#9- SCENE

I entered the house behind my dad with my chin glued to my chest, avoiding eye contact at all cost. I frantically wiped my eyes, so that nobody would notice my overwhelming emotion. In my peripheral vision, I saw both of my sisters, sitting at my mother's side, looking completely pale. I didn't dare turn my head to look at them. I was determined to make it to my bedroom without having to answer any questions.

"What's wrong with him?" I heard Lindsey ask my dad as I stormed by. 

"Is he okay?" My mom's voice cracked as she squeaked out her simple question in a worried tone.

"Don't worry, he'll explain later." My dad's was the last voice I heard as I shut my bedroom door, and sprawled out on my bed.

"Do you want any company?" I was happy to see my dad. 

"Sure," I responded as I swallowed the lump in my throat and gathered my emotions.

He sat down next to my bed. I kept expecting him to say something--surely he would yell at me or punish me. It was only a matter of time. Minutes passed, and still, nothing. I flipped over and gazed at the wall, too embarrassed to say anything.

I heard the door open and close again, and after waiting a few seconds I flipped back over, thinking that my dad had left. Instead, I turned and saw my parents and my sisters kneeling down, staring right back at me.

Embarrassed, and caught by surprise, I flipped back toward the comfort of the wall instantly.

"Will, we're not going anywhere." I couldn't help but cry as I heard my mother's soothing voice. 

"Time for family prayer," said my dad, acting as though nothing had happened.

As I knelt down alongside my parents, there was a palpable feeling of love and concern. What my mom had claimed was true: they weren't going anywhere.

#8- Personal Narrative

Honestly, I still have no idea what I want to write about. Of course, we all have so many stories and experiences that shape who we are today. There are so many stories that have helped me to grow and learn new things. I think it would be easy to write an experience from my mission, because those were two years that I experienced lots of growth and change. I don't, however, want to be one of those guys that bores everyone with tons of mission stories. I'm also torn because I would like to include my family members as important characters in the story. I have a very close relationship with all of my family members. I would like to be able to introduce my parents in the story, and also talk about my relationship with my siblings. I want it to be a story that talks about a time when we were all together. I'm kind of thinking about talking about my mission and how it made me more grateful for my family. I never realized how much I loved and appreciated my family until I was away from them. The mission made me realize the importance of my family in my life. I would like to share a specific experience that helped me to learn this important life lesson.

#7- Policy change?

I know that right now, the new church policy change is causing lots of debate both in the media, and in within the church. I don't really see this as a policy change; I think it was simply a clarification. Church doctrine never really changes. Throughout the scriptures, we read that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. The world is so much different now, and church leaders address us according to our needs and struggles. Our world and language and priorities are different than they were in the 1830's. However, I don't consider this to be a policy change. The church has always been opposed to gay marriage. God's view of marriage will never change, and frankly, I think that this policy clarification is an improvement. I think that it's great the the church looks out for all of these children. I am understanding of those who have loved ones that have gone down wrong paths-my cousin is gay. I just think that it makes it easier for children to make their own decisions, and be prepared to live according to their decision. In my mission, we were not allowed to baptize children whose parents were not members unless they had gone to church at least 5 to 6 times by themselves. I used to wonder why, and now I understand so much better. It is just too hard for an 8 or 9 year old kid to be responsible for important covenants without any help from their family. Even though they have reached the age of accountability, they may not be prepared to live the gospel and be an active member by themselves. It's the same thing for these children; an 8-year-old kid has reached the age of accountability, but they might not be ready to understand all of the issues in their family and still live correct principles. They are not being denied the opportunity to be baptized, they are just given more time to decide for themselves if that's what they want in their life. Also, most gay people choose to fall far away from the church. Many of them are against the church, and many of them don't show a strong desire to have their kids baptized. I have faith in our church leaders who have been called by the Lord. I know that this is the right thing, and that they will continue to be inspired.