Conclusion: Celebrate Your life

I have enjoyed the journey of B183 - I have learned a lot about myself and grown from the assignments.  I feel that I have a more positive and goal oriented outlook on my life.  I love that we are able to get class credit for reading and listening to talks by our inspired church leaders.  I know their messages inspire, strengthen and guide us when we head the divine counsel they give us.  

I'm always embarrassed about not finishing school before I had children.  I got my associates and didn't see a need for an education as a stay at home mom.  8 years later I was inspired to go back to school. I did a year and struggled being the mom I wanted to be and took a year "off".  Again, I was embarrassed to be a "quieter".  Here I am back at it again.  I feel focused and determined.  I want to be a finisher.  My biggest motivation is to be an example to my children.  This poem President Monson shared really touched me:

Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;

Beginners are many, but enders are few.

Honor, power, place and praise

Will always come to the one who stays. Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;

Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;

For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile

Will come life’s victories after a while.

—Author Unknown

My biggest advice to someone starting down the road of entrepreneurship or higher education is to take it seriously.  I think that is the biggest blessing I have received from going to school again later in life.  The first time, I was there for the grade.  This time, I am hear to really learn and develop.  I want to know how to apply what I learn to my life.  The grade isn't what matters, it's the lifetime lessons that matter. 

Sometimes our sights are on the end rather than the journey.  When our focus is just about finishing the class we loose the value of the learning process.  Really diving in and doing the lessons is more than just busy work, it reveals a lot about yourself.  The lessons are designed to guide us and help us fine our calling in life.  I believe that if we apply ourselves and enjoy the journey this class is a great guide to get us in the right direction.

Week 12: A Journey of Gratitude

I always feel lifted, strengthened and determined to do better after the talks we get to read each week.  I really enjoyed President Monson’s talk on, “An Attitude of Gratitude.”  I have a deep gratitude for my parents and all they have taught me and their continued love and support.  I am grateful for my husband who is my best friend and father to our children. 

We are asked to read these talks each week as a class.  And we are asked from our leaders to read the scriptures daily.  I believe we are asked to do these things so that we can have an attitude of gratitude.  As we read we become spiritually lifted and enlightened.  

I have to admit that I am going to miss this class. I really enjoyed being "forced" to read so many wonderful books and talks that inspired me.  

Week 11: Changing the World

I had very strong feelings about Mr. Yunus' talk about microlending.  I believe credit can be an amazing opportunity for some.  I also believe credit can become a vice, and an addiction rather than a cure.  I have seen too many use credit for the wrong reasons and end up worse off then they were before they had it. 


I like President Monsons talk.  He opened talking about becoming complacent, which I think is an easy thing to do when life gets "easy" and eveything is going well.  Life becomes a habit and sometimes we fail to recognize all the blessings around us.  I apperciated this quote from 2 Nephi:

“At that day shall [the devil] … lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls.”

I don't want to be complacent with my life, complacent with my faith, or complacent with my family!

I also really enjoyed the Entrepreneurship and Concentration video.  It found it very inspiring.  I keep thinking about this statement and what it means for me: “God left the world unfinished for man to finish… not the ease of finished things… know the joys and glories of creation.”  I think we need to work hard for what we want and stop this life of entitlement!

Week 10: Measuring the Cost, Life Balance

"We have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well."

This was one of my favorite quotes from President Monsons talk, "Formula for Success."   He also said, "You and I have the responsibility to learn the word of God, to understand the word of God, and then to live his word. By so doing, we will find that we have learned and accepted the truth."  I find my self on a spiritual roller coaster sometimes and I get so frustrated with myself.  Why can't I always be glowing and on fire like when I was converted and baptized?  I realized that by continuing to live the gospel I have accepted the truth in my life!

I really enjoyed all the readings this week.  I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the amount that was due Thanksgiving week.  I really wanted a lighter work load and to have a little "break". However, I think the reading really helped me reflect and think about the things I am grateful for the things that are most important to me.  The readings went along well with the talks that we had in Church on Sunday as well.  The speaker said, "we must learn that budgeting our time is just as important as budgeting our money."  I think that is the underlying message this week.

My favorite quote that I want to remember for Brother Gibsons talk:
“Money reveals the kind of person we are.”