TED Talk Podcast Reviews

     So today I am again talking about something that is not related to my blog, but I think it is pretty cool. If you have not listened to TED talks before, you should definitely check it out. I want to review a few podcasts I listened to personally, but if you have some free time I would check some of these out, they are pretty interesting.
     The first podcast I want to review is a podcast about success. There are five great talks including some topics of smiling for success, having grit and reframing success. My personal favorite topic given here is from Tony Robbins. He is a life-coach who has helped people become very successful in their life. My favorite part of his talk was about the ability to choose. He talks about choice and how we all have the opportunity to choose. I thought that was really awesome, because when we get in the day grind it sometimes feel really hard to change. But Tony Robbins has helped people by giving them this insight that they can choice. It is their own choice everyday. Here's a link if you want to check it out: http://www.npr.org/2013/10/25/240777690/success?showDate=2014-03-21
     Another interesting podcast talks about being happy. It mentions many different topics, like success that can bring happiness into your life. There are two parts, among many other aspects of the talks, that I really enjoyed. One of those aspects was given by Pharrell, an artist who recently released a song that gained massive popularity called Happy. They ask him what the secret to happiness is. He says that the way to be happy is to put things into perspective. If you can look at life in a happy way, and be appreciative for life, you will be happy. Likewise, a monk named David Steindl-Rast. He talks about something awesome: being grateful. He mentions a something great I had never contemplated quite in the way he said it before. He talked about how you are not happy and then grateful, you would be grateful and then you will be happy. This is a pretty amazing idea, but it just makes sense too! Here is a link if you want to check it out: http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/267185371/simply-happy?showDate=2014-02-14
     The last podcast hour I want to review was about disruptive leaders. They are all interesting talks to listen to, but I really liked a talk that is about changing peoples lives. Drew Dudley talks about an experience when he helped this girl on her first day of college feel in place through a pretty funny, but kind act. He completely forgot what he did, but then later she came up to him and told him how much that moment meant to her. Essentially he said, to be effective leaders, we need to have those nice moments when we can help other people in an great way. If you want to check it out, here's a link: http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/261084166/disruptive-leadership?showDate=2014-01-17
    Anyways, that's it for my blog today. Thanks for reading!

For an English class at BYU I had the opportunity to read a New York times article about the role of women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although I did not agree with all of the points mentioned in the article, I do find parts of it interesting to read about. For example, the article mentions some view points of sister missionaries serving. They talk about what they see as their roles in the church, family and profession. This really brought some new insights I had not thought of before. Anyways, here is a link to the article. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/us/a-growing-role-for-mormon-women.html?_r=1 If you have time, this is something interesting to check out.

Youth Activites

One of the best part of growing up in my community was the youth activities. Some of these activities span from playing sports, learning about how to tie knots, going canyoneering, making lunches for the homeless, learning how to be physically fit, going to youth conference, playing games  and going to the new Macy's to get Kong cones. Each of these activities were fun in their own way, but they were more than that. They helped us as youth get to know each other and form a bond. I can personally say I do not think I would have been friends with some of the people in my ward had I not spent time that one-two hour time every week with them. This went on from age twelve to high school graduation. This bond meant a lot, and it sometimes it was even tested. Our summer trips for young men's usually consisted of canyoneering. In these canyons we would often have to repel down some tall rock face. This was usually nerve racking, but it would be even more nerve racking if you did not trust the person that was belaying. The person belaying has the most important job, as they literally hold the life of the person repelling in their hands. When the person repelling stepped off of the ledge they had to put their trust in that person. It was like a trust test, but instead of falling and hitting the ground from five feet, you fall one-hundred plus feet if your partner isn't paying attention. That being said everything generally went fine and people did the job they were supposed to. Experiences like these always built trust within our group. It built a unity and a feeling of being a part of something. For these reason the youth activities were some of my favorite experiences growing up and I would not trade them for anything.

God Grew Tired of Us

So this post doesn't really go with my blog topic, but I still think it is beneficial to talk about. I just watched a documentary on Hulu called God Grew Tired of Us. This documentary shows the life of three lost boys from Sudan in Africa. These boys were a lucky few from their camp of lost boys that were given the opportunity to come to America. They experience new and different things in America, such as electricity, Christmas decorations, and apartment buildings. They find various jobs so they can support themselves, and when possible, send money home to their families and Sudan brothers and sisters. Even though the jobs are laborious and often mundane, they continue to work and do the best with what they have. Near the end of the documentary, one of the boys is reacquainted with his mother who he has not seen in the last seventeen years. You can see their pure joy when they meet together again. The joy of family. All three boys at the end of the movie are going to college, as well as two boys giving back directly to their community through the creation of a non-profit organization and other various efforts. The lost boys are an inspiration of how courage, love and determination can help you live the fullest life possible. If you have not seen this documentary I highly suggest it, especially as it is free on Hulu.

Neighborhood Professor

So the other day I was in one of my classes taught by a professor who lives in my small Mormon community. He was my youth leader and I have played countless basketball games with him and other members of my home ward. I like this professor a lot, but there was some bad news when it came to taking his class. He basically promised he was going to embarrass me in front of the class and told me to "sit in the front." So what did I do? I sure did not sit in the front. I would sit in the middle to back area of the class everyday (the class has like 180 students). The first two weeks or so nothing happened, and I started to think that he was not going to do anything. I could swear he would look right at me sometimes, but he never said anything. It was about the Wednesday class period of the third week when I finally thought something was up. When I came into class, he looked at me and smiled. This time I knew he was looking at me and I thought "oh, no. Here it comes." The class started with announcements like normal, then my professor asked the class "Has anyone here ever had a youth leader who had a profound impact on there life?" I raised my land a little bit and then put it down. I was now 100% sure that he was going to call me out. He then said, "Well, I'd like everyone in the class to know that there is a student here who I have had twice in youth groups, and he has not so much as said a single word to me since the class has started. He just sits in the back and hides." At this point he was looking at me, and the other 179 students were starting to turn their heads. Then he says my name and "Will you stand up." I stood up and he said, "not a word?" I could not think of anything to say. I eventually uttered, "Hey! How's it going?" I sat down and the professor eventually moved on. So to everyone out there taking a class with a BYU professor who knows them well, I have one suggestion. Talk to your professor before, during, or after class. If you don't you may regret it.

From Little Town to Little Town: An Interview About Two Small Towns

So today I wanted to share an interview I had with my grandpa about the small town where he grew up. It was a little town called Mulgrove in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. We live in the same small town now and I found it interesting to hear about the some of the differences between where he used to live and where he lives now. I hope you enjoy!

What was the religious situation in your town?

In my little town of eleven-hundred we had the Anglican Church of England…the Catholics…And the Presbyterians. And the united church of Canada. When I was a kid…there were five churches. Now there is only two left I think.

Which churches are left?

[There are three left] That would be the Catholic...United Church and the Anglican Church. They’re just hanging on by a thread. There’s not too many left. And that’s what we need back, we need our churches back and religion.

So were most people religious?

They were. It’s such a small community and it’s hard to keep three churches up with eleven-hundred people. We have the LDS church there now, but you have to travel a little ways and I imagine you’ve got other religions too that [have] come in.

So were all of the churches located in the town at that time?

Yeah, they were separated. Wherever the most members were, they built [a church]. There was a catholic section in town and that’s where the church went. [There was also] Protestant and other [churches] like that, they did it that way.

So was there ever conflict if you were one religion versus another or was everyone ok with each other?

There [is]  now, but time has changed. Then I was on a hockey team. It was run by the Catholics. The baseball was likely run by the other churches so we all intermingled in sports. [There] used to be a little hard feelings but it’s gone away. I guess we grew up a little more and matured a little on that kind of foolishness.

So you were Catholic when you grew up?

Well it was Church of England. It was a break off of the Catholic Church.

So what would you say are some of the biggest differences you have noticed living here in [our town] versus growing up in your town as a youth?

Well in my little town it was a seaport. And here it’s in the mountains. It’s altogether a different scenery. Both places are beautiful. I was one of the blessed people that lived in one part of the country or continent and then come out here to the mountains. It’s really spectacular. And it would be to someone going back there and seeing the ocean ships going by. The climate is much different. It is much colder.

Do you notice a lot of religious differences here in Mapleton?

Well, being LDS here, most of your friends are all LDS. Because there are so few of another religion you don’t make contact with anybody unless you’re in a larger area. And they do have Catholics and Protestants. When I was a kid there were more hard feelings about other religions but now it’s kind of changing. You don’t argue or fight about religion as much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slam Ball

The game begins after the old are split from the young. The 40+ men from around the neighborhood didn't look good on paper, but in action the case is quite the opposite, especially on a seven foot rim. The young team looked young and confident. The young team passed the ball around. A three pointer was knocked down. The old team received the ball. One pass and a sports center top ten dunk was thrown down on the young team. They couldn't stop it. The young got the ball and attempted a dunk. It was never even close. The old got the ball again. The young are dunked on again. The old, church leaders of the group looked smugly at their opponents. The old told the young they have no chance. But the young won't give up, they knew they can beat the leaders. 

I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.
-Michael Jordon

The young players shoot the ball again, they miss. They do not give up though. They still believe they have a chance.
They continue to play, even though victory looks bleak. They will not let anything get in their way to success.

Braided Essay

1. The First Sunday Experience
I walk into the doors with my friend Jeff. I look around. Who are these people? Are these really all the singles from my community? I don't know who most of these people are. Am I in the right building? Jeff's been here before, but I'm still not sure. Jeff assures me "this is it." I still don't know. It feels weird; different. Sacrament meeting ends, most people walk by, some say hello.
2. Life, As it Was Before
Growing up I started in one of the eleven or so wards in my Stake in our community. I knew a few people, but then again I was three. The ward split, it was time to meet new people. I grew up in the new ward, with new people. At first I did not know who lived where or who belonged to what family, but eventually I got a hold of where I was. I made some great friends who I today consider to be some of my best friends. Life is good. I go to Sacrament meeting. I go to Sunday school. I can talk to my friends and here all the news and interesting stories they have from the week. I leave church Spiritually and mentally nourished. Life is good.
3. Change
Many of us are suspect of change and will often fight and resist it before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be. When change is thought through carefully, it can produce the most rewarding and profound experiences in life. The changes we make must fit the Lord’s purposes and patterns.-Elder Marvin J Ashton
4. Learning Something Knew
Well the first Single's ward Sunday is over. It is not what I expected but, change rarely is. The people seem nice. The teachers are good. Maybe change isn't so bad after all. Maybe change leads to something more, something that helps us gain a greater perspective. Single's ward may not be what I expected, what's more I never saw myself going to single's ward as a kid, that was always way too far off. Single's ward was for old people. Sure it's not what it used to be, but this could be good too. Jeff drops me off at my house. "Are you going to come next week?" "Yeah. Probably." I reply. Maybe it's time for change.

Waste Land

     So this post has nothing to do with my topic of small Mormon communities, but I still think it's pretty interesting so I'm going to post it anyway. So the other day I had an assignment given to us by my English professor. She wanted us to watch a movie called "Waste Land." This movie is basically a documentary about this guy named Vik Muniz who wants to go to a giant landfill in Brazil and make art from garbage found throughout the area. It really doesn't sound too interesting on the outside, but once you get into it you start to realize that it is much more than "garbage art."
    One interesting aspect of this landfill in Rio de Janeiro is the job of the "pickers." Their job is essentially to pick out recyclable material and load it onto trucks. As the documentary gets going you realize a lot of the people working there are really hard workers. They are doing their daily grind, the day to day things that help their families get by. Eventually Muniz decides on what he wants to do for his works, and the results turn out pretty impressive. What's even cooler than the end result is that he has people from their old jobs in the landfill making the art. They eventually make a good amount of money for the organization of the pickers, that was a significant help to them.
     Probably the best part of watching this movie was seeing people who were very different come together and make something amazing. It was really interesting to see the way Muniz could talk to the pickers and the way they talked to him. You can tell that there was a mutual respect between the artist and the pickers, which is something really amazing to witness. If you are looking for a good documentary, or just something that will help you have a broader view of the world, I strongly suggest this movie.

My LDS Community Paradox

So today I want to talk about something I consider a paradox about growing up in my community. One interesting thing about living in my town is the dynamics of different social situations. You would think that living in a community that is primarily LDS would make everyone pretty much the same. However growing up, especially going to school, you can tell everyone is definitely different. It's interesting living in an area like this because almost everyone's Mormon, but everyone doesn't keep exactly the same standards. We, like everyone else in the world, make mistakes. But sometimes it is hard to see someone do something and you think "hmm. should they be doing that?" I feel like sometimes the lines get blurred as far as what we are supposed to do or who we are supposed to be exactly. I am not saying that people are going out and sinning all of the time, it is actually quite the opposite. But when you see someone in a situation that is a little gray like this it makes you think "what are my standards and would I ever do something like that?" I guess you evaluate who you are. I've heard of many members who live in other areas outside of Utah and many of them are very strong. They have grown up in the church and have to stand by their morals because they are all they've got. They can't look at other members and say "Is that ok?" They instead say "I can't be doing that." I know this sounds like a blanket statement, and I know this is definitely not the case. I am not trying to put down my community at all. But I just wanted to show that people all make decisions and even in "Happy Valley Utah" you have to keep you standards up and do your best. Within the last year many of my friends have left to serve missions for the church, which is an awesome thing. I have been blessed with great friends and am really grateful for them. But the thing I am starting to realize is that in the end it is really up to you to decide how your life is going to go. Eventually you are going to have to do things for yourself and depend on the Lord for guidance. All we can do is be our best and be that person that hopefully will be seen and looked to as a positive example. The goal is to be someone that makes people say, "I want to be more like that," or "being around that him/her makes me want to be better," instead of "I know they are Mormon, should they be doing that?" I don't want to sound like I have been perfect either. There have been many times where I wish I wouldn't have said this or have done that. I like everyone else have made mistakes throughout the course of my life. Even though I know that I have a  long way to go, I also know that I can get better and improve each day. I know as well that I, as well as anyone reading this blog, can be a good example to others and that we can try to better ourselves everyday. One good example can really be that thing that picks others up and makes people want to be better.

Thanks for reading! Here is a link to someone who had a difficult situation to face. The article is from Brian Doyle and discusses his experience with his son when he found out he was missing a chamber in his heart when he was born. It has some really interesting points to think about.  http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/15/

Introduction to my Blog

So here it is, blog number one. The reason I am writing this blog is to talk a little bit about how a piece of my life that is a little unique. Maybe not in Utah, but most other places. I live in a small community in the Wasatch mountains. My town has about 8,000 people, give or take. Even though there are 8,000 people, when you come in contact with people at church, the schools or just around the block it turns out 8,000 people is a relatively small number. Everyone knows everyone, and if they don't, they know someone who knows someone else. There is something nice about living in a small town, something that brings the community together. Oh there is one more thing I haven't mentioned. Most everyone is one religion. I bet you can't guess it. Surprise, we're Mormon! What I want to talk about is a day in the life of living in my town, and this is the essence of my blog. I hope you enjoy it!

About Me

I am a male college freshman from Utah. I am in a writing and rhetoric class and going to be blogging about my experience growing up in a my small Mormon community. I am a third child out of four. I like to play sports, listen to music and do things with friends. I have many friends who have left on Mormon missions and I feel like they have made each made a big impact in my life. I also really like movies. Some of my favorites include Inception, Batman Begins, and Remember the Titans. I also enjoy listening to and playing the piano.