Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Leadership Education


I spent the weekend at a leadership education training in Salt Lake. I feel completely inspired by my weekend and since I love lists I just wanted to make a list of the "biggies" from a very full day that my head is still spinning from! The training comes from a concept called A Thomas Jefferson Education, I am not going to go in and explain all there is to this, but I will highly recommend the book to anyone interested. But, the basic idea is raising children to be leaders and not just sheep willing to follow along behind whatever fad is presented at the moment. It also encourages finding personal mission and then living it fully. So now a list of the "biggies".
#1 Oliver Demille, who is the founder of all this and an incredible speaker, gave an amazing speech on the times. He pointed out that history repeats itself and follows four cycles. He pointed out that our world is in crisis. While we all know this, he pointed out why we should be almost thrilled that this is where we are. Crisis proceeds change, we are in a position to lead a good change for the future of our children and grandchildren. Think Civil War, horrible, bloody, awful, but also look at what came from it! Slavery is abolished (finally) and we are a stronger, tighter nation! In this time we can succeed by a following some basic guidelines. First of all we need to realize that this is where we are, stop wishing for the 90's and live in the now, so to speak. This is a time that we as a community, as a state, as a nation can pull together and make great things happen. There can be less selfishness and watching out more for one another because we desperately need each other! OK, sorry this one really got me I could go on and on. Reading Suggestion: Our Home, Sargent
#2 If you want your children to have a great basis for education there are four biggies you need to start with. The Bible (and Book of Mormon for my LDS friends), fairy tales, myths & Legends and Shakespeare. Think about it! So much of what we read and hear about is pulled from these sources, how much better off we and our children will be if we have read and studied these things. We certainly will be focusing more on that here. Reading Suggestion: The Fairy Books, Lang & D'aulaires Book of Greek Myths
#3 Marriage is meant to be passionate! If we had fabulous marriages we would have happier kids and stronger communities! Shannon Brooks pointed out that your children should be telling you to, "get a room" often! What better gift can we give our kids than for them to see two people passionately in love working through life together? Reading Suggestion: The Peacegiver, Farrell
#4 Teach your children to work. Yes, it is easier to do it yourself! But, if you could help them see that they are an important, contributing member of your family you could change their lives! Reading Suggestion: Little Britches Series (We read these at night as a family...gotta love em!)
#5 Just a quote that I love and will be putting on my wall: No one can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.--E.B Browning
What a truly inspiring day! I hope I can maintain the fire I feel right now and help my boys to reach the mission that God sent them here to fulfill!


7 comments:

LC said...

Wow. Thanks for giving me a re-cap. I think I better plan on going next year.
Great to have the book recommendations too!

President Kyle said...

I am glad that you and me could talk today. You are such a leader, one who is trustworthy, lovely, nice, kind. I love you. The truth is I am trying to do my best, and I know you are too. I love you a lot. Thank you for all you do, Kyle.

Tevita and Jodi said...

Can't wait to read those books! Sounds like you had a great time. Good for you.

Anonymous said...

I wish we could have spent some more time together, but it was great to see you for a minute. I love your recap and think its a great summary of the main points of the forum. You should post it on the tjed community.

Piper said...

It's nice to know what they are saying, I love your updates, and I love that you share this with me. It is exactly the kind of thing that I love knowing about. I'm hoping to be able to come and see you soon!

Laura said...

I love your quote and think I will stitch it into a sampler! I second your opinion and it was a great day!

The Peterson Press said...

It sounds like you had a great time. I am glad you could fit it into your schedule:)