September 19, 2015

I am returning to school to finish my degree that I began over 30 years ago, I just turned 56, our children are on their own and we are beginning a new phase in our lives. In some ways it is unsettling and in others very exciting as we have time to travel, visit our children and grandchildren and enjoy the company of each other.

One of the classes I am taking is an entrepreneur class B-183, it is an online class through

BYU-I, I am not planning on being an entrepreneur, however, it is a class I need to take for my Business Management major. I have learned a few things this week from the readings and videos that I have watched. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to learn, grow and gain a better perspective of myself and my future.

The following are some things that stood out to me and I want to remember.

Jeff Sandefer stated:

“But remember: pursue something where you have some sort of a natural gift, one that brings you great joy, one where you lose track of the hours spent in it, and one where you would practice for the sake of practice alone. Why? Because the road to mastery is a long and trying one: it usually takes at least ten years and ten thousand hours of practice.”

What is the Introduction to Entrepreneurship Course?

“But life can also be full of joy and meaning if you ask the right questions, make thoughtful commitments.”

Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him

Elder David A. Bednar

Ricks College Devotional

January 5, 1999

The following statement by Elder Richard L. Evans, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1953 to 1971, sets the stage for my message today.

You know, it is a wonderful thing to be faithful, but a much greater thing to be both faithful and competent.  There is no particular virtue in being uninformed, certainly no virtue in ignorance.  When young people can acquire the skills, the techniques, and the knowledge of these times, and along with it have a spiritual commitment and a solid faith and cleanliness of life, there is nothing that you can’t achieve; nothing in righteousness or in reason.  (From an address given to the young people at the Northwest Inland Division Gathered for Zion’s Camp, October 15, 1971)

A disciplined and educated mind is a tool for reasoning and inquiring and evaluating and discerning.  These abilities are not merely the requirements described in a course syllabus; rather, they are essential skills for a spiritual, happy, and productive life.  More importantly, the combination of spiritual strength and mental capacity provides the means whereby we can   
act for ourselves rather than be acted upon.  

Pres. Hinckley – “Do not destroy your effectiveness, by participating in tawdry things. You must stand above them, you can stand above them. You just have to do your very best and somehow God will open the door for you and the sun will shine.”

The work of the world is not done by genius it is done by ordinary people who have learned to work in an extraordinary way. Look in the mirror and say “I will do the right thing today, God will be my helper and I will do it.”

Even though I do not plan on owning my own business or starting a business of my own, I want to better understand my strengths and things I have to offer those around me. I want to improve and become a better resource to those I serve and work with in my daily life.