gospel whenever we are asked questions.

3. Let confrontation go; do not retaliate. Be understanding of the confronter, no matter how frustrating the situation is.

"Child of God"- Elder Eyring

I'm not one to enjoy church talks about the same reoccurring topics such as paying your tithing, magnifying your calling, and going to church, but Elder Eyring's knowledge and guidance in "Child of God" was enough to keep me interested. Focusing on five characteristics that every child of God should have, he lays out a map for us of how to get there. These five essential traits consist of working hard, welcoming feedback, expecting resistance, keeping commitments, and helping others. One of the first things we must do to adapt these characteristics is to humble ourselves. We are all children of God, not one of us is more special than the other in his eyes. All of the counsel Eyring gives is applicable to me directly in my education. Part of working hard in school is the ability to welcome critical feedback and then adjust myself according to the comments I receive. Also, I must expect resistance and be able to help others as I work to overcome those challenges. Lastly, keeping commitments that I make throughout college is important in defining who I become in the future.