Upcoming Content

Seems silly doesn't it? I post one real article today, then a list of things to do write-ups for. To be frank, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I have so much content I want to provide you guys with. Here's a sample: 

Seminary (Today and Yesterday)

Naruto Reviews (2)

Family Night 

Countdown 8-22

English Portfolios

"What's my quorum?"

Work Experience 

Song Parody

The Aftermath (Thoughts from Seminary: 8/27/13)

Yesterday's seminary lesson focused on the aftermath of Nephi and his brothers' little adventure, namely the plight of his parents, Lehi and Sariah. 

Okay, so Lehi sends his sons to retrieve the scriptures from Laban. They're gone for days. After a while, Sariah fears for there lives, and, believing them to have died, starts complaining. She uses some of the same language Laman and Lemuel use, specifically calling Lehi a "visionary man." This is the usage of the word meaning not practical. Sariah is extremely upset about being in the wilderness and having lost her sons. Lehi comforts her, saying The Lord will prepare a way for them, and, funnily enough, agrees with her that he is a visionary man - and those same visions saved them from Jerusalem's imminent destruction and showed Lehi the grace and love of God. What a great way to respond! Of course, everything's swell when Nephi et al return, and the experience builds Sariah's faith in her husband, and in God. 

We also talked a bit about how Lehi's family treated the plates. They were a treasure to them. The first thing Lehi does is read them, and share with his family. If only we could treat the scriptures in that same manner -- desired, treasured, and loved. They were truly grateful to have the plates. We should be grateful for our scripture as well. 

Retrieving the Brass Plates, Part 2

This part of the story is found entirely in 1 Nephi chapter 5.  

Where we last left off, Nephi was creeping along in the city, not having a single clue as to what he should do. Then, lo and behold, Laban stumbles across his path, drunk as a skunk and passed out! It's hard to imagine a better delivery "into your hands" than that. The Spirit tells Nephi he needs to kill Laban, but Nephi is vehemently opposed to that idea. After all, "thou shalt not kill" is a commandment! And Nephi has always kept the commandments. The Spirit tells Nephi the Lord has delivered Laban into Nephi's hands, and tells Nephi it is God's will that Laban should die. It essentially gives Nephi a "needs of the many" speech, saying, "it is better that one man should perish, than an entire nation dwindle and perish in unbelief." Nephi obeys Heavenly Father, and slays Laban with his sword. After this, he disguises himself using Laban's clothes and goes to talk to Zoram, Laban's servant. Zoram brings Nephi the plates, and Nephi, still disguised, has Zoram accompany him outside Jerusalem. Nephi's brothers see Laban (that is, Nephi disguised as Laban) and start to flee. Nephi calls out to them, letting them know, "hey! It's me! Nephi!" Of course, Zoram realizes that means Nephi's wearing Laban's clothes (and probably killed him) so HE starts to run. Nephi grabs him and swears to Zoram that he can come with them and be free. Zoram accepts, and goes with Nephi and his brothers back to their father Lehi. 

Giving Assigments

These are thoughts following a priest's quorum presidency meeting. 

Number one thing to improve: youth leadership. 

Solutions: activities will be led and planned by the boys, with the aid if an advisor. The youths will be asked if they will plan an activity, and advisors will be assigned -- leading into point two. 

We are not a volunteer group. We give assignments and make commitments. Rather than ask the boys if they'll do something, assign them to it. Ask for commitments, not interest. 

Another thing: Duty to God. We've been slacking with that. 

Solution: Work on sections as a quorum, and plan more activities where DtG is the focus, not a side story. 

Missing members: assign present quorum members to contact and inform those not present, then report to me, who will report to bishop. This adds accountability on all levels, ensuring it gets done. 

That's all I'm sharing for now. I'm first up with youth-led activities, with Brother Carpenter as my aid. I'm pretty excited for it; I'll post an After Action Report (AAR) when it's over. 

Thoughts from Seminary: 8/26/13

Today in seminary, we went over 1 Nephi Chapter 3, then abridged our way through Chapter 4. 

Here's what happens: Lehi and his family (his wife, Sariah; and his sons, Laman; Lemuel; Sam; and Nephi) have been traveling through the wilderness for three days. Lehi is warned by God that they need to retrieve the Brass Plates from Laban, a powerful, wicked, man who lives in the city of Jerusalem. The Brass Plates are essentially the first five books of the Old Testament (The Books of Moses), along with a few other books, including the prophecies of Isaiah. Basically, Heavenly Father wanted Lehi and his family to have scriptures, so they'd be able to keep his commandments and thrive, both spiritually and physically. 

So, Lehi tells his four sons they need to retrieve the plates. Laman and Lemuel, of course, start complaining. They whine about how powerful Laban is, and how much of a moron they think their father is. Nephi, on the other hand, says that he will go and do, because he knows God will never ask us to do anything without preparing a way for us to accomplish the thing he commands. Sadly, we don't hear much about Sam. I like Sam. From what we know, Sam was a good kid who I envision as being Nephi's sidekick, even though Sam's older than him. 

Nephi convinces his brothers to go, citing how The Lord helped Moses accomplish a seemingly impossible task when he brought the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and to a choice land. When they get back to Jerusalem, Nephi has the idea that they may as well just ASK if they can have the plates. After all, Laban isn't a religious guy. They draw lots (a way of saying they played an ancient game of chance) to see who would go ask. Laman was the lucky man who drew the lot, so he visits Laban at his place. When he politely asks for the plates, Laban becomes infuriated, saying that Laman is a robber, and calls his guard. Laman (wisely) flees back to his brothers. 

Nephi has another idea: let's go back to our abandoned house and grab all their gold and silver, and buy the plates from Laban! This is a solid plan. So, they bring their riches to Laban. He decides he'll just kill them, keep the plates, and steal their wealth. The boys flee once again. 

At this point, Laman and Lemuel are ticked. They've lost their money, and they almost lost their lives. They're so angry that they grab some sticks and start wailing on Sam and Nephi. Then, an *angel* shows up, and commands them to stop. He tells them that Heavenly Father *will* deliver Laban into their hands. What an amazing promise! Laman and Lemuel are skeptical and continue to murmur, but Nephi andSam have their heads on straight, and know what's up. 

Nephi has one more idea. While his brothers hide, he creeps into the city. 

At this point, I'd like to clarify: Nephi doesn't know what he's doing. He's acting on the spirit, following its promptings. 

Wow. This is getting really long. The rest of the story will come with tomorrow's post! 

Thoughts from Seminary: 8/23/13

On Friday, we talked about 1 Nephi Chapter 2. Once again, we had an emphasis on gratitude, even when things seem bleak. In 1 Nephi 2 in particular, Lehi, having been warned by God, takes his family, packs the camels, and leaves Jerusalem. Lehi was likely a prosperous merchant with a thriving business -- we know for sure that they left "riches" behind. Yet he leaves all of this, and essentially goes to camp-out in the desert. His two eldest sons -- Laman and Lemuel -- complain constantly, calling their father a fool, saying he's deluded. Nephi, on the other hand, prays to The Lord, and finds out what his dad knows for himself. 

In the end, Lehi still praises The Lord. He offers sacrifices in the wilderness after they left Jerusalem. Despite some unsupportive children, a loss of worldly wealth, and harsh living circumstances, Lehi (and Nephi) keep their eyes on what's important, and they're blessed for that. 

Awesome Voice

Seminary post is coming later!

Working at AMC Guest Services!

I had a terrific experience at work! I was working at Guest Services (think customer service) and I helped a lady get some tickets credited to AMC's reward program, Stubs, and as we were finishing up, I exclaimed, "Enjoy your film!" Standard operating procedure, right? She replied, in all seriousness, "You have an awesome voice!" I kind of laughed and said. "You too!" because I thought she had said 'have an awesome night! I then realized what she had said, and I was all, "Oh thank you so much!" And going with the nervous giggle and everything. A stranger had told me I had an awesome voice! I've never even received that compliment! 

Fast forward about half an hour/an hour. The same woman came back and asked to renew her Stubs card! She said I had been so nice she wanted to renew with me. This means that while in the concessions stand, somebody ran her card and told her it was expiring, and she turned them down, just so she could walk back over to Guest Services and renew with me! She thought I was kind enough to warrant going out of her way to show she appreciated me! This completely obliterated some stressful things that happened at work earlier, and totally made my weekend. 

Thoughts from Seminary: 8/22/13

First off, happy birthday to my sister, Charity! 

Second, today we talked about Lehi and the first chapter of the Book of Nephi. I had an opportunity to continue my tradition of goofy character voices. Anyways, this chapter's lesson's theme was part gratitude, part trials. The focus was on Lehi, father of Nephi, a prophet. He tried to tell the inhabitants of Jerusalem about their impending destruction, like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets. He sees visions of the destruction of Jerusalem and its people, and you know what his reaction is? He thanks God. Because of his vision, he's able to warn his family, and any who will listen, so that they can escape. He is glad for trials, because they strengthen him and make him more like Christ.

Personally, I have difficulties sometimes. I'm sure you do too. But scientists, therapists, and scripture all say that difficult times are easier to weather when we are positive, when we lean on God, and have faith. It also promotes positive character growth and helps us be better people with more compassion and empathy. 

Thoughts from Seminary: 8/20/13

Today in Seminary we went over the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, as well as the Testimony of the Three and Eight Witnesses. Good stuff. I don't have much to say about this; I only suggest reading them. The title page of the Book of Mormon is a fantastic summary of what it is, so that's cool.
In other news, I went to the park today with Noel, Peter, and Tyler, while Charity, Christian, and Grace were at piano lessons. Mom and dad return tomorrow evening; the past few days have actually gone pretty well, even though they're gone. I do work tomorrow however, so I pray Charity is up to the challenge.

What I Learned in Seminary Today: The Plan of Happiness

Today in Seminary, we talked about the Plan of Happiness (also known as the Plan of: Redemption, Salvation, and Exaltation). At its core, the plan is very simple. It tells us where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going. Part of this post is lesson material, but most of it is my own ruminations on the subject from years of learning and personal experience and interpretation.

Where did we come from?
We come from a loving Heavenly Father (God) who wants to help us progress and become like unto him. We existed in the pre-mortal life as spirits, where we all existed together in harmony. We learned, and loved there. While we were there, we progressed as individuals, but there was one problem.
We had limits.

Why are we here?
Without a physical body, like God's, we could only go so far. Because God loves his children, he wants to help us become like him, so he created a plan where we could all receive bodies and end up together again. This plan involved creating an earth where we could receive bodies and have our agency tested. There was another problem here though: all laws have consequences. Blessings, if they're kept, and punishments if they're broken. Heaven, Earth, the nature of God -- they're all predicated upon laws. Laws such as mercy, and justice. While living as humans, we would be subject to temptation and make mistakes. We wouldn't always choose the right. Because of this, we would accumulate sins. Because no unclean thing can dwell in the sight of God (we wouldn't feel comfortable in his presence, like a child who knows they've done something wrong) we wouldn't be able to join him until we took care of our impurities. Because God is perfect, he has to fulfill all laws, including mercy and justice. Mercy dictates that we are forgiven and allowed to move on, but justice demands that there be a payment for our mistakes. How can two seemingly contrary laws be reconciled?
Is this a paradox that invalidates the nature of God?
No. The answer is simple: there must be an intermediary. Somebody who will take our sins from us, and pay the price in our stead. We know the identity of this savior: Jesus Christ, our eldest brother. He lived a life without sin, a perfect life, and then took our sins and paid for him. Because of Christ, we can repent of our sins, we can change and improve. If we just take the hand Jesus is stretching out towards us, we can move past our sins and become clean. When he performed the atonement, paying for our sins, he literally paid the price for all our sins, experiencing the agony our mistakes caused us. Not only that, he experienced everything in our lives -- bad break-ups, bicycle accidents, last year's flu -- all of it. Because he understands our lives so intimately, this makes him the perfect advocate for us. Somebody who can step in for us on judgement day, and represent us to God.

Where are we going?
After we die, we are going to be waiting for the second coming of Christ, when all of humanity will be resurrected and judged. This waiting place is known as "Spirit Paradise and Spirit Prison." This is not to say that there is a good place and a bad place: there is one place, but everybody's state of mind will be different. Those who have heard the Gospel will understand what's going on and effectively be in paradise. Those who haven't, or refuse to understand, will feel as if they are in prison -- unable to progress. While Christ's body lay in the tomb for three days, he organized a giant missionary effort among all those righteous souls in Paradise to go to those in Prison and teach them the Gospel, so that they would be ready for the resurrection, and so that they would be happier. Judgment will consist of a review of our life, with Christ and God. This is when Christ will step in and explain the circumstances of our actions, acting almost like a lawyer. After this, we will go to one of three heavenly kingdoms, each of which are traditionally likened unto a heavenly body of light:
The Telestial Kingdom, compared to the light a distant star provides. We learn from the scriptures that even this kingdom, the lowest of the three, is far better than our lives here in mortality.
The Terrestial Kingdom, compared to the light the moon provides. This kingdom will be far above the Telestial Kingdom, yet below the final one.
The Celestial Kingdom, compared to the light the noon-day sun provides. This is the ultimate heaven This is where God himself dwells, and will boast the smallest population of the three kingdoms. The goal is for everybody to make it here, so we can be together again.
In addition to all of this, we know there are degrees of glory in each of these kingdoms. Heaven truly is a person experience. Each person will be in the kingdom they feel comfortable in; some people will only feel happy in the Telestial Kingdom where the Holy Ghost reigns, while others will be happier in the Terrestial Kingdom, where Christ will reign. Because an integral part of the Lord's plan is for families to be together forever, travel from one kingdom to a lower is possible. The Lord would never separate a family. After all, everything he does is out of love for us. He gives us trials to strengthen us, blesses us in ways we can't see, and is involved in our lives intimately. He loves us, Christ loves, and I love you.
The Plan of Salvation boils down to this: God loves us. We love our Father. To be more like him, we came to Earth to receive bodies. Christ loves us. We love Christ. He paid for our sins. Because of that, we can all be together again in the next life. In the end, all of everything boils down to one thing:
Love.

What I Learned in Church Today

AN: Will be cleaned up tomorrow. Just some of my personal notes from church today. Loved it. A few of these thoughts really struck home and are gonna form their own post at some point. Enjoy. 

What I Learned Today (8/18/13 Edition)

 

Sacrament Meeting 

- Wanting to teach so badly. Wanting to understand their life, to be like them. Missionaries truly are spark plugs. (Juan's mission return talk)

- Separate, but complementary roles. (High council speaker)

Sunday School 

- 5 things to strengthen the family. 

1. Scripture, prayer, and family night together. 

2. Talk to their teachers. (Network)

3. Have family rules. Wholesome family traditions and rituals. 

4. Pray for help (God's a better parent than you are). 

5. Bear your testimony. 

(Sister Guileman's lesson.)

Priest Quorum

Our bodies have a portion of God's power. We insult him by misusing it. Our bodies provide ultimate potential. 

Chastity is a test run for god hood. Can you imagine God creating life willy-nilly?

Jesus is a physician. Guilt is an ailment to the soul. - Scott Peck, lesson on chastity. 

Stake general Priesthood Meeting

- President Ross -- Three forms of leadership: 

1. Personal

Discipline, practice. Dedication. Envision your goal, work to it, work beyond it. This life is the time to prepare to meet God. Ultimate goal. Need to lead yourself there. Something will lead your life if you don't. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." 

5 Suggestions for self leadership. 

A. Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. Faith that he will redeem, and he will save. Obedience, prayer, and scripture study includes this. 

B. Love. 

Love one another. Overcomes natural instincts and self-fixation. Fosters service, and missionary attitudes. Help others and be helped by others. Love like God to acquire his attributes. 

C. Obedience. 

Christ is a perfect example. Set an example for others. Relieve guidance from the Holy Ghost. If Ye love me, keep my commandments. Cut the distractions. Be inspired. 

D. Unity. 

Be one, like the Godhead. Essential for success. Children of God are social, interactive, and supportive. Relationships and service perfect us. Put others first. Love others. This brings joy and happiness. If we can't find happiness in this life, we can't find it in the next. 

E. Sacrifice. 

At all costs, follow the Savior. We will be blessed. The Savior is worth everything and anything. 

Additionally: We will be free, open up new doors, and be able to grow and change. 

2. Family

Few roles are as important. Success in the home is worth more than successes elsewhere. Chosen by God for this role. Accepted this when married. Don't abdicate to wife, don't leave it vacant. Not default; requires leadership and effort. 

A. Give blessings, baptize, and ordain your children. 

B. Personally direct family prayer, scripture study, and FHE. This will show it's importance to your children. 

C. Attend meetings together as a family. Lead. Not the wife. Be happy for church. Encourage, sustain, and support. 

D. Go on father/daughter, father/son dates, recitals, programs, etc. It is important you're there personally. Business is not more important. 

E. Go on outings together. Vacations, camp-outs, etc. 

F. Have regular one on one talks together. Discuss life paths, choices, etc. 

G. Teach your children to work. Funds for mission, college. It's a disservice not to teach them. Teach them money use.

H. Encourage good literature/art/music. Keep the filth of the world away. Pictures of significant events, church certificates, etc. 

I. Regularly attend the temple. Your children will see. 

J. Let your children see your joy from serving in the church. It will be contagious. 

Additionally: "I will not begrudge the time my husband gives in service of The Lord." 

3. Church

Three keys. 

A. Lead by example. 

B. Teach. 

C. Increase faith in Jesus Christ. 

Additionally: Most powerful teachings are personal. The Gospel is more powerful than anything else. It changes hearts, mends souls, and unites people. 

Summary: They are all divine. Do more with your time than simply spend it. 

- (Elder Bills) Lord has called for a hastening of his work. Need to be more prepared, at a younger age. Hastening preparation for a mission: three things. From Section 11. From Joseph to Hyrum. Hyrum was pumped for a mission. The Lord's council for mission prep. 

1. Keep the commandments. Be worthy. Spirit is with those who are worthy. Spirit converts. 

2. Seek to obtain my word (before declaring). Need to know the gospel to teach it. Basic principles. Need a testimony. Write on the tablet of your heart. You have to be converted to teach and convert. 

Tongue shall be loosed, have spirit and his word and power. 

3. Be a missionary now. Best way to learn is to do. Pray for opportunities, look for them. Share in simple ways. Go out with the missionaries. 

Additionally: Prepare for your potential. If you're not prepared, you can't live up to your potential. 

- (Ben Iba) Sharing the gospel. 

There are times when the gospel hits especially hard. Look for those times and apply the correct principle. 

Members find people for the missionaries to teach! Seriously. 

1. Success lies in inviting others to hear the gospel. 

We can't control conversion, but we can control invitation. Don't change your relationship with them because of your invitation. Use church lingo. 

2. Recognize people aren't usually interested in the doctrine, but in feeling closer to God and having a path and greater sense of purpose. 

3. Focus on what they want to know. Put the ball in their court, and get them to ask questions. 

4. Act in love. Show compassion. "Why are so many people joining? God trusts your ward."

Look for new people, welcome them, try to help them. 

- (Michael Norton) 

Are we going to be personally hasten ourselves, so we can keep up with the stone cut out of a hill? The peloton moves quicker and quicker as it goes. In the peloton, people can perform better. More and more drop out because of the peloton's hastening. It takes extreme effort to catch up. Team members go back for dropped bikers to bring them back. This can stop the whole team from reaching the finish line if they fail. Can't get on and off the train anymore. The train is moving too quick. Becoming is more than doing. 

- (President McClellan) "Active Reacting"

Section 138: host of rulers in the church chosen before this life. 

"Am I part of this game? Am I ready to mingle with this congregation if righteousness?" 

Don't believe in your own bogus comments. It applies to everyone. We all need help. Repentance is the most hopeful thing you can hear. It means we all have the capability of choosing change. Through the savior, our changes can make us like him. His power helps us change. When we go through him, the end result is 1) we are clean, 2) we are like him. Everyone will be clean. Everyone's sins will be payed for. (In a sense, purgatory is a real thing. A thing of our own creation, that will happen). Our choice is to either do it of our own volition and get the added benefit of becoming Christlike, or not. 

3 Things to Change: 

1. How we think. 

The Earth is designed to permit us to change. What can we do next?

2. What we do. 

For example, missionaries keep commandments for two full years. They are too busy for distractions. 

We *can* change. 

Think if ideas, make connections. A fruit of the spirit. 

I must've lost the third point. Or combined it with the second. xP This was my favorite talk. 

Thoughts from Seminary: Verbs that help you learn (8/16/13)

This morning in seminary the lesson was about scripture study, and how we can more effectively learn from things like General Conference (which is coming soon!) and seminary. The big thing was realize WHO is speaking, WHAT is going on, background, etc, and to WHOM are they speaking, when you read from the scriptures. We talked over several different scriptures and several quotes from general authorities this morning, but there's one passage that sticks out to me as the crux of the lesson:

3 Nephi, 17: 2-3:
2 I ^aperceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot ^bunderstand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.

 3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ^aponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and ^bprepare your minds for the ^cmorrow, and I come unto you again.

Jesus is speaking to the people of the Americas, near the end of his ministry among them, which followed the cataclysmic events that sprung from his death. These people endured literal darkness, death, and mass destruction, then were visited by the Christ... somebody they'd been looking forward too for years. He healed them, taught them, and the scriptures say they had complete peace (no divisions among the people, complete unity in heart and mind) for hundreds of years. These verses in particular are after he has spent all day teaching them, and would like for them to prepare and understand what they've heard. What I want to pick out from these verses is the advice Christ gives us for learning in verse 3. These all come in the shape of a verb:

• Go ye unto your home (find your place, or a place you're comfortable and love to be)
• Ponder upon the things which I have said (really think about what you've heard. Ponder implies deep retrospection, not just shallow thinking)
• Ask of the Father (Pray about it. Not only does the Spirit help you to learn and grow, but Heavenly Father wants to help us understand things, and he'll use the Holy Ghost to do so)
• Prepare your minds for the morrow (Prepare for the next lesson! Be ready to learn more)

While I've approached these from a religious stand-point, being that I am a very religious person, you could also put a secular spin on these. Mainly, you'd have to take "Ask of the Father" and apply that to asking people with more knowledge than you, which is completely applicable, though not the main connotation of that passage.

 It is my hope however, that even if you aren't certain if you believe in God, you will go ahead and try to pray. It can't hurt you. You might even feel the Spirit, just like Moroni promises in his challenge at the end of the Book of Mormon.

 

Moroni's Challenge (Moroni 10: 3-5)

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how ^amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ^bponder it in your ^chearts.

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ^aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not ^btrue; and if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the ^gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things.

Exciting Times Are Coming!

I'm excited for seminary in the morning, even though I took the rest of somebody's shift tonight, so I'm sleeping less. It's good though; I need the money, and it gives me more practice in guest services, which I was trained today. 

I was really happy about that. 

REALLY REALLY REALLY HAPPY!!

Seriously, I love people, and doing this means I do fewer menial tasks. Half my shifts next week are guest services already! 

Anyways, seminary. I'm so excited I'm having a difficult time sleeping, and I've had this written up all day. 

Oh dear, I'm rambling. How embarassing!

I Will Always Love

Please, don't think that I view love as something to be thrown around, something coarse and common. I think saying you love someone has extreme importance and significance. It has true meaning. That said, I wrote this about the subject of loving, regarding somebody I loved, dated (the two can be exclusive) and then was dumped by. 

"I got betta'!"

I Will Always Love You

When I was younger (ironic, how quickly that phrase becomes a staple, even at my age) I don't think I really had a solid definition of love. It was murky, at best. A vague notion. I don't think that's weird, per-say. It's just the way it was. I think if I defined it then, I would speak about wanting and liking and caring and spending time with someone. It's certainly one of the ways I viewed my love for you. That was all there was to it - I like you, I want to be around you, I care about you, etc. It was simple like that... like me. In my childish naivety I declared "I Will Always Love You."

As our relationship continued, it grew darker and more stressed, as a general rule. My internal definition of love warped to something like "prevent pain, alleviate hurts and loneliness, or at least share it." This was incredibly unhealthy, and led to mutual cutting, one taking responsibility for the other's happiness, etc. While empathy is important, hurting yourself for somebody is a twisted, perverse way to show love. Despite any personal reservations I may have had (I doubt there were any) my definition of love changed. Through tears and blood I whispered "I Will Always Love You..."

I used to get angry with myself, or embarrassed, when I found myself thinking of you. After all, I was over you! I had reached catharsis, and wasn't desperate for you any longer. I had come to terms with our going separate ways. But I realized... I still love you. Don't misunderstand - I don't want to date you. I don't want to marry you - no offense. But I understand now, that love is more than that. Love IS compassion. Empathy. But it's also so much more, in ways I can't describe, and will always continue to learn more about. Most importantly, it's healthy. It leads to kindness and good deeds. It leads to concern for well-being, and pride in happiness. And now, calmly and with peace of mind, full of compassion, understanding, and acceptance, I can simply state "I Will Always Love You," now and forever!

Growing Up (Part 1)

This isn't a fiction piece; this is a "me" piece. I realize that I'm starting to really grow up and enter into the adult world. First and foremost, I realize that I have less than a year (in all likelihood) before I'm in a foreign country, trying to show people how to live with true happiness and direction. College, serious dating... All in the next few years. I could be married in a decade. A father. It's all coming in the future. Before I know it, it will be the present, so I need to do my best to *be* my best right now, and keep at it. As my favorite Ghandi-ism states, "be the change you want to see in the world." 

Naruto Chapter 642 Review

Today, a fantastic new chapter of Naruto was released. It answered a few questions, drove some character development along, and seems poised to unleash some more fox-power for the heroes. It also upped the ante, as we learned the truth behind Obito's power.
My thoughts from the chapter - SPOILERS!!!

• "Those black things." - Second Hokage. What exactly ARE those black things? Chakra? Negative emotion? A nature transformation? I'm leaning towards Ten-Tails chakra until we have a better explanation. I think it's interesting that even the Second Hokage, master of exposition, has no clue what they are.
• Is Obito's Ten-Tails-Sage form getting larger? Are those tails or Zetsu-growth? His design is fairly busy, but I assume we're seeing the Zetsu part of his body being affected by his jinchuriki transformation.
• Obito can actually stop Edo-tensei?! This makes him way more dangerous. HE CAN TURN JUTSU INTO NOTHING?! That was the real kicker in this chapter, Obito has a technique that defeats all ninjutsu, which means he's already immune to 99% of his opponent's techniques. Being able to defeat the Impure World Resurrection also seriously amps up his threat level. There'll be no regenerating against Obito.
• Naruto's comment about his power in his dreams was very funny. It's very "Naruto." He's lightheartedly commenting that "He's even stronger than I am in my dreams!" Of course, this means that Naruto will be surpassing his dreams, almost literally, when he defeats Obito.
• This is the first time we've seen Naruto's regular form in what feels like a very long time. It's also been a long time since we've seen Sage-Mode! Glad to see it's still relevant.
• Summoning Jutsu has a time limit? Okay. I didn't know this before, but it could've been an already established fact that I forgot. Interesting.
• It was great to see Naruto stand up for his dad, and the other Hokage by extent. Obito's really hating on Minato, and it's not fair. It was great when Naruto verbally slapped Obito, who was really getting to Minato.
• Awesome to see them land a blow, even if it won't end the battle. Of course, this puts EVERYTHING on Naruto, unless Sasuke has a random Sharingan-Chidori or something that isn't classified as Ninjutsu. Otherwise, we'll see people magically master Sage-Mode, and I'm unwilling to believe Kishimoto would do that.
• Great follow-up with Naruto having been collecting chakra for Sage mode, it explains his eerie silence, and some of the seemingly-random designs for Obito's defense/attack/whatever it is. It was also cool of the Second Hokage to recognize that Naruto's not stupid, or at least, not stupid all of the time. We've seen Naruto time and time again be a tactical thinker on the level of Sasuke (especially regarding his battle against Pain), if not with a more adaptive/stubborn streak opposed to Sasuke's "cool" attitude (which disappeared into ANGRY RAGE mode for a while).
• Ah, it would appear that's Kurama's negative chakra, which Minato and Kushina reaper-death sealed, at the end of the chapter. New power-up next chapter?
• It also appears that Minato's totally stunned to see Naruto as a sage, like Jiraiya. He truly is surpassing his father.
• What about Orochimaru? And Madara? And Sakura? It's great to see the main plot hurtling forward like this, but we've been waiting to find out what's going on with the Kage for quite some time. Last we saw them, they weren't doing so well, and Orochimaru was going to heal Tsunade? Also, Sakura was poised to be on the level of her teammates a few chapters ago, and is already back to being a background character, or (as in this chapter) not even present. What's she doing that's so busy? As a matter of fact, what are ALL the ninja doing? Waiting like in last chapter? Maybe Obito could create more Ten-Tail beasties to keep them busy. Last thing: Madara and Hashirama. I assume they're just having titanic off-screen battles that never end? Seems legit.

Countdown: VII

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ _: VII

VII: The Roman Numeral for 7.

Number Abilities:

Low-level: The user can move small amounts of elemental material (wind, fire, earth, and water).

Mid-level: The user can generate fire, as well as move larger amounts of elemental material.

High-level: The user can move virtually any amount of elemental material.

 

General Otaktay, The Chariot, represents this Number group. He revels in his immense adaptability and sheer strength. Some say he's unbeatable, with all four elements at his command. His army never fails.

Countdown: VI

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ _: VI

VI: The Roman Numeral for 6.

Number Abilities:

Low-level: The user can take away others' pain, in return for feeling it themselves. They can also absorb feelings of fatigue and other negative emotions.

Mid-level: The user can share their energy and strength with others, while also sharing positive emotions.

High-level: The user can take physical ailments of others upon themselves, and can swap places with other VI's.

 

Aiko and Amadeus, Lovers, are representatives of this Number group. Their dedication to each other and others is exemplary, and they are willing to shoulder each other's burdens.



Countdown: V

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ _: V

V: The Roman Number for 5.
Number Abilities:
Low-level: Has brief, random visions of events happening in the present.
Mid-level: Can access random visions at will, and they last longer.
High-level: Can choose people and places to focus sight on, for however long the user wants.

Darshan, the High Priest is the sole member of this Number group. He can see both the big and small picture, replete with wisdom. He keeps a close eye on key players.

Countdown: IV

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _: IV 

IV: The Roman Numeral for 4.

Number abilities:

Low-level: The effects of Numbers will "bend around" the user.

Mid-level: Number abilities around the user are weakened.

High-level: The user can shut down Number abilities in their vicinity and is immune to their effects.

 

Ordo Augustus, the Emperor, is the sole member of this Number group. He represents their steadfastness and tenacity, which borders on stubbornness. He will not allow anything, including Numbers, to stand in his way.



Countdown: III

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _: III

III: The Roman Numeral for 3.

Number Abilities:

Low-level: The user can multiply small objects a few times before feeling tired.

Mid-Level: The user can multiply various sizes of objects and make numerous copies, with size and number being limited by their stamina and master of their ability.

High-Level: The user can multiply large objects so long as there is space to hold them, and make as many copies as they please.

 

Kura, the Empress, is the sole member of this Number group. She represents their virility, which occasionally bleeds into excess. She enjoys her position of power as Royalty, and supports those around her. 

Portfolio 1: Unit 1 Literary Response Journal

AN: This is from my Senior English Class, in response to questions about what I'd like my "verse in life" to be, and what I think my one strength is.

My one strength is in my words. Now, that may seem a bit of a copout, since it covers several bases (speaking, singing, writing) but I honestly think that settling on one thing would diminish the whole. Words, sung, spoken, and read, have a special strength all their own, regardless of where they’re from.

I am a bright young man who keeps his language pure, seeking knowledge from the best places. Because of this, I know how to mold my words, and control myself so that my words do good (and sound good). Lately, I’ve focused on using my words to inspire others around me. I’ve witnessed the strength of words numerous times myself, from the many speeches that are so dear to me, to talks at General Conference, to words of comfort. And song lyrics. Never forget music. If I could choose the verse I contribute – and I think I do – I’d want it to be a beautiful one, that people will read and think “Hey, that’s a cool bit. Let’s quote that sucker.” For something to be beautiful, it needs to be kind. It needs to avoid excess, and it needs to be in line with the Spirit. These are all things I want to be, and do, and say. If at the end of my life, I could say “I have always uplifted those around me with the words I chose to speak and write,” then I would truly count myself blessed. If my “one verse” could be wrapped up in the beauty of inspirational words, I would be satisfied, like a man who’s truly eaten his fill of delicious foods.

Countdown: II

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ _: II

II: The Roman Numeral for 2. 

Number Abilities: 

Low-level: Glimpses of the future, only seconds long, which could be from tomorrow, or in ten years.

Mid-level: Longer visions of the future, topping out at a few minutes, with a better sense of whether they are soon, or in the distant future. They can now call upon the ability at will.

High-level: Leisurely perusals of the future, when they want, for however long they want to look. They can discern visions that will occur in a few hours, to visions that will occur tomorrow, to a week, to a year, to decades.

Anahid, the High Priestess, is the sole member of this Number group. She is a saint-like figure, providing guidance and warnings, while maintaining her position among the Royalty.

Countdown: I

Countdown to _ _ _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _: I

I: The Roman Numeral for 1.

Number Ability:

Low-level: Minor temperature shifting.

Mid-level: Accelerating and decelerating objects in movement.

High-level: Phasing objects through different matter phases (gaseous, liquid, and solid).

 

Vidar, The Mountebank, represents this Number group in ------ -------. He is the embodiment of vengeance itself, determined to achieve his goal at any cost.

Prelude to Countdown

Announcement! In twenty-two posts, I will be renaming this blog. The projected name will be "baikanon" (.BlogSpot.com, of course). This makes more sense, as this blog has strayed from being my story, to being *my stories.* Also, I will be announcing a new project, with ideas and character discussions, after the posting of the last Countdown piece.

Countdown:
I: Vidar
II: Anahid
III: Kura
IV: Ordo Augustus
V: