#2) Tuesday Morning Devotional

President Clark from BYU Idaho gave a talk on overcoming pride today in the morning devotional. He used many rhetorical strategies in persuading BYU students to be "stripped of pride." Some include his rapid use of scripture, creating lists on how we may become selfless, and his authoritave way of speaking. One strategy that really hit me hard was his use of pathos. This was demonstrated as President Clark told us students of the consequences of pride. I personally felt guilty as he specifically noted the "red flags of pride" because i realized that I have characteristics of pride. These symptoms include critiquing talks, looking down on others, asking "why me?" when facing opposition, congratulaing yourself when you do something good for others, scorning and ridiculing others, reacting or acting on something to benifit yourself, self gradification, boasting, becoming defensive when corrected, and inconvenienced by others. I need to recognize when i am being overcome by pride in my life. Luckily President Clark gave a list of four steps to be rid of pride. They are, never do anything to drive the spirit away, do nto let the world get into your heart, serve the Lord and act on promptings, stand in holy places and go to the temple. In Alma 42:12 it reads, "..no problem is too hard without his help..." President Clark's use of rhetorical strategy deeply impacted me. I want to be a better person because of this speech.

#1) President Monson's BYU Address

Last Tuesday I attended the morning devotional where President Monson addressed students of Brigham Young University. He gave a masterful talk on what we can learn from the prophets. President Monson spoke about the many presidents of the church he has witnessed in his lifetime which include: President Grant, President George Albert Smith, President Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, President Benson, Howard W. Hunter and President Hinckley. Each of these prophets has something to teach us. In Acts we read, “How can I except a man shall guide me.” President Grant’s taught members of the church the principle of hard work. Growing up he had bad penmanship and became an excellent writer after diligently practicing. His favorite hymn was “Do what is right.” The next prophet of the church was President George Albert Smith who had the gift of charity. He gave his coat away to a worker that was cold and was without a jacket. He taught, “Stay softly and safely on the Lord’s side of the line.” President Smith had a compassionate heart. Next, David O. McKay was blessed and spoke with the gift of consideration. He was the prophet that made President Monson an apostle. “Oh say what is truth” was his favorite song. After McKay, President Joseph Fielding Smith was tender to those he fell short. He taught, “Wickedness never was happiness.” President Harold B. Lee was the next prophet. He taught “Stand ye in holy places and be not moved.” President Lee told members of the church to stay in tune with the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Next, President Kimball taught and was known to be a hard worker with much dedication. “My wife is like my shoes to be worn out by the Lord.” He taught to “lengthen your stride.” After his service, President Benson taught to love one another. His favorite scripture was “What manner of men aught you to be? Even as I am.” The next prophet of the church, President Hunter, loved the hymn “have I done any good in the world today?” He taught the gospel principle of modesty and to always look for the best in people. Proverbs 27:2 was his favorite scripture. Our most recent prophet, President Hinckley was reverent. He loved Joseph Smith and taught to always do your best.
I thought it was interesting how President Monson decided to speak on all of the prophets of his time and now understand why he did. Much can be learned from these prophets of the church. Each of these prophets had an important gospel principle to teach: Diligence, Charity, Compassion, Consideration, gospel scholarship, promptings of the Holy Ghost, hard work, dedication, love one another, modesty and to do your best. President Monson would not have been able to touch all of these important principles any other way. One of my friends was sitting near the teleprompter and noticed that he hardly referred to his original talk. As a result of President Monson’s spirituality and promptings of the Holy Ghost, BYU students will always remember the important lessons learned from previous prophets.