3. Charlie Chaplin's Speech Analysis Reflective Essay

There were so many things that happened to my essay this past week. I really struggled to find a speech to begin with. However, with the help of my friend, Adam, I was able to find Charlie Chaplin's speech. I struggled with where to begin. How do I start  analyzing this speech? What is this speech even talking about? I spent the beginning of my paper researching. I learned about the time period of his speech which helped me to more fully understand how powerful his speech truly was. I read through the speech about four times which for me was extremely effective. I also went through and color coded examples of several of the points that I wanted to make. I wish that I would have taken my essay to the writing center to have them review over it, but I had two of my building mates read over my rough draft. After meeting with Sister Steadman, I felt pretty good about the content of my paper, but I needed to include more details to reach the length. I sent a copy to my amazing mom after I added more information and she replied with helpful feedback. Overall, I feel like it was extremely effective for me to have several people read my paper. I was only able to do this because I organized my time which was really important! However, next time I think I will take it to the writing center as well.

2. Family Fairytale

Once upon a time, in a far away place there lived a family in a giant castle. They were all royalty and lived in a giant castle where they all constantly worked together, cleaned together, read together, ate together, and never fought or disagreed on anything. This sounds like a pretty great story doesn't it. Okay so maybe this is not exactly my family fairytale, but mine also will have a happy ending.

According to a New York Times Article, titled The Stories That Bind Us, "The [children] who know a lot about their families tend to do better when they face challenges." So what should these children know about their families? I think that knowing about where their parents grew up, what they did when they were their age, what struggles they went through, or simply knowing where they graduated from can make a big difference.

The Proclamation to the Family states that "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E. We must take the time to share with our family the struggles we have overcome so that we can grow as a family.

There have been many times over the years that I have loved spending time with my family! Some of my favorites, partially because I am away from home now, are the fun family pictures we took together. Getting my whole family together to take pictures was definitely an adventure, but I will never forget the times we shared as we did. The saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" says it all.

I know that by the power of the temple that my family will be together for eternity and I am so excited because I truly love them. Family is one of Heavenly Father's greatest gifts that he gave to us and I am so happy that he did. I know as we talk the time to share our stories that our families will really be strengthened.

For the full New York Times article click here

For a brief summary of the article click here

1. Things As They Really Are: A Talk By David A. Bednar

"Elder David A. Bednar's talk entitled "Things As They Really Are" is the inspiration behind this post. We each individually have a purpose here on earth. We came here to experience "tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitation in ways that prepare us for eternity." Everyone has their own challenges and struggles, but we are not alone. As Bednar states simply "there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have."

We have the blessing of a body that is likened to a "temple" many times throughout scripture. A temple is sacred, respected, clean, and is used for service. If our bodies are like temples shouldn't we also work to make sure that our bodies are also doing these things? Satan was not given a body and as a result does everything in his power to make us confused, unhappy, fearful, or  insecure about the beauty of our own bodies. Our body is truly a gift. We are literally Sons and Daughters of a King. As Bednar states "To those of us who know and understand the plan of salvation, any defiling of the body is rebellion and a denial of our TRUE identity as Sons and Daughters of God,"

So who are we really becoming? 

Who do we want to become?

There are many false images throughout our world, but we must stay true to who we are. True human interaction develops long lasting relationships and strengthens us. Elder Bednar counsels that "For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study more diligently the doctrine for the plan of salvation-and to prayerfully ponder."

Remember who you are, but also whose you are.

For the full talk: Click here.