7. Research Paper Reflection

When we were first given the assignment of writing a research paper, I felt somewhat overwhelmed because I had no idea where to start. Up until now, the majority of papers I have had to write have been essentially persuasive essays. I talked to my mother about the assignment since we had to choose a family narrative to include. She suggested that I write about my great-great-great grandfather George Harrison who crossed the plains, lived with some Indians, and started one of the earliest restaurants in Utah. It was very interesting to research about George and see how his restaurant was established, and his intentions. I began thinking about just how much the eating industry has changed. It has become something that is just a way of living.

I became excited about researching the topic of eating habits and the benefits of eating in the home, but I did not know where I was going to find reliable sources. Thankfully, we spent a day in the library where we were taught how to look up sources and articles on the researcher guide. I was surprised how easy it was to find reliable and valid sources. Going through that process together has already helped me in other classes, and have made writing papers not so burdensome.

I found many interesting finds in my research. I think it is obvious to see that there are many health costs to eating out frequently. But specifically, I found that people tend to eat more than they normally would when eating out, than they would if they were in the home. People will eat an excess amount of calories, and not receive the sufficient energy from the food quality. This of course results in high rates of obesity, and a higher body mass index.

Another aspect I researched was the effect that eating in the home rather than eating out has on the effect of family relationships. Some researchers did a study where they found that adolescents and children exhibit better behavior and make better choices if they have a structured family dinner around the table than those who don't. Even if those within a family don't have the strongest relationships, providing a structure where children are able to communicate with their parents and gain good eating habits will have a greater well-being.

The last thing I researched for this paper was the monetary cost of eating out. There is a significant difference in the amount of money that is spent by those who eat out compared with those who buy fresh groceries and eat home-cooked meals. Although it is true that eating out appears to be most beneficial because it takes much less time and effort, there is too much unnecessary money that is spent on eating out. There are short term effects, as well as long term. Since frequently eating out attributes a great factor to obesity, over 25% of health care is due to the cost of obesity.

There were many more interesting things I found, and it definitely changed my perspective on everyone's eating habits. Being able to bring my ancestor into the paper made it a lot more meaningful and personal, and helped me become engaged as I researched the paper. I found that incorporating something personal to me and my family helped me become a better writer.

6. Research Paper Thesis

Many American families often eat outside the home because they believe it is beneficial for their family since it appears to be cheap, easy, and quick. Although many people think or behave this way, families should spend more time around their kitchen table rather than eating out at restaurants or fast food chains because it will cause an increase in health, improve adolescent's behavior, and save money.

5. Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence: Elder Jorg Klebingot

I always love the time of year when General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rolls around. It is such a privilege to be able to hear the word of God spoken through the mouth of our Prophet and other church leaders.

In the most recent October 2014 General Conference, Elder Jorg Klebingot's gave a talk titled Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence which really stood out to me. He talks about how if we apply the Atonement to our lives, and put forth honest effort, we will be able to approach the throne of God with confidence. After he introduced his topic he said how he is going to speak boldly in hopes to edify, not offend. There is a power in delivering a message this way as he speaks clearly and somewhat bluntly. Klebingot uses a lot of pathos to elicit strong emotions to help us see things from the right perspective, which helps us recognize if we are looking at things the wrong way.

He uses imagery to describe how we may feel when we meet God--he asks if we will wait with "joyful anticipation", or avoid His gaze? He describes all the feelings we may have, and the thoughts that go through our minds. He words are stated so simply and straightforward, that it is a bit surprising. There is an emotional impact with the simplicity of his teaching.

Klebingot gives a list of six suggestions we can use to gain spiritual confidence:
     1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well being.
     2.  Take responsibility for your own physical well being.
     3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience part of your life.
     4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly.
     5. Become really, really good at forgiving.
     6. Accept trials, setbacks, and "surprises" as part of your mortal existence.

These six points sums up the main message of his talk. He said, "Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don’t be immobilized by them." He teaches that it basically comes down to a choice. If we strive to do our very best, then the Savior's Atonement will take place in our lives and we will "be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time". We just need to have the faith and courage to recognize what we can improve on, and then take action. 

4. Research Paper

For my research topic, I thought through all the stories my mother has told me about some of my ancestors. My great-great-great-grandfather, George Harrison, had quite an experience as he and his family crossed the plains to reach Utah. George arrived some time after his family, and discovered his family had started a hotel and restaurant. They spent a lot of time cooking for other people, and George was known for the food he made. I thought it was interesting that restaurants have been around for so long. This got me thinking about our eating habits in the United States today- How often are we eating out? What are the expenses comparatively? What are the benefits of cooking at home? I think this will be a beneficial topic to research topic!