What's in a Name?

I've been thinking a lot about those infamous words written by Shakespeare and spoken by Juliet. What is in a name? What is it about our identities that makes us so special. Well, I've been testing this theory out. As I've gone to grocery stores, outlet malls, and restaurants all over I've been thinking about these words. "What's in a Name?" Well, I realized that at all of these various locations these people wear name tags, Well, I asked myself, why would these people wear name tags if it wasn't for the intended purpose to have you refer to them by their respected name on those tags. So, as I've asked employees questions, or said thank you to the clerk that has assisted me, or said hello to the cashier at the beginning of my purchase I quickly look at their name tag and say, Hey Janice how are you?" Or "Thanks Tim, I appreciate your help."
It is such a joy to watch the expression on the face of these people change. They always at least give you half a smile but many times their face goes to a full blown glow. People love to hear their names, because it was their identity given them at birth and in using that identity you automatically give that person your respect. and everyone wants to be respected. We talk and teach all the time about not disgracing our family names but why then is is so difficult for us to refer to a person in their name, showing respect for that name that was given them.
"A name essential is nothing. Just as Juliet says, "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Which is very true, a name is just a name without a persons face to accompany it. But, go ahead, make someones day. Say their name as you greet them or thank them. And, like at "Tai Pan" yesterday, if they are not wearing a tag, don't be afraid to ask so that when a thank you is in order, it's not opened ended but rather truly directed at a person.

Proud to be an American

I was driving through town yesterday when I passed the Macey's grocery store. In their parking lot they have a giant american flag that waves proudly over the town of Tooele. And, at the Miller Motor Sports Park, which is placed almost in the direct center of the valley there is an even bigger flag that waves proudly welcoming all who come from any direction. As I watched Old Glory proudly wave in all her beauty and splendor I began to think of all the reasons that I am PROUD to be an American.
I'm PROUD of this country, though in economic crisis it would seem because we know we will pull out of it, we will learn from this and be better because of it, just like other times in our history.
I'm PROUD of a Heavenly inspired government where we live in a place of so many great freedoms.
I'm PROUD to have my religious freedoms. To live in a country where I can share my testimony openly and willing with all that I come in contact with. I'm so grateful that I can worship my Heavenly Father in the best ways that I see fit and that I can believe because of my own free will, independent of any other person, not because someone is forcing me too, or because that is my only option.
I'm PROUD of our military who volunteer their time and their efforts to defending me and standing up for me.
I'm PROUD of its people who live with their heads held high because they know they live in a the greatest country of them all. I'm grateful that we can dream, and we can dream anything, because it is a reality that it can come to you and happen. In America if you dream it, you can believe it, and you can have it.
I'm PROUD of a country who knows how to work. Of people who work for things they have rather than just sitting around and waiting for the government to take care of them.
I'm PROUD to be an American for a countless number of reasons, I could go on and on. But mostly I would hope that others to are PROUD and that they would look around and realize how great we do have it, and that they would stand up and fight and defend and live for all those great freedoms that each and everyone of us can call ours. As OLD GLORY flies so proudly above our little valley I'm grateful to see her flying. To know that she bows to nobody, and it is in the time of crisis that we need to remember what we are, and who we are. We are Americans, citizens of the best country in the world, and now, in a time that she most desperetly needs it, we must stand by her side and be PROUD of all the things she stands for and defend them. Be so very PROUD to be an American. I know that I am.

The begining of a change

These are the beginings of my Jerusalem Trip pictures. This is not all of them, and there are many more to come. These cover the "getting there" until our "Geography field trip" which is only about three days in time. Doesn't that make you excited to see more? Just drag your mouse over the picture and a description will pop up as to what you are seeing.

Spending hours on Blog

Have you ever noticed how much time you can spend on your blog!? Holy Smokes! I just realized how quickly time can go as you just sit here and "work" away making your blog the cutest. Aunt Lan said I need to update more, and she's right. I just think my life is boring I guess, why would anyone want to hear about it? Then I got thinking of my cousins and how excited I get to read their blogs, and that no matter how boring it may seem to them, it's exciting to me, because it's their life and it's something new I can learn about them, and a way to strengthen my love for them. Plus, reading their blogs takes me out of my boring hum drum life for just a moment and gives me something to look forward to. So, yes Aunt Lan, my new goal is to start updating for you all more often. I'm secretly going to try once a day, but I'm not going to tell anyone that because I don't want anyone to be disappointed, but I am going to give it a try.
Well, the news of the day is this. I've decided to serve a mission. Those who haven't heard yet. I have begun feeling my papers out and it is proving to be a trying process. I say that because if I don't keep extremely busy in my life then before I know it Satan has laid hold upon my thoughts and feelings and makes me feel terrible, so I try to keep busy to keep the devil out. That's the plan. As more progresses I'll let you know. Ethan and I are doing are stuff together. The plan is that whoever gets their call first has to tape it on the fridge and wait until the other ones come so we can open them together. Not only are we going to open them together, we want to read eachothers. It's going to be really exciting. It's really great to have the opportunity to do this side by side with my marvelous younger brother.

Home sweet Home

Hello friends and family! I'm happy to say that i have made a safe arrival back to the United States and am safely home in Grantsville. It was a hard departure from Jerusalem. A part of my heart will forever and always be there. I love that place, and I love that country. However, it is always good to return home and to realize how good you really have it. It was a long trip home, I traveled 8,000 miles, was in traveling for 36 ours and I was up for 48 hours straight...with a snooze here and there, but you can hardly count sleeping on the airplane for a little bit here and there as sleep, at least I don't. I'm still suffereing from jet lag. Thursday night I laid down at midnight and didn't really "sleep" much the entire night, I woke up at 6 to go walking with mom and then was up all day until 9:30 that night, man was I tired. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I still am way exhausted and I have a good feeling that today might be worse than yesterday seeing as how i already feel this morning. But, will see. I'm trying to tough it out as much as possible so that I can get on the right scheduele ASAP. I was excited to see all the little neighbor kids that I love so much, that was a happy reunion. I don't think it's really hit me yet that I'm home. Someone told me that Sunday will be the hardest, when I get to church and realize I can't look over the old city. Maybe I'm just to tired right now to even realize. Well, I'm starting to ramble. Just know that I'm happy and doing well. I'm not going to school in the fall because I have some big decisions I need to make. (more updates on those later) I would appreciate all the prayers I could get! love you all!

Galilee!

Okay, so Galilee was probably the most fabulous experience of my life thus far, unfortunelty I don't have a lot of time right now because I'm trying to catch up on homework, laundry, clean checks etc etc, so I will update with plenty of pictures and such on Saturday(which is my Sunday) because I still need to organize pictures and everything. I can't believe how time has flown by. One week and I'll be home! AHH!

Until Tomorrow

Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center, for Near Eastern Studies.

Well, I plan on updating a lot more tomorrow on all the rest of the stuff that has been going on. Also, in the near future I plan on going around and just taking pictures of the center so you can know a little bit about where I live, but for now, here is a little bit of a teaser.