Another Semester, Another Topic

Hey Everyone!

Wow has it been a LONG time since i have posted! I feel awful about it! But honestly my summer was jam packed! Since this is a life style blog, let me update y'all on whats been going on, and then I will tell you what I am going to be posting about this semester for school. And who knows? I might not be able to post a life style blog again for a while until I am done with school (which I am projected to graduate in winter of 2019, so it wouldn't be too much longer).

As for this summer, I worked A LOT. Like pulling full time work weeks. I also have gotten the chance to visit my family this summer which was incredible. Also, I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but I have a boyfriend. A really great one, actually- and I like to give him as much of my free time as I can because that's what you do for things that are important to you. And I adventured a lot as well- went to hot springs, went and explored some caves, hiked up hills and mountains, floated rivers, went camping, and went to parties as well. So basically- I've been super busy!

However, This post is for a homework assignment, and for the next few months, they will be the same topic. I am taking a religious course that talks about families and how we can (according to my religious beliefs) be with them forever. So with that being said, This week's topic is on how to share my religious beliefs online.

So a few things about this- I am not a big one to share my religious beliefs online because I truly believe that the internet is too big of a platform and there can be misunderstanding through text translation- and it is just not what I normally do- unless I feel very strongly impressed to do so: so as I said with past school-related blog posts, i don't tolerate hate speech on this page at all. I believe in respect for each individual on this planet and their beliefs. So please do not reach out to me unless you have genuine questions or something constructive to share, thank you.

There was a talk that I read by one of the leaders of my church, and he talked about how i can better share my beliefs on the web and help others understand, who have questions about my beliefs. One of the main points he made was that, in order to help bring about understanding- you need to have a concise and indisputable knowledge about the topic you are discussing. if you don't have that- then don't talk about it. I think that is something that a lot of people need to re-evaluate about themselves, especially if they choose to share information on a platform where potentially thousands of people can comment on what they are saying. A lot of people feel that- they are entitled to share information about their beliefs, just because they believe it, and while I respect the fact that they have beliefs, i don't agree that it gives you the right to become a spokes person for your church: that is what causes misconceptions like all Muslims believe in bombing other religions, that Mormons are polygamists, or that Jewish people are stingy and anti-social. Also, anything on the internet lasts forever- so it is SO important that you realize: no matter what the topic is- you HAVE to be an expert on it to share your opinion. Otherwise, your words will be drowned in the voices of everyone else on the internet.

I appreciate that this specific church leader was bold enough to bring up this fact with enough love and support to every church member that it didn't feel as stark as I probably made it feel. if you would like to read the talk, I will leave it right here: Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet Links to an external site., Elder M. Russell Ballard, Dec. 15, 2007, BYU-Hawaii.

This week's thought is kind of short and sweet because it is the first week of the semester- but stay tuned for next week's post because from here on out- they will be a lot more profound.

Also, thank you to all of my loyal readers who are patient with me as I am going through this awkward point in my life where most everything i do is work or school related! y'all are the real MVPs! and as this cold weather approaches, look for even the smallest ways to try to find summer every day. Because I know I will.