9-7-2015

Note from Mom: I haven't been on the computer. I've read and responded to letters but getting them posted to the blog is a different animal requiring the computer. Sorry!

I have to say, that Brother Covey's book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has been really, really helpful. I am really glad I'm allowed to read it! (I was told President also said we could read How to Win Friends and Influence People, but we don't have a copy in the house) I've been taking a chapter, and identifying every gospel quote (that he doesn't he doesn't credit) and finding a chapter in the Book of Mormon (or Doctrine and Covenants) that teaches the same principle. I will be using the language from the book, so if not everything makes sense, go ahead and read the book!

     The first section is about Paradigm. This is natural Law. I have described Law, (a Gospel Doctrine) in terms of Programming. 

if(boolean_expression)
{
   /* statement(s) will execute if the boolean expression is true */
}
else
{
  /* statement(s) will execute if the boolean expression is false */
}

for example: D&C 82:10

if(Do_what_I_say = TRUE)
{
   Lord = BOUND;
}
else
{
  Promise = NO;
}

     Now, mind you, this gives justification to the word 'should'! if you WANT something then you SHOULD do what is necessary for that blessing. (see D&C 130:20-21)

     The next bit is about Agency, and Accountability (Gospel Principles) 

The best thing I remember is when he said, "if you are in a bad situation, you chose it." 

     D&C 58:

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents untothemselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall innowise lose their reward.

     2 Nephi 2:26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be actedupon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.         I remember this concept making me really really happy! I realized If I chose to be where I am now, I can choose a better way!
     The this Principle I found was Spiritual Creation. (refer to Abraham 4 section heading, and Abraham 5:1-5)
     In order to act and not be acted upon, we have to plan to act. He gives a lot of techniques, but I haven't quite mastered this chapter, so I won't explain it :D

 

    I've only read the first three habits (private victories), but I am not quite ready to move on to the next four. I saw quite a bit of difference between the beginning of the week, before I read anything, and the last few days, as I've tried to apply new skills. for example, Wednesday, I got ready to work, and stood waiting for two hours, while my companion just sat on the bed, playing cell phone games. he wasn't dressed, but at 12:00 (when we should be going home) he insisted he had been ready since 10:00. 

later that day, I studied 

​the habit ​

"be proactive" 

​     ​The following Friday, in a similar situation, I very quickly, (and with a big smile I might add) said "Hey! I'm ready! let's go find" and we were out the door in 15 minutes.

​     Now, I haven't quite found a solution to all my paradigms.​ for example, that same Friday, we did in fact go finding. However, while I was talking to people, he just sat down on the side of the road, and waited til I finished talking to everybody on the street. I think this is a case of P/PC. I can get the eggs, by talking to everybody myself, but I have not yet figured out how to encourage the goose... I mean Elder Jones.

​     I asked him the next day: "what keeps you going on your mission?" he said "I'm not​ doing it for President. I want to go home at least somewhat honorably. I want to work harder. I want to find at least one more family.

​     For those of you that have gone through POC, I think they "plagiarized ​shamelessly" the principles they teach seem to come strait out of 7 habits, with their own stuff added in, and the expound quite a bit. But I like this book a bit better, because the author is obviously LDS, and even though he never comes out and says he is quoting the scriptures, he doesn't hesitate to :D

Everyone have a really great week. or in other words, act to have a good week!

love you all!