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.