I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful.

Yes, I definitely need to work on this more!! Everyone that knows me well knows that I am easily frustrated.. My life would be so much more peaceful if I just got over things. It is SO hard though... I did pretty good last semester because my goal was to be more patient and positive. So, when anything happened I just tried to get over it but once I started working when I got home it was all gone.. I do need to work on it more and think that it is only temporary and not to sweat the little things..
I'm good for now because I have the whole weekend and my birthday is tomorrow :) Then going to WV for the weekend. A much needed mini vacation. I definitely miss school and not so much that as the environment that I had when I was there. Being home has been wearing on me fast but I just need to stay above it. I know what I stand for and no one is going to change that so it'll be okay in the end, I guess :)

Some things I wrote down during Stake Conference last Sunday:
1. *Organize yourselves
-House of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, order, a house of God
--pray always to be a conqueror to Satan
-Isaiah 58:6-7 summarized: let the oppressed go free and break every yoke
-Isaiah 58:8-9 " " : then shall thy light break forth and the Lord shall say here I am.
1 Nephi 3:7 I will go and do the things the Lord has commanded-He always prepares a way.
--Teach ye another- seek ye out the best books and learning from one another.
--Square with God, honest with ourselves and fair with others
-Keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you
-Clean thoughts, noble purpose, willing heart.
-House of God takes constant vigilance.

2. When performance is measured, performance is improved.
-Confidence in ourselves and in God-don't be so easily distracted by the world.
--Unity will be fostered-accomplish same desires
-Meaningful goals and planning will help with what the Lord expects of us.
-To be able to make a great difference with the goals we attain.
-Mortality is filled with thorns that we have to go through to get back to the road we know we need to be on.
Hymn 319 If we united, all things we can do with an eye single to God
"If ye are not one, ye are not mine."

3. D&C 35 1-4 Prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. Love needs to be the motivation.
-Being charitable at all times- pray for the gift.
-When we are willing and trying to be Christ-like - if there is a will there is a way.
-Be willing to show others the way to come unto Him.
Isaiah 58:6-12
When we use, share and multiply what we've been given
-Virtue, uprightness, holiness, keeping all of the commandments.
-Comply with and keep those we've received- know the commandments first.
-Personal commandments to go and to do.
-Liken the scriptures to ourselves-listen for promptings.
-Person commandments- seek to be obedient and happiness will follow.

Another thing I have been thinking is one of the last things my Stake President said. Which was seek to be obedient and happiness will follow. Happiness is always there and we just need to work for it. Of course we will always have trials but we need to let trials strengthen us and not consume us or we will never progress.

RS Fireside :)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous, outgoing, brave. (But I say), who are you NOT to be? YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD! Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you, (or because you feel you are not worthy). We are all meant to shine.. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in (all of us). -- Marianne Williamson

Joseph B. Wirthlin: It is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us--even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will. We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming.

-You cannot linger in temptation and expect to overcome sin.
I just thought of this saying. I remember hearing it a couple years ago and it has stuck with me. It is so true and a good reminder! Plus, it's pretty self explanatory so yeah.. :)

Obedience:
-Act on the Spirit
-Desire to be Christ-like
-How good can I be?
-Doing what you're supposed to- be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there
-Changing your will even if it doesn't make sense
-Act of love
-Becoming something better
-Informed-desire

-You do things because you love Christ not because you have to
-Eternal perspective-not so focused on the here and now
-Can obey without understanding why
1 Nephi 9:6 "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."
-Heavenly Father doesn't give us commandments for His benefit but for our benefit and he always blesses us with a way to achieve them.
-Small choices bring great consequences
-By small and simple things are great things come to pass

Great 4th of July weekend

This weekend started off with some much needed shopping. I didn't really get too much but shopping is always fun :D Then Saturday I decided to be somewhat adventurous and float down a river on an inter-tube with my roommates. I'm not a good swimmer at all, so anything with water makes me a little iffy. I didn't fall in though, that's a plus. I did scrape my back on a rock but it didn't hurt that long. I made my roommate hold onto my raft :D but then going over a little waterfall I got turned backwards and couldn't stop and ran into a huge rock. I was glad to have the big tube then cause that didn't hurt. It was fun to get away from school and spent the day where my roommate lives and had dinner at her house. Then came back to my apartment Saturday night and then Sunday was church, food and games :) Can't go wrong there ;).

Monday was kind of interesting went swimming, sort of. It was freezing!! I watched some people jump of a bridge and that was entertaining. A guy that came with us cut his hand on a rock though.. so we took him to the ER. He had to have stitches but was good besides that. Then went to go see fireworks and roamed around there for a while and played some more games! The fireworks were really good though!!! Then it was time to go back home except it took 5 times as long because of traffic. I always wish people had a brain! Well I guess one they use anyway..

Now it's back to school but I'm optimistic about it! There's only like 2 weeks left and finals. Two of my finals are take home and two are more like opinion stuff so it shouldn't be too bad. I'm excited to go to Utah when this semester is over and then home!! :) But this weekend I know I'm going to a shooting range and canoeing. Then probably just buckling down for the rest of the semester. Then I'll be done with my first year of college!! I cannot believe how time has flown by!

-Those who triumph are those who work hard without complaining and are disciplined.
-If you're not being treated with the LOVE and RESPECT that you deserve, check your "price tag" perhaps you have marked yourself down. You are the one who tells people what you're worth by what you accept, so get off the clearance rack and get behind the glass case where they keep the valuables!!
-On cable TV they have a weather channel - 24 hours of weather. We had something like that where I grew up. We called it a window
-Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. -Gordon B Hinckley
-"Every one of us gets through the tough times because somebody is there, standing in the gap to close it for us." -Oprah Winfrey
-"There is noting wrong with the men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men." -Billy Graham
-"As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you-the first time around." -Oprah Winfrey

Manners everyone should know obviously parents don't know them because I don't see many of these being passed on..

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

And Nothing Shall Offend Them by: David A. Bednar

Choose Not to Be Offended
When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.

In the grand division of all of God’s creations, there are things to act and things to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:13–14). As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice. Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation.

Thomas B. Marsh, the first President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, elected to take offense over an issue as inconsequential as milk strippings (see Deseret News, Apr. 16, 1856, 44). Brigham Young, on the other hand, was severely and publicly rebuked by the Prophet Joseph Smith, but he chose not to take offense (see Truman G. Madsen, “Hugh B. Brown—Youthful Veteran,” New Era, Apr. 1976, 16).

In many instances, choosing to be offended is a symptom of a much deeper and more serious spiritual malady. Thomas B. Marsh allowed himself to be acted upon, and the eventual results were apostasy and misery. Brigham Young was an agent who exercised his agency and acted in accordance with correct principles, and he became a mighty instrument in the hands of the Lord.

The Savior is the greatest example of how we should respond to potentially offensive events or situations.

“And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men” (1 Nephi 19:9).

Through the strengthening power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, you and I can be blessed to avoid and triumph over offense. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165).

A Latter-Day Learning Laboratory
The capacity to conquer offense may seem beyond our reach. This capability, however, is not reserved for or restricted to prominent leaders in the Church like Brigham Young. The very nature of the Redeemer’s Atonement and the purpose of the restored Church are intended to help us receive precisely this kind of spiritual strength.

Paul taught the Saints in Ephesus that the Savior established His Church “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13).

Please note the use of the active word perfecting. As described by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, the Church is not “a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected” (“A Brother Offended,” Ensign, May 1982, 38). Rather, the Church is a learning laboratory and a workshop in which we gain experience as we practice on each other in the ongoing process of “perfecting the Saints.”

Elder Maxwell also insightfully explained that in this latter-day learning laboratory known as the restored Church, the members constitute the “clinical material” (see “Jesus, the Perfect Mentor,” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 13) that is essential for growth and development. A visiting teacher learns her duty as she serves and loves her Relief Society sisters. An inexperienced teacher learns valuable lessons as he teaches both supportive and inattentive learners and thereby becomes a more effective teacher. And a new bishop learns how to be a bishop through inspiration and by working with ward members who wholeheartedly sustain him, even while recognizing his human frailties.

Understanding that the Church is a learning laboratory helps us to prepare for an inevitable reality. In some way and at some time, someone in this Church will do or say something that could be considered offensive. Such an event will surely happen to each and every one of us—and it certainly will occur more than once. Though people may not intend to injure or offend us, they nonetheless can be inconsiderate and tactless.

You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people. However, we do determine how we will act. Please remember that you and I are agents endowed with moral agency, and we can choose not to be offended.

During a perilous period of war, an exchange of letters occurred between Moroni, the captain of the Nephite armies, and Pahoran, the chief judge and governor of the land. Moroni, whose army was suffering because of inadequate support from the government, wrote to Pahoran “by the way of condemnation” (Alma 60:2) and harshly accused him of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, and neglect. Pahoran might easily have resented Moroni and his message, but he chose not to take offense. Pahoran responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. And then he responded, “Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. … And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart” (Alma 61:2, 9).

One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”

Two Invitations
I conclude my message with two invitations.

Invitation #1
I invite you to learn about and apply the Savior’s teachings about interactions and episodes that can be construed as offensive.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. …

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43–44, 46–48).

Interestingly, the admonition to “be ye therefore perfect” is immediately preceded by counsel about how we should act in response to wrongdoing and offense. Clearly, the rigorous requirements that lead to the perfecting of the Saints include assignments that test and challenge us. If a person says or does something that we consider offensive, our first obligation is to refuse to take offense and then communicate privately, honestly, and directly with that individual. Such an approach invites inspiration from the Holy Ghost and permits misperceptions to be clarified and true intent to be understood.

Invitation #2
Many of the individuals and families who most need to hear this message about choosing not to be offended are probably not participating with us in conference today. I suspect all of us are acquainted with members who are staying away from church because they have chosen to take offense—and who would be blessed by coming back.

Will you please prayerfully identify a person with whom you will visit and extend the invitation to once again worship with us? Perhaps you could share a copy of this talk with her or him, or you may prefer to discuss the principles we have reviewed today. And please remember that such a request should be conveyed lovingly and in meekness—and not in a spirit of self-righteous superiority and pride.

As we respond to this invitation with faith in the Savior, I testify and promise that doors will open, our mouths will be filled, the Holy Ghost will bear witness of eternal truth, and the fire of testimony will be rekindled.

As His servant, I echo the words of the Master when He declared, “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended” (John 16:1). I witness the reality and divinity of a living Savior and of His power to help us avoid and overcome offense. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I guess it hasn't been that long since I posted something.. it feels like it has been longer. Well my first semester was over a couple of weeks ago. I got 2 A's an A-, 2 B+s and a B. I was pretty happy with that. I was home for a week and I got to spend time with a lot of family and friends. I was definitely going through withdrawls.. I didn't think I would miss home as much as I did. Now, this week I started my second semester. I'm trying to get Teacher Academy I took my senior year to count as a class I have to take. I talked to a guy about it and is supposed to be letting me know next week but I know the rest of my schedule I'm just not sure whether that will be on it or not.. hopefully not.

M- Book of Mormon 10:15-11:15, Math 11:30-12:30, Child Development 2-3

T-Personal Health and Wellness 10:15-11:15, Advanced Writing 6:15-9pm

W- History & Philosophy of Ed(maybe) 7:45-8:45, 10:15-11:15, 2-3

Th 10:15-11:15

F 7:45-8:45, 11:30-12:30, 2-3

It's kind of good that I got the Personal Health and Wellness teacher that I got because now I have to exercise for 3 hrs per week and atleast 3 days and atleast 30 minutes each time or that's 1/4 of my grade that I lose. Obviously I'll be doing it because I don't want a crappy grade :)

I'm happy this semester that I moved and have a kitchen now it's pretty nice :) I also have a TV now so that's kind of a distraction but I still watched stuff on hulu last semester so I guess it's not that bad. I got back in ID on Monday and have yet to unpack everything.. I should probably do that :D

Gordon B. Hinckley's book Standing For Something
-Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me
-One of the greatest challenges we face in our hurried, self directed lives is to follow this counsel of the Master, to take the time and make the effort to care for others, to develop and exercise the one quality that would enable us to change the lives of others-what the scriptures call charity. We tend to think charity as donations to a homeless shelter or a check written to a favorite instution that dispenses funds to those in need. But best defined, charity is that pure love exemplified by Jesus Christ. It embraces kindness, a reaching out to lift and help, the sharing of one's bread, if need be.
-Tremendous happiness and peace of mind are the results of loving service to others. Nobody can live fully and happily who lives only unto himself or herself.
-It is as we serve, as we take time to express interest and concern in someone other than ourselves, that we are more likely to gain a glimpse of who we really are and what we can ultimately become.
-In our day, those found in dishonesty aren't put to death, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies. How cheaply some men and omen sell their good names!
-Without honesty, our lives dissintegrate into ugliness, chaos, and a lack of any kind of security and confidence.
-Without personal integrity, there can be no confidence. Without confidence, there can be no prospect of permanent success.
-Honesty is the keystone that holds any organization together.
-Dishonesty does not pay-not now, not ever.

Just some things that stuck out to me while reading. Not finished yet, there will be more to come :)

no teacher but still accurate

Careers for ISTJ Personality Types


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Whether you're a young adult trying to find your place in the world, or a not-so-young adult trying to find out if you're moving along the right path, it's important to understand yourself and the personality traits which will impact your likeliness to succeed or fail at various careers. It's equally important to understand what is really important to you. When armed with an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and an awareness of what you truly value, you are in an excellent position to pick a career which you will find rewarding.

ISTJs generally have the following traits:

Value tradition, security, and peaceful living
Will work long and hard to fulfill duties
Can be depended on to follow through on tasks
Loyal and faithful
Stable, practical and down-to-earth
Family-minded
Dislike doing things which don't make sense to them
Dislike abstract theory, unless they see the practical application
Natural leaders
Prefer to work alone, but work well in teams when necessary
Extremely observant, they take in facts via their senses and store them internally
Vast, rich inner store of facts which they rely on to understand problems which they encounter in their lives
Profound respect for facts and concrete information
Make decisions objectively, applying logic and rational thinking
Dislike change, unless they are shown it's benefit in a concrete way
Have strong opinions about the way things should be done
Appreciate structured, orderly environments
Have very high standards for their own behavior and the behavior of others
Not naturally in-tune with other people's feelings
Able to accomplish almost anything if they put their minds to it
Community minded "good citizens"
ISTJs have one character trait which puts them at a definite advantage in terms of career success - Perserverance. An ISTJ can do almost anything that they have decided to do. However, there are areas in which they will function more happily and naturally. An ISTJ will do best in a career in which they can use their excellent organizational skills and their powers of concentration to create order and structure. ISTJs seem to fit extremely well into the Management and Executive layer of the corporate business world.

The following list of professions is built on our impressions of careers which would be especially suitable for an ISTJ. It is meant to be a starting place, rather than an exhaustive list. There are no guarantees that any or all of the careers listed here would be appropriate for you, or that your best career match is among those listed.

Possible Career Paths for the ISTJ:

Business Executives, Administrators and Managers
Accountants and Financial Officers
Police and Detectives
Judges
Lawyers
Medical Doctors / Dentists
Computer Programmers, Systems Analysts, and Computer Specialists
Military Leaders

Does this sound like me? :)

The Duty Fulfiller
As an ISTJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things rationally and logically.

ISTJs are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. They have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends them a serious air and the motivation to follow through on tasks. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake.

ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings.

ISTJs tend to believe in laws and traditions, and expect the same from others. They're not comfortable with breaking laws or going against the rules. If they are able to see a good reason for stepping outside of the established mode of doing things, the ISTJ will support that effort. However, ISTJs more often tend to believe that things should be done according to procedures and plans. If an ISTJ has not developed their Intuitive side sufficiently, they may become overly obsessed with structure, and insist on doing everything "by the book".

The ISTJ is extremely dependable on following through with things which he or she has promised. For this reason, they sometimes get more and more work piled on them. Because the ISTJ has such a strong sense of duty, they may have a difficult time saying "no" when they are given more work than they can reasonably handle. For this reason, the ISTJ often works long hours, and may be unwittingly taken advantage of.

The ISTJ will work for long periods of time and put tremendous amounts of energy into doing any task which they see as important to fulfilling a goal. However, they will resist putting energy into things which don't make sense to them, or for which they can't see a practical application. They prefer to work alone, but work well in teams when the situation demands it. They like to be accountable for their actions, and enjoy being in positions of authority. The ISTJ has little use for theory or abstract thinking, unless the practical application is clear.

ISTJs have tremendous respect for facts. They hold a tremendous store of facts within themselves, which they have gathered through their Sensing preference. They may have difficulty understanding a theory or idea which is different from their own perspective. However, if they are shown the importance or relevance of the idea to someone who they respect or care about, the idea becomes a fact, which the ISTJ will internalize and support. Once the ISTJ supports a cause or idea, he or she will stop at no lengths to ensure that they are doing their duty of giving support where support is needed.

The ISTJ is not naturally in tune with their own feelings and the feelings of others. They may have difficulty picking up on emotional needs immediately, as they are presented. Being perfectionists themselves, they have a tendency to take other people's efforts for granted, like they take their own efforts for granted. They need to remember to pat people on the back once in a while.

ISTJs are likely to be uncomfortable expressing affection and emotion to others. However, their strong sense of duty and the ability to see what needs to be done in any situation usually allows them to overcome their natural reservations, and they are usually quite supporting and caring individuals with the people that they love. Once the ISTJ realizes the emotional needs of those who are close to them, they put forth effort to meet those needs.

The ISTJ is extremely faithful and loyal. Traditional and family-minded, they will put forth great amounts of effort at making their homes and families running smoothly. They are responsible parents, taking their parenting roles seriously. They are usually good and generous providers to their families. They care deeply about those close to them, although they usually are not comfortable with expressing their love. The ISTJ is likely to express their affection through actions, rather than through words.

ISTJs have an excellent ability to take any task and define it, organize it, plan it, and implement it through to completion. They are very hard workers, who do not allow obstacles to get in the way of performing their duties. They do not usually give themselves enough credit for their achievements, seeing their accomplishments simply as the natural fulfillment of their obligations.

ISTJs usually have a great sense of space and function, and artistic appreciation. Their homes are likely to be tastefully furnished and immaculately maintained. They are acutely aware of their senses, and want to be in surroundings which fit their need for structure, order, and beauty.

Under stress, ISTJs may fall into "catastrophe mode", where they see nothing but all of the possibilities of what could go wrong. They will berate themselves for things which they should have done differently, or duties which they failed to perform. They will lose their ability to see things calmly and reasonably, and will depress themselves with their visions of doom.

In general, the ISTJ has a tremendous amount of potential. Capable, logical, reasonable, and effective individuals with a deeply driven desire to promote security and peaceful living, the ISTJ has what it takes to be highly effective at achieving their chosen goals - whatever they may be.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Introverted Sensing
Auxiliary: Extraverted Thinking
Tertiary: Introverted Feeling
Inferior: Extraverted Intuition

Exams, Exams, Exams

I had 3 exams last week and one on Monday. Everybody made it out that you study for hours and still fail. I didn't study too much and got an 80, 84, 85 and 86. I do need to start working harder it's getting that time when I don't want to do anything anymore.. 2 months from today I'll be home for 10 days and I'm excited for that I miss people. I went to a hot springs on Saturday for the first time. It was really hot! Plus my skin smelled kinda gross but that's what a bunch of body wash is good for :) Then there was a dance Saturday night that was a lot of fun. I actually watched the super bowl for the first time Sunday, kinda. I barely watched it or knew what was going on anyway. I was texting and on Facebook. I did like the beaver commercial it was cute.

I got an email with a story that I really liked:
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and
failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.
'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. '

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day,the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back sometimes..
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

little tidbits I've written down

-And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.

-If a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much more the advantage in the world to come.

-The glory of God is intelligence, in other words, light and truth. When men follow the light of their knowledge will always be well used.

-You can be wise and happy or stupid and miserable.

-Charity never faileth.

-Let us not dwell on the negative

-Radiate the light of the gospel

- Love the Lord: knowing about and knowing are two different things

-Live the commandments: give meaningful service, find answers in the scriptures.

-Line yourself up with the best spouse: what you would like to be and be that, easy to live with, easy to love.

-Light a fire under yourself: actively engaged in a good cause. Don't be satisfied with not doing enough. Being obedient to the commandments will make you happy.

-Persist in all things that are good and noble.

-Do what is right

-Let us all speak kind words

-Stay safely on the Lords side of the line, a tug of war between the Lord and the adversary

-Oh say what is true

-True christianity is love in action

-Prayer is the souls sincere desire

-Wickedness never was happiness

-Praise to the man who communes with Jehovah

-Stand ye in holy places and be not moved

-I need thee every hour

-Lengthen your stride

-Dedication, how great thou art

-What manner of man ought you to be? Even as I am.

-Let us all love one another

-Have I done any good in the world today?

-Look for the best in people

-Do your best

-Be persistent in things that are good and noble, dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ

First time away from home

I had to write a paper in my writing and reasoning class about a person experience. So, for everyone that has been asking here is a more in depth detail of what has happened. Plus, it's due friday so if you see something wrong before then let me know! haha :)

The first time I had ever been away from home occurred less than two weeks ago. I had never had to say goodbye to my parents knowing I would be away for an extended amount of time. I had never been to an airport, so the entire airplane process was very unfamiliar to me, and the fact that I was in a town that seemed foreign to me didn’t help. BYU-Idaho was my top choice for the school I wanted to attend. Little did I know that I would feel the way I did when I began to venture out on my own.
I graduated from high school in June of 2010 hoping that I would be prepared for college in January of 2011. Waiting seven months to start school again seemed strange to me because I wasn’t used to long breaks. The longest break I had ever had form school wasn’t even three months. However, the time I spent out of school and working gave me time to prepare myself a bit and gave me a little taste of the “real world.” Most high schools tell their students that they are preparing them for college, but in my opinion, they don’t.
High School encouraged me to go to college to become successful but looking back now the classes I took and the teachers I had didn’t prepare me very much. High School was really easy and didn’t take much work to be successful. College is also different than High School because most students like myself was still living with their parents and not really out on their own. I chose a drastic change going 2,000 miles away from home but that was my decision and I was sticking to it.

When I left the airport in Cleveland, Ohio I didn’t know what to anticipate. I found myself sitting on an airplane for the first time more nervous than I had ever felt in my life. I debated on getting off the plane but knew that I had to toughen up and get on my way. I had a layover in Las Vegas and I had never walked through an airport before so the whole process was pretty new to me. I was surprised at all the random stores they have in airports and things that I saw; a jewelry store, a store that only sold crocs, they even had slot machines. I thought to myself, really? What am I getting myself in to? People always called me sheltered and boy were they right, but I was okay with that fact until I had to experience it all on my own.
Fortunately, I met a lot of nice people on my journey throughout the day and I was able to find everything just fine. I think that the people that work at the airports find it fun making you walk half way across the airport to find your next flight. I maneuvered my way through the airports by looking at the giant walls of computer screens and I managed to find the gate for my next flight. My flight to Las Vegas was the worst because it was four hours that seemed to drag on forever. Plus, the farther west I got, the earlier it got so it seemed like I wasn’t getting anywhere.
Once I got to the gate to go to Salt Lake City I checked with the attendant to make sure I was in the right place even though the sign said a different city. She said I was in the right place and ripped up my ticket and gave me a different one. I then found out I would be sitting waiting for a while because my plane was running late. I was excited to get a window seat on my flight to Salt Lake City to be able to see the beautiful mountains as we were landing. I had never been in a valley that I saw mountains around me everywhere I looked before. I had always made fun of people for never seeing snow, but I guess I had never really seen mountains in the winter time either. I was getting anxious for the final part of my trip to arrive in Idaho. In a new place I was ready to get to campus and see what everything was going to be like.
I soon figured out Rexburg was a lot different from my hometown. Roads were different and it took me a while before I could navigate myself to the places I had to go. The first time I ventured through town I got lost. Note to self: don’t call my parents when I’m lost, they don’t take it well. It turns out S 2nd W and W 2nd S make a big difference. In Ohio the roads go East or West or North and South and don’t have the same name like this road did. Even when I got to campus and had a map I was still confused but with time I knew where I was going, thankfully. A lesson that is usually hard to accept is that everything doesn’t always come easily regardless of how much you would like it to.
First day of classes went pretty well and I wasn’t too shocked to see that I already had homework; I knew I was not in High School anymore. I learned quickly that getting my work done shortly after it was assigned would be the best way to go. Procrastinating always gets the better of people especially when they have a big workload. The first week of classes went well and I wasn’t clueless as to what was going on yet, always a plus!
I had gotten to know my roommates by this time and not too many other people. Finding out that my roommates were easy to get along with and live with made things a lot easier. I met people here and there but that was one thing that seemed hard to conquer, nothing seemed to click. It seems like all of the people that I met were married and lived off campus. I got pretty homesick and started questioning what I wanted to do. I asked myself if I would get over this little bump in the road or would I find out that what I thought I wanted wasn’t really what I wanted at all.
I knew with time everything would come together as it always did. As people always say time will tell. I felt much better when I found out that my former Stake Young Women president was in town visiting her daughter. We got together for a couple of days while she was visiting and it made me feel much better to see a familiar face from home. After I got to know more people it made me feel more confident and that I belonged here, knowing that there were others that felt the same way I did. My first night at Family Home Evening helped with meeting people, also. Most of the people in my family are in their first semester and some in their second but we are all basically in the same boat.
Even though things get tough at first it doesn’t mean to give up and go back to what is easy. Stepping out of my comfort zone helped me so much and trying to find the best of my situation. It is so helpful to pray for guidance and call upon friends or family to help during a rough time. The scriptures are also a good tool to use for reassurance. A scripture that always helps me is, “Ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Always knowing that I have a loving Heavenly Father that is always there for me regardless is the most reassurance I could need, and that through the Holy Ghost I can receive guidance of what I should be doing and remain on the right path.

school

Wow, I did not realize that I hadn't blogged in so long! I'll start with the more recent things. I have almost been in Idaho for a week now. I left New Years day and flew to Las Vegas, and then to Salt Lake and took a shuttle from there to Rexburg. Classes started Wednesday. I've had all of the classes I'm going to have now. Friday is somehow my biggest day unfortunately.. I have classes until 12:30 on Tuesday's and Thursday's and until 4:15 M W and F. I'm taking 16 credits and it seems a little overwhelming now but hopefully I can keep it all together.

I'm taking American Foundations, Writing and Reasoning Foundations, Science Foundations, Book of Mormon, Science Foundations, Geography for Elementary Teachers and the History of Art and Culture. I was most worried about the writing and reasoning one because it's a 3 hour class and only on Friday's. It actually didn't seem to drag on forever so that was good. The teacher was pretty funny and she's my only female teacher. There's a lot of homework but I'm gonna have to figure out a schedule and keep with it. Most of the homework I'm going to have for the semester is already posted so we'll see if I get that all situated or if I just try to do it in between classes like I have been doing. I'm thinking about coming home for spring break now. I didn't plan on it before because I didn't think it was that long but I could probably be home for a week and that sounds really nice right now. I've talked to my parents every day since I got here.