Monday, January 19, 2009

Fill in the Blank

Some of you may remember when I used to do these. If you don't here's how it works: I have already written a short story that is "story on the ceiling" worthy for you crowleys (it's weird and is not exactly a page turner for you non-crowleys). I have counted up the replaceable adjectives, verbs, adverbs, etc and they are as follows:

34 adjectives
4 adverbs
7 names
8 numbers
4 items
4 food items
4 living, moving things
1 phrase in this format: Verb your noun (i.e. Suck your blood, eat your food, read your book, slice your apple)
1 recreational activity

Here's where this process is different than in the past: I want everyone to provide me with the previously stated parts of speech. In one week (ish), I will fill in the blanks with your provided elements, leaving me with multiple stories. The best story (as judged by me and my siblings) will then be posted for your reading pleasure. Hopefully this works out how I'm envisioning.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sacrament Talk

Well first off I wanted to apologize for my flakiness of writing on this blog. Second I want to thank you for coming back even after I abandoned your trust. And third I will explain what this post is: I gave a talk today in church and decided to re-write the dating section of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet to fit my topic of home teaching. I got a kick out of it as many of the ward members did, so now you get to see it for yourself. :)

In the church, home teaching can help members develop lasting friendships and in some extremely rare cases, find an eternal companion. Even those members with exceptionally high standards need to be home taught in order to fulfill the Lord’s commandment to “visit the home of each member” found in D&C section 20. Home teachers are responsible to teach their assigned families about standards such as honor, virtue, the sanctity of the priesthood, and the sanctity of womanhood.

Begin home teaching when you are 14 years old as assigned by a priesthood leader. Home teaching can lead to immortality, help members meet new people, and give you good experiences. Not all teenagers want to home teach, but they need to. Many young people do not home teach during their teen years because they aren’t interested, avoid opportunities, or simply want to delay forming serious relationships. These aren’t good excuses, however, and friendships developed through home teaching can and should be made at every age.

When you go home teaching, go in your assigned companionships and to your assigned families, not to your best friends house. Strive to go on multiple home teaching visits to the same families throughout the year. Perform service for you home teaching families. Plan lessons that are positive and inexpensive. Do things that will help you and your families remain close to the spirit of the Lord.