It is Wednesday night at 10 p.m., and Im back at my computer after leaving this morning at 7:15 a.m. Thank goodness for the non-caffeine energy boost in my daily Jamba Juice drink (I prefer the Strawberries Wild). I also did business with Taco Bell in the Cougar Eat between two of my afternoon classes (Chicken Burrito Supreme, if youre interested). Having three classes in a row in the Wilkinson Center Ballroom makes it possible to grab lunch and not miss anything. Its really the only room during the day that never really needs an overflow, so you actually have time to stand in line for food, visit the BYU Book Store Annex, use the restroom and not get turned away when you return two minutes before the next class begins. It also helps that I am aware of a secret restroom somewhere near the BYU Book Store (no lines). Thats all I am going to say about that.

I actually almost had to go to an overflow this evening. Brother Christensen ("Life-Changing Doctrines from the Book of Moses") let us out late and I had to get in line for Brother Botts class ("The Lords Message of Peace in a Troubled World") upstairs. I was within about 30 seconds from being sent to the overflow, which we later found out had a sound system malfunction. I must say that it got so hot in that classroom that I almost envied my frustrated fellow attendees in the hall. The lecture made it worth the discomfort. I take this stuff all in stride. This is all part of the excitement of traveling my road to perfection. Im happy to say that I attended all 10 sessions today, and Im a better man for it. A few thousand more and Ill be ready to be caught up. Unfortunately, I will be dead long before I can attend that many.

Today I learned the meaning of cheap grace, was reminded of the meaning of Urim and Thummim, reviewed many of the risks and rewards of marriage, heard some peaceful messages from the Koran, gained a new appreciation for the amazing power of God, gained a new perspective on what a covenant really is, heard a few more reasons to be more at peace with living in the last days, and learned a few great ideas for teaching my children good doctrine. This is good stuff, people. I hope I have enticed you to attend in the future, if youre not already attending. I cant wait to get back tomorrow. Until then, enjoy the experience.

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(John Brailsford is a marriage and family therapist working at the American Fork office of LDS Family Services and a public speaker starting his own seminar company. He is originally from North Las Vegas, Nev., and is now a resident of Highland, Utah. He and his wife are parents of four children, ages 7 to 18.)

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