#3 1st Rhetorical Analysis Paper

Looking back on this rhetorical analysis paper, I found I did somethings that I really liked and will continue to do with future papers. First, I read the entire speech. I didn't do the skimming process because the length of the speech was a page and a half. When I went through the speech, I looked for the three areas we talked about in class; pathos, logos and ethos. I found a large amount of pathos and some logos and ethos throughout. I found that writing the paper in chunks worked great for me. I would write for awhile and take a break. I would then have my wife peer review what I just wrote. This was extremely helpful since she is a great writer and loves to read. I continued this process until the paper was done. I will definitely do this for future papers. It took the stress and worry out of the writing process.

I also met with Sister Steadman, our teacher. She was able to give great feedback on the quality of the paper. I will certainly met with her again and ask for any writing advice she may have.
All in all, this writing assignment was a great experience and I look forward to writing more!

#2 Strength in Families

For class, we had to read a couple of research articles that focused on families and the blessings of having family stories. As I read them, I couldn't help but think of my families, just like many of you.

This is a picture of my family, well most of them. One of my sisters is currently serving a full-time mission in San Fransico. This picture was taken at the Nauvoo, IL temple this past May when I was married to my sweetheart.

A little bit about my family. First off, these are my grandparents. I was adopted by them when I was in the 4th grade, along with my two sisters. I am the oldest of three, with two sisters, which means I'm going straight to the Celestial kingdom!! My grandparents join the church when I was five years old, and haven't looked back since.

But one of the main points of the articles we read was the fact that it is easier to get through difficult times in life, when we know our ancestors history. That couldn't be more closer to the truth. Knowing these stories, shows its possible to make it through and that everything will be ok.

#1 Elder Bednar's Education Week Devotional

To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood, a devotional address given by Elder David A. Bednar interested me for a few reasons. 

The timing of this devotional was one of the things that interested me the most regarding this address. Elder Bednar gave this address during Education Week at Brigham Young University. Education week is mainly for adults, not students. I found the subject of his talk interesting as to his audience. 

"The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fullness of times." This quote by Elder Bednar really makes sense. With the missionary age change, influx of full time missionaries both young and old, and with the missionaries involvement with social media. Elder Bednar's audience was adults attending Education week, but his remarks are for all. All of us are involved with social media in some way, shape or form. It can and needs to be a tool for us to help with hastening the work of the Lord. 

Elder Bednar's devotional was a charge for us all to get involved and share our unique message with the world in a way that the rest of the world will understand!