As much as I take pride in being an English major, sometimes I leave major errors in papers I hand in because of lack of time spent (or available) proofreading. Like last week. I turned in a paper that I had spent several hours on in to my professor. I had spent several hours writing it, but obviously zero hours proofreading it, because the FIRST LINE says "Aristotle puts asks the question"...I decided to change the wording last minute and didn't delete the old, obviously.
And so the professor circled it and wrote in huge letters, PROOF CAREFULLY.
Thank you. I know.
It was really embarrassing.
And so the other day in class, he had us pull out our syllabus so we could discuss a paper. And he had numbered things 1-6, and then instead of 7 there was another 6! Which was probably awkward for him, too, because he had to say, "It's under the second number 6..." clearly indicating that he, too, did not proofread carefully.
I felt vindicated. I wanted to say, "Ha! I'm not the only one who doesn't proofread!" But I didn't.
So I know where all the English majors have gone. They're still here, they just don't have time to proofread.
5.09.2010
My New Life
The other day I watched this "Mormon Messages" video. Can I just say that I think the Church is brilliant with staying up in technology? I love that they make all of these things available on youtube. And they are so artsy!
Anyway, it really helped me to put my life in perspective. And I realized that because of my Savior Jesus Christ, I really do have an awesome, awesome life.
Enjoy.
Anyway, it really helped me to put my life in perspective. And I realized that because of my Savior Jesus Christ, I really do have an awesome, awesome life.
Enjoy.
5.06.2010
The Middle Ages and the Middle East
For my avid readers, this post might be a little boring. For my Engl 291 class I wanted to show several pictures of how Christianity affected the life, and especially literature, of the Old English and Middle English period. So, with the danger of total-readership of my blog increasing from "one" to "more than one," I will proceed.
I've never been to Europe, but I did live in Israel, and throughout Israel are many churches built by the Crusaders and earlier groups of religious peoples. This means both that they had European influence, as well as influencing European architecture and ideals. Remember, many of the features in churches were made to represent places of interest in the Holy Land. At the very least it is a break from reading so much, right? :)
The following are pictures of some of those churches (they are all at least mostly Catholic--some also have Eastern Orthodox influence), demonstrating their architecture, the importance of iconic figures, as well as the influence of/beliefs about the Virgin Mary.
This is a monastary in Jericho, built into the cliff. Can you imagine the venerable Bede sitting in something like this writing his history?
Built by the crusaders in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary.
Here you can see some of the painting on the apse of the church, surviving from the Crusader period.
These two are from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (outside and inside), which houses the spot believed by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox to be the spot where Christ was crucified, as well as where he was laid in the tomb. Thousands (maybe millions?) of Christians make pilgrimages to this site every year.
First built in the early 4th century, this church was rebuilt by the Crusaders (and then destroyed and rebuilt again, but they tried to keep with original design). This is the Church of Pater Noster, or the Church of the Lord's Prayer.
Also first built in the early fourth century, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem marks the spot believed to be where Jesus was born. The Crusaders did some updates and rebuilding, as have many others since then in efforts to preserve it.
The next few pictures are from a church in Nazareth dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I think it shows a lot of interesting things about how Catholics in their respective countries visualize the Virgin Mary.
And these last two are of St. George and the Dragon, which I talked about in a facebook post. Just thought it was a little interesting.
And finally, if you are really bored and were just hoping to see a visual representation of Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" and you don't mind Israeli/Palestinian conflict overtones, check out my other blog here. (It really is cool, by the way.)
I've never been to Europe, but I did live in Israel, and throughout Israel are many churches built by the Crusaders and earlier groups of religious peoples. This means both that they had European influence, as well as influencing European architecture and ideals. Remember, many of the features in churches were made to represent places of interest in the Holy Land. At the very least it is a break from reading so much, right? :)
The following are pictures of some of those churches (they are all at least mostly Catholic--some also have Eastern Orthodox influence), demonstrating their architecture, the importance of iconic figures, as well as the influence of/beliefs about the Virgin Mary.
This is a monastary in Jericho, built into the cliff. Can you imagine the venerable Bede sitting in something like this writing his history?
Built by the crusaders in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary.
Here you can see some of the painting on the apse of the church, surviving from the Crusader period.
These two are from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (outside and inside), which houses the spot believed by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox to be the spot where Christ was crucified, as well as where he was laid in the tomb. Thousands (maybe millions?) of Christians make pilgrimages to this site every year.
First built in the early 4th century, this church was rebuilt by the Crusaders (and then destroyed and rebuilt again, but they tried to keep with original design). This is the Church of Pater Noster, or the Church of the Lord's Prayer.
Also first built in the early fourth century, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem marks the spot believed to be where Jesus was born. The Crusaders did some updates and rebuilding, as have many others since then in efforts to preserve it.
The next few pictures are from a church in Nazareth dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I think it shows a lot of interesting things about how Catholics in their respective countries visualize the Virgin Mary.
And these last two are of St. George and the Dragon, which I talked about in a facebook post. Just thought it was a little interesting.
And finally, if you are really bored and were just hoping to see a visual representation of Robert Frost's "Mending Wall" and you don't mind Israeli/Palestinian conflict overtones, check out my other blog here. (It really is cool, by the way.)
Finally....
5.02.2010
In Honor of Chen Zhen Hui
Today is a day of great importance. The day after May Day, a few days before Cinco de Mayo...today is the one year anniversary of Chen Zhen Hui's baptism.
I first met Zhen Hui (the Chinese put their last names first, so her first name is Zhen Hui) in March of 2009. It was the last Sunday of my second transfer as a missionary in Taiwan, and her sister, Rui Jun, brought Zhen Hui to church with her. Rui Jun had been a member for about 2.5 years and one day Zhen Hui decided to go to church with her.
Zhen Hui was one of the most amazing investigators I have ever met. The next week when we went to teach her the first lesson, we sat down and asked her what she knew about Joseph Smith. She answered with, "Well, not that much. I took a copy of that book home--Gospel Principles? And I read the Relief Society manuel about Joseph Smith. And I read his account in the Book of Mormon."
Before she even got baptized she bought a copy of Preach My Gospel. (It might come in handy, she said.) During the second lesson, we asked her if she would be willing to be baptized. She said yes but set a date for August or September. We felt that she was more than ready and asked her to pray about that. She did, said God had asked her "Why wait so long?" and changed the date to May 2.
I called her today to congratulate her on one full year of activity in the church. She laughed and said, "I am so glad this year of trials is over!" As most new converts know, the first year after baptism can be rougher than expected. But Zhen Hui pressed forward with courage and determination. With two girls (2 and 8 months) and a husband that she brought to church each week, she was the driving force in bringing her family to the gospel. Her husband was baptized 3 months later, after gaining his own witness that the church is true. He now holds the Melchizedek priesthood and they are preparing to be sealed in the temple this August, when he passes his one year anniversary.
Shortly after she joined the church, Zhen Hui decided to go back to work as a school teacher. She felt that their personal economic crisis needed 2 incomes instead of one. But after only 6 months, she quit her job so she could once again stay at home with her girls. She wants to raise her children to love the Lord and follow His commandments, and she realized that she can teach them that better than day care.
Zhen Hui was amazing not just as an investigator but as a member as well--shortly after she was baptized she accepted a calling, she faithfully attended institute, and she introduced us to many of her friends. We went to her house 2-3 times a week to teach lessons to her friends there.
Zhen Hui and her family were special to me for many reasons. Her daughter (Qiao Qiao) was born 3 days after I arrived in Taiwan, her other daughter (Qi Qi)'s name had the same "Qi" as my Taiwanese name (Qi Jun), and her sister Rui Jun had the same "Jun" as my name.
Weird, huh.
In addition, I taught their family from the time Zhen Hui started investigating the church (March 2009), through her baptism, and until her husband was baptized (August 2009). I was transfered two weeks after his baptism, but was transfered back to the area for the last 6 weeks of my mission, where I saw both Zhen Hui and her husband faithfully fulfilling callings and Zhen Hui's husband receive the Melchizedek priesthood and give a prayer in stake conference.
The gospel of Jesus Christ completely changed their family and the very atmosphere in their home. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent with their family and what I learned from their examples of faith, patience, and waiting upon the Lord with humility and gratitude.
Zhen Hui, congratulations.
I first met Zhen Hui (the Chinese put their last names first, so her first name is Zhen Hui) in March of 2009. It was the last Sunday of my second transfer as a missionary in Taiwan, and her sister, Rui Jun, brought Zhen Hui to church with her. Rui Jun had been a member for about 2.5 years and one day Zhen Hui decided to go to church with her.
Zhen Hui was one of the most amazing investigators I have ever met. The next week when we went to teach her the first lesson, we sat down and asked her what she knew about Joseph Smith. She answered with, "Well, not that much. I took a copy of that book home--Gospel Principles? And I read the Relief Society manuel about Joseph Smith. And I read his account in the Book of Mormon."
Before she even got baptized she bought a copy of Preach My Gospel. (It might come in handy, she said.) During the second lesson, we asked her if she would be willing to be baptized. She said yes but set a date for August or September. We felt that she was more than ready and asked her to pray about that. She did, said God had asked her "Why wait so long?" and changed the date to May 2.
I called her today to congratulate her on one full year of activity in the church. She laughed and said, "I am so glad this year of trials is over!" As most new converts know, the first year after baptism can be rougher than expected. But Zhen Hui pressed forward with courage and determination. With two girls (2 and 8 months) and a husband that she brought to church each week, she was the driving force in bringing her family to the gospel. Her husband was baptized 3 months later, after gaining his own witness that the church is true. He now holds the Melchizedek priesthood and they are preparing to be sealed in the temple this August, when he passes his one year anniversary.
Shortly after she joined the church, Zhen Hui decided to go back to work as a school teacher. She felt that their personal economic crisis needed 2 incomes instead of one. But after only 6 months, she quit her job so she could once again stay at home with her girls. She wants to raise her children to love the Lord and follow His commandments, and she realized that she can teach them that better than day care.
Zhen Hui was amazing not just as an investigator but as a member as well--shortly after she was baptized she accepted a calling, she faithfully attended institute, and she introduced us to many of her friends. We went to her house 2-3 times a week to teach lessons to her friends there.
Zhen Hui and her family were special to me for many reasons. Her daughter (Qiao Qiao) was born 3 days after I arrived in Taiwan, her other daughter (Qi Qi)'s name had the same "Qi" as my Taiwanese name (Qi Jun), and her sister Rui Jun had the same "Jun" as my name.
Weird, huh.
In addition, I taught their family from the time Zhen Hui started investigating the church (March 2009), through her baptism, and until her husband was baptized (August 2009). I was transfered two weeks after his baptism, but was transfered back to the area for the last 6 weeks of my mission, where I saw both Zhen Hui and her husband faithfully fulfilling callings and Zhen Hui's husband receive the Melchizedek priesthood and give a prayer in stake conference.
The gospel of Jesus Christ completely changed their family and the very atmosphere in their home. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent with their family and what I learned from their examples of faith, patience, and waiting upon the Lord with humility and gratitude.
Zhen Hui, congratulations.
4.30.2010
Where have all the English majors gone?
I might be a bit of a freak about grammar, but sometimes public content is just out of control.
For everyone.
For example: the other day in one of my university classes my professor (PROFESSOR! not TA or student) had a power-point up and he was trying to make a joke. He wrote how to succeed in the class and included in parenthesis, (we like cookies to).
To what?
To eat? to dip in milk? to throw at students? He didn't even leave an ellipses for us to fill in our own blank. Now, I know this wasn't an English class, but science professors should have to spell things right, too. Right?
Oh, and the other killer? A billboard for Sizzler. It says:
I used to Sizzler with my dad.
Now my...
KIDS LOVE IT!
Wouldn't the ellipses be much more natural after the now? The way it is now is just so...awkward. I won't even complain about the fact that "sizzler" isn't actually a verb.
Am I the only one that gets bothered by such things?
For everyone.
For example: the other day in one of my university classes my professor (PROFESSOR! not TA or student) had a power-point up and he was trying to make a joke. He wrote how to succeed in the class and included in parenthesis, (we like cookies to).
To what?
To eat? to dip in milk? to throw at students? He didn't even leave an ellipses for us to fill in our own blank. Now, I know this wasn't an English class, but science professors should have to spell things right, too. Right?
Oh, and the other killer? A billboard for Sizzler. It says:
I used to Sizzler with my dad.
Now my...
KIDS LOVE IT!
Wouldn't the ellipses be much more natural after the now? The way it is now is just so...awkward. I won't even complain about the fact that "sizzler" isn't actually a verb.
Am I the only one that gets bothered by such things?
4.25.2010
Stories that changed my life, vol. II
This story changed my life. Especially since I heard it while at the MTC preparing to go to Taiwan. I was a full-time missionary in the service of the Master.
And this story changed my entire mission.
"A mission president once told me of a missionary he assigned to more than 12 or 13 companions. He said to me, “Every one of those companions was about to go home early or be sent home. But we didn’t lose one of them.”
"When I mentioned that miraculous fact later to the companion who saved so many at the point of their being overwhelmed, I got a response which surprised and taught me. It was this: “I don’t think that story is true. I never had a companion who was failing.”
"I could see that a mission president had been inspired to send the right angel time after time. We can expect in our service to have help sent to us at the right time who will see strength in us and lift us up. And we can look forward to being the one sent by the Lord to encourage another."
--"O Ye That Embark," Ensign November 2008
And this story changed my entire mission.
"A mission president once told me of a missionary he assigned to more than 12 or 13 companions. He said to me, “Every one of those companions was about to go home early or be sent home. But we didn’t lose one of them.”
"When I mentioned that miraculous fact later to the companion who saved so many at the point of their being overwhelmed, I got a response which surprised and taught me. It was this: “I don’t think that story is true. I never had a companion who was failing.”
"I could see that a mission president had been inspired to send the right angel time after time. We can expect in our service to have help sent to us at the right time who will see strength in us and lift us up. And we can look forward to being the one sent by the Lord to encourage another."
--"O Ye That Embark," Ensign November 2008
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