Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Family and the Temple
"[D&C 2:1-3] is talking about temple blessings-ordinances and covenants without which 'the whole earth [is] utterly wasted.'"
'The Family: A Proclamation to the World'" was written to reinforce that the family is central to the Creator's plan. Without the family, there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life." - Julie B. Beck, "Teaching the Doctrine of the Family"
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Today my brother, Chace, was sealed to his wife, Madison, for time and all eternity in the Dallas Texas Temple. Thanks to the restored power, authority and truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, my brother has had sealed upon him and his wife the blessings of an eternal family according to his faithfulness in keeping his covenants.
Ever since I was little, I've been taught the importance of the temple. Whether at home in a Family Home Evening, or at Primary singing "I want to see the temple", I knew from a very young age that I wanted to go to the temple. As I've gotten older that desire to go to the temple has only increased and has been enhanced by a better understanding of the purpose of the temple and the covenants that are made therein. I know that by going through and receiving all the covenants of the temple that I will become closer to and more like my Heavenly Father. Indeed, I know that without those covenants, "there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life."
It honestly was a wonderful opportunity today to be there in the temple with my brother as he was sealed to his wife. The ordinance is not showy, boistrous or vain by any means, instead it is simple, pure and serene. I am extremely happy to see my brother take that difficult, yet wonderful step in receiving an eternal family.
'The Family: A Proclamation to the World'" was written to reinforce that the family is central to the Creator's plan. Without the family, there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life." - Julie B. Beck, "Teaching the Doctrine of the Family"
Ever since I was little, I've been taught the importance of the temple. Whether at home in a Family Home Evening, or at Primary singing "I want to see the temple", I knew from a very young age that I wanted to go to the temple. As I've gotten older that desire to go to the temple has only increased and has been enhanced by a better understanding of the purpose of the temple and the covenants that are made therein. I know that by going through and receiving all the covenants of the temple that I will become closer to and more like my Heavenly Father. Indeed, I know that without those covenants, "there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life."
It honestly was a wonderful opportunity today to be there in the temple with my brother as he was sealed to his wife. The ordinance is not showy, boistrous or vain by any means, instead it is simple, pure and serene. I am extremely happy to see my brother take that difficult, yet wonderful step in receiving an eternal family.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Our Journey
In John 14:27, the Savior tells his to his disciples “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Why did he feel it necessary to tell them this? Had they not been with him this entire time? Hadn’t they been taught the gospel? These humble disciples had walked with the very Savior, Jesus Christ, himself, yet he felt the need to instruct them, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
What was the fear that Lord knew was building in their hearts? From the follow verse it appears that they feared the change that was about to take place. They were aware that their time with the Savior was drawing to a close. They were to be set on a journey that, it seems, caused there hearts to be troubled and fearful. What is more important is that the Lord knew it. He was completely aware of their fear and of their unsettled hearts. Of course this did not change what was expected of them, but the Lord promised them peace in their journey.
We, like Christ's disciples, have also been called on a journey. We also may find ourselves fearful and restless about what it is we must do, but the Lord’s promise extends to us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” We have been blessed with access to the Lord’s peace. The steps we are to take on many occasions will be difficult and will test us, but we must never forget that even though we may not physically walk with the Lord, he most certainly is walking with us. I know he does.
…more to be said later.
What was the fear that Lord knew was building in their hearts? From the follow verse it appears that they feared the change that was about to take place. They were aware that their time with the Savior was drawing to a close. They were to be set on a journey that, it seems, caused there hearts to be troubled and fearful. What is more important is that the Lord knew it. He was completely aware of their fear and of their unsettled hearts. Of course this did not change what was expected of them, but the Lord promised them peace in their journey.
We, like Christ's disciples, have also been called on a journey. We also may find ourselves fearful and restless about what it is we must do, but the Lord’s promise extends to us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” We have been blessed with access to the Lord’s peace. The steps we are to take on many occasions will be difficult and will test us, but we must never forget that even though we may not physically walk with the Lord, he most certainly is walking with us. I know he does.
…more to be said later.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Last Week's Runs
Well, I made it through my first week of training. It wasn't too difficult, but it did require more of me than I expected. There were days when I was just worn out, but every time I wanted to quit, the image of my $50 t-shirt came to me and gave me the strength to keep on going.....ok that was a lie. I never wanted to quit. In fact, I think my ambitions keep increasing. I'm starting to think it would be way cool to not only run a marathon, but to run a back-to-back marathon. Of course I have to keep my head on straight and remember that I'm still just running a half marathon...."c'mon Cale, one step at a time." But wouldn't that be so cool to run a back-to-back marathon. Sometimes it just make sense that if you're going to dream, you might as well
DREAM BIG!.....right?
Okay enough of that, as promised I wanted to post last week's run times:
Mon - Scheduled 30 min
Tue - 4 miles --> 37 mins
Wed - Rest Day(and it was needed)
Thur - 3 miles --> 26 mins 20 secs
Fri - 2 miles --> 16 mins 2 secs
Sat - 3 miles --> 22 mins 40 secs(not sure if I miscounted a lap, since the time seems too fast, but whatevs...)
DREAM BIG!.....right?
Okay enough of that, as promised I wanted to post last week's run times:
Mon - Scheduled 30 min
Tue - 4 miles --> 37 mins
Wed - Rest Day(and it was needed)
Thur - 3 miles --> 26 mins 20 secs
Fri - 2 miles --> 16 mins 2 secs
Sat - 3 miles --> 22 mins 40 secs(not sure if I miscounted a lap, since the time seems too fast, but whatevs...)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Running...
Ah, there is nothing like running 3 miles while listening to Elder Uchtdorf telling me that I can do more to reach my potential.
(more to be said about that talk later)
Invigorating!!!
Also I have decided that in order to be more productive in my running schedule, I'm going to begin posting my running times. I considered doing this each day I ran, but I determined that would be a little excessive and would clutter my blog, so instead I will make a weekly post documenting each day's distance and time. I figure this will motivate me more to not get lazy while running.
(more to be said about that talk later)
Invigorating!!!
Also I have decided that in order to be more productive in my running schedule, I'm going to begin posting my running times. I considered doing this each day I ran, but I determined that would be a little excessive and would clutter my blog, so instead I will make a weekly post documenting each day's distance and time. I figure this will motivate me more to not get lazy while running.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
My Interview
Well, I managed to get an interview for a web development job in the BYU Bookstore(Thank You, Steve). Truth is I'm not sure if this is a "Hooray" moment or not, since I have no experience what so ever in web programming. But for having no experience in the job that I applied for, I think it went quite well. I must say it is a bit rough when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any experience with this?", and you have to respond "Honestly,......no." However, when he asked me questions about my programming knowledge, he was quite impressed by my responses, so at least I have that going for me. Pretty much, my main pitch was that I'm a quick learner. Good news, I'm still being considered for the job, which I can accept as reason enough to celebrate. So,
HOORAY!!!
HOORAY!!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Hindsight is 20/20........or is it?
"Hindsight is 20/20" seems to be a pretty common saying. I think most people use the phrase in order to describe the certainty that is felt when one is able to look back and view both the actions and the consequences of the past. At times, it can even seem like everything makes sense, that the outcome was inevitable, or that it was foreseeable. But is this truly the case?
I began thinking about this, because I felt and still feel that hindsight is far from being 20/20. There is so much that is not understood, even when we take a look back. Not only that, but our past, as weird as it may seem, is influenced by our present. Now, you may be saying, "That can't be, the past is fixed, it has already happened," but for us human beings, the past is merely our memory of the once present, and if it is ours, then it is biased.
This memory bias, or cognitive bias is more than just having opinionated ideas about the past, but can in many cases alter our very memory of the past. In some cases, these alterations can become just as vivid in the mind of the person as the original memories themselves. What also is interesting, is that these changes can be positive or negative depending on the person and the situation.
For example, one of these memory biases is Hindsight bias. This causes people to look back on an experience thinking the outcome was more obvious then it actually was. It is sometimes referred to as the knew-it-all-along effect. These subtle changes in memory can lead us to regret our past decisions(or regret delaying past decisions) causing us to feel like the better decision was obvious, when in actuality it may not have been.
Another example of memory bias is Misinformation effect, which is related to Hindsight bias. This bias comes from receiving information that is misleading or directing.
For example, lets suppose an eyewitness had seen a dark car fleeing the scene of a crime. During the trial the prosecutor mentions that the defendant drives a dark green car. Due to the color of the car having been mentioned, the eyewitness may very well look back at her memories and see a dark green car, when she actually only had seen a dark colored car.
As I mentioned some of these biases can even cause a positive alteration of memory. One is know as the Rosy retrospection, which entails a person recalling good experiences and events with a fonder memory than the actual experience. Of course the opposite could be said about difficult experiences.
As I've read about these different biases of the mind, it causes me to wonder, can we really trust our memories? If not, how are we suppose to learn from the past, if it is tainted with falsities? As I've thought about this, I feel there is still much we can learn from the past. We shouldn't disregard it completely. As long as we don't suffer from Schizophrenia, then it is probably safe to say that the experiences did indeed happen, but it is important to be aware that just because we remember thinking something or even feeling something at a certain level of intensity, doesn't mean that it is fact that it occurred how we recall. The sad thing is "Research shows that people still exhibit the bias even when they are informed about it. Researchers attempt to decrease the bias in participants has failed, leading one to think that hindsight bias has an automatic source in cognitive reconstruction."
So, to put it simply, when recalling past experiences, just remember that hindsight isn't always quite as clear as we think it is.
I began thinking about this, because I felt and still feel that hindsight is far from being 20/20. There is so much that is not understood, even when we take a look back. Not only that, but our past, as weird as it may seem, is influenced by our present. Now, you may be saying, "That can't be, the past is fixed, it has already happened," but for us human beings, the past is merely our memory of the once present, and if it is ours, then it is biased.
This memory bias, or cognitive bias is more than just having opinionated ideas about the past, but can in many cases alter our very memory of the past. In some cases, these alterations can become just as vivid in the mind of the person as the original memories themselves. What also is interesting, is that these changes can be positive or negative depending on the person and the situation.
For example, one of these memory biases is Hindsight bias. This causes people to look back on an experience thinking the outcome was more obvious then it actually was. It is sometimes referred to as the knew-it-all-along effect. These subtle changes in memory can lead us to regret our past decisions(or regret delaying past decisions) causing us to feel like the better decision was obvious, when in actuality it may not have been.
Another example of memory bias is Misinformation effect, which is related to Hindsight bias. This bias comes from receiving information that is misleading or directing.
For example, lets suppose an eyewitness had seen a dark car fleeing the scene of a crime. During the trial the prosecutor mentions that the defendant drives a dark green car. Due to the color of the car having been mentioned, the eyewitness may very well look back at her memories and see a dark green car, when she actually only had seen a dark colored car.
As I mentioned some of these biases can even cause a positive alteration of memory. One is know as the Rosy retrospection, which entails a person recalling good experiences and events with a fonder memory than the actual experience. Of course the opposite could be said about difficult experiences.
As I've read about these different biases of the mind, it causes me to wonder, can we really trust our memories? If not, how are we suppose to learn from the past, if it is tainted with falsities? As I've thought about this, I feel there is still much we can learn from the past. We shouldn't disregard it completely. As long as we don't suffer from Schizophrenia, then it is probably safe to say that the experiences did indeed happen, but it is important to be aware that just because we remember thinking something or even feeling something at a certain level of intensity, doesn't mean that it is fact that it occurred how we recall. The sad thing is "Research shows that people still exhibit the bias even when they are informed about it. Researchers attempt to decrease the bias in participants has failed, leading one to think that hindsight bias has an automatic source in cognitive reconstruction."
So, to put it simply, when recalling past experiences, just remember that hindsight isn't always quite as clear as we think it is.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Beautiful
Solo quise decir que el soundtrack de Pearl Harbor es hermoso. It is beautiful.
Hans Zimmer, he can do no wrong.
Hans Zimmer, he can do no wrong.
time cont.
I heard in church yesterday an interesting quote about time:
In the recent General Conference the topic of marriage was addressed multiple times, especially the importance of making it a priority. Here are some of the things that were said:
But I think we need to be careful when interpreting what the prophets are saying. People tend to interpret this revelation as, "I have to get married as quick as possible," that we are sinning if we are not pushing marriage. And I disagree. I feel there is much to be said about getting married. President Monson said that we must exercise faith. "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." This process of finding someone with whom you can be compatible, is not a race to the finish line of marriage. It is an important process that requires true consideration. That is why in my last post, time, I quoted Joseph Fielding Smith, because it is so important that we do not rush into marriage with just anyone.
To bring these ideas together, it all boils down to what is our desire. What is most important to us right now? The leaders of the church are saying that marriage should be in the forefront of our minds. For us young single adults, we are no longer young men and young women making future goals for when we are married, or primary children hoping that someday we may go inside the temple. We need to be active in our pursuit to get married. As President Monson instructed, "There is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity," but he follows by saying we must "choose wisely." So, we do need to be actively seeking a companion, but active does not mean rushed. For some the process is quick, for others slow, but either way it takes time. Marriage is not something that we just jump into.
One final comment, I would also like to point out that President Monson said "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." I don't think it is coincidence that he put "can be" in that statement. We are not looking for the person with whom we are compatible; we are looking for the person with whom we can be.
Becoming compatible is a process. When we are baptized we say we know the gospel is true, but the path to true conversion is a life long pursuit. Baptism is merely the door to begin the process of conversion. Similarly, I think marriage is the door that begins the process of becoming truly compatible with ones spouse. I believe that is why President Monson said, "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." Becoming compatible truly is a life long process.
As Joseph Fielding Smith said,
note: Joseph Fielding Smith inDoctrines of Salvation says several other interesting things about this idea of Celestial Marriage
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back." - Harvey MackayRecently, I've been thinking a lot about time. Each person in this life is given a certain amount of time, and we each are accountable for what we do with the time that has been given us. We had a lesson about this yesterday in Elder's Quorum, and it caused me to ask myself, "What am I doing with my time?" and How am I prioritizing the time I have?"
In the recent General Conference the topic of marriage was addressed multiple times, especially the importance of making it a priority. Here are some of the things that were said:
"I close with a final example of a desire that should be paramount for all men and women—those who are currently married and those who are single. All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity. Those who already have a temple marriage should do all they can to preserve it. Those who are single should desire a temple marriage and exert priority efforts to obtain it. Youth and young singles should resist the politically correct but eternally false concept that discredits the importance of marrying and having children." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Desire, GC April 2011
"Now, I have thought a lot lately about you young men who are of an age to marry but who have not yet felt to do so. I see lovely young ladies who desire to be married and to raise families, and yet their opportunities are limited because so many young men are postponing marriage...Said President Harold B. Lee, 'We are not doing our duty as holders of the priesthood when we go beyond the marriageable age and withhold ourselves from an honorable marriage to these lovely women.'...I realize there are many reasons why you may be hesitating to take that step of getting married...Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work." - Pres Thomas S. Monson, Priesthood Power, GC April 2011I know that for a lot of the young single adults in the church, this was a bit of a smack to the face. I think for some it helped them realize that everyone needed to go out and get married. I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. We are told repeatedly in the scriptures and by modern prophets of the church that obtaining a temple marriage is one of the most important things we can do in this life. Without this marriage, we are unable to be exalted.
But I think we need to be careful when interpreting what the prophets are saying. People tend to interpret this revelation as, "I have to get married as quick as possible," that we are sinning if we are not pushing marriage. And I disagree. I feel there is much to be said about getting married. President Monson said that we must exercise faith. "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." This process of finding someone with whom you can be compatible, is not a race to the finish line of marriage. It is an important process that requires true consideration. That is why in my last post, time, I quoted Joseph Fielding Smith, because it is so important that we do not rush into marriage with just anyone.
To bring these ideas together, it all boils down to what is our desire. What is most important to us right now? The leaders of the church are saying that marriage should be in the forefront of our minds. For us young single adults, we are no longer young men and young women making future goals for when we are married, or primary children hoping that someday we may go inside the temple. We need to be active in our pursuit to get married. As President Monson instructed, "There is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity," but he follows by saying we must "choose wisely." So, we do need to be actively seeking a companion, but active does not mean rushed. For some the process is quick, for others slow, but either way it takes time. Marriage is not something that we just jump into.
One final comment, I would also like to point out that President Monson said "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." I don't think it is coincidence that he put "can be" in that statement. We are not looking for the person with whom we are compatible; we are looking for the person with whom we can be.
Becoming compatible is a process. When we are baptized we say we know the gospel is true, but the path to true conversion is a life long pursuit. Baptism is merely the door to begin the process of conversion. Similarly, I think marriage is the door that begins the process of becoming truly compatible with ones spouse. I believe that is why President Monson said, "Find someone with whom you can be compatible." Becoming compatible truly is a life long process.
As Joseph Fielding Smith said,
"This life is short, and eternity is long. When we contemplate that the marriage covenant will endure forever, it is well that it should be given careful consideration."It takes time.
note: Joseph Fielding Smith inDoctrines of Salvation says several other interesting things about this idea of Celestial Marriage
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