{6} Research Paper Review

Turning in my research paper today was one of the most relieving things that I have ever done. Getting that out of my hands and safely into Sister Steadman's was a great feeling. Needless to say, this paper was pretty stressful. If I hadn't liked my topic then I probably wouldn't have been very involved in the research process. I'd like to be able to take the time to do more research on my topic on my own, even now that the paper is done. I really liked having checkpoints to turn in different parts of our papers so it kept me on track better than if I had been on my own until the end, as well as having it this early in the semester so that it is over with.

When deciding a topic, it really wasn't hard for me to decide. I went straight to my family. The minute after class when we started talking about the paper, I texted my grandma. I asked her about some family traditions that we have and where they came from. She helped me to get some of the background on my topic of family traditions and get the ideas flowing. After talking to her, I got really interested in family history. It was cool to see where my family came from and the stories about who each of them were. If I hadn't decided to research the effects of traditions then I probably wouldn't have become any more interested in my family history than I was before the paper. It got me to start asking questions about who I am and where I came from, why we do the things that we do, and what can really come from it. One of the best parts of the research paper in my eyes was the realization that research papers don't have to be boring or irrelevant to anyone but the author. Instead, my paper can be applied to everyone's lives. I know that I personally plan on taking some of the things that I learned from my paper and applying them in my life and family. Some good (other than getting a grade for it) will come from this.

{5} Come and See - An Invitation to the Gospel

These guys are ready to talk to you

      In Elder Bednar's talk "Come and See" in the October 2014 LDS General Conference, he directed most of his message towards those who are not of our faith. He answered the question of why it seems that Mormons always want to share their faith with those around them. Elder Bednar used an understanding and informative tone, scriptural references from both the Bible and Book of Mormon, and anecdotes to illustrate the Latter Day Saint culture to those that are not members of the LDS faith.
      Elder David A. Bednar opens his talk saying that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "always has been and always will be" a missionary church. He uses this phrase multiple times in his talk to point out that Chrost's church never changes. It is the restored gospel and is the same as it was when Christ was on the earth. Because our teachings are the same as Christ's, members are encouraged to be Christ-like and teach others and He did.
      Throughout his talk, Elder Bednar uses quotes and references from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. By doing this, he showed that as Mormons we do not replace the Bible with the Book of Mormon, but instead use them together. This allowed his audience of nonmembers to better understand that we are not turning away from all other Christian churches by having our own scripture, but only adding to it with the teaching of Book of Mormon day prophets.
      Christ taught the principle of brotherly kindness. Elder Bednar used an anecdote from when his children were young to illustrate how this principle can be applied to each of our lives in an everyday setting. When one of his sons was hurt, the elder boy took care of him and made sure that he was okay after the younger boy's minor accident. After being bandaged up, the younger boy took bandaids and ointment to his friends and put ointment and bandaids on them, just as the elder brother had done for the younger. This story illustrates how natural it is for us as human beings to want to share the good or healing parts of our lives with those around us.
     While Elder Bendar's talk was directed mostly toward nonmembers, members of the church can also gain insight from what he had to say. Bednar made his audience feel the need to go out and be a missionary, whether in the field or at home. Whatever our lot in life may be, we should be caring for those around us and wanting to share the gospel that we have in our lives with those that have not had the opportunity to learn of its truthfulness.

{4} Family Stories Ideas and Thesis

Every year at Christmas, my family has two traditions that we participate in without fail. The first one we call the Dumb Baby. When she arrives from Norway or Denmark, we find her wrapped in blankets. We each get a chance to ask her questions and she'll answer us by nodding yes or shaking no. Most of the kids will ask something along the lines of "Does Jay have a girlfriend?" or "Am I getting anything for Christmas?" It's not anything super meaningful and it doesn't have much of an impact on any of our lives, it's just fun. Where did that tradition come from? Is there an old story about a baby answering people's life questions? How is it that the Dumb Baby is one of the only traditions that has continued in my family for so many years?

Do you have family from Norway or Denmark? You could research if that tradition came from either of those countries. Ask your parents, grandparents, etc, if they know how that got started with your family.

Whats the dumb baby? Sounds funny. I think Jay does have a girl friend. 

What was the other family tradition? Has there been a time where dumb baby made an impact in your families life?

Caleb: Yeah, I have never heard of that tradition. It sounds super fun, though. How has the tradition affected your family culture? Do you think it has lasted simply because it is fun to do every year?

Maybe look into the symbolism behind the tradition. Do the different aspects of the "Dumb Baby" have further meaning behind them. Why do you do it at Christmas time?

Hi Kelci! Tell how the story influences your family. Good luck!


Thesis:
Although not all families have or care about traditions, studies have shown that having lasting traditions brings families together in closer unity, gives each new generation a sense of belonging, and sets the tone for family dynamics.