3) John F. Kennedy Rhetorical Analysis

I read John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address given in 1961.  I chose to look at his use of diction, syntax, and repetition that he used to give the American people  feelings of patriotism and hope.  If I had just read his speech without studying these literary devices, I would not have learned as much about Kennedy's talent in writing and delivering this speech.  I liked being able to make connections between my writing class principles and a great presidential speech. 

2) The Stories That Bind Us

In a newspaper article published in March of 2013, Bruce Feiler reports many interesting findings surrounding children and their knowledge of their family history.  After an explosive family argument, Feiler's father expressed his fear of his family falling apart.  Feiler says that conversation with his dad left him wondering, "What is the secret sauce that holds a family together? What are the ingredients to make some families effective, resilient, and happy?" After researching these thoughts, Feiler reports, "The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative."

Several studies performed by psychiatrists found that children who have a strong knowledge of their family stories are better able to handle challenges, maintain control of their lives, have faith in their family's success and function, moderate the effects of stress, have a higher self-esteem, and are more resilient. Feiler concludes that everyone should make an effort to share their treasured family stories with their children and grandchildren.  He states, "That act alone may increase the odds that your family will thrive for many generations to come."

I am very grateful for the many records, journals, and stories that my family has shared with me.  I believe that when we come to know our family and their experiences, that we can feel loved, comforted, and guided.  As we share stories about our ancestors with our children and grandchildren, we will develop a greater appreciation for genealogy work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0

 https://www.lds.org/callings/temple-and-family-history/sunday-lesson/stories-that-bind?lang=eng

1) Things As They Really Are

Elder David A. Bednar (a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) gave instruction to the inhabitants of the earth in his two talks titled, "Things as They Really Are" and "Sweep the Earth as With a Flood." After reading these talks, I found myself pondering the purpose of these messages.

Elder Bednar states that improper or addictive use of the internet can lead us to "miss the richness of person-to-person communication," "minimize the importance of our physical bodies," and "squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones." As I considered the message to avoid negative use of the internet in the talk "Things As They Really Are," and the message to pour the gospel througout the world in "Sweep the Earth as With a Flood," I realized that these two talks identified a highly effective way to spread the gospel.  When we spend our time reading, posting, and emailing gospel truths rather than indulging in time-wasting activities, we are helping in the Lord's work to strengthen the testimonies of others, as well as our own.