I think that autumntime is the most beautiful time of the year, and I love the holidays and cool weather that bring us together. I am excited for Mom and Dad to come down to Utah to visit Mil and I for Thanksgiving. But, I am even more excited when we'll all get together for Christmas break. :)
I just wanted to reflect a little on General Conference. Every time we have General Conference I feel as if it is the best one yet, and I believe that that shows us how the Lord's prophet teaches for our day. This means that the Lord knows us, that He knows our struggles and that He will support and lead us in our day, which is constantly changing in this fast-paced world. I know that this recent General Conference will lead and support us through the next six months, and I look forward to hearing from the Lord's living prophet again in April. I hope that you enjoyed Conference as much as I did, and that we can strive to reach our goals and turn to the Lord to give us strength and direction. So, with that, here are some of my thoughts. I would love to hear some of your thoughts and goals as well.
School:
Give my best effort and not worry about it. I remember President Hinckley always saying to "give your best, your very best", and I am confident that that is all I can give, and that I cannot worry about things I cannot change (one of the many lessons I learned from Dad). Specifically, with school, this means prioritizing and focusing my time on school and learning to say no, specifically to social, leadership and athletic activities.
Portuguese:
Speak only in Portuguese in my apartment and attending institute in Portuguese each week. I also am reading 10 pages a day in a beginning level Portuguese book that my amazing roommate let me borrow. I also will be re-reading General Conference in Portuguese.
Spanish:
Take advantage of every opportunity I have to speak Spanish. In my Spanish 355, I will get at least an A-. Finish reading El Libro de Mormon. I also need to make sure I don't speak Portañol.
Learning
I had the opportunity to read "The Kite Runner" and I really enjoyed it. I love reading, and I will read one book a month that is not related to school.
Coaching:
Have my soccer kids understand and apply positioning, good sportsmanship and good passing (having 2 or 3 passing opportunities at any given time). Get a majority of the team to attend a free BYU Women's soccer game through Sports Spectacular (a BYU program offering free tickets to at risk youth).
Volunteering:
Volunteer at the ESL classroom, SMTC and either the temple or TRC each week. Find ways to uplift all around me that I can.
Family:
Call everyone in the family at least once every two weeks.
Miscellaneous:
Do at least one musical number this semester.
Do my visiting teaching and report each month, and finding ways to serve those I teach.
Play piano at least once a week.
Keep my scrapbook up to date.
Finish scrapbooking my Europe Trip by the end of the year.
Win an "Intramural Champion" t-shirt.
Pass my PRAXIS exam.
I hope that we can all enjoy this time of year and enjoy the hope and peace that the Gospel brings into our lives. Thanks for always being such wonderful examples of Christlike service, joy and happiness. Have a wonderful day. Love ya mostest!! -Janae
