I am currently listening to Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F. It's not uncommon for me to listen to classical music; in fact, I grew up in a home where classical music was the norm. I have my mother to thank for that. She would often listen to music from history's greatest composers as she cooked dinner or did other housework. I have found that I do the same!
While I personally prefer Chopin and Beethoven, I read a quote from Johann Sebastian Bach this week that has been on my mind. He said, "Music's only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit." Bach was never interested in fame or fortune, he simply wanted to show his devotion to God and bring joy to those around him. That idea resonated with me, and throughout the week I have considered how I personally glorify God and lift those around me.
For me, I glorify God through my actions both public and private. I share what I believe with others, I sing hymns for Him, and I thank Him through prayer for the many blessings He has given me. I bring joy to those around me through encouragement and laughter. I want people to know that I support their dreams and their opportunity to choose their own path in life. I enjoy bringing a smile to the face of a friend.
I think that each of us glorifies God and provides relief to human spirits in individual ways. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to reflect on this in my own life, and I am going to start being more aware of how others do this in theirs.
L'viv, Ukraine
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
remote meeting
For our remote meeting, our group decided to use Google Hangout in order to discuss and work on our team project.
I hated it.
First off, I'm really not a technology-literate person, so having to meet via computer put me in a bad attitude anyway. We started the chat, only to have problems getting everyone on. Then my wifi went out. Then it went out again. Then I got frustrated. We were able to do some work on our project using Google docs, but overall I was not satisfied with the experience.
I understand the value of being able to have remote meetings; people all across the world can talk together and share ideas. However, I don't understand why anyone would ever have a remote meeting when they can meet in person. I think that meeting in person eliminates a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding. It seemed to take three times as long to decide on things during our remote meeting as it usually does when we meet in person.
I'm going to avoid meetings via Google Hangout like the plague.
I hated it.
First off, I'm really not a technology-literate person, so having to meet via computer put me in a bad attitude anyway. We started the chat, only to have problems getting everyone on. Then my wifi went out. Then it went out again. Then I got frustrated. We were able to do some work on our project using Google docs, but overall I was not satisfied with the experience.
I understand the value of being able to have remote meetings; people all across the world can talk together and share ideas. However, I don't understand why anyone would ever have a remote meeting when they can meet in person. I think that meeting in person eliminates a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding. It seemed to take three times as long to decide on things during our remote meeting as it usually does when we meet in person.
I'm going to avoid meetings via Google Hangout like the plague.
changing the world
My least favorite class this semester is Finance 201. I just find the material to be very dry; it doesn't really motivate me or inspire me to do big things. Thankfully my professor Dr. Holmes is interesting enough, and every once in a while he has true gems that really stick with me. One such gem has been on my mind this past week.
After 72 minutes of lecturing about capital budgeting, Dr. Holmes began to talk about changing the world in the full sense of the phrase. He talked about how some people would have us believe that we can't really change the world, that those are just some fluffy words out of our reach. Then he stated, "Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't change the world because in fact, you're the only ones who can. Your station in life gives you the energy. The fact that you're members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives you perspective. Your education at BYU gives you the intellectual prowess. You can change the world."
Dr. Holmes is right; you and I can change the world on a large-scale basis. However, I think this is best accomplished on a small-scale basis, one person at a time. We can begin to change the world by changing someone's world.
I know this because my world has been changed by people around me. Family members, friends, and mere acquaintances have left lasting impressions that shape who I am. I want to have the same influence on those around me. Because of Dr. Holmes' words, I want to begin to change the world. I want to brighten the days of the people I meet. I want to smile. I want to lift and encourage and love. I want to focus more on those around me than I do on myself. This week I want to find one opportunity every day to change someone's world in a small way.
Finance 201 may be boring most of the time, but I really have learned a lot that is applicable to life. You and I can change the world!
After 72 minutes of lecturing about capital budgeting, Dr. Holmes began to talk about changing the world in the full sense of the phrase. He talked about how some people would have us believe that we can't really change the world, that those are just some fluffy words out of our reach. Then he stated, "Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't change the world because in fact, you're the only ones who can. Your station in life gives you the energy. The fact that you're members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives you perspective. Your education at BYU gives you the intellectual prowess. You can change the world."
Dr. Holmes is right; you and I can change the world on a large-scale basis. However, I think this is best accomplished on a small-scale basis, one person at a time. We can begin to change the world by changing someone's world.
I know this because my world has been changed by people around me. Family members, friends, and mere acquaintances have left lasting impressions that shape who I am. I want to have the same influence on those around me. Because of Dr. Holmes' words, I want to begin to change the world. I want to brighten the days of the people I meet. I want to smile. I want to lift and encourage and love. I want to focus more on those around me than I do on myself. This week I want to find one opportunity every day to change someone's world in a small way.
Finance 201 may be boring most of the time, but I really have learned a lot that is applicable to life. You and I can change the world!
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