A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to discuss in class about sex and how sacred that is in the plan of God. I thought it was very appropriate and although for some it was uncomfortable it led me to believe that maybe most of us in class weren't taught the appropriate way of when to have sex or why we do. I mean it was sort of obvious with how most of us didn't comment or say anything.
It seems as though parents are beginning, if not already, to talk freely about sex to their children now days and I believe it's great. The question that came up was, are they taught to use contraception at any time if they want? or are they taught that they are to be married before engaging in sex activities? The answer is obvious and that is that the world understand it to be good and that they should encourage their children to have sex using contraception and what not to prevent pregnancy.
Clearly this is not the intent of the plan of salvation. Another question that came to me was, are our children aware of this issue? I will make sure that our home is a place of the spirit where love abides and where questions and the concerns of our children are being addressed. We need to understand that our children are sensitive and can learn really fast about these issue, and if we are not teaching them the right way, then we might be too late and suffer the consequences upon our own heads. Home is where these issues should be addressed and taught.

I thought a lot about titles in our lives. What makes us who we are? What titles do we often hear others address us? I know that some of the times I've notice within the echo that some of whom we associate with tend to title us with some undefined term such as "gay" when really they meant lame, or stupid. We start to ponder these things sometimes and often I find myself in anger and separated from the world. Then we begin to notice other people and want to be part of their role. A lot of choices are mixed up due to this. And it really is unfortunate that some think they were really born to be gay or lesbian. I thought this was an interesting observation and discussion in class.

One of the things that I am really thankful for is my culture, my heritage. I don't know that we all have the same intentions, drive, or whatever build from within our own cultures. But one thing I am grateful for is that we were all born with one. Now eventually everyone unites under the culture of the Savior, but each of us have our own views as well and how we identify things.
I think that cultures no matter where from is centered on families. As we learned this week about some of the value system and set of beliefs that creates certain cultures. Most all of them are similar, some in background and others in traditions.
The culture of the family was most interesting to me. I was glad that brother Williams demonstrated some of reality in class. In most times in those discussion I felt most affected by it. Everyone is trying to reach their goals of happiness. And it's interesting to note that those goals are mainly about bringing families from areas where they can't progress and enjoy freedom and privileges. As the Nephi taught in the Book of Mormon, all who come to this land is led by the Lord. This is a land where families can enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I really enjoyed this week's lesson.

One of the cool experiences about this past weeks part of the class assignments was observing how parents and their children interact with each other. I also took this opportunity to observe myself a few times with my own daughter and how she interacts with the both of us parents.
One observation I had with one of the families at Albertson was that every time the child wanted something the child would cry or whine a little bit. The dad would then react and say, What's the matter? While the mom would say, please use your words. Another time it was, sweetie, did you mean juice? The mom would say this. The dad says the same thing, What's going on son?
One of the greatest books I have the opportunity to read right now is the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," by Stephen Covey. And one of the first principles taught by Dr. Covey is being pro-active. While observing this little family, I noticed that the mom was usually the one being pro-active. The dad reacts and instead of trying to understand the situation, would ask the questions, what's the matter. Whereas the mom would say, honey did you want you sippy?
No wonder why kids are more lean towards moms!
Now, this is not always the case. Mom do it too. While observing this little family, it made me realized that I do the same thing too. So I need to help my daughter and try to understand her need before I respond.

I think it's interesting learning about the different trends that we talked about in class this week about the family. Some were not so significant and others pretty staggering. Like for example the divorce rate and how much cohabitation goes on in our society today. I think these are pretty incredible information to consider and remind our young people to be careful about. So much of what is intended for the happiness of our love ones can sometimes depend on how we take these issues and talk to them about it.
Another important thing that I've learned from this week's discussion is the different walks of life we've all traveled through. Some expressed their concern about who will take care of their younger siblings because before it was them. Others shared that their parents are taking second jobs and even mothers are out there in the work force. I believe moms should stay home and tend to the children, organize or prepare meals. That's the way it should be. But listening to some in class, they say that it's not a big deal. I think it is big deal especially for those families with children. Children need to be trained all the time and nourished them with good values. Who else better to do that than mom? They need the daily interaction in the home. Anyway those are my thoughts.

Hello there!

My name is Alema Seu and  I am studying at BYU-Idaho in Emergency Services Administration. I look forward to reading your posts.