The end of the semester...

So, I figured that since this is my last post for the semester, I could blog about my thoughts on this media class. Media has been something that was strongly taught in my home. We pulled out the For Strength of Youth pamphlet and LOTS of quotes from the prophets on a very regular basis. I'm grateful to my parents taking the initiative to teach us how the Lord views media today. It's really helped me make a lot of decisions to enable me to have clean and pure thoughts and actions. I've been made fun of by many of my member friends being called a "goody two-shoes" or "molly-mormon," but I have a firm testimony that my choice of media has nothing to do with my friends or even family--it's all about what helps or hinders my relationship with the Lord. I'm grateful my parents taught me how to be critical of the media. I feel like this has been Dr. Coyne's goal this semester. It's been nice to add to the doctrine I grew up with and learn about what the research says. Of course it only confirmed what the Lord has taught :) He sure knows His stuff ;) I'm grateful for all the good media that helps us come closer to Christ, and I'm grateful for the Spirit to direct me away from things that distract from the path to Christ.

Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. It definitely was my favorite time on my mission. It was so incredible to be a representative of Christ when most of the world celebrates the birth of our Savior. I love the fun Christmas movies and the Christmas music. My family went to go see The Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theater. That was was neat. Last year we went to see it too, and it really helped me get through some hard times. This year I felt the power of change--that we are able to, and positive change brings intense happiness. It does make me sad when people say "the spirit of Christmas is Santa," because CHRIST is the meaning of CHRISTmas. I don't like listening to the Christmas station on Pandora 'cause they don't play any songs about Christ--just the same 5 songs about chestnuts and Santa...hahaha. I've been listening to the Primary Christmas songs for my baby. That always brings a sweet spirit in our home. I love Christ, and I love this time to remember Him.

Letter Assignment

Miss Representation

PO Box 437
Ross, CA 94957

To whom it may concern,

            I want to start by thanking all of you on the team for standing up for the beauty of womanhood. There was much in the film that inspired and uplifted me. But, I will admit, there was also much that brought great concern. While I agree there is a negative view on women in the media, I feel that this documentary had the same negative view towards men. I feel there was a lot of bias in this film that was closed minded to how men are also portrayed.

            Human males and females are incredible! Each has natural traits that complement and complete each other. I feel this film encourages competition between man and woman as opposed to using those skills together to make the world a more full and complete place. Men have God-given abilities to provide and protect the family, and women have God-given ability to nurture. Please do not get me wrong, I believe that God blesses both genders with both traits, but men and women are truly fulfilled as they pursue these roles.

            This documentary encourages women to go out of the home and be leaders in the community and country. In my opinion, the best way to do this is to be leaders in the home. So many women have left and pawned their kids off to babysitters or just leave them at home allowing for all sorts of mischief. Who are teaching the children? Rarely the mothers. Think of how much our nation has increased in sexual promiscuity, gender confusion, crime rates, and lack of faith in God since women have left the home to go out to the work place. I strongly believe a huge factor in this is because mothers have left the home seeking to make a difference in the world. Well, they have made a difference in the world, but it’s not good.

I love the quote by Margaret Nadauld, eleventh president of the worldwide young women’s organization: “The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Ensign, Nov 2000). This push for competing against men in the world creates friction in marriages that can lead to divorce. Husbands and wives should work together as equal partners—not seeking for power over the other.

            This film accentuates pride and selfishness in women. A true woman is not one who seeks fame and feels fulfilled because the world tells her she is intelligent or beautiful. A true woman is one who quietly knows she is intelligent and beautiful because of who she is as a woman. She knows she can be an influence for good in the home. She knows true leadership and power is raising a healthy and happy family. She is a good neighbor and citizen. Being at home gives a lot of opportunity to make positive change in the world. It gives time to be involved in many different things.

            Women and men alike need to be taught that they are incredible—not because of how “smart” they are, how “pretty,” “skinny,” or “talented” they are, but just because they are a man or a woman. My faith and belief in God is what has taught me my value as a woman. This is what should be pushed for in the media. This is what will make a difference for our sons and our daughters. We should all seek to complement each other and not compete against each other.

            I don’t understand why those actresses were complaining about the stereotype of women in the media when they are the ones who create it. We are always seeking to blame everyone else. No one seems to take personal responsibility any more. Why don’t the actresses stand up together and choose not to participate in degrading films? If they all did it, the directors and producers would have no one else to use, and that destructive media would dissolve.

            My strongest desire is for parents to return to being parents. Parents are the biggest force for good in their children’s lives. Parents are there from the very beginning. They are able to teach correct principles about who we are and what is appropriate. Then my next desire would be for the media to change and to portray these healthy relationships between and roles of men, women, and children.

            Again, I want to thank you for your efforts to help girls and women understand they are more than sexual objects. Thank you for your time reading this letter. I hope our efforts combined will make a brighter future for the next generation of men and women alike.

—Melissa Andersen

    School of Family Life

    Brigham Young University

The Rating System and Words of the Prophets

Today's "For the Strength of Youth" Pamphlet

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things" (Articles of Faith 1:13).
"You live in a day of marvelous technologies that give you easy access to a wide variety of media, including the Internet, mobile devices, video games, television, movies, music, books, and magazines. The information and entertainment provided through these media can increase your ability to learn, communicate, and become a force for good in the world. However, some information and entertainment can lead you away from righteous living. Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that uplifts you.
"Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit. . . .
"Take care that your use of media does not dull your sensitivity to the Spirit or interfere with your personal relationships with others. Spending long periods of time using the Internet or a mobile device, playing video games, or watching television or other media can keep you from valuable interactions with other people. Be careful that your use of social media does not replace spending time with your family and friends.
"Guard your safety and the safety of others by taking great care about what personal information and images you share through technology. . . .Obey the laws that govern sharing music, movies, and other copyrighted items.
"If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to watch or listen to. . . .The Holy Ghost will give you strength to make correct choices" (emphasis added).

President Benson in 1986 (Elder Wirthlin restated this again in 1986 & 1988) said, "We counsel you [to] not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. Don’t listen to music that is degrading" ("To the 'Youth of the Noble Birthright'," emphasis added).

Elder Scott in 1996 (and reprinted in 2001) said, "Consistently choose to obey your principles. . . .They need your good example. . .[in] refusing to see an R-rated movie. . . .make your standards clear to others by quietly making the right choices when the temptation is first presented. A decisive, correct choice made once and consistently kept thereafter will avoid much heartache" ("Do What is Right," emphasis added).

Do the words of the prophets lose their meaning through time? NO!!!! They are called "prophets" for a reason--they give us prophetic counsel. Just because then brethren do not explicitly say "don't watch R-rated movies" in the current For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet does not mean it is still not the counsel the Lord would have us abide by. Because of how much worse the media is getting, this counsel is probably more important to follow today. Because even some PG and PG-13 movies also fall under the category or "vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic," the Brethren need to be more specific than just "R-rated." Plus, this is a world-wide church, and not all media is rated the same. This counsel goes for Canada, Mexico, England, etc., and for movies, TV, music, books, magazines, texting, Facebook, etc. So, we can see why the Brethren do not still say explicitly "R-rated" movies--the media covers much more than just movies. And just because the Brethren do not still explicitly command us to have food storage, we are still accountable for teachings given to us in the past.

My hope is that we will all seek for entertainment that helps us remember who we are, children of God, and that invites us closer to Christ. I love how simply Moroni teaches us how to judge in Moroni 7 "12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." There is much good in the world for us to seek for. Lets do so and receive all the blessings the Lord desires to bless us with!

Poem

Oh, media, media,
      You are everywhere;
On the screen, the speakers,
      You fly through the air.

No matter where I turn,
      There you are,
It really doesn't matter
      If I travel near or far.

Some of you I like,
     Some I'd rather we never had;
Yes, some of you makes me happy,
     Others really makes me sad.

In the form of a movie,
      Music, or even a book,
The ones that bring me to Christ,
      There is where I want to look.

So, media, media,
      You that I find everywhere,
Please step up your game,
      So to Christ I can return there.

Check me out at mormon.org!!!

Mormon.org is an awesome way for us to be member missionaries. It's super easy and really fun to set up a profile. It's a great way to invite your friends to get on the site: "Hey! Check out my profile!" and before you know it, they're looking at other Mormons and then looking at the missionary lessons and getting in contact with the missionaries and getting baptized and going to the temple and going to the Celestial Kingdom! Just because you invited them to check out your profile! :) Ok, maybe that wont happen every time, but ya never know, it could :)

http://mormon.org/me/4G4K

Here's my link if you'd like to check out my profile! Enjoy! :)

Who Loves Cats?

This is one of the funniest YouTube videos I have ever seen! I love how they put it to music. This girl is a little too obsessed....yeah...but it makes me smile! :) Enjoy!

Women of God = Women of Power

I really like this Mormon Message--especially after watching the MissRepresent documentary. I just love what it means to be a daughter of God. Being pregnant, I've really learned a lot more about how incredible it is to be a woman. I am a co-creator of God. It is so amazing to have this Spirit inside me. It is so neat to be a creator--creator of life, of beauty and peace in the home, of delicious (and sometimes not so delicious) meals, of friends, of smiles, and of so much more! I'm just so excited to find new ways to make my house a home--physically and spiritually. I'm excited to learn how to cook more. I love the sisterhood of relief society. It's so neat to be able to learn from the wonderful women God has placed in my life. I am grateful for the honor and privilege it is to be God's daughter!

New IPhone Giving New Abilities!

So, last month, I got updated to an IPhone. It's pretty exciting, but the thing I'm most excited about is LDS Tools!!! Every time I go on there to download something new, it feels like Christmas. It's amazing to me all the amazing information I have in the palm of my hand everywhere I go! If I don't have much time, I can squeeze in some scripture reading. I can read conference talks. I have access to all the church manuals including the church handbook, For Strength of Youth pamphlet, Gospel Principles, manuals on being a parent, Preach My Gospel, institute manuals etc etc! I even have the hymns and primary songs. I have had so much fun! And I feel like this gives me the opportunity to live by revelation daily as is one of my goals this year. I feel so cool at church too when they quote conference, scriptures, or the FSOY. Yup...love it!

We really have Kinged our government

I'm not going to post the video clip because it makes me too mad. But on the news, Obama was glorified for giving a speech as a "compassionate leader" who has his heart for the people of the country. And Romney was criticized for going above and beyond duty to serve the people (actually going out and doing something about it) affected by hurricane Sandy. This is because he "went against the Red Cross." Apparently we should rely on the government and any other personal efforts on our part a horrible crime and is just to get publicity. How ridiculous is that?! We can't even serve each other any more without stepping on the toes of the government. Oh, the whole thing makes me SICK! I just pray that people who see that will have the gift of discernment and be taught from the Spirit who the real great leader is--one who gives speeches, or one who serves others.

Creative Music Video

I really enjoy this music video. I feel like it's very artsy. Plus I really like the song. The whole time I watched this for the fist time I was glued--sucked in, if you will. Afterwards, I was like, "That was the coolest music video ever!" My husband thought that was a little of an extreme comment sense he felt it was a little weird. Haha. I'll let you decide your own opinion :)

Funniest "Debate" Ever!!! Still laughing!!!

Ok, I still cannot stop laughing!!! My stomach hurts and cheeks are KILLING me!!! This is my most favorite "bad lip reading." Oooh, so good!! ENJOY! :)

Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After by Jenny Phillips always lifts my spirits every time I hear it. I love feeling and remembering the eternal perspective--I am a daughter of God with divine potential :)

Daughters in My Kingdom--life changing

Daughters in My Kingdom has really changed my perspective on how Heavenly Father views His daughters. We always hear we're children of God and that He loves us, but in reading this powerful book, I've discovered more of what that means. I'm only half way through, but every time I pick up this book I feel empowered and loved. I really enjoyed learning about the many women who were in Christ's life, and their influence in building His Kingdom in the primitive church. It's also been really neat to learn the history of Relief Society in this dispensation. What an amazing organization to be a part of! I'm so grateful to be a member of Relief Society! I'm grateful that my contributions are important and to learn that there is so much more I am capable of doing. I'm truly inspired. This book has really helped me feel valued--just like the Young Women program made me feel. I'm grateful to know my purpose as a daughter of God.

Documentary on Women & Media

"WE ARE DAUGHTERS of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. WE WILL “STAND as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue

WE BELIEVE as we come to accept and act upon these values, WE WILL BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation."

--Young Women Theme

To fulfill the purposes of Relief Society, the Lord has commissioned each Relief Society Sister and the organization as a whole to:

1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness.

2. Strengthen families and homes.

3. Serve the Lord and His children.

--Sister Beck

Heavenly Fathers view on men:

I wanted to start my thoughts about the documentary by sharing the Lord's views on these topics. First, my heart aches how the media portrays Heavenly Father's children in such a demeaning way (women AND men included as Elder Christofferson teaches). I love Elder Hollands talk to the Young Women. He teaches us our true identity as daughters of God. Heavenly Father loves us so much. Our worth is never measured by what we wear or how much we weigh. Satan tries to deceive us and tell us looks are everything. Our worth is already set because of our divine nature.

Second, I felt very angry at how they took it to the complete opposite extreme. I love Sister Beck's talk on women's true roles as women of God. Being a mother is being a leader and having power (godly, righteous power--not worldly, wicked power). These people on the documentary feel that women's true value comes from power and leadership in the world. They seek for equality but in reality put the sons of God down in the process. And think of how much morality has gone down the drain since mothers have left the home seeking this "equality." Sex, drugs, and violence have all increased exponentially in the last few years. It breaks my heart. Mothers aren't teaching, so no one is teaching. True power and influence is in the home.

Third, talk about PRIDE and selfishness!!!! We have no idea how much George Washington's mother influenced him in preparing him to be the first president of the nation under God. We have no idea how much his wife counseled and supported him. It seems super prideful to me for those women to pop up and say "HEY! Why is George getting all the credit! The world needs to see ME! They need to see my accomplishments!!!" A true leader seeks to build the world--not receive glory of the world. That is what these women want in this documentary (PS, I wouldn't vote of Hillary Clinton because she has many beliefs against mine, not because she's a women. If she was in a man's body, I'd still feel the same way about her). A true women of God seeks for ways to quietly build the kingdom. She is fulfilled because of her relationship with the Father. 

Fourth, they follow the latest trend of blaming everyone else and not taking personal responsibility. Those movie stars were complaining about those things, but if they had morality and standards, they wouldn't have anything to show on the screen. Also, WE CHOOSE what media to partake of. If we don't want our kids to become those things, have the courage to not let them watch or listen to it--period. And, if we didn't watch it, they wouldn't make it. That's what we can do; instead of crying of what we wish everyone else would do. 

Let us stand together by helping ALL of Heavenly Father's children reach their potential--whether they are male or female. All are important in Heavenly Father's plan. All are needed for their individual gifts and talents and experiences. 

Spreading Happy News!

I am so grateful for media which allows me to share happy news with my friends and family. My phone (through calls and texts) and Facebook have been huge blessings to tell everyone that I AM PREGNANT!!!! Wahoo!!! We are SO excited to welcome one of Heavenly Father's children into our home :) It feels really great to have such positive feedback from my friends and family. It makes me feel loved. It makes me even more excited when people are sharing the excitement with me.

The joy of novels

   One of my ultimate favorite books is An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott. It is about this country girl, Polly, who lives with a city friend, Fanny, (who is also a few years older than her) and her family. It is a very different lifestyle for Polly and is challenging for her to get used to. But Polly has a sweet disposition and brings a lot of goodness to Fanny’s home. Polly is a great example of being steadfast and immovable despite her surroundings.
   I think this was one of my favorite books is because I can relate to Polly. I often felt as she did in being “old-fashioned” in standards while the world progressed in artificial beauties. I really connected with Polly and wished I could be more like her. She motivated me to stand up for what is right. I was able to see how being that type of person could bring good into the world.
   My husband and I have been reading a favorite book from my childhood together. The Alliance by Gerald Lund takes place in the future after the end of the world. This group of people survived and learned how to farm. They become captured by “The Alliance of Four Cities” and are “implanted” or have computer chips placed in their brains that make it impossible for them to think or do anything negative. Eric, one of the farmers, understands the evilness of taking away people’s agency, so he beats all odds and overthrows the entire system. He frees all the people and everyone lives happily ever after because they are free to make their own choices (even if that does mean sad times come).
   I really enjoy this book because I feel it is good paced, exciting, keeps you thinking and anticipating what is going to happen, and teaches good moral lessons.It really motivates me to stand up for what is right because, really, nothing is impossible.

"I Am His Daughter"

"I Am His Daughter" is one of my favorite songs! I listen to it almost every Sunday while I get ready for church. It just really helps me see perspective of who I really am--not what the world believes I should be. I just feel so much of God's love when I hear these words with the beautiful music.

Yay for General Conference!

I absolutely LOVE General Conference! I feel so grateful and so blessed to have such easy access to it--email, radio, satellite, Ensign, etc. It is so great to be able to hear the words of our loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was really touched by the messages of family and service particularly. I'm excited for the next six months to be able to learn how to implement these sacred invitations and draw closer to the Lord.

Technology to spread the gospel

Today we got to participate, along with many others, in the dedication of the Brigham City Temple. It is so amazing how technology is able to be used to share the gospel. It was so neat to feel the sacred Spirit of that historic moment. Words cannot express my emotions as I was sitting there watching "the veil over the Earth. . . .beginning to burst" (The Spirit of God, Hymn 2).

Ok, I admit it . . .

So, I am not a "gamer," but I do admit that when I have 5-10 minutes, I love pulling out my husband's Kindle Fire to play Plants Vrs Zombies. I don't really know why I love that game, I just do! I'm going through it for the third time trying to get all the awards. Yup...I feel like a nerd.

Blast to the Past

Lately I've been in a mode where I just want to watch all my favorite movies growing up: Muppet Treasure Island, the Long Long Trailer, Yours Mine & Ours (with Lucille Ball), and a whole bunch of Disney classics. There's just nothing like watching those good old films that take you back to when life was easy. There weren't bills to pay. The biggest worry I had was which friend I was going to play with that day. My how times have changed. I love that old memories bring good old feelings too.

Media that makes me...less than happy

Ok, why do college required books have to be so expensive and so wordy! I swear I spend the majority of my time reading unnecessary information. Don't get me wrong, my motto for school is "Seek learning by study and also by faith" (Doc & Cov), but my time is precious. I don't like to have it wasted with information that really could be summed up into one or two sentences. Maybe it's just my learning style. I do prefer learning from a professor rather than reading a textbook about this study and that research. I love learning about children and relationships. I love learning how we develop. But I also love pure and simple truths. That is much preferred over people's theories and best guesses. It makes me so grateful for the scriptures and modern prophets. I never get bored of reading those things! They're packed with powerful one-sentence-ers :)

"Snail-Mail"

You know those weeks that get away with you? Here it is Saturday and I've been meaning to post since Tuesday!
Does anyone use "snail-mail" anymore? I do! Just this week, I sent a card with pictures in it to my missionary brother in Oklahoma to update him on family life that just seems a little lame to say through email. And then, a couple days later, my husband and I sent out Grandparents Day cards to tell our grandparents just how much we love and appreciate them. I'm so glad that "snail-mail" still exists so long-distant communication can seem a little more personal.

Getting Started

I have created this blog to record some of my thoughts on life.