Educational Adventures with Angela

 To become and not just do, was the message from Elder Oaks, which also sounds like something Yoda would say.  We can choose to go through the motions that are laid out in paths for us, or we can take the next step and  become  what we are seeking after.  Elder Oaks explains to us that it is important to have a testimony, but like Christ teaching the apostles, we need to be converted unto the Lord.   So, I ask myself, "How am I to learn how to do this?" Elder Oaks teaches that "Our family relationships—even more than our Church callings—are the setting in which the most important part of that development can occur. The conversion we must achieve requires us to be a good husband and father or a good wife and mother. Being a successful Church leader is not enough. Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and it is our mortal family experiences that are best suited to prepare us for it."  It is through my relationships as a mother, daughter, siste...

 Business update: I have been tossing around the idea in the back of my head, about buying my boss' business of pillows.  He has been given 2-5 years left in his life because his heart is failing.  Although, he's stubborn enough to outlive that estimate, I'm sure he doesn't want to work until the end of his life.  I'm not sure what he values the booth at, but it's something I could be successful in.    Pros: I'm familiar and have experience with the product, the people, the everyday running of the booth.  Cons: I'm gonna need to start saving up, because this will be a purchase of a very profitable company.  I don't plan on approaching him on this, but in the long run, it could be a viable option for me.  Disciple Leadership -  Of all the readings, I enjoyed the story of Colonel Andrew Rowan delivering the letter to Garcia the most. To be able to deliver on what is asked and to do so without oversight shows trust on both sides of the agre...

 There are two things I learned this week about overcoming obstacles and challenges - have a sense of humor and have a whole lot of patience.  In the video where Elder Holland broke down twice in the same spot, the older gentleman looked at the situation with a sense of humor and some patience and pointed out that Elder Holland would make it, just not with that car; the man didn't scold Elder Holland for interrupting his day or tell him what dumb choices he made, he patiently pointed out that Elder Holland needed to make other arrangements.  Life is a lot easier when we are able to look at the brighter side of life and realize that there are solutions to every problem.   I enjoyed watching the video "Five Whys", where Mr. Ries points out that all problems are human problems.  I like being a problem solver, so realizing that most problems are created by humans, means that we as humans have a chance to learn and grow and become better.  If every day is a...

     Since I've read  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People  twice, it was nice to have a refresher on the book.  My initial thoughts on the book when I first read it was, "This guys' gotta be a Mormon!" Who else has so much experience in a business environment and then takes the time to counsel others around him? Only a Bishop does that.        The habit that has meant the most to me is Habit 5 - Seek first to understand, then to be understood.  Since we all experience different things in life, we all have what I call a "personal toolbox" in life.  Now, my toolbox is different, because I have had different experiences than others.  Not everyone grows up in the same generation, the same religion, the same environment.  But oftentimes I get short-tempered or impatient when others do not have the same tools in their toolbox as mine.  If I am able to stop and see that your screwdriver is made of ceramic ...