Summer Nights & BYU Classes

I decided I better break my no-writing streak.

I did a stupid thing tonight.  I went over to Shane Smith's and now I am totally hooked on the banjo.  I can see my grades for this semester playing into the bottomless pit.

Aspen was fantastic, Maroon Bells, Aula getting lost, jeeps, Toro's.

The 4th of July fireworks were great from Kiwanis Park.  We played "Kissing Rugby".

Two tests last Thursday.  Tough!


JC

Participating In A Bishop's Court

I blew my stats final today.  It lowered my grade in the course from an A to a B.  I was very discouraged.  Sometimes I just don't feel I have the smarts that it takes to do the job.

I participated in a Bishop's court this evening.  It was an important experience for me.  I felt a spirit of love throughout the trial and that made things go smoothly.  I'm impressed a great deal with both Bishop Shelley and with Brent Thomas, the first counselor.

I represented The Church and found it difficult to bring strong allegations to someone while they sat right in front of me.

The decision of the court was unanimous and it greatly reinforced my testimony.

Tracy Milligan and I went for a walk last night and again this evening.  I really can pick 'em.  She is leaving for Arizona tomorrow then home to Colorado then she will be off to France for a year!


JC

Not Academic Scholar Material

I feel no inclination in any part of my body that can even hint towards me being a scholar.

Although I have been blessed with a sound mind and aptitude, it is simply not within my character to excel in academics.  After my statistics test this morning I pondered the possibility of becoming a teacher.  I am not sure in what way I will leave my mark on this earth but I am confident that I will leave some mark somewhere.  I can feel it inside.  I will succeed in doing something in this life very well.

Creativity does not seem to be one of my strong suits.  I do feel that I can observe and learn and benefit from what I see.  I must determine some goals and begin toward towards them.


JC

When Dad Said "I Love You" & Sitting On The Stand As A New Bishopric Member

When President Andersen announced my name to be the second counselor in the bishopric my heart was pounding.  I could feel it as it raced the blood through my arteries, straining my neck against the collar of my shirt.  I was asked to sit on the stand.  Although I was nervous and my hand trembled as I held the hymnal, I did feel good to be up there.  I still feel like John Christensen.  I felt inadequate as usual during my temple recommend interview with Bishop Shelley.  How could I possibly say yes to a question asking if I was totally honest in all my dealings with my fellowmen.  I said yes.  What does that say about me?

I called Dad tonight and had a good talk with him.  It was mostly about trivial stuff like tennis but it felt comfortable to talk with him.  At the end of the conversation I told him, as I often do, that I loved him.  I must have caught him off guard or something miraculous happened, because he said "I love you too."  I almost went into a state of shock!  That must be the first time in the last 15 years of so that I can remember him saying those exact words!  I've always known that he has loved me but there truly is something magical about those three words.

Finals week is coming up this week.  I have three tests to take in three days.  I hope that I can stay current in my journal!

I don't remember exactly what President Andersen said as I was being set apart as a counselor in the bishopric, but I do remember the feeling of closeness to spiritual things.  It did feel good.


JC

An 84 On A Stats Exam

My feelings have fluctuated quite a bit today.  I studied all afternoon for my statistics test then I got an 84 on it.  I was upset.  I studied harder for this test than for any of the others but my results were poor.

I came home to eat some dinner before returning to the library and found myself being quite crass with my roommates.  I then sat down and read for a good hour about Churchill.  That was therapy for my feelings.  I read of his school days.  What a different kind of education we get now.

I went back up to school feeling happy and enjoying the beautiful spring evening.  I read in the reserve library until 10:30 then I picked up a book on Mormons and Muslims.  It instilled in me an instant desire to go out and see the world, especially the Middle East, instead of just reading about them.

John is trying to find out if he should marry Suzy.  I feel for him!


JC