Report Draft: G - Initial Responses

In getting initial responses, it seems like not many people posted their personal essays publicly on social media. Because of this, we don't have many examples of casual responses (likes on Facebook, etc.). We did have a few people get likes on Instagram and Facebook though.

However, we did get a lot of personal interaction responses. Jeremy and Andrew both had similar experiences sharing with their friends. After good responses from their friends, both Jeremy and Andrew plan to talk to their friends further about their personal essays over Christmas break.

Tori, however, didn't have such luck. Tori tried to contact a friend through Facebook, but her friend was unresponsive. Without other contact information, Tori is still awaiting a reply. This is an example of how social media may have not been the most effective sharing method.

Scott sent a personal message to a friend who he had not spoken with for over four years. In the conversation he had with this friend, they reconnected and talked about getting lunch sometime with their childhood crew. Scott was glad that he shared his essay, since this gave him a reason to contact him.

Ryan Parker was able to connect with an old mission companion about a tough experience they both shared. They were able to understand each other better, and this helped them to relate more. However, Ryan's old mission companion asked him to not share the essay publicly on social media since it was so personal. Some essays may not be suitable for public exposure online.

Elijah had a good experience talking on the phone with a friend about his personal essay. Elijah noted that it was natural and personal to reconnect over the phone. These personal essays can be a good way to start conversations and renew old friendships.

Ryan W shared an essay by Viridiana with a member from Argentina who said he would share the essay with at least 5 people he knows well. This shows the great missionary opportunity that can come from such personal, natural essays that share our beliefs.

Spreading the Word

I have had some great experiences sharing my personal essay with my friends and family. At first I was a little nervous about sharing it with so many people but I became more comfortable the more I shared it. Connecting with old friends was really neat and this was a fun way to catch up with them.

The experience with sharing the personal essay through social media was new for me. I first sent my essay to my family and some friends through email. I had talked to them previously about the essay I was writing and a lot of them wanted me to send it to them when I was finished. I received some great feedback and some of my family were really interested because they learned things about me that they hadn't known before.

After emailing my essay to my friends and family, I decided to share it with people that were directly involved or mentioned within. One of the people I shared it with was part of a family of 17 kids that I mentioned in my essay. I sent him a personal message on Facebook. He really liked it and we actually talked about getting lunch sometime to catch up. It has been several years since I spoke with him and I think it would be neat to see him and reconnect. 

It was also a good time to call my sister-in-law and spend some time catching up. We talked a little bit about her first few weeks being married and her new job. After talking for a bit, I mentioned that a friend in one of my classes worked in home health care and wrote a really neat essay about Jeremy’s last moments with an elderly woman on her death bed. My sister-in-law is a CNA and was actually in between homes when I called. I sent her the link via text message and she was excited to read it. I am sure that she will be able to relate to Jeremy’s experience.

I actually plan on continuing to share my essay with others even after the class has ended. There are many people who I haven't thought of yet and I am sure many people could benefit from it down the road. Over the Christmas break I will be seeing some of the people I shared my essay with. I am sure there will be some discussion about what they read. 

From City to City

My world was turned upside down as a youth. Find out how.

Fictional Avalanche

Fictional literature has always been very interesting in its ability to bring your mind to new places and create characters that may or may not be possible in non-fiction. I think Douglas Thayer does well in his novel, "Will Wonders Never Cease" in depicting common Utah LDS culture through fictional literature.

In Thayer's novel, he depicts a young man's spiritual and physical struggles of being trapped in under an avalanche. It would be hard to use the few non-fictional examples of young men being trapped in an avalanche to illustrate the Latter-day Saint culture as he did. It would be especially difficult to find a young man who lived to tell the tale with such detail as Thayer has.

Generally, I believe that non-fiction has an excellent role in a Mormon setting. We find "testimonies" and lived experiences to be strengthening. Reflecting on this past General Conference, I remember several fictional anecdotes that were used to teach principles in ways that perhaps non-fiction couldn't have. In my opinion, there is great value in both fiction and non-fiction within LDS literature. Thayer could create both a setting and the character that allowed for a very personal interaction with a young man raised in the environment of a Utah LDS home. It may be difficult to reveal the true feelings, concerns, or secrets of a non-fictional character. In this light, fiction could be the best way to bring up sensitive topics with great tact.

Sharing Time with my Wife

I chose to share my personal essay with my wife.

She enjoyed my description of my moving to Utah as a young man. In the first part of my essay she really liked how I portrayed my love for Iowa and all the people I spent a lot of time with. This helped her to understand even more clearly how I felt when I moved to Utah as I described the changes I experienced in my essay. The connection I established to Iowa through my use of imagery helped her relate to leaving Iowa. She said she could relate to feeling so attached to a residence because she had formed some similar memories in her hometown.

As I read to her some of my first experiences with Utah, she laughed because it was fun for her to see just how different Utah is to someone who isn't from here. She thought I did a great job of setting up the environment I was thrown into upon moving here. The details I provided about the culture that existed at the middle school helped her to understand why I experienced some of the challenges I faced as the new kid.

My wife said the voice I used in my essay was creative and fitting for my essay. She thought it added to the middle school aged experiences. She thought that if someone who was young and in middle school were to read my essay they would most likely be able to relate well. She said the effective use of voice pulls the reader into my shoes within the essay.

Towards the end of my essay I tie my experiences into the Book of Mormon through Lehi and his family's experience moving into the wilderness. My wife thought I could tie this into my story more than I am now. One of the suggestions she had was to add more information about how my brothers in my family may have either helped or hurt my experience as the new kid. She mentioned that this may help me relate to Nephi even more.

Overall, sharing my personal essay and reading it aloud to my wife was a positive experience. I think she learned new things about me and my youth while providing some good feedback for improvement. I would like to share and receive feedback on any future writing I do as well.

Fearful Reconciliation in Casualine Meyer's "Reflections on Hebrews 10:31"

The opening stanza in this poem caught my attention quickly. I read through the poem and decided I had to go read Hebrews 10:31. It is interesting that this poem made me want to open the bible and read the verse for myself. The verse in Hebrews reads,  
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

My interpretation before reading the verse and after was completely different. After reading the verse, the image in the first line, "Far more fearful to leap from them" was clearer in my mind. At first I asked myself, "Far more fearful to leap from what?" In my mind, the poet took me on a journey of what it feels like to leap from the safety of God's hands in to unknown and possibly sinful paths. I had to read the poem several times; each time receiving new light in to it's meaning. This interestingly has similarities to my personal study of scripture. I have found that many verses or chapters of scripture take on new meaning and feeling after reviewing them again.

Analyzing this poem, I could identify some formal qualities such as repetition, emotion, structure, and allusion. Hands are referred to five times and the emotion of fear is referred to four times.  To me, one of the more palpable images the author creates is at the end. 

       But faith, there is no sting or breaking in hitting the hands
       of the living God, no matter how artless our fall,
       for we always splash down in the center of either hand
       into a small pool, warm as blood.

As I read this, Christ's bloodied palms from the nails in the center of his hands at his crucifixion, painted a graphic and powerful image. In the Latter-day Saint culture, it is common to refer to the suffering (bloodshed) of Jesus, or Atonement, as a means to find comfort or support. I think the line, "...no matter how artless our fall" appeals to a core LDS doctrine of forgiveness and mercy to those who come to God, even if mistakes are made along the way.

(357 words)

The Golden Corral

You know the kind. The ones that don't speak up and don't get in anyone's way. Often misinterpreted as shy, the humble individual avoids talking of themselves. Engaging conversations are hard to find when all they want to do is talk about you and your accomplishments. How rude of them to put me on a pedestal. Just their presence in a conversation can make you feel like a boasting baboon. They might know the answer to the questions, but they let others have the opportunity to receive recognition. The humble person is also very boring with his/her wealth. They choose retirement and the Golden Corral over jet skies and sushi night.

I know one of these people. You know, the humble kind. We will call him Gerald. He was always happy and brightened everyone's day with his presence. He never argued with family, friend, or foe. Never had foes anyway. He enjoyed his modest home that he had lived in for thirty years. The man never complained and seemed more content than his neighbor with the Mastercraft. Happily married with twenty-three grandchildren and counting, the guy seemed to have it all except for a few things: Pride, sushi nights, and a jet ski.

Big Trouble

Example #1
In Alma 38:8 an aging father tells his son of a pivotal moment that changed his life. This event
shaped his life and changed how he lived.

Example #2
In Alma 39:3 a father speaks harsh words to his son when he discovers that he has explicitly disobeyed instructions and made poor choices. The father is particularly upset about his son's choice to be intimate with a harlot.

Example #3
In Alma 43:4, the narrator begins his description of a conflict between two tribal like groups. He describes the leaders and moral state of each side.

Example #4
A heated dialogue between to captains of armies begins in Alma 44:1. There is a disagreement and the argument turns violent when one of them charges the other with a sword.

Reviewing Other's Posts
In Clark Nielsons Post entitled "Baggy Old, Ragged Jeans" he wrote a section about people of consequence. In this part of his post, he talked about an experience with his boss that is related to my description of a father expressing his disappointment in his son. Although Clark was not the son of his boss, the father and the boss both express their extreme dissatisfaction.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Passionate Words to the Rational Minded

      President Deiter F. Uchtdorf often teaches and inspires others through his appeals to reason and logic. His use of logos is demonstrated through the real life examples he uses. In his talk, "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth," he demonstrates how truth, discovered or not, does not change its veracity. He states his intended purpose of the address by saying, "The purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself—the Lord of Hosts who knows all truth—has given His children the promise that they can know truth for themselves." He also quickly establishes authority when he speaks of his experience flying many miles as a pilot. He often mentions his experience as a pilot because he was much involved in the airline industry before his call to apostleship. He was the "Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Lufthansa Chief Pilot. He was also chairman of the Flight Operations Committee of the International Air Transport Association" (lds.org). 

    Logos is used when he said, "My dear friends, here is a fairly straightforward experiment, with a guarantee from God." He outlines four steps to receiving a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the Church. This is important to members and non-members who are looking to strengthen their beliefs in the teachings of the church. President Uchtdorf has used a similar method of teaching in past conference addresses. In his talk titled, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?" he lists three attributes that people may consider improving upon. He also starts with an anecdote before stating his purpose and directly teaching.

    Although the two previously listed talks include logos, pathos, and ethos, he often resorts to logic and reason to explain gospel principles.  His audiences respond to his style of teaching with laughter and understanding. His style of teaching allows logically oriented people to connect with his teachings. His use of imagery and detailed examples can bring abstract heavenly principles down to earth.

Literary Context of a Father's Counsel

1. Form Analyzed

In this blog post, I have decided to analyze the literary context surrounding Alma's counsel to his son Corianton.

2. Passage Analyzed

Within my section (Alma 38-46), I focused my analysis on Chapter 39 verses 1-4 where Alma sets up the context for the counseling and reproving remarks on repentance, the afterlife, and the final judgement to his son Corianton.

 1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a goodexample for thee?

 2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.

 3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.

 4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.

3. Annotated Text

4. Breakdown / List of Things Found

Alma is speaking to his son and reproving him for "forsaking the ministry" and not giving as much heed to his words. Alma is speaking to his son Corianton who is back home in Zarahemla after returning home from a mission with his brothers. Corianton had not been faithful in his duties as a minister like his brothers and did commit sexual sin with a Lamanite harlot. In chapter 35 it says that a war had begun in the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites. It is also narrated in chapter 35 that Alma had been "greived for the iniquity of his people , yea for the wars, and the bloodsheds;" so he caused his sons to be gathered so he could individually speak with them and give them counsel. 

5. Interpretation

Alma lays down some reasoning for his upcoming reproof to his disobedient son. As I read the context of the situation in prior chapters, and more specifics in chapter 39, I could better understand why Alma was so direct to his son Corianton. It must have been devastating to Alma to hear that his son had been misusing his time as a missionary and sinning with those with whom they were at violent war.

6. Connections / Questions

I wonder how Corianton responded to his father's counsel. Are there other times of discipline or chastisement to family members in the Book of Mormon? This makes me wonder if Alma had to speak with Corianton on other occasions about his disobedience.

By Small and Simple Things

       Although there may have been some unfinished plots or an underdeveloped story, Nephi Anderson's Added Upon, is very influential to me. I am grateful that he cleared a trail that had been previously covered with rocks and foliage. As I view Added Upon in the light of Orson F. Whitney's sermon on "Home Literature" I feel that this book does quite well. He explains that, "'Truth is truth, wher'er 'tis found, On Christian or on heathen ground,' and worthy of our love and admiration, whether far or near, high or low, whether blazing as a star in the blue vault of heaven, or springing like a floweret from the soil." Whether Added Upon is a masterpiece or marginal in a literary sense, does not detract from the truth and wisdom found within its pages. I refer specifically to its teachings of the Plan of Salvation and Gospel truths that I cherish.


        Whitney said, "YE ARE AN EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD: FOLLOW NOT AFTER THEM!" Nephi Anderson truly follows a path much different than that of the world. It seems that the culture of modern literature follows a sort of "separation of church and state." I appreciate how bold Anderson is in expressing beliefs and at times preaching through his literature. To me this shows a man who is not ashamed to know and live the teachings the restored gospel. Most important though, is the influence that this small and simple book has had for mormon literature that followed. I am sure that his attempt to write great literature for reading in Latter-day saints, has inspired thousands of mormon writers. I am grateful for that, because "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (The Book of Mormon, Alma 37:6)

My Moleskin Journal

     While on my mission to El Salvador, I was able to keep a detailed journal of my experiences and joys. Prior to my mission I had only recorded major events in a written form. As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I developed a love and passion for expressing my faith and love for the Lord in my journal.
     One of the first things I wanted to do upon returning home from my two year mission, was share my journal with my family and loved ones. I find that keeping a record allowed me to recall and expand upon hundreds of meaningful experiences.
      Journal keeping allows a person to be an author of their life. It provides a format where one can freely share stories and feelings without it becoming a conversation. There is no limit to what can be written. I have been heavily influenced by my own journal keeping as I review what I have written. The emotions and feelings of my mission can be easily recalled. I am often surprised at how much I have forgotten already.
     There are days now when I read my journal and find strength in its pages. I continue to keep a journal in hopes that I will continue to be able to learn from my past and apply it to my present. Hopefully my future posterity will benefit from learning from my life and learning about who I am.

-Scott Mehr