Final VHS Thoughts

Over these past few weeks, I have learned a lot from this class.To be honest, I do not go to church often and the church teachings really confuse me at times. However, this class has deepended my education on what the church really believes on certain issues. I was unaware of the church's stance on birth control and dating before this class. I am actually so sad that it's ending because not only are you my favorite teacher Ken Ken, but also because you made this class very interesting and always left me in deep thought about certain issues after class was over. This class has made me question my own stance on things such as abortion and adoption as well as help me understand how our culture about sexuality in America is so different from other cultures around the world. This class has also helped me pick up on certain things we learn that I can see in the people I interact with. For example, the defense mechanisms are a very common thing i witness every day and now can take into account because of this class. All in all, I learned a lot and I wish it was not ending becasue I will miss it so much!

Some say love...

While seeking love there are so many important qualities that need to be taken into consideration. Honesty and trust are twwo of the most important. I feel like finding someone to trust can be extremely difficult and being 100% honest with someone is a common struggle people go through every day. Here are some of my favorite songs that explain love the way I piture it: When I'm Gone by Eminem: Have you ever loved someone so much, you'd give an arm for? Not the expression, no, literally give an arm for? When they know they're your heart And you know you were their armour And you will destroy anyone who would try to harm her What I Got by Sublime: Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls: And I don't want the world to see me Cause I dont't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am Mine by Taylor Swift: Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water? You put your arm around me for the first time. You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter. You are the best thing that’s ever been mine. No One by Alicia Keys: You and me together Through the days and nights But I don't worry cause Everything's gonna be alright All of these songs display what is important about love. It should be selfless and honest. Always putting the other person before yourself because you feel the need to protect that person.

The Changing Face of Marriage

My experience with the domestic church has certainly been part of my life. My parents are still married and I have several aunt and uncles who are married. I was always taught that marriage is important. With the high divorce rates these days, less people seem to be getting married. I feel as though God plays an important role in love and finding someone special to marry. I hope to get married someday and become part of the domestic church with my husband.

Marriage and Vatican II

The article stated the importance of marriage not only to the church but also in society as a whole. I believe that this is true in American culture still today. Marriage is an important part of life when you get older and when you fall in love. Although sometimes the media corrupts the idea of marriage, I believe it is so crucial when you fall in love with someone when you are older. On the other side of that, I do not believe marraige is the MOST important part of life. Some people just don't find "the one" or simply do not fall in love at all. Also, getting a divorce should not be a sin. People can fall out of love, people lie, people cheat. There are so many good reasons to get divorced I find it hard to believe the church is still against it. Also, I don't consider marriage to be a "vocation". Marriage is you're choice and I feel as though a vocation is more like a calling to do something. I don't think God "calls" anyone toward someone else. I believe a vocation in life is something much more important than just getting married.

What's the point?

Honestly, I believe "serial dating" is important to your future relationships. For example, you need experience to be able to identify your preferences such as what personalities you click with and which personalities you need to stay away from. Saying that dating is "practice for divorce" is completely wrong and does not even make the least bit of sense. The hook-up culture in college and dating is recreational and less serious and extremely common these days. Although it may be nice in the moment, when it comes down to it, none of these hook ups are going to form into functioning relationships. As much as you want to say its extreme, its true. Although I do not think dating is "practice for divorce" I also do not think anyone is gaining any romantic interest through the "hook up culture" that has become the lifestyle of many people today.

Gender and Dating relationships

When dating becomes very serious with someone to the point where mariiage is the next step, I believe it is the mature and responsibile thing to talk about this with your partner. You need to understand both sides of the relationship and see if you are on the same page romantically. Marriage is a very important sacrament to the church that is supposed to be taken very seriously. I think everyone sees marriage a different way and every family has a different idea of the perfect marriage and proposal. My mom and dad certainly discussed getting married before my dad proposed, because that is just the logical thing to do.

Wonderful Girst and Awesome Reponsibility

This article is very interesting and includes a very strong point of view from the bishop. Of course it is already evident to me that sex and sexuality are gifts from God, however, people have the free will to choose what they want to do with these specific gifts. Something I was not aware of was how the church is against the use of birth control. To me, this is confusing because birth control is not technically killing a child, it is preventing one from being made in the first place. Something else that really confused me was when he said a person can have homosexual orientation but cannot act upon it. When what is the point to being okay with it? Sometimes I believe that the church needs to be a lot more clear on their view points when it comes to homosexuality.

My Mission Statement

I will attempt to always be myself, even when I do not want to. I will strive to always be the bigger person and learn to forgive and forget. I will try to help those in need and always accept a challenge with a postive outlook. I will put my family first and work hard to make them proud. I will work hard towards my dreams and goals. I will not let any negative force get in my way.

Who am I?

My aunt has had the greatest influence on my life growing up. She has been a second mom to me and always cheers me up when I'm down. About 5 years ago my aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer throughout her body. This changed my life drastically. It is truly amazing how my aunt is always able to look on the bright side of things and never lets her cancer get in the way of her life. She is a true inspiration to me. Another thing that has effected my life is reading. I used to hate reading so much but once I started freshmen year of high school, I could not stop. I read about 3 books a week and I will honestly read anything (with the exception of some extremely boring school books). Reading has clearly effected my life for the better and is something that really manages to make my days a lot better. A third event that has changed my life is my amazing friendships that have come out of my years here at the Mount. I have made some many new friends and I know I can always count on them to be there for me. Sometimes I wonder what I would even do without them. My friends from the Mount have had a great positive impact on my life. (my computer at home is refusing to let me upload any kind of picture onto my blog, so sorry about that...)