Entrepreneurial Experience

 This week in my Entrepreneur class we learned about creating a life of meaning. We watched a short video about a guy named Randy Pausch. Here is a different short video about him. He's very inspiring! 

I wasn't able to share the exact video we watched but you get the jist of what his life was like. 

If you would like to watch his inspiring "Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" you can watch it here: 

Randy Pausch Last Lecture (1:16:26)

We were then asked why do we think Randy Pausch achieved his childhood dreams? One thing he mentions in his lecture is tenacity. He talks about having a brick wall there to stop us. So many people have a brick wall that stops them from doing the things they love. He then goes on to say that the brick wall is only there for those who don't want it bad enough. It's for the "other" people. If we want it bad enough, we will find a way around, over, or under that brick wall. He says "...if you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you." 

I believe that Randy Pausch had determination. He knew what he wanted and was determined to get it, or do it, or become it. He didn't let brick walls get in his way. He found a way around it, or over it, or under it, or heck, he probably grabbed a sledge hammer and broke through that brick wall. He set his mind on doing something and he did it. 

When I was a kid I wanted to be an actress. I wanted to star in TV shows and be a household name. I wanted to sing and dance on stage. My dream was to be BIG! Was this dream a reality? Not really. Especially if I stayed in my small town of Yakima, Washington. However, I was still able to perform. I became an actress here in my small town. I would perform in murder mystery plays where the audience could ask us questions and we'd have to reply in character. It was some of the most fun times I've ever had. Some of the shows I was in even had me doing a bit of singing. So, has my dream come true? Yes, in a different kind of way. I mentioned performing on stage and singing. I also dance every week. While my stage might be a floor with a soft mat, and my audience is in the pool following my every move, I am still dancing along to music and helping others stay fit. 

I believe that having a dream is important. Having a goal to become something, to do something, helps you stay focused. 

While working on this week's assignments, we had to make a Bucket List of 50 items. I got to thinking about what was on my list and all I could think of was getting a degree. It had been my bucket list for so long that I never really thought about much else. My dream was to become educated and get a college degree. Now that I am close to getting it, what am I wanting to do now? What is on my bucket list? What goal do I push myself to work for now? 

I am thankful that Heavenly Father has given me this opportunity to once again, open my eyes and look for the bigger picture in this life of mine. I love how far I've come. I know I have so far to go still but I am taking it one day at a time. Little by little I will become the person He wants me to be. 

Reading The New Testament

I am taking two classes this semester. I've already posted about my first class. The second class is the New Testament. Since we've been doing the New Testament in Come Follow Me this year, I thought I'd go into the book a bit more through this course. I'd love to get closer to Christ by learning more about Him. 

So, this week we read the scriptures Matthew chapters 1-4, Mark chapter 1, Luke chapters 1-4, and John chapters 1-4, and 17. Each week I will choose a different way of studying the scriptures. If you are interested in learning the different ways of studying, here is a list:

• Substitution Download Substitution transcript
• Setting Download Setting transcript
• Principles and Doctrine Download Principles transcript
• List Download List transcript
• Clustering Download Clustering transcript
• Flag Phrases Download Flag Phrases transcript
• Symbolism d Symbolism transcript
• Visualize Download Visualize transcript
• Cause and Effect

To find out more information on how to use these studying ideas you can go here: 

Scripture Study Skills

I have used all of these methods several times and it has been very helpful for me. This week I used the skill of "setting". Although, I will admit, it wasn't very effective this week. I have a lot of notes, but the setting wasn't very important during a lot of the reading. Some of them were, but not all of them. 

Anyway, I'd like to share something with you that I read and pondered about. In Matthew chapter 3 verse 11 it talks about getting baptised through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost and with fire. In Acts 19:2-7 it talks about receiving the Holy Ghost. They discuss being baptized by John but never heard of the Holy Ghost. Paul then tells them that, "...with the baptism of repentance...they should believe on him which come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." Being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ allows us to accept His teachings and receive the Holy Ghost.

What does it mean to be baptised in His name? 

I believe that anyone can get baptized. We can get baptized anywhere we want. But is it in His name? I remember attending a baptism in Hawaii. It was my cousin who was getting baptized. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen! However, it's not all about the coolest thing. When my youngest daughter got baptized, I was waiting for her right outside the font. Once she stepped out of the font, she collapsed in my arms (waiting with a towel) and started crying. The spirit was so strong. I couldn't believe how spiritually strong she was already! At such a young tender age! I knew that the Holy Ghost had touched her heart and that she felt Christ's love right then and there. Later that day, we were at home and her cousin (who is five days younger than she is) told her that she felt something "right here" (while she points to her heart). It was a perfect opportunity to share with her how the Holy Ghost had touched her heart. She later got baptized as well. 

Being baptized is such a special occasion. In our church we are able to get baptized in His name and become perfect as He is. That doesn't mean we are perfect, but we can sure try. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, and the example He has given me. Every day I strive to live like He did. Being baptized was a choice I made a long time ago and I am so thankful for the opportunity to live by my choice so long ago. 

Do you remember the feeling you got when you were baptised? Have you witnessed a baptism so strong that you will always remember the feeling you felt there? Please share, I would love to hear about it!

Here We Go Again!

 Dear Readers, 

Here I am again. However, with some good news to share. I am finally on my last semester before earning my Bachelor's degree! I am so excited! I am also a bit nervous because this semester is a condensed version of the regular 14 weeks, but in a 7 week period. So, two things, I will get my Bachelor's sooner, but it will be a difficult semester because it is twice the work in one week. But hey, I got this! I can do it! 

This semester I am taking an Intro to Entrepreneurship class and it has asked us to keep a blog. So, here I am, again. This will be more likely a reflective journal on what I have learned, what I still need to learn, and some sort of reference or categorization method. Feel free to follow along with what I'm learning. 

Lessons Learned
One thing I've learned from the readings this week is that everyone is an entrepreneur. Whether we have it in us to pursue it, is up to us. We can be motivated enough to make things happen, or we can sit back and watch those that are doing just that. I also know how important it is to do something you love! 

Still Need to Learn
I am excited to see what I will learn from the books I bought for this course. One system we have learned about already is called "Launching Leaders" by Steven A Hitz, who co-founded the company with Jim Ritchie. I'm very interested in what their theory is on becoming a successful entrepreneur. 

Here is an Amazon link to the book talked about above: 

Amazon link

Here is their website:

Launching Leaders

If you like what you are reading, subscribe below and you can get future updates on when I publish a new post! I will probably post twice or three times a week from now on, making sure to journal the new information I'm learning! 

Thanks for reading! 

My baby's graduation. 

Marriage = Equality 9-7-21

FROM 9-7-21

What does equality mean to you? 

When Jason and I got married I was only 18 years old; he was 23. He had been paying bills on his own, had his own vehicle that he paid insurance on, and was already saving for his big screen tv. I was coming from an abused household. Sometimes, even though the physical had stopped, the emotional and mental continued to happen. It was hard for me to find myself. Jason was used to doing the bill on his own and  he liked the house cleaned a certain way. Who was I to get in his way? Needless to say, over 24 years later, that was the biggest mistake of my life! I should have gotten in his way. I should have made him teach me how to do the finances, how to clean the way he did, or him be ok with how I cleaned. Because now, now we have two separate human beings who love each other, but also don't like each other. Well, to an extent. We both know our love is there, we both know we came from different backgrounds, but learning through the gospel is the only way to fix "us". When reading through chapter 4 of the book, "Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives, I found this quote by Elder B Wirthlin, "...it is time to work on a personal definition of equal that eschews both intimations of identity or hierarchy. One gender does not have greater eternal possibility than the other." I often thought, was I putting my husband above me? He does so much and is so important to our family, he is above us, he does things above us. But that's not what Heavenly Father wants. He wants equality in the home. For years I've been the scared, quiet, little girl in the corner afraid to come out in fear of being beaten for showing up (or more likely, "standing up"). Was I talking back to my husband or was I allowing him to be the patriarch of our home? Was I allowing him to be controlling or was I being the obedient wife? Wow. There is a lot for me to learn, and apparently, him too! My husband thought he was doing what was best for all of us! Taking it all on his shoulders to be the man of the house. But at the end of the day he was tired, he was bent, he was physically exhausted from taking care of us. And he couldn't allow us to see what it was doing to him. 

When continuing through this chapter I've learned a lot about partnerships and being equal. Being equal doesn't mean we both do the dishes every night. Being equal to me, means communicating with your spouse. Learn to know what works and what doesn't. If I hate to do the dishes, then maybe make an agreement with me, I'll load the dishwasher if you would unload it when it's done. It's working together that makes us equal. (This is just an example. I really don't mind doing the dishes...now.) 

To be continued...

I'm Back, and Still in College, Eternal Family 8-23-21

FROM 8-23-21

I'm back, and yep, still going to school! I have earned my Associates Degree and am now working towards my Bachelor's Degree. I am close to my goal yet still so much to do. 

I'm taking another class regarding The Family: A Proclamation To The World (click here to view). This document explains so much of our church beliefs. If you ever get a chance to read it I would highly recommend it! 

So, the book we are studying along with the Proclamation is called "Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives" by Alan J. Hawkins, David C. Dolahite, and Thomas W.D. We have been jumping around different chapters and at first I wasn't a fan of doing it that way. I like to read a book cover to cover, however with the lessons we're taking, it kind of flows even with the different chapters. 

The first chapter we read was 32 - The Eternal Family, and then we read chapter 34 - Sharing and Defending Family Proclamation Principles. 

In Ephesians 6:12 it reads "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." 

Reading this scripture makes me cringe. This talks about how much the world itself is full of temptations. If we look around what's going on right now in the world we can see just how true this scripture is. I'm glad that I have my faith to lead me in the right direction. My faith brought me to my husband. We have come a long way, and still have so much to go! But thanks to the gospel in our lives, we know we can be together for the eternity. 

When our families have difficulty, who do you turn to? J and I both have had some things come up with our own families. Learning to lean on each other while feeling low is a pretty good feeling. We can get through this thing called life together, with many more things to come. 

Continue following me for more info regarding the book "Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives". 

Well, hello again! 6-12-19

I had to make a few posts regarding my school classes. When I went to post them, I noticed there were quite a few posts that I made that I never published. So, I am posting them now. Have fun. 

FROM 6-12-2019

I was talking with my sister the other day about a problem I realized I had. You see, I’m a talker. I’ve always been a talker. My mother once gave me a book called Mr. Chatterbox. I do love to talk! The problem isn’t that I love to talk, it’s what I talk about. Naturally being a female I’ve got many emotions to deal with. Not all people like to talk about what they’re feeling. Well, that is my problem. That’s all I ever do. I talk about what’s bothering me, how it’s bothering and why it’s bothering me. I was telling my sister that for me, talking about it helps me cope with it. It helps me see other people’s opinions. It helps me realize that it’s not just me that goes through things, it’s everyone. So, if that’s the case, then why am I the only one talking about it? My sister said it makes me vulnerable. I don’t see it that way. I see it as a way for me to learn and grow. How am I to get better if I don’t know what I need to “get better” ?  If others are feeling vulnerable about their issues and don’t want to talk about it, how do I make it ok for me to do it?
     I was telling my sister I feel like that is why I don’t have a good support in friends. I can think of one really good one that has always been there for me, and doesn’t judge me for what I talk to her about. But then there’s others who learn about me and who I really am, and what I come from and they distance themselves. So why is keeping friends so hard?
     This got me thinking about social media and the “look” of how things are in real life. In 2009 I went with my husband and kids to Disneyland. We posted all sorts of fun pictures on Facebook. This could mean a few different things. 1) My family is rich and can afford expensive trips to Disneyland often, 2) We’re very happy all the time, 3) We always spend time together as a family...yet what it really means is we saved for awhile and promised the kids we would take them when the youngest was 5 years old, and we had a good time with Mickey and Goofy and the gang, but at the end of the day there was whiney, cranky children that had had enough, the budget was super tight so we bought bread, PB and jelly and some chips so we could make our own lunches, and it was a once in a lifetime thing for our kids because we were never going to do it again!
     Social media paints this portrait of picture perfect families, and people. If anyone who knew me saw the house cleaned in the background of any picture posted, they would know if was my husband who did it and not me. So why can’t we be our real selves? Why is it intimidating to be the real you? Why can’t we relax and have fun and still be able to take care of business when needed? Is that what it takes to be happy? To be able to talk about the real me and know that I won’t be judged? Because everyone else has issues just like me so why couldn’t we share? Isn’t that what we’re here for anyways? To give support to each other when we need it? Not just during the fun times, but also the challenging times as well. Let us all remember that everyone goes through something at one point or another. Just because life is good for you now, it doesn’t mean it always will be. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, but Satan doesn’t. And when he sees that you are happy he will try his best to knock you down. Sometimes it will work, but I know that Heavenly Father doesn’t want to see me hurt. So I’m gonna do my best to get right back up and continue moving forward, whether I have a friend by my side or not. I’m gonna be the person I want to be, me, and I know Heavenly Father is pleased with me and the choices I make. Not everyone is going to like me, as much as I wish they would, but that’s ok. I will continue being the person I am, and know that I am loved.
     So, go be the person who you really are. Go be the real you and enjoy that life He gave you. Don’t worry about what others think, because deep down they’re wishing they could let it all go and enjoy themselves too. I’m glad I’m the person that I am, because somewhere, somehow, I am exactly the person that someone needs at this very moment. Thank you for allowing me to be here for you!

All my love,
“Ninivandy

Parenting 9-7-21

FROM 9-7-21

Parenting is HARD. There are tons of books out there from scholarly folks who know what they're talking about, for you to read, but not one of them is exactly right. Want to know why? Because each child is different. What works for one child won't work for another. Heavenly Father has made each of us different, and each one of us handles things differently. Take Adam and Eve's own children. They raised their children the same way right? For the most part? Well, then, why would one of them end up murdering one of their own flesh and blood? Even in the Spirit World there were issues. Even our loving Heavenly Father had trouble with His own son. Lucifer made it difficult on Heavenly Father, so why would we ever think that parenting would be all rainbows and sprinkles for us? 

We are given many examples of faithful parents in the scriptures. Oh how I wanted to be like the stripling warrior's mothers! But I remind myself that just because they speak of the bold stripling warriors at the time, it doesn't mean they never disobeyed their parents ever, either. I'm sure they had their moments too, just as every mother there ever was and will be. I will take President Joseph Smith's counsel when he said, "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves." The chapter then goes on and says "This principle can be applied to parenting, with the recognition that the teaching must be adjusted to the developmental readiness of the child, and that teaching sometimes takes much time, even years, to fully sink in with the young (as well as the old) (Nelson, David A. chapter 11, pg. 126)."

In chapter 12 it states "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children (Erickson, Jenet J. pg. 128)." There are many times where I second guess myself in my parenting ways. I guess this is one of the reasons why we have an equal partnership in our marriage because when our kids were younger, I was the one cleaning them up, sending them to school, getting them ready for this, and taking them to that. Now that they are older, my husband has nice talks with them, where as I am not so great at that. However, when they would stumble and fall my husband would freeze and not know what to do, but I took the reins and grabbed hold of the kid and lifted them up as best as I could do. Where one of us is weak, the other is strong. Where one of us is scared, the other one steps up. I might not be the best mom to talk to but by golly if they need to be somewhere at a certain time, as well as the other sibling only five minutes later to be somewhere else, here comes mom to the rescue. We all have our own personal traits we need to work on. Does that make me a bad mom? Or my husband a bad dad? Not at all. Even though we have our faults, we also have our strengths. 

Elder Richard G. Scott says, "Satan has unleashed a seductive campaign to undermine the sanctity of womanhood, to deceive the daughters of God and divert them from their divine destiny. He well knows women are the compassionate, self-sacrificing, loving power that binds together the human family. . . . He has convinced many of the lie that they are third-class citizens in the kingdom of God. That falsehood has led some to trade their divinely given femininity for male coarseness (chapter 12, pg. 131)." I don't even know how to follow up with that. Wow. Satan is ever powerful. But so is Heavenly Father, and according to the President Monson, "One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one (pg. 131)."  

Now, mothers can not be where they are without the help of fathers. Jenet J. Erickson says, "...husbands and fathers play a crucial roll in enabling mothers to be nurtured and strengthened (pg.135)."  Fathers are to preside over the family. They are "...to provide love, teach, and direct (President Ezra Taft Benson, chapter 13, pg. 141)." The Proclamation states that the father is supposed to partner with those to help nurture and teach his children. He is to partner with "...the child's mother," and to partner with "...other's in the child's life (pg 143)." The book mentions a few things for fathers to do, in order to help raise their children while supporting the mother. To be present, to provide, and to protect must be important to fathers when rearing their children in a righteous way.