1. Things As They Really Are

My Writing 150 professor requested that we read a spiritually enriching talk entitled "Things As They Really Are" given by David A. Bednar. My very first thoughts were of annoyance, seeing that I still had to do homework for other classes, go to work for several hours each day, and also drive around 50 minutes to go to the Apple Store to fix my laptop which had just broken a couple days previously. I just had absolutely no time to waste reading about things that I have all ready heard before. So naturally, I put it off. I waited until the night before the next class until I began to read it. I was laying in my bed reading some material that I needed to get done for another class before I decided I should probably do what was assigned. 

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As I read, I began to be spiritually fed. I missed that feeling that I would feel so often at home, but for some reason here at BYU, that spiritual uplift is rather rare and hard to find. It was nice to get a little taste of home again. Elder Bednar spoke on Father's holy plan for understanding the truth, the attack methods that the adversary uses, and the responsibilities that we as the rising generation have. I remember having read this several years ago at a church camp. Obviously this talk was meant for myself along with many other youth with me. His message for hope is just that. It may be straightforward about all the temptations and trials we will have because of cyberspace and social media, but he also adds the good these things can bring. 

Elder Bednar explains that there are many different ways that we can use technology, such as simulations for doctors or pilots, a virtual reality, or even social media. I love how Bednar told of several stories of how some people got caught up in the virtual realities in the internet. It consumed their whole lives. We must use caution in our day so that we do not follow the bd examples given to us. Elder Bednar posed the question, "Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?" I looked at my Facebook profile to see what I normally posted and found that 18 of my last 20 posts were all shared images of quotes from different General Authorities given at various times. That is one way that I like to serve in a meaningful way through the internet. My hopes are that these images can help bring others closer unto Christ. I'm excited for missionary work in the future so I am always trying to find ways to share the gospel, especially on the internet. 

There are many things that we can do to use the internet in a wholesome, clean, and meaningful way and still have it be fun. When you get caught up in the work of the odd, an excitement continually grows and you begin to roll will the gospel progression as mentioned in Daniel 2. I add my testimony to Elder Bednar's and declare that the work is moving forward. The work is true and strong, so I invite all to join in and get caught up in the work, but always remember things as they really are.