#6 Research Paper Reflection

Boy am I glad the research paper is done! Looking back on the process of writing the research paper, I've noticed things I liked and disliked about it.

First, I enjoyed actually doing the research project. I learned things about my adoption that I didn't know before, which gave me a greater appreciation for my grandparents. I liked researching the topic of adoption and finding both the positive and negative affects of grandparents adopting their grandchildren.

Second, I liked the timing of the research paper. Being able to have the hardest paper written before November is a great feeling. It's all down hill from here! Another part of the process I enjoyed was actually going to the library and receiving instruction on how to research certain topics. This helped in the process of writing the research paper tremendously. Finally, I really enjoyed being able to meet with my teacher, Sister Steadman, about how my paper was coming along and what I could do to make it better. I found this to be a great tool in becoming a better writer. I also had my wife peer review it multiple times, to the point of her having parts of it memorized. But all these things helped in the process of writing.

I didn't find the group peer review exercise very helpful. We only went over our thesis statements and that was about it. I would have liked to have another review session with Sister Steadman, instead of working in a group. At first I didn't like having to incorporate a family story into the research paper, but in the end I'm glad I did. I was about to learn and grow because of this assignment.
All in all, I'm excited that the paper is finally finished and I can now relax and not worry. But like I said earlier, I am glad I was about to do this assignment and learn about my family a little bit more.  

#5 Ponder the Path of Thy Feet-General Conference

        What makes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints unique to the rest of the world is the belief of continuing revelation. This is evident every six months when Prophets, Seers and Revelators instruct the world. In the Sunday morning session of the October 2014 general conference, President Monson inspires the world by using real life examples, personal testimony and uses his authority by asking us to Ponder the Path of Thy Feet.

       The first example that President Monson shares is of a woman who visited Jerusalem. She would share experience she had from her trip. They must have been wonderful. Every time she would recall an experience from the trip to the Holy Land, she would say, "I have walked where Jesus walked!" Thomas S. Monson expounds on this by say, "She had been in the vicinity where Jesus lived and taught. Perhaps she stood on a rock on which He had once stood or looked at a mountain range He had once gazed upon. The experiences, in and of themselves, were thrilling to her; but physically walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked. Emulating His actions and following His example are far more important than trying to retrace the remnants of the trails He traversed in mortality." What a powerful message coming from the mouth piece of Heavenly Father. Sharing experiences like this help the audience feel that the prophet is in touch with the world. He knows what is happening and as a result is able to connect with the audience. 
       Another example that is used during this talk is of the Wacker family. President Monson goes on to share that during the course of President Monson's Mission President duties. He says, "As I think of those who have truly tried to follow the example of the Savior and who have walked in His path, there comes readily to my mind the names of Gustav and Margarete Wacker—two of the most Christlike individuals I have ever known. They were native Germans who had immigrated to eastern Canada, and I met them when I served as a mission president there. Brother Wacker earned his living as a barber. Though their means were limited, they shared all they had. They were not blessed with children, but they nurtured all who entered their home. Men and women of learning and sophistication sought out these humble, unlettered servants of God and counted themselves fortunate if they could spend an hour in their presence." He continues to say they didn't have much. They didn't own a television or car, their English was broken and according to the world, they didn't have much. But yet, the faithful beat a path to their door in order to partake of the spirit that was there. Their home was a heaven on earth, and the spirit they radiated was of pure peace and goodness." As President Monson shares these stories with the audience which allows them to connect with the speaker. The real life examples shared touch the audience and creates a willingness to become better. 
      President Monson also uses his personal testimony inspire us to Ponder the Path of Thy Feet. He said, "As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can." With a significant promise like this, inspiration is the only option for the audience. 

      President Monson concludes his inspiring message by saying, "As we do, we will have the faith, even the desire, to walk the path which Jesus walked. We will have no doubt that we are on a path which our Father would have us follow. The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything that we do, and His words provide an unfailing guide. His path will take us safely home. May this be our blessing, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whom I love, whom I serve, and of whom I testify, amen." His personal testimony of the Savior's ability to guide and provide the framework for us is inspiring and leads us to have a desire to be better. 
      All of the words that President Monson shares have creditability because he is the ordained spokesmen for Heavenly Father. With this ordination, Thomas S. Monson's words have more meaning, power and inspire the world. As the prophet, President Monson speaks to the entire world, not just the members of the church. Heavenly Father's will is brought to light through the prophet. 
      All in all, President Monson inspires us, the world, to Ponder the Path of Thy Feet. He does this by sharing personal, real life examples of those that have pondered their path and using his credibility as the prophet.   

#4 Research Paper Ideas

As I have been thinking about possible research topics, only two have come to mind. Actually, "Are Professional Athletes Role Models" was the only topic that was considering. With my family being sport fans, I have noticed in professional sports there are major problems regarding domestic violence, substance abuse and personal conduct, But today sitting in class, I had the question of whether or not adoption is a beneficial thing. My two sisters and I were adopted by my grandparents and lately I have been pondering this idea. My wife has Crohn's disease and a possible side affect is the ability to not have children. So adoption is a big part of my life and I would like to know if it is beneficial or not.    

I like the idea of adoption. You have a double connection being adopted and the possibility of not having children which could be used to introduce and conclude. 

This is a pretty serious topic and I'm sure you could find a lot of data to support whatever conclusions you'll come to. I like it!

I would urge you to be more specific with either topic you choose. With professional athletes I would use a specific sport because it will to between sports like golf and MMA.

With what you just said in that last bit of the paragraph,  I think it would be very beneficial for you to choose the second topic of adoption.  The research you find on adoption will be extensive and easy to find.   

Thesis: Although many would argue that there are many negative effects of Grandparents adopting their grandchildren, significant research shows that grandparents who adopt their grandchildren positively effect on all who are involved, including biological parents, grandparents, and the grandchildren.