Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Juliet!
I hope you have a happy birthday despite being sick. Hopefully we can celebrate your birthday on Friday. Get well soon.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Relief Society Lesson Temperance
Being Temperate in All Things -Elder Kent D. Watson of the Seventy
October 2009 General Conference
Temperance is:
A divine attribute of Jesus Christ
A spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost
Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control.
Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.
A temperate soul is a person of increased spiritual strength.
Through temperance we:
Develop self-mastery
Live with moderation
Learn to control (temper) our anger, vanity, and pride
Can protect ourselves from dangerous excesses and destructive addictions.
This was my outline/visual aids for my Relief Society lesson today. It is rather short and concise but hopefully you will be able to get something out of it anyway. I did say quite a bit more during my lesson. :-)
October 2009 General Conference
Temperance is:
A divine attribute of Jesus Christ
A spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost
Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control.
Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.
A temperate soul is a person of increased spiritual strength.
Through temperance we:
Develop self-mastery
Live with moderation
Learn to control (temper) our anger, vanity, and pride
Can protect ourselves from dangerous excesses and destructive addictions.
This was my outline/visual aids for my Relief Society lesson today. It is rather short and concise but hopefully you will be able to get something out of it anyway. I did say quite a bit more during my lesson. :-)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
2009 College Football Picks Champion Party
We had our second annual football champ party last night. Michael was crowned King of the 2009 college football picks. He was awarded a trophy with his name on it. Afterwards we watched the Las Vegas bowl and saw BYU beat up on Oregon State. It was a fun night.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Reflection in the Water
I was so excited when I found this transcript today! I have been looking for it every few days since I saw the fireside on my DVR. This is one of the best talks I’ve seen/heard in a long time. President Uchtdorf is quickly becoming my favorite speaker. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the Water”
CES Fireside for Young Adults • November 1, 2009 • Brigham Young University
My dear brothers and sisters, if we take the two hymns that we have just heard—“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “Do What Is Right”—and make them the motto of our lives, we will be in good shape on our way back to our Heavenly Father. What a wonderful sight you are! In my mind’s eye I can imagine many other beautiful faces like yours—youthful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the nations throughout the world. You may not all look exactly alike, but you have so much in common. I consider this a choice assignment, and I’m grateful to President Monson for providing me this opportunity to spend a few minutes with you.
The Ugly Duckling
One of the most beloved storytellers of all time was the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. In one of his stories, “The Ugly Duckling,” a mother duck discovers that one of her newly hatched chicks is unusually large and very ugly. At first the mother wonders if she has hatched a turkey egg, but the ugly child can swim as well as her other children. And so she comes to the conclusion that the poor thing is simply abnormal and disfigured.
The other ducklings, however, cannot leave the ugly child alone. They punish him mercilessly, pecking at him and teasing him and making him miserable. Finally, the ugly duckling decides it would be better for everyone if he left his family, and he runs away. During the bitter cold of his first winter on his own, the poor duckling nearly freezes to death, but somehow he survives. In spite of his privations, he feels himself getting stronger, and he loves spreading his wings and taking flight even though he’s alone.
Then one day he sees flying overhead a flock of majestic birds, white as snow, graceful in their movements, with beautiful long necks and wide, elegant wings. Oh, what glorious and happy creatures! The ugly duckling longs to fly with them. He is afraid that they might kill him because he is so ugly. But then he decides that would be better than being pecked at by the other animals forever or freezing to death in the winter. And so he takes flight and follows them to a beautiful lake where they settle onto the water.
As he lands, the ugly duckling looks into the water and sees the reflection of a magnificent swan. Gradually, unable to believe it at first, the ugly duckling realizes that the reflection is his own! To his surprise the other swans welcome him, and they even agree that he is the most beautiful, most majestic of all the swans. At last he has discovered who he really is.
The Great Questions
Like this young swan, most of us have felt at one time or another that we don’t quite fit in. Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from simply not understanding who we are. Too many go about their lives thinking they are of little worth when, in reality, they are elegant and eternal creatures of infinite value with potential beyond imagination.
Discovering who we really are is part of this great adventure called life. Mankind’s greatest minds have wrestled endlessly with these questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens after we die? And how does all this fit together—how does it make sense?
Once we begin to understand the answers to these questions—not with the mind only, but with the heart and the soul—we will begin to understand who we are, and we will feel like the wanderer who is finally finding home. We will feel like the young swan who has discovered at last who he really is. Everything finally makes sense.
The challenge is that the answers to these questions are simply beyond man’s earthly capacity to logically determine. Questions that reach into spiritual things require spiritual answers. Those who reject revelation and insist on tangible evidence can only speculate or deny that there is life before or after this mortal sphere. Consequently, they may never understand who they really are or what true purpose life has.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, we have been blessed with the answers to these questions, and we freely share them with all who will listen. We know them not because of someone’s educated guess or because we found a scientific explanation. We have the answers because heavenly messengers revealed these mysteries to man. That same knowledge is available to anyone on this planet Earth who is honest in heart, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is no small thing. Throughout history, emperors and philosophers would have offered a king’s ransom for what God has given freely in our time. Because He is merciful and loves His children, God has given again in these latter-days the truth about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going.
My dear young friends, this knowledge allows you to see your own reflection in the water. It assures you that you are not ordinary, rejected, or ugly. You are something divine—more beautiful and glorious than you can possibly imagine. This knowledge changes everything. It changes your present. It can change your future. And it can change the world.
We are profoundly aware, my precious young friends in the Church, wherever you may be, that you face many challenges in your young lives. Through your leaders and contacts with you individually, I have learned about the scope of your concerns. I’ve chosen from among the many questions I have received just a few that I think are among the harder and more troubling ones affecting you young Saints all around the globe. Today I hope to impress upon your mind and heart how a knowledge of who you really are can help you to successfully conquer the most difficult issues in life.
To Be or Not to Be
Here is the first question: “I’m unhappy and depressed. Sometimes it seems like the world would be a better place if I weren’t in it. Why should I go on living?”
Allow me to be clear: severe depression and thoughts of suicide are not trivial matters and should be taken seriously. I urge those who suffer from depression or thoughts of suicide to seek help from trusted professionals and Church leaders. If you know someone who is thinking of suicide, be a true friend and make sure he or she gets help. Please know that we love you and want you to be successful and happy in life.
That being said, most people have felt sad or inadequate at one time or another. It’s natural to have times of self-doubt or unhappiness. The question “Why should I go on living?” is simply another wording of the age-old phrase penned by William Shakespeare 400 years ago and uttered by millions of Hamlets the world over since that time: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.”1
But Shakespeare was wrong—“To be, or not to be” is not the question at all. There are other options beyond that simple contradiction. For my taste, I’d have Hamlet turn to the audience and say: “Knowing that I am a child of God, what need I do and be to live up to this potential? That is the question.” Now, I understand that such an edit would hopelessly ruin one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time. Nevertheless, if I were writing a script for you, that is how I would word it.
Think of where you came from. You are sons and daughters of the greatest, most glorious being in the universe. He loves you with an infinite love. He wants the best for you. Do you think our Father in Heaven wants you to feel depressed and sad? He wants no such thing. He has provided the commandments, which are the royal road to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. All we need to do is follow it. Knowing and living God’s commandments really do lead to fulfillment and to joy.
Our destiny is greater than we can imagine. If only we understood who we are and what is in store for us, our hearts would overflow with such gratitude and happiness that it would enlighten even the darkest sorrows with the light and love of God, our Heavenly Father. The next time you feel unhappy, remember where you came from and where you are going. Rather than focus on things that dampen your thoughts with sorrow, choose to focus on those things that fill your soul with hope. You will realize that these things are always connected to serving God and our fellowmen. Remember that the Lord has given you His word in the scriptures. Pray earnestly to Him; talk with Him daily. Learn of Him, and walk in His way. Serve God and serve your fellowmen.
Remember that there is “a time to weep” but also “a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). If your heart has been heavy for a while, perhaps it is time to allow the light of the Son of God into your heart. I plead with you—just look into the water and see your true reflection! Realize the purpose for which you were created! Lift your face toward the far horizon!
It is well for you to laugh! It is well for you to be happy! Lift up your voices and “praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving” (Doctrine and Covenants 136:28).
I cannot imagine a heaven filled only with somber beings who never speak up or who do not enjoy music and visiting with each other. That is not heaven for me. I am certain that you were not created to spend the hours and days of your lives isolated from each other in worry or despair. You were created to have joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25), so let’s celebrate the merciful blessings of a joyful and loving Heavenly Father!
You don’t need to wait for permission to fill your hearts with thanksgiving and happiness. You can do this nicely on your own. Get together as young people—in your wards or branches, but also with those in neighboring stakes and districts. Dance together, study the gospel together, work together, serve your fellowmen together—and have fun doing it. It is my earnest prayer that the knowledge of who you are and what you may become will fill your souls with the peaceable love of God and that this will ignite within you a happiness worthy of your true heritage, for in truth you are princes and princesses, kings and queens.
Will I Ever Find My Soul Mate?
A second question we hear from you young people is “I’m so lonely. Will I ever find my soul mate?” I have a number of things I want to say on this subject, but let’s start with the concept of finding the one person you were meant to be with—the one person who is perfect for you.
There is an old story about a young woman on an archaeological excavation who discovers an ancient-looking lamp. When she rubs it, a genie appears, offering her one wish. She thinks for a moment and asks for world peace—that people would love each other and live in harmony forever.
The genie contemplates her request and finally says: “What you are asking for is impossible. The division among the peoples of the world is too deep and has existed for too long. Please ask for something else. Anything but that.”
The young lady thinks again and says: “Somewhere out there is the one person I was meant to be with. I want to find him—someone who is handsome, thoughtful, and has a sense of humor; someone who will help around the house, loves kids, doesn’t watch sports all the time, has a great job, and thinks first about my happiness; someone who will go shopping with me and who can get along with my family.”
The genie considers her request for a moment, sighs deeply, and then replies, “Let me see what I can do about world peace.”
I know this may be a disappointment for some of you, but I don’t believe there is only one right person for you. I think I fell in love with my wife, Harriet, from the first moment I saw her. Nevertheless, had she decided to marry someone else, I believe I would have met and fallen in love with someone else. I am eternally grateful that this didn’t happen, but I don’t believe she was my one chance at happiness in this life, nor was I hers.
Another error you might easily make in dating is expecting to find perfection in the person you are with. The truth is, the only perfect people you might know are those you don’t know very well. Everyone has imperfections. Now, I’m not suggesting you lower your standards and marry someone with whom you can’t be happy. But one of the things I’ve realized as I’ve matured in life is that if someone is willing to accept me—imperfect as I am—then I should be willing to be patient with others’ imperfections as well. Since you won’t find perfection in your partner, and your partner won’t find it in you, your only chance at perfection is in creating perfection together.
There are those who do not marry because they feel a lack of “magic” in the relationship. By “magic” I assume they mean sparks of attraction. Falling in love is a wonderful feeling, and I would never counsel you to marry someone you do not love. Nevertheless—and here is another thing that is sometimes hard to accept—that magic sparkle needs continuous polishing. When the magic endures in a relationship, it’s because the couple made it happen, not because it mystically appeared due to some cosmic force.
Frankly, it takes work. For any relationship to survive, both parties bring their own magic with them and use that to sustain their love. Although I have said that I do not believe in a one-and-only soul mate for anyone, I do know this: once you commit to being married, your spouse becomes your soul mate, and it is your duty and responsibility to work every day to keep it that way. Once you have committed, the search for a soul mate is over. Our thoughts and actions turn from looking to creating.
But what about those who despair of ever finding an eternal companion? First, don’t give up. Go to activities, meet people, and do all you can. I know that dating can be rough. Rejection is one of the most painful things we can experience. Trust me, I know how this feels. I fell in love with Harriet long before she fell in love with me.
But this didn’t stop me—not at all. I found ways to be in the same place she was. When I was administering the sacrament at church, I arranged to pass it to her family. I was doing the best I could to impress her, but I think she found me a little immature. The sparks simply weren’t there for her. I despaired of ever convincing her that I could be anything more than a friend.
I went away, joined the Air Force, and then traveled half a world away to attend pilot training in the United States. It wasn’t until I returned to Germany having completed my training as a fighter pilot—years after I had first met her—that this beautiful young woman looked at me and said those magical words I had been longing to hear: “You have matured since the last time I saw you.”
I moved quickly after that, and within a few months I married the woman I had loved for a long, long time.
So don’t give up, brothers and sisters. Just because you have been rejected a time or two—or three or four, or a couple hundred times—don’t despair. Brethren, the secret to finding the girl of your dreams is to get to know many of them and then, when you fall in love and it feels right, ask her to marry you. If she says no, you continue to search and to pray until finally you will arrive with that young woman at the altar of the temple. Just don’t give up.
Now, sisters, be gentle. It’s all right if you turn down requests for dates or proposals for marriage. But please do it gently. And brethren, please start asking! There are too many of our young women who never go on dates. Don’t suppose that certain girls would never go out with you. Sometimes they are wondering why no one asks them out. Just ask, and be prepared to move on if the answer is no.
One of the trends we see in some parts of the world is our young people only “hanging out” in large groups rather than dating. While there is nothing wrong with getting together often with others your own age, I don’t know if you can really get to know individuals when you’re always in a group. One of the things you need to learn is how to have a conversation with a member of the opposite sex. A great way to learn this is by being alone with someone—talking without a net, so to speak.
Dates don’t have to be—and in most cases shouldn’t be—expensive and over-planned affairs. When my wife and I moved from Germany to Salt Lake City, one of the things that most surprised us was the elaborate and sometimes stressful process young people had developed of asking for and accepting dates.
Relax. Find simple ways to be together. One of my favorite things to do when I was young and looking for a date was to walk a young lady home after a Church meeting. Remember, your goal should not be to have a video of your date get a million views on YouTube. The goal is to get to know one individual person and learn how to develop a meaningful relationship with the opposite sex.
Now, there are those among you fine young members of the Church who might never marry. Although they are worthy in every way, they may never find someone to whom they will be sealed in the temple of the Lord in this life. There is no way for those who have not experienced this despair to truly understand the loneliness and pain they might feel. I know of many women who want more than anything else to be a wife and a mother, and they cannot understand why their prayers have never been answered. There are many single men who, for whatever reason, also find themselves alone.
First, let me tell you that your prayers are heard. Your Father in Heaven knows the desires of your heart. I cannot tell you why one individual’s prayers are answered one way while someone else’s are answered differently. But this I can tell you: the righteous desires of your hearts will be fulfilled.
Sometimes it can be difficult to see anything beyond the path immediately before us. We are impatient and do not want to wait for a future fulfillment of our greatest desires. Nevertheless, the brief span of this life is nothing in comparison with eternity. And if only we can hope and exercise faith and joyfully endure to the end—and I say joyfully endure to the end—there, in that great heavenly future, we will have the fulfillment of the righteous desires of our hearts and so very much more that we can scarcely comprehend now.
In the meantime, do not wait for someone else to make your life complete. Stop second-guessing yourself and wondering if you are defective. Instead, seek to reach your potential as a child of God. Seek learning. Become engaged in a meaningful career, and seek fulfillment in service to others. Use your time, your talents, and your resources to improve yourself and bless those around you. All of this is part of your preparation for having a family. Immerse yourself in your ward or branch and seek to magnify your callings, no matter what they may be.
The great purpose of this mortal existence is to learn to fully love our Heavenly Father and our neighbor as ourselves. If we do this with all our might, mind, and strength, our eternal destiny will be glorious and grand beyond our capacity to imagine. Be faithful, and things will work out for you. That is His eternal promise to all who love and honor Him.
Can I Remain Faithful?
A third question young people have is “Can I remain faithful?” There are those who have doubts about God or the Church. Others give in to temptation that lures them away from the safety of the straight and narrow pathway of discipleship.
When I was a pilot, I often saw an interesting weather phenomenon as I flew between Europe and Africa. It is called the intertropical convergence zone—a band of thunderstorms that moves north and south across the equator, filling the horizon with billowing, menacing columns of clouds.
I could scarcely look at these clouds without being fascinated with their beauty and majesty. They towered in massive black formations, and within them lightning sparked with brilliant light from one end to the other in an indescribable fury of fire. What a glorious and fascinating sight!
But what do you think pilots do when they approach these storms? They avoid them—no matter how beautiful and intriguing they appear. As moisture rises in the clouds, it begins to freeze, forming hail the size of soccer balls that can puncture metal and destroy an aircraft. Severe turbulence and electric discharges can cripple the airplane and its systems.
Isn’t the same principle true when you see things that could cause spiritual harm? Temptation wouldn’t be temptation if it didn’t appear attractive, fascinating, or fun. But, like the pilot approaching a storm, you need to learn to avoid it, no matter how beautiful or intriguing it may appear.
Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has given us the commandments to keep us at a safe distance from those harmful storms. He does not force any of His children to walk in His way. He allows and expects you to choose for yourselves. But know this: some choices lead to disaster. So, choose the right.
I add my witness to the chorus of warnings against the terrible problem of pornography. Steer clear of it. Stay away from it. The same words we used to train our pilots regarding thunderstorms I say to you regarding pornography: “Avoid, avoid, avoid!”
Don’t assume that you can put the nose of the plane just a little bit inside the storm—do not flirt with pornography. Remember that often the most disgusting and destructive of things can appear attractive in the beginning. Steer clear of those things that can endanger you.
Is It True?
Now the next issue: What about doubts and questions? How do you find out that the gospel is true? Is it all right to have questions about the Church or its doctrine? My dear young friends, we are a question-asking people because we know that inquiry leads to truth. That is the way the Church got its start—from a young man who had questions. In fact, I’m not sure how one can discover truth without asking questions. In the scriptures you will rarely discover a revelation that didn’t come in response to a question. Whenever a question arose and Joseph Smith wasn’t sure of the answer, he approached the Lord, and the results are the wonderful revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. Often the knowledge Joseph received extended far beyond the original question. That is because not only can the Lord answer the questions we ask but, even more importantly, He can give us answers to questions we should have asked. Let us listen to those answers.
The missionary effort of the Church is founded upon honest investigators asking heartfelt questions. Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony. Some might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they have searching questions regarding the gospel, but they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a precursor of growth.
God commands us to seek answers to our questions (see James 1:5–6) and asks only that we seek “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” (Moroni 10:4). When we do so, the truth of all things can be manifested to us “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:5).
Fear not; ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not! Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received. Because we see imperfectly in mortality, not everything is going to make sense right now. In fact, I should think that if everything did make sense to us, it would be evidence that it had all been made up by a mortal mind. Remember that God has said:
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. …
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Nevertheless, you know that one of the purposes of mortality is to become more like your Heavenly Father in your thoughts and in your ways. Viewed from this perspective, searching for answers to your questions can bring you closer to God, strengthening your testimony instead of shaking it. It’s true that “faith is not … a perfect knowledge” (Alma 32:21), but as you exercise your faith, applying gospel principles every day under any circumstances, you will taste the sweet fruits of the gospel, and by this fruit you will know of its truth (see Matthew 7:16–20; John 7:17; Alma 32:41–43).
You Are Eternal
There will always be voices telling you that you are foolish to believe that you are swans, insisting you are but ugly ducklings and that you can’t expect to become anything else.
But you know better. Because of the revealed word of a merciful God, you have seen your true reflection in the water and you have felt the eternal glory of that divine spirit within you. You are no ordinary beings, my beloved young friends all around the world. You are glorious and eternal.
No matter your circumstances or trials in life, I urge you to remember who you are, where you came from, and where you are going—for the answers to those questions will truly provide confidence and direction for your life.
Your Heavenly Father lives. He knows you. He speaks to you in these latter days through prophets and apostles. President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet on earth in our day. This Church is directed by the Savior Jesus Christ. I know this. He is at the head of this Church.
Today I may speak to you with imperfection—and with a German accent—but I promise you that the words you feel in your heart and in your mind and in your soul come to you through the eloquence, purity, and power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost you can know the truth of all things.
Brothers and sisters—my dear friends—I love you. I love you with all my heart. I am grateful for you. I am grateful for your goodness. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, I bless you individually and collectively that you may learn to know who you really are and what you must do and be to live a happy and fulfilling life.
It is my prayer and blessing that when you look at your reflection, you will be able to see beyond imperfections and self-doubts and recognize who you truly are: glorious sons and daughters of the Almighty God. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
© 2009 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Notes
1. William Shakespeare, Hamlet, ed. W. J. Craig, Oxford Shakespeare (1924), act 3, scene 1, line 56.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the Water”
CES Fireside for Young Adults • November 1, 2009 • Brigham Young University
My dear brothers and sisters, if we take the two hymns that we have just heard—“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “Do What Is Right”—and make them the motto of our lives, we will be in good shape on our way back to our Heavenly Father. What a wonderful sight you are! In my mind’s eye I can imagine many other beautiful faces like yours—youthful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the nations throughout the world. You may not all look exactly alike, but you have so much in common. I consider this a choice assignment, and I’m grateful to President Monson for providing me this opportunity to spend a few minutes with you.
The Ugly Duckling
One of the most beloved storytellers of all time was the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. In one of his stories, “The Ugly Duckling,” a mother duck discovers that one of her newly hatched chicks is unusually large and very ugly. At first the mother wonders if she has hatched a turkey egg, but the ugly child can swim as well as her other children. And so she comes to the conclusion that the poor thing is simply abnormal and disfigured.
The other ducklings, however, cannot leave the ugly child alone. They punish him mercilessly, pecking at him and teasing him and making him miserable. Finally, the ugly duckling decides it would be better for everyone if he left his family, and he runs away. During the bitter cold of his first winter on his own, the poor duckling nearly freezes to death, but somehow he survives. In spite of his privations, he feels himself getting stronger, and he loves spreading his wings and taking flight even though he’s alone.
Then one day he sees flying overhead a flock of majestic birds, white as snow, graceful in their movements, with beautiful long necks and wide, elegant wings. Oh, what glorious and happy creatures! The ugly duckling longs to fly with them. He is afraid that they might kill him because he is so ugly. But then he decides that would be better than being pecked at by the other animals forever or freezing to death in the winter. And so he takes flight and follows them to a beautiful lake where they settle onto the water.
As he lands, the ugly duckling looks into the water and sees the reflection of a magnificent swan. Gradually, unable to believe it at first, the ugly duckling realizes that the reflection is his own! To his surprise the other swans welcome him, and they even agree that he is the most beautiful, most majestic of all the swans. At last he has discovered who he really is.
The Great Questions
Like this young swan, most of us have felt at one time or another that we don’t quite fit in. Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from simply not understanding who we are. Too many go about their lives thinking they are of little worth when, in reality, they are elegant and eternal creatures of infinite value with potential beyond imagination.
Discovering who we really are is part of this great adventure called life. Mankind’s greatest minds have wrestled endlessly with these questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens after we die? And how does all this fit together—how does it make sense?
Once we begin to understand the answers to these questions—not with the mind only, but with the heart and the soul—we will begin to understand who we are, and we will feel like the wanderer who is finally finding home. We will feel like the young swan who has discovered at last who he really is. Everything finally makes sense.
The challenge is that the answers to these questions are simply beyond man’s earthly capacity to logically determine. Questions that reach into spiritual things require spiritual answers. Those who reject revelation and insist on tangible evidence can only speculate or deny that there is life before or after this mortal sphere. Consequently, they may never understand who they really are or what true purpose life has.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, we have been blessed with the answers to these questions, and we freely share them with all who will listen. We know them not because of someone’s educated guess or because we found a scientific explanation. We have the answers because heavenly messengers revealed these mysteries to man. That same knowledge is available to anyone on this planet Earth who is honest in heart, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is no small thing. Throughout history, emperors and philosophers would have offered a king’s ransom for what God has given freely in our time. Because He is merciful and loves His children, God has given again in these latter-days the truth about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going.
My dear young friends, this knowledge allows you to see your own reflection in the water. It assures you that you are not ordinary, rejected, or ugly. You are something divine—more beautiful and glorious than you can possibly imagine. This knowledge changes everything. It changes your present. It can change your future. And it can change the world.
We are profoundly aware, my precious young friends in the Church, wherever you may be, that you face many challenges in your young lives. Through your leaders and contacts with you individually, I have learned about the scope of your concerns. I’ve chosen from among the many questions I have received just a few that I think are among the harder and more troubling ones affecting you young Saints all around the globe. Today I hope to impress upon your mind and heart how a knowledge of who you really are can help you to successfully conquer the most difficult issues in life.
To Be or Not to Be
Here is the first question: “I’m unhappy and depressed. Sometimes it seems like the world would be a better place if I weren’t in it. Why should I go on living?”
Allow me to be clear: severe depression and thoughts of suicide are not trivial matters and should be taken seriously. I urge those who suffer from depression or thoughts of suicide to seek help from trusted professionals and Church leaders. If you know someone who is thinking of suicide, be a true friend and make sure he or she gets help. Please know that we love you and want you to be successful and happy in life.
That being said, most people have felt sad or inadequate at one time or another. It’s natural to have times of self-doubt or unhappiness. The question “Why should I go on living?” is simply another wording of the age-old phrase penned by William Shakespeare 400 years ago and uttered by millions of Hamlets the world over since that time: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.”1
But Shakespeare was wrong—“To be, or not to be” is not the question at all. There are other options beyond that simple contradiction. For my taste, I’d have Hamlet turn to the audience and say: “Knowing that I am a child of God, what need I do and be to live up to this potential? That is the question.” Now, I understand that such an edit would hopelessly ruin one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time. Nevertheless, if I were writing a script for you, that is how I would word it.
Think of where you came from. You are sons and daughters of the greatest, most glorious being in the universe. He loves you with an infinite love. He wants the best for you. Do you think our Father in Heaven wants you to feel depressed and sad? He wants no such thing. He has provided the commandments, which are the royal road to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. All we need to do is follow it. Knowing and living God’s commandments really do lead to fulfillment and to joy.
Our destiny is greater than we can imagine. If only we understood who we are and what is in store for us, our hearts would overflow with such gratitude and happiness that it would enlighten even the darkest sorrows with the light and love of God, our Heavenly Father. The next time you feel unhappy, remember where you came from and where you are going. Rather than focus on things that dampen your thoughts with sorrow, choose to focus on those things that fill your soul with hope. You will realize that these things are always connected to serving God and our fellowmen. Remember that the Lord has given you His word in the scriptures. Pray earnestly to Him; talk with Him daily. Learn of Him, and walk in His way. Serve God and serve your fellowmen.
Remember that there is “a time to weep” but also “a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). If your heart has been heavy for a while, perhaps it is time to allow the light of the Son of God into your heart. I plead with you—just look into the water and see your true reflection! Realize the purpose for which you were created! Lift your face toward the far horizon!
It is well for you to laugh! It is well for you to be happy! Lift up your voices and “praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving” (Doctrine and Covenants 136:28).
I cannot imagine a heaven filled only with somber beings who never speak up or who do not enjoy music and visiting with each other. That is not heaven for me. I am certain that you were not created to spend the hours and days of your lives isolated from each other in worry or despair. You were created to have joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25), so let’s celebrate the merciful blessings of a joyful and loving Heavenly Father!
You don’t need to wait for permission to fill your hearts with thanksgiving and happiness. You can do this nicely on your own. Get together as young people—in your wards or branches, but also with those in neighboring stakes and districts. Dance together, study the gospel together, work together, serve your fellowmen together—and have fun doing it. It is my earnest prayer that the knowledge of who you are and what you may become will fill your souls with the peaceable love of God and that this will ignite within you a happiness worthy of your true heritage, for in truth you are princes and princesses, kings and queens.
Will I Ever Find My Soul Mate?
A second question we hear from you young people is “I’m so lonely. Will I ever find my soul mate?” I have a number of things I want to say on this subject, but let’s start with the concept of finding the one person you were meant to be with—the one person who is perfect for you.
There is an old story about a young woman on an archaeological excavation who discovers an ancient-looking lamp. When she rubs it, a genie appears, offering her one wish. She thinks for a moment and asks for world peace—that people would love each other and live in harmony forever.
The genie contemplates her request and finally says: “What you are asking for is impossible. The division among the peoples of the world is too deep and has existed for too long. Please ask for something else. Anything but that.”
The young lady thinks again and says: “Somewhere out there is the one person I was meant to be with. I want to find him—someone who is handsome, thoughtful, and has a sense of humor; someone who will help around the house, loves kids, doesn’t watch sports all the time, has a great job, and thinks first about my happiness; someone who will go shopping with me and who can get along with my family.”
The genie considers her request for a moment, sighs deeply, and then replies, “Let me see what I can do about world peace.”
I know this may be a disappointment for some of you, but I don’t believe there is only one right person for you. I think I fell in love with my wife, Harriet, from the first moment I saw her. Nevertheless, had she decided to marry someone else, I believe I would have met and fallen in love with someone else. I am eternally grateful that this didn’t happen, but I don’t believe she was my one chance at happiness in this life, nor was I hers.
Another error you might easily make in dating is expecting to find perfection in the person you are with. The truth is, the only perfect people you might know are those you don’t know very well. Everyone has imperfections. Now, I’m not suggesting you lower your standards and marry someone with whom you can’t be happy. But one of the things I’ve realized as I’ve matured in life is that if someone is willing to accept me—imperfect as I am—then I should be willing to be patient with others’ imperfections as well. Since you won’t find perfection in your partner, and your partner won’t find it in you, your only chance at perfection is in creating perfection together.
There are those who do not marry because they feel a lack of “magic” in the relationship. By “magic” I assume they mean sparks of attraction. Falling in love is a wonderful feeling, and I would never counsel you to marry someone you do not love. Nevertheless—and here is another thing that is sometimes hard to accept—that magic sparkle needs continuous polishing. When the magic endures in a relationship, it’s because the couple made it happen, not because it mystically appeared due to some cosmic force.
Frankly, it takes work. For any relationship to survive, both parties bring their own magic with them and use that to sustain their love. Although I have said that I do not believe in a one-and-only soul mate for anyone, I do know this: once you commit to being married, your spouse becomes your soul mate, and it is your duty and responsibility to work every day to keep it that way. Once you have committed, the search for a soul mate is over. Our thoughts and actions turn from looking to creating.
But what about those who despair of ever finding an eternal companion? First, don’t give up. Go to activities, meet people, and do all you can. I know that dating can be rough. Rejection is one of the most painful things we can experience. Trust me, I know how this feels. I fell in love with Harriet long before she fell in love with me.
But this didn’t stop me—not at all. I found ways to be in the same place she was. When I was administering the sacrament at church, I arranged to pass it to her family. I was doing the best I could to impress her, but I think she found me a little immature. The sparks simply weren’t there for her. I despaired of ever convincing her that I could be anything more than a friend.
I went away, joined the Air Force, and then traveled half a world away to attend pilot training in the United States. It wasn’t until I returned to Germany having completed my training as a fighter pilot—years after I had first met her—that this beautiful young woman looked at me and said those magical words I had been longing to hear: “You have matured since the last time I saw you.”
I moved quickly after that, and within a few months I married the woman I had loved for a long, long time.
So don’t give up, brothers and sisters. Just because you have been rejected a time or two—or three or four, or a couple hundred times—don’t despair. Brethren, the secret to finding the girl of your dreams is to get to know many of them and then, when you fall in love and it feels right, ask her to marry you. If she says no, you continue to search and to pray until finally you will arrive with that young woman at the altar of the temple. Just don’t give up.
Now, sisters, be gentle. It’s all right if you turn down requests for dates or proposals for marriage. But please do it gently. And brethren, please start asking! There are too many of our young women who never go on dates. Don’t suppose that certain girls would never go out with you. Sometimes they are wondering why no one asks them out. Just ask, and be prepared to move on if the answer is no.
One of the trends we see in some parts of the world is our young people only “hanging out” in large groups rather than dating. While there is nothing wrong with getting together often with others your own age, I don’t know if you can really get to know individuals when you’re always in a group. One of the things you need to learn is how to have a conversation with a member of the opposite sex. A great way to learn this is by being alone with someone—talking without a net, so to speak.
Dates don’t have to be—and in most cases shouldn’t be—expensive and over-planned affairs. When my wife and I moved from Germany to Salt Lake City, one of the things that most surprised us was the elaborate and sometimes stressful process young people had developed of asking for and accepting dates.
Relax. Find simple ways to be together. One of my favorite things to do when I was young and looking for a date was to walk a young lady home after a Church meeting. Remember, your goal should not be to have a video of your date get a million views on YouTube. The goal is to get to know one individual person and learn how to develop a meaningful relationship with the opposite sex.
Now, there are those among you fine young members of the Church who might never marry. Although they are worthy in every way, they may never find someone to whom they will be sealed in the temple of the Lord in this life. There is no way for those who have not experienced this despair to truly understand the loneliness and pain they might feel. I know of many women who want more than anything else to be a wife and a mother, and they cannot understand why their prayers have never been answered. There are many single men who, for whatever reason, also find themselves alone.
First, let me tell you that your prayers are heard. Your Father in Heaven knows the desires of your heart. I cannot tell you why one individual’s prayers are answered one way while someone else’s are answered differently. But this I can tell you: the righteous desires of your hearts will be fulfilled.
Sometimes it can be difficult to see anything beyond the path immediately before us. We are impatient and do not want to wait for a future fulfillment of our greatest desires. Nevertheless, the brief span of this life is nothing in comparison with eternity. And if only we can hope and exercise faith and joyfully endure to the end—and I say joyfully endure to the end—there, in that great heavenly future, we will have the fulfillment of the righteous desires of our hearts and so very much more that we can scarcely comprehend now.
In the meantime, do not wait for someone else to make your life complete. Stop second-guessing yourself and wondering if you are defective. Instead, seek to reach your potential as a child of God. Seek learning. Become engaged in a meaningful career, and seek fulfillment in service to others. Use your time, your talents, and your resources to improve yourself and bless those around you. All of this is part of your preparation for having a family. Immerse yourself in your ward or branch and seek to magnify your callings, no matter what they may be.
The great purpose of this mortal existence is to learn to fully love our Heavenly Father and our neighbor as ourselves. If we do this with all our might, mind, and strength, our eternal destiny will be glorious and grand beyond our capacity to imagine. Be faithful, and things will work out for you. That is His eternal promise to all who love and honor Him.
Can I Remain Faithful?
A third question young people have is “Can I remain faithful?” There are those who have doubts about God or the Church. Others give in to temptation that lures them away from the safety of the straight and narrow pathway of discipleship.
When I was a pilot, I often saw an interesting weather phenomenon as I flew between Europe and Africa. It is called the intertropical convergence zone—a band of thunderstorms that moves north and south across the equator, filling the horizon with billowing, menacing columns of clouds.
I could scarcely look at these clouds without being fascinated with their beauty and majesty. They towered in massive black formations, and within them lightning sparked with brilliant light from one end to the other in an indescribable fury of fire. What a glorious and fascinating sight!
But what do you think pilots do when they approach these storms? They avoid them—no matter how beautiful and intriguing they appear. As moisture rises in the clouds, it begins to freeze, forming hail the size of soccer balls that can puncture metal and destroy an aircraft. Severe turbulence and electric discharges can cripple the airplane and its systems.
Isn’t the same principle true when you see things that could cause spiritual harm? Temptation wouldn’t be temptation if it didn’t appear attractive, fascinating, or fun. But, like the pilot approaching a storm, you need to learn to avoid it, no matter how beautiful or intriguing it may appear.
Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has given us the commandments to keep us at a safe distance from those harmful storms. He does not force any of His children to walk in His way. He allows and expects you to choose for yourselves. But know this: some choices lead to disaster. So, choose the right.
I add my witness to the chorus of warnings against the terrible problem of pornography. Steer clear of it. Stay away from it. The same words we used to train our pilots regarding thunderstorms I say to you regarding pornography: “Avoid, avoid, avoid!”
Don’t assume that you can put the nose of the plane just a little bit inside the storm—do not flirt with pornography. Remember that often the most disgusting and destructive of things can appear attractive in the beginning. Steer clear of those things that can endanger you.
Is It True?
Now the next issue: What about doubts and questions? How do you find out that the gospel is true? Is it all right to have questions about the Church or its doctrine? My dear young friends, we are a question-asking people because we know that inquiry leads to truth. That is the way the Church got its start—from a young man who had questions. In fact, I’m not sure how one can discover truth without asking questions. In the scriptures you will rarely discover a revelation that didn’t come in response to a question. Whenever a question arose and Joseph Smith wasn’t sure of the answer, he approached the Lord, and the results are the wonderful revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. Often the knowledge Joseph received extended far beyond the original question. That is because not only can the Lord answer the questions we ask but, even more importantly, He can give us answers to questions we should have asked. Let us listen to those answers.
The missionary effort of the Church is founded upon honest investigators asking heartfelt questions. Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony. Some might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they have searching questions regarding the gospel, but they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a precursor of growth.
God commands us to seek answers to our questions (see James 1:5–6) and asks only that we seek “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” (Moroni 10:4). When we do so, the truth of all things can be manifested to us “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:5).
Fear not; ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not! Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received. Because we see imperfectly in mortality, not everything is going to make sense right now. In fact, I should think that if everything did make sense to us, it would be evidence that it had all been made up by a mortal mind. Remember that God has said:
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. …
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Nevertheless, you know that one of the purposes of mortality is to become more like your Heavenly Father in your thoughts and in your ways. Viewed from this perspective, searching for answers to your questions can bring you closer to God, strengthening your testimony instead of shaking it. It’s true that “faith is not … a perfect knowledge” (Alma 32:21), but as you exercise your faith, applying gospel principles every day under any circumstances, you will taste the sweet fruits of the gospel, and by this fruit you will know of its truth (see Matthew 7:16–20; John 7:17; Alma 32:41–43).
You Are Eternal
There will always be voices telling you that you are foolish to believe that you are swans, insisting you are but ugly ducklings and that you can’t expect to become anything else.
But you know better. Because of the revealed word of a merciful God, you have seen your true reflection in the water and you have felt the eternal glory of that divine spirit within you. You are no ordinary beings, my beloved young friends all around the world. You are glorious and eternal.
No matter your circumstances or trials in life, I urge you to remember who you are, where you came from, and where you are going—for the answers to those questions will truly provide confidence and direction for your life.
Your Heavenly Father lives. He knows you. He speaks to you in these latter days through prophets and apostles. President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet on earth in our day. This Church is directed by the Savior Jesus Christ. I know this. He is at the head of this Church.
Today I may speak to you with imperfection—and with a German accent—but I promise you that the words you feel in your heart and in your mind and in your soul come to you through the eloquence, purity, and power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost you can know the truth of all things.
Brothers and sisters—my dear friends—I love you. I love you with all my heart. I am grateful for you. I am grateful for your goodness. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, I bless you individually and collectively that you may learn to know who you really are and what you must do and be to live a happy and fulfilling life.
It is my prayer and blessing that when you look at your reflection, you will be able to see beyond imperfections and self-doubts and recognize who you truly are: glorious sons and daughters of the Almighty God. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
© 2009 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Notes
1. William Shakespeare, Hamlet, ed. W. J. Craig, Oxford Shakespeare (1924), act 3, scene 1, line 56.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Prayers for Mom
I would like to make a special request to all of you who read this blog. My mom is going in for a CT scan tomorrow. She is a hard stick so will you please pray that they will be able to get an IV started so they can give her the contrast. She had a CT scan a few months ago without contrast. Because they were unable to start an IV. :-( I don't know why they did that because it was useless. So she was exposed to all that radiation for nothing. :-( Now she has to do it again. Which is even more maddening in light of the recent study published regarding CT scans and cancer.
Also, would you please pray that the doctors will be able to figure out what's wrong with her. So they can help her. She's been quite ill for some time now.
Thank you.
Also, would you please pray that the doctors will be able to figure out what's wrong with her. So they can help her. She's been quite ill for some time now.
Thank you.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Education
I was watching BYU TV this morning and heard this quote: “A truly educated man never ceases to learn.”-Gordon B. Hinckley. I hope I got that right. I just went from memory. They always play some great quotes about education before the BYU devotional. This is the one that stuck out to me.
As most of you know, I’m a strong believer in education. I think I did a blog entry about this subject and my grandma Sabin. Anyway, I like that quote by President Hinckley because education is something you can always gain more of. Even the most educated person on earth only knows a small fraction of the knowledge available.
The Church has always taught us the importance of education. Education is something that has always been emphasized as something we should strive for. In fact, in this next quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, he mentions that education is a commandment.
"For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it's a commandment. We are to learn 'of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad' (see D&C 88:79–80)."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 58
I’m glad that I set and achieved lofty educational goals for myself. It’s amazing how much of the information I obtained during my formal education, I still remember. I hope to be able to continue learning as much as possible. For this is what we are here on earth for. To learn and to grow and to progress towards becoming like our Heavenly Father. Who we all know is omniscient (all-knowing).
That’s my two cents.
As most of you know, I’m a strong believer in education. I think I did a blog entry about this subject and my grandma Sabin. Anyway, I like that quote by President Hinckley because education is something you can always gain more of. Even the most educated person on earth only knows a small fraction of the knowledge available.
The Church has always taught us the importance of education. Education is something that has always been emphasized as something we should strive for. In fact, in this next quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, he mentions that education is a commandment.
"For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it's a commandment. We are to learn 'of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad' (see D&C 88:79–80)."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 58
I’m glad that I set and achieved lofty educational goals for myself. It’s amazing how much of the information I obtained during my formal education, I still remember. I hope to be able to continue learning as much as possible. For this is what we are here on earth for. To learn and to grow and to progress towards becoming like our Heavenly Father. Who we all know is omniscient (all-knowing).
That’s my two cents.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday dear Tammy. Happy birthday to me. :-)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Inconsiderate Jerks
Why don't people have manners anymore? What happened to the days when people actually considered others? It's been said that we are living in a "me generation". I can attest to that. People don't consider how their actions may affect others. All they are concerned about is what is best for them. We live in a very selfish society.
Today while shopping at Sam's Club, we came out of the store to find a car parked in the handicapped loading zone in between two handicapped parking spaces. Now, first of all, when you see a van parked in a handicapped parking space, you might assume it's transporting someone in a wheelchair. And you could deduce that the person needs to use the loading zone to get in and out of the van. Who in their right mind would park in between two handicapped spaces, in the loading zone? An inconsiderate jerk.
Is it really that important to park a few feet closer to the store entrance? Is it going to kill you to walk the few extra steps? The ironic thing is, this tends to happen more often at Christmas time. I don't get out much, and perhaps this is one of the reasons. It's difficult enough to load and unload my wheelchair in the van and navigate through crowded aisles. But when you have to deal with inconsiderate jerks parking in the loading zone, it ruins your day. A fun outing turns into a terrible reminder of the inconsiderate jerks which inhabit this earth.
Don't parents teach manners anymore? Are people really that selfish? This is not a one-time occurrence. Granted, this is the first time I've encountered a car parked in a handicapped loading zone. And next to a handicapped accessible van, no less. (This is probably the first time I've encountered a car parked in the handicapped loading zone because they are generally not big enough to fit a car. This is no exception. In order to give us enough room to load, we had to hug the parking space line, which apparently created enough room to park a small car.) But more often than not, there are carts parked in the handicapped loading zone. As if, it is a cart return. Why do people obviously ignore the big blue sign that designates handicapped parking? How do they expect people in wheelchairs to load into and out of the van, if they parked their cart in the loading zone? Obviously, they don't care. As long as it is quick and easy for them, why should they care about someone else?
I know I've blogged about this last year, but it really irks me when people are so inconsiderate. People violating handicapped parking rules has always been a pet peeve of mine. Long before my accident. I mean really, what kind of low life do you have to be? Obviously a selfish inconsiderate jerk.
That's my two cents.
Today while shopping at Sam's Club, we came out of the store to find a car parked in the handicapped loading zone in between two handicapped parking spaces. Now, first of all, when you see a van parked in a handicapped parking space, you might assume it's transporting someone in a wheelchair. And you could deduce that the person needs to use the loading zone to get in and out of the van. Who in their right mind would park in between two handicapped spaces, in the loading zone? An inconsiderate jerk.
Is it really that important to park a few feet closer to the store entrance? Is it going to kill you to walk the few extra steps? The ironic thing is, this tends to happen more often at Christmas time. I don't get out much, and perhaps this is one of the reasons. It's difficult enough to load and unload my wheelchair in the van and navigate through crowded aisles. But when you have to deal with inconsiderate jerks parking in the loading zone, it ruins your day. A fun outing turns into a terrible reminder of the inconsiderate jerks which inhabit this earth.
Don't parents teach manners anymore? Are people really that selfish? This is not a one-time occurrence. Granted, this is the first time I've encountered a car parked in a handicapped loading zone. And next to a handicapped accessible van, no less. (This is probably the first time I've encountered a car parked in the handicapped loading zone because they are generally not big enough to fit a car. This is no exception. In order to give us enough room to load, we had to hug the parking space line, which apparently created enough room to park a small car.) But more often than not, there are carts parked in the handicapped loading zone. As if, it is a cart return. Why do people obviously ignore the big blue sign that designates handicapped parking? How do they expect people in wheelchairs to load into and out of the van, if they parked their cart in the loading zone? Obviously, they don't care. As long as it is quick and easy for them, why should they care about someone else?
I know I've blogged about this last year, but it really irks me when people are so inconsiderate. People violating handicapped parking rules has always been a pet peeve of mine. Long before my accident. I mean really, what kind of low life do you have to be? Obviously a selfish inconsiderate jerk.
That's my two cents.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Week 14 Results/Season Results
It's been a fun season everybody. Congratulations to Michael who is this year's champion!
1- Mom -6 (54)
2- Dad -6 (64)
3- Tammy -7 (45)
4- Michael -7 (52)
5-Juliet -8
Actual tiebreaker 45
the final tally for the season is: Michael with seven wins. Tammy with three wins. Mom with two wins. Dad and Lisa with one win each. Sorry Derrinda and Juliet you have zero wins. :-( maybe next year.
Congratulations once again to Michael!
1- Mom -6 (54)
2- Dad -6 (64)
3- Tammy -7 (45)
4- Michael -7 (52)
5-Juliet -8
Actual tiebreaker 45
the final tally for the season is: Michael with seven wins. Tammy with three wins. Mom with two wins. Dad and Lisa with one win each. Sorry Derrinda and Juliet you have zero wins. :-( maybe next year.
Congratulations once again to Michael!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Baffling Questions
Why is it that mistresses are always so much uglier than the wife? Why is it that seemingly intelligent men throw their life in the trash for a few sinful moments with ugly women?
Perhaps I don't understand because I'm not a man. Perhaps I don't understand because I'm not stupid. Either way it still baffles me.
That's my two cents.
Perhaps I don't understand because I'm not a man. Perhaps I don't understand because I'm not stupid. Either way it still baffles me.
That's my two cents.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Family
Family is somewhat of a strange phenomenon. I’m speaking mostly of extended family. I got the idea to do this blog entry several months ago when some of the antics of my relatives were brought to my attention via facebook. Now, before I get to the meat of this entry, let me just go off on a tangent about facebook. Those of you who have a facebook account are not going to like what I’m about to say. So you may want to quit reading right here. First of all, cool people do not do face book. Face book is a waste of time. There are so many more productive things that could be done with your spare time. Now, I’m not one to preach about time wasting, because heaven knows I’m a big lollygagger. But I know a lot of people spend many hours on face book when they should be doing other things. Such as spending time with their family, studying, magnifying their church callings, or other important responsibilities.
But that’s not the worst part about facebook. I’ve always been a private person. Why would I want people to know what I am doing at all times, and every detail of my life? And, why would I want to know these things about others? I really have no desire to know what horrible things people do. And specifically what horrible things my relatives do and say. I don’t want to see racy pictures of my relatives. I don’t want to read their cuss tooth laden remarks. I left high school a long time ago. Why would I want to go back? Isn’t that the mentality facebook brings? Why isn’t so and so my friend? I have more friends than you, and so forth.
So, if you have a facebook account, I’m sorry you are not as cool as me. But, then again, that bar’s raised pretty high. There aren’t very many people who reach it. :-)
Now, to the real reason I started this blog entry. I find it somewhat strange that just because you share a certain percentage of DNA with somebody, you are forever associated with them. When I think of my relatives, there are some of them I am very pleased to be related to and associated with. And there are others who I’m somewhat embarrassed to be related to and associated with. The reason is mostly because of lifestyle choices and behavior. I’ve mentioned before, my disdain for stupid people. I would argue that people who continue to make poor choices belong in this category. And I’m afraid to say that I share a good portion of my genetic makeup with some of these people.
If I remember correctly, going back to genetics in college about 20 years ago, first cousins, blood uncles and aunts, grandparents and grandchildren share 25% of their genes. Full siblings share 50%, as do parents with children. For each generation removed, the percentage goes down by half. I mention this because the people I’m writing about in this blog share 25% of my genetic makeup. That’s huge amount. For people to be that closely related and to be so different is interesting. This is evidence for the nature versus nurture argument. But that’s another story. Although I will mention that I believe people are born with their personalities intact, sorry tabula rasa people, but environment, i.e. the way you are raised, plays a major role in who you become.
Perhaps the strangest part of family to me is when someone you are related to gets married, you are suddenly family with a complete stranger. And often times, it's someone you don’t even like. Therefore, all of the in-laws jokes out there. I understand the biological necessity of genetic diversity. But dynamically, it seems somewhat strange to me. For some reason, when someone with whom I share a good percentage of DNA, behaves stupidly, I tend to feel that it reflects on me. Even though, it really has nothing to do with me. And for some reason I don’t feel that way about family members with whom I don’t share any DNA. Call me crazy. Maybe I’ve taken too many biology courses :-).
Since I’m talking about family in this blog entry. I want to mention ancestors. As most of you know, I’ve spent a good portion of my waking hours, and even sleeping hours to be honest, thinking about and working on my family tree wall. As a result, I’ve begun to do a little genealogy research. Come to find out, I’ve got ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary war. Ancestors who were Quakers. One ancestor who was the first woman to travel to California in a stagecoach. So the story goes. One ancestor who served a mission to India, and was married by Brigham Young in winter quarters. And then on the dark side, a son and grandson of one of my direct ancestor's brothers who were tried and acquitted of murder. So, thankfully I’m not directly related. But I wouldn’t doubt it if I was. I’m hoping to do a lot more research and find a lot more information about my ancestors. Another interesting fact, about one of my great great grandfathers, is that he was considered mean because of his directness, he told it like it was. Didn’t beat around the bush, etc. I’m wondering if I didn’t inherit that quality from him. :-)
This didn’t turn out exactly as I had imagined when I started this blog entry. I went off on several tangents. The point I wanted to make was that your actions, whether good or bad, reflect not only on you but those with whom you are associated. i.e. your relatives. I find it interesting that just because you share a certain percentage of DNA with someone, you are forever associated. So, please think about all the people you will be affecting, before you do something stupid. And if you want to be as cool as me, delete your face book account.
That’s my two cents.
But that’s not the worst part about facebook. I’ve always been a private person. Why would I want people to know what I am doing at all times, and every detail of my life? And, why would I want to know these things about others? I really have no desire to know what horrible things people do. And specifically what horrible things my relatives do and say. I don’t want to see racy pictures of my relatives. I don’t want to read their cuss tooth laden remarks. I left high school a long time ago. Why would I want to go back? Isn’t that the mentality facebook brings? Why isn’t so and so my friend? I have more friends than you, and so forth.
So, if you have a facebook account, I’m sorry you are not as cool as me. But, then again, that bar’s raised pretty high. There aren’t very many people who reach it. :-)
Now, to the real reason I started this blog entry. I find it somewhat strange that just because you share a certain percentage of DNA with somebody, you are forever associated with them. When I think of my relatives, there are some of them I am very pleased to be related to and associated with. And there are others who I’m somewhat embarrassed to be related to and associated with. The reason is mostly because of lifestyle choices and behavior. I’ve mentioned before, my disdain for stupid people. I would argue that people who continue to make poor choices belong in this category. And I’m afraid to say that I share a good portion of my genetic makeup with some of these people.
If I remember correctly, going back to genetics in college about 20 years ago, first cousins, blood uncles and aunts, grandparents and grandchildren share 25% of their genes. Full siblings share 50%, as do parents with children. For each generation removed, the percentage goes down by half. I mention this because the people I’m writing about in this blog share 25% of my genetic makeup. That’s huge amount. For people to be that closely related and to be so different is interesting. This is evidence for the nature versus nurture argument. But that’s another story. Although I will mention that I believe people are born with their personalities intact, sorry tabula rasa people, but environment, i.e. the way you are raised, plays a major role in who you become.
Perhaps the strangest part of family to me is when someone you are related to gets married, you are suddenly family with a complete stranger. And often times, it's someone you don’t even like. Therefore, all of the in-laws jokes out there. I understand the biological necessity of genetic diversity. But dynamically, it seems somewhat strange to me. For some reason, when someone with whom I share a good percentage of DNA, behaves stupidly, I tend to feel that it reflects on me. Even though, it really has nothing to do with me. And for some reason I don’t feel that way about family members with whom I don’t share any DNA. Call me crazy. Maybe I’ve taken too many biology courses :-).
Since I’m talking about family in this blog entry. I want to mention ancestors. As most of you know, I’ve spent a good portion of my waking hours, and even sleeping hours to be honest, thinking about and working on my family tree wall. As a result, I’ve begun to do a little genealogy research. Come to find out, I’ve got ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary war. Ancestors who were Quakers. One ancestor who was the first woman to travel to California in a stagecoach. So the story goes. One ancestor who served a mission to India, and was married by Brigham Young in winter quarters. And then on the dark side, a son and grandson of one of my direct ancestor's brothers who were tried and acquitted of murder. So, thankfully I’m not directly related. But I wouldn’t doubt it if I was. I’m hoping to do a lot more research and find a lot more information about my ancestors. Another interesting fact, about one of my great great grandfathers, is that he was considered mean because of his directness, he told it like it was. Didn’t beat around the bush, etc. I’m wondering if I didn’t inherit that quality from him. :-)
This didn’t turn out exactly as I had imagined when I started this blog entry. I went off on several tangents. The point I wanted to make was that your actions, whether good or bad, reflect not only on you but those with whom you are associated. i.e. your relatives. I find it interesting that just because you share a certain percentage of DNA with someone, you are forever associated. So, please think about all the people you will be affecting, before you do something stupid. And if you want to be as cool as me, delete your face book account.
That’s my two cents.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Week 13 Results
1- Tammy -11
2- Michael -12
3- Dad -13
4- Lisa -23
5- Mom -25 tiebreaker 49
6-Juliet -25 tiebreaker 53
actual tiebreaker 49
2- Michael -12
3- Dad -13
4- Lisa -23
5- Mom -25 tiebreaker 49
6-Juliet -25 tiebreaker 53
actual tiebreaker 49
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody! We are looking forward to a wonderful family gathering this afternoon. With lots of good food. Although we will be missing Michael and his family as they are spending the day with Derrinda's folks in Oregon. I can smell the turkey cooking right now :-).
This morning I watched a wonderful CES fireside that I had recorded on DVR from November 1, 2009. It is called "Reflection in the Water" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. As a matter of fact, I watched it twice this morning. I looked for the transcript to post but apparently it's not out yet. I would try to summarize the talk for you but I don't think I could do it justice. I will post the transcript when/if it becomes available. If I remember :-). In the meantime, I have it on my DVR if anyone would like to come over and watch it. It is well worth your time to watch it. CES fireside talks are always good but, this talk was exceptional.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This morning I watched a wonderful CES fireside that I had recorded on DVR from November 1, 2009. It is called "Reflection in the Water" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. As a matter of fact, I watched it twice this morning. I looked for the transcript to post but apparently it's not out yet. I would try to summarize the talk for you but I don't think I could do it justice. I will post the transcript when/if it becomes available. If I remember :-). In the meantime, I have it on my DVR if anyone would like to come over and watch it. It is well worth your time to watch it. CES fireside talks are always good but, this talk was exceptional.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Relief Society Lesson November 2009
The following are my notes from my Relief Society lesson I taught yesterday. I prepared it a little differently than usual. I used five talks instead of just one. They were all so good I couldn’t choose just one. They seemed to flow together pretty well, I thought. So the following is just excerpts from the different talks, which I used as my outline. There are some really great quotes from prophets and apostles. So I hope you will read it.
Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ
Elder Robert D. Hales
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“In matters of personal belief, how do we know what really is true?
I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, is a personage of spirit. His work is to “testify of [God]”19 and to “teach [us] all things.”20
However, we must be careful not to constrain His influence. When we do not do what is right or when our outlook is dominated by skepticism, cynicism, criticism, and irreverence toward others and their beliefs, the Spirit cannot be with us. We then act in a way that the prophets describe as the natural man.
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”21 This “natural man is an enemy to God, . . . and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, . . . and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, [and] full of love.”22
If we do not yield to the gentle influence of the Holy Ghost, we stand in jeopardy of becoming like Korihor, an anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon. Not only did Korihor disbelieve in God, but he also ridiculed the Savior, the Atonement, and the spirit of prophecy, falsely teaching that there is no God and no Christ.23
Korihor was not content merely to reject God and quietly go his own way. He mocked the believers and demanded that the prophet Alma convince him with a sign of God’s existence and power. Alma’s response is as meaningful today as it was then: “Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.”24
Eventually Korihor was given a sign. He was struck dumb. “And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: . . . I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.”25
Brothers and sisters, you may already know, deep in your soul, that God lives. You may not know all about Him yet and do not understand all His ways, but the light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God and the Light of Christ, which you are born with.
So come. Believe the testimonies of the prophets. Learn of God and Christ. The pattern to do so is clearly taught by prophets of old and prophets today.
Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives.
This desire leads us to ponder on the things of heaven—to let the evidence of God all around us touch our hearts.
With softened hearts we are prepared to heed the Savior’s call to “search the scriptures”26 and to humbly learn from them.
We are then ready to ask our Heavenly Father sincerely, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if the things we have learned are true. Most of us will not see God, as the prophets have, but the still, small promptings of the Spirit—the thoughts and feelings that the Holy Ghost brings into our minds and hearts—will give us an undeniable knowledge that He lives and that He loves us.
Gaining this knowledge is ultimately the quest of all God’s children on the earth. If you cannot remember believing in God or if you have ceased to believe or if you believe but without real conviction, I invite you to seek a testimony of God now. Do not be afraid of ridicule. The strength and peace that come from knowing God and having the comforting companionship of His Spirit will make your efforts eternally worthwhile.”
19. John 15:26. 20. John 14:26.
21. 1 Corinthians 2:14. 22. Mosiah 3:19.
23. See Alma 30. 24. Alma 30:44. 25. Alma 30:52.
26. John 5:39.
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
Elder Richard G. Scott
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.
I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.
What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.
Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”2 He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.
…Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.
The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Sin is addictive; self-degenerating; conducive to other strains of corruption; deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason; blinding to reality; contagious; destructive to mind, body, and spirit. Sin is spiritually corrosive. Unrestrained it becomes all-consuming. It is overcome by repentance and righteousness.
I share a warning. Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded. With some, he is able to convince them that they are not able to receive such guidance from the Lord.
The Love of God
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ?
The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”1 This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.2
…Once again the Savior revealed the way. When asked to name the greatest commandment, He did not hesitate. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” He said. “This is the first and great commandment.”4 Coupled with the second great commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves5—we have a compass that provides direction not only for our lives but also for the Lord’s Church on both sides of the veil.
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden.
…
How Can We Increase Our Love of God?
Since “God is love,”10 the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love.11 But because a veil separates this mortality from our heavenly home, we must seek in the Spirit that which is imperceptible to mortal eyes.
Heaven may seem distant at times, but the scriptures offer hope: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”12
However, seeking God with all our hearts implies much more than simply offering a prayer or pronouncing a few words inviting God into our lives. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.”13 We can make a great production of saying that we know God. We can proclaim publicly that we love Him. Nevertheless, if we don’t obey Him, all is in vain, for “he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”14
We increase our love for our Heavenly Father and demonstrate that love by aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s word. His pure love directs and encourages us to become more pure and holy. It inspires us to walk in righteousness—not out of fear or obligation but out of an earnest desire to become even more like Him because we love Him. By doing so, we can become “born again . . . [and] cleansed by blood, even the blood of [the] Only Begotten; that [we] might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory.”15
My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.
1. John 14:15. 2. See Colossians 2:6. 3. See Matthew 23:23. 4. Matthew 22:37, 38. 5. See Matthew 22:39.
6. 1 John 4:19. 7. See Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3. 8. See 1 Samuel 16:7 9. See D&C 88:63. 10. 1 John 4:8.
11. See Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7, 16. 12. Jeremiah 29:13. 13. 1 John 5:3; see also 2 John 1:6.
14. 1 John 2:4; see also Isaiah 29:13. 15. Moses 6:59.
Love and Law
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love.
I have been impressed to speak about God’s love and God’s commandments. My message is that God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws.1 These are eternal principles that should guide parents in their love and teaching of their children.
I.
I begin with four examples which illustrate some mortal confusion between love and law.
A young adult in a cohabitation relationship tells grieving parents, “If you really loved me, you would accept me and my partner just like you accept your married children.”
A youth reacts to parental commands or pressure by declaring, “If you really loved me, you wouldn’t force me.”
In these examples a person violating commandments asserts that parental love should override the commandments of divine law and the teachings of parents.
The next two examples show mortal confusion about the effect of God’s love.
A person rejects the doctrine that a couple must be married for eternity to enjoy family relationships in the next life, declaring, “If God really loved us, I can’t believe He would separate husbands and wives in this way.”
Another person says his faith has been destroyed by the suffering God allows to be inflicted on a person or a race, concluding, “If there was a God who loved us, He wouldn’t let this happen.”
These persons disbelieve eternal laws which they consider contrary to their concept of the effect of God’s love. Persons who take this position do not understand the nature of God’s love or the purpose of His laws and commandments. The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. The same should be true of parental love and rules.
…
Some seem to value God’s love because of their hope that His love is so great and so unconditional that it will mercifully excuse them from obeying His laws. In contrast, those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. Mercy cannot rob justice,2 and those who obtain mercy are “they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment” (D&C 54:6).
We read again and again in the Bible and in modern scriptures of God’s anger with the wicked3 and of His acting in His wrath4 against those who violate His laws. How are anger and wrath evidence of His love? Joseph Smith taught that God “institute[d] laws whereby [the spirits that He would send into the world] could have a privilege to advance like himself.”5 God’s love is so perfect that He lovingly requires us to obey His commandments because He knows that only through obedience to His laws can we become perfect, as He is. For this reason, God’s anger and His wrath are not a contradiction of His love but an evidence of His love. Every parent knows that you can love a child totally and completely while still being creatively angry and disappointed at that child’s self-defeating behavior.
The love of God is so universal that His perfect plan bestows many gifts on all of His children, even those who disobey His laws. Mortality is one such gift, bestowed on all who qualified in the War in Heaven.6 Another unconditional gift is the universal resurrection: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Many other mortal gifts are not tied to our personal obedience to law. As Jesus taught, our Heavenly Father “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
If only we will listen, we can know of God’s love and feel it, even when we are disobedient. A woman recently returned to Church activity gave this description in a sacrament meeting talk: “He has always been there for me, even when I rejected Him. He has always guided me and comforted me with His tender mercies all around me, but I [was] too angry to see and accept incidents and feelings as such.”7
III.
God’s choicest blessings are clearly contingent upon obedience to God’s laws and commandments. The key teaching is from modern revelation:
“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
“And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21).
This great principle helps us understand the why of many things, like justice and mercy balanced by the Atonement. It also explains why God will not forestall the exercise of agency by His children. Agency—our power to choose—is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons’ choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons—even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another—for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress.8 He will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices.9
If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments.
6. See Revelation 12:7–8. 7. Letter of Dec. 6, 2005, in author’s possession.
8. Compare Alma 42:8. 9. Compare Mosiah 24:14–15.
Closing Remarks
President Thomas S. Monson
If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness.
We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away.
I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.” Ether 2:25
My brothers and sisters, He has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness---a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.
How grateful we are that the heavens are indeed open, that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, and that the Church is founded on the rock of revelation. We are a blessed people, with apostles and prophets upon the earth today.
Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ
Elder Robert D. Hales
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“In matters of personal belief, how do we know what really is true?
I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, is a personage of spirit. His work is to “testify of [God]”19 and to “teach [us] all things.”20
However, we must be careful not to constrain His influence. When we do not do what is right or when our outlook is dominated by skepticism, cynicism, criticism, and irreverence toward others and their beliefs, the Spirit cannot be with us. We then act in a way that the prophets describe as the natural man.
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”21 This “natural man is an enemy to God, . . . and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, . . . and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, [and] full of love.”22
If we do not yield to the gentle influence of the Holy Ghost, we stand in jeopardy of becoming like Korihor, an anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon. Not only did Korihor disbelieve in God, but he also ridiculed the Savior, the Atonement, and the spirit of prophecy, falsely teaching that there is no God and no Christ.23
Korihor was not content merely to reject God and quietly go his own way. He mocked the believers and demanded that the prophet Alma convince him with a sign of God’s existence and power. Alma’s response is as meaningful today as it was then: “Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.”24
Eventually Korihor was given a sign. He was struck dumb. “And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: . . . I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.”25
Brothers and sisters, you may already know, deep in your soul, that God lives. You may not know all about Him yet and do not understand all His ways, but the light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God and the Light of Christ, which you are born with.
So come. Believe the testimonies of the prophets. Learn of God and Christ. The pattern to do so is clearly taught by prophets of old and prophets today.
Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives.
This desire leads us to ponder on the things of heaven—to let the evidence of God all around us touch our hearts.
With softened hearts we are prepared to heed the Savior’s call to “search the scriptures”26 and to humbly learn from them.
We are then ready to ask our Heavenly Father sincerely, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if the things we have learned are true. Most of us will not see God, as the prophets have, but the still, small promptings of the Spirit—the thoughts and feelings that the Holy Ghost brings into our minds and hearts—will give us an undeniable knowledge that He lives and that He loves us.
Gaining this knowledge is ultimately the quest of all God’s children on the earth. If you cannot remember believing in God or if you have ceased to believe or if you believe but without real conviction, I invite you to seek a testimony of God now. Do not be afraid of ridicule. The strength and peace that come from knowing God and having the comforting companionship of His Spirit will make your efforts eternally worthwhile.”
19. John 15:26. 20. John 14:26.
21. 1 Corinthians 2:14. 22. Mosiah 3:19.
23. See Alma 30. 24. Alma 30:44. 25. Alma 30:52.
26. John 5:39.
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
Elder Richard G. Scott
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.
I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.
What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.
Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”2 He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.
…Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.
The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Sin is addictive; self-degenerating; conducive to other strains of corruption; deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason; blinding to reality; contagious; destructive to mind, body, and spirit. Sin is spiritually corrosive. Unrestrained it becomes all-consuming. It is overcome by repentance and righteousness.
I share a warning. Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded. With some, he is able to convince them that they are not able to receive such guidance from the Lord.
The Love of God
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ?
The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”1 This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.2
…Once again the Savior revealed the way. When asked to name the greatest commandment, He did not hesitate. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” He said. “This is the first and great commandment.”4 Coupled with the second great commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves5—we have a compass that provides direction not only for our lives but also for the Lord’s Church on both sides of the veil.
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden.
…
How Can We Increase Our Love of God?
Since “God is love,”10 the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love.11 But because a veil separates this mortality from our heavenly home, we must seek in the Spirit that which is imperceptible to mortal eyes.
Heaven may seem distant at times, but the scriptures offer hope: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”12
However, seeking God with all our hearts implies much more than simply offering a prayer or pronouncing a few words inviting God into our lives. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.”13 We can make a great production of saying that we know God. We can proclaim publicly that we love Him. Nevertheless, if we don’t obey Him, all is in vain, for “he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”14
We increase our love for our Heavenly Father and demonstrate that love by aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s word. His pure love directs and encourages us to become more pure and holy. It inspires us to walk in righteousness—not out of fear or obligation but out of an earnest desire to become even more like Him because we love Him. By doing so, we can become “born again . . . [and] cleansed by blood, even the blood of [the] Only Begotten; that [we] might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory.”15
My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.
1. John 14:15. 2. See Colossians 2:6. 3. See Matthew 23:23. 4. Matthew 22:37, 38. 5. See Matthew 22:39.
6. 1 John 4:19. 7. See Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3. 8. See 1 Samuel 16:7 9. See D&C 88:63. 10. 1 John 4:8.
11. See Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7, 16. 12. Jeremiah 29:13. 13. 1 John 5:3; see also 2 John 1:6.
14. 1 John 2:4; see also Isaiah 29:13. 15. Moses 6:59.
Love and Law
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love.
I have been impressed to speak about God’s love and God’s commandments. My message is that God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws.1 These are eternal principles that should guide parents in their love and teaching of their children.
I.
I begin with four examples which illustrate some mortal confusion between love and law.
A young adult in a cohabitation relationship tells grieving parents, “If you really loved me, you would accept me and my partner just like you accept your married children.”
A youth reacts to parental commands or pressure by declaring, “If you really loved me, you wouldn’t force me.”
In these examples a person violating commandments asserts that parental love should override the commandments of divine law and the teachings of parents.
The next two examples show mortal confusion about the effect of God’s love.
A person rejects the doctrine that a couple must be married for eternity to enjoy family relationships in the next life, declaring, “If God really loved us, I can’t believe He would separate husbands and wives in this way.”
Another person says his faith has been destroyed by the suffering God allows to be inflicted on a person or a race, concluding, “If there was a God who loved us, He wouldn’t let this happen.”
These persons disbelieve eternal laws which they consider contrary to their concept of the effect of God’s love. Persons who take this position do not understand the nature of God’s love or the purpose of His laws and commandments. The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. The same should be true of parental love and rules.
…
Some seem to value God’s love because of their hope that His love is so great and so unconditional that it will mercifully excuse them from obeying His laws. In contrast, those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. Mercy cannot rob justice,2 and those who obtain mercy are “they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment” (D&C 54:6).
We read again and again in the Bible and in modern scriptures of God’s anger with the wicked3 and of His acting in His wrath4 against those who violate His laws. How are anger and wrath evidence of His love? Joseph Smith taught that God “institute[d] laws whereby [the spirits that He would send into the world] could have a privilege to advance like himself.”5 God’s love is so perfect that He lovingly requires us to obey His commandments because He knows that only through obedience to His laws can we become perfect, as He is. For this reason, God’s anger and His wrath are not a contradiction of His love but an evidence of His love. Every parent knows that you can love a child totally and completely while still being creatively angry and disappointed at that child’s self-defeating behavior.
The love of God is so universal that His perfect plan bestows many gifts on all of His children, even those who disobey His laws. Mortality is one such gift, bestowed on all who qualified in the War in Heaven.6 Another unconditional gift is the universal resurrection: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Many other mortal gifts are not tied to our personal obedience to law. As Jesus taught, our Heavenly Father “maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
If only we will listen, we can know of God’s love and feel it, even when we are disobedient. A woman recently returned to Church activity gave this description in a sacrament meeting talk: “He has always been there for me, even when I rejected Him. He has always guided me and comforted me with His tender mercies all around me, but I [was] too angry to see and accept incidents and feelings as such.”7
III.
God’s choicest blessings are clearly contingent upon obedience to God’s laws and commandments. The key teaching is from modern revelation:
“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
“And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21).
This great principle helps us understand the why of many things, like justice and mercy balanced by the Atonement. It also explains why God will not forestall the exercise of agency by His children. Agency—our power to choose—is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons’ choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons—even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another—for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress.8 He will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices.9
If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments.
6. See Revelation 12:7–8. 7. Letter of Dec. 6, 2005, in author’s possession.
8. Compare Alma 42:8. 9. Compare Mosiah 24:14–15.
Closing Remarks
President Thomas S. Monson
If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness.
We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away.
I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.” Ether 2:25
My brothers and sisters, He has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness---a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right.
How grateful we are that the heavens are indeed open, that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, and that the Church is founded on the rock of revelation. We are a blessed people, with apostles and prophets upon the earth today.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Week 12 Results
1- Dad (-14)
2- Tammy (-17)
3- Lisa (-21)
4- Juliet (-22)
5- Mom (-23)
6- Michael (-24)
7- Derrinda (-26)
2- Tammy (-17)
3- Lisa (-21)
4- Juliet (-22)
5- Mom (-23)
6- Michael (-24)
7- Derrinda (-26)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Quote of the Day
“There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103).”
L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7
L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Windstorm
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Home Fires Burning
Monday, November 16, 2009
College Football Picks Week 12
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 12
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Central Michigan at Ball State
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Colorado at Oklahoma State
Friday, November 20, 2009
Boise State at Utah State on ESPN2 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Oregon State at Washington State
Ohio State at Michigan
Minnesota and Iowa
Duke at Miami
Maryland at Florida State
Louisville at South Florida
North Carolina at Boston College
Chattanooga and Alabama
Mississippi State at Arkansas
Florida international at Florida
Oklahoma at Texas Tech
Memphis at Houston
TCU in Wyoming
Iowa State at Missouri
Northern Illinois and Ohio
Tulane at UCF
Connecticut at Notre Dame
LSU at Mississippi
Penn State at Michigan State
North Carolina State at Virginia Tech
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Air Force at Brigham Young
Virginia at Clemson
Purdue at Indiana
UAB at East Carolina
Rutgers at Syracuse
UTEP at Rice
Baylor at Texas A&M
San Diego State and Utah
Arizona State at UCLA
Florida Atlantic at Troy
Southern Methodist at Marshall
Arkansas State and middle Tennessee State
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State
Colorado State at New Mexico
Louisiana Monroe at Louisiana Lafayette
Tulsa at Southern Mississippi
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
California at Stanford
Kentucky at Georgia
Kansas State at Nebraska
Kansas at Texas
Oregon and Arizona
Hawaii at San Jose State
Nevada and New Mexico State
Harvard at Yale
Princeton at Dartmouth
Cal poly at Weber State
Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona
Southern Utah at San Diego
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Boise State at Utah State ___________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 12
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Central Michigan at Ball State
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Colorado at Oklahoma State
Friday, November 20, 2009
Boise State at Utah State on ESPN2 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Oregon State at Washington State
Ohio State at Michigan
Minnesota and Iowa
Duke at Miami
Maryland at Florida State
Louisville at South Florida
North Carolina at Boston College
Chattanooga and Alabama
Mississippi State at Arkansas
Florida international at Florida
Oklahoma at Texas Tech
Memphis at Houston
TCU in Wyoming
Iowa State at Missouri
Northern Illinois and Ohio
Tulane at UCF
Connecticut at Notre Dame
LSU at Mississippi
Penn State at Michigan State
North Carolina State at Virginia Tech
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Air Force at Brigham Young
Virginia at Clemson
Purdue at Indiana
UAB at East Carolina
Rutgers at Syracuse
UTEP at Rice
Baylor at Texas A&M
San Diego State and Utah
Arizona State at UCLA
Florida Atlantic at Troy
Southern Methodist at Marshall
Arkansas State and middle Tennessee State
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State
Colorado State at New Mexico
Louisiana Monroe at Louisiana Lafayette
Tulsa at Southern Mississippi
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
California at Stanford
Kentucky at Georgia
Kansas State at Nebraska
Kansas at Texas
Oregon and Arizona
Hawaii at San Jose State
Nevada and New Mexico State
Harvard at Yale
Princeton at Dartmouth
Cal poly at Weber State
Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona
Southern Utah at San Diego
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Boise State at Utah State ___________
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Raising Young Children
This blog posting is a result of a request I received. My first topic request! So, I hope I did it justice. There is some great advice from prophets and childhood development experts. So, those of you with young children, will hopefully benefit from this blog post.
From November 1981 Ensign, Ezra Taft Benson, “The Honored Place of Woman”:
"It is a fundamental truth that the responsibilities of motherhood cannot be successfully delegated. No, not to day-care centers, not to schools, not to nurseries, not to babysitters.
We become enamored with men’s theories such as the idea of preschool training outside the home for young children. Not only does this put added pressure on the budget, but it places young children in an environment away from mother’s influence....
It is mother’s influence during the crucial formative years that forms a child’s basic character.
Home is the place where a child learns faith, feels love, and thereby learns from mother’s loving example to choose righteousness.
How vital are mother’s influence and teaching in the home—and how apparent when neglected!
I do not wish to wound any feelings, but all of us are aware of instances of active Latter-day Saint families who are experiencing difficulties with their children because mother is not where she ought to be—in the home."-Ezra Taft Benson, 1981
A few quotes from President Spencer W. Kimball:
"Home life, proper teaching in the home, parental guidance and leadership—these are the panacea for the ailments of the world and its children. They are the cure for spiritual and emotional diseases and the remedy for its problems. Parents should not leave the training of children to others."-Spencer W. Kimball
"There seems to be a growing tendency to shift this responsibility from the home to outside influences such as the school and the church, and of greater concern, to various child-care agencies and institutions. Important as these outward influences may be, they never can adequately take the place of the influence of the mother and the father. Constant training, constant vigilance, companionship, and being watchmen of our own children are necessary in order to keep our homes intact and to bless our children in the Lord’s own way."-Spencer W. Kimball
"Fathers and mothers, your foremost responsibility is your family. By working together you can have the kind of home the Lord expects you to have. By showing love and consideration for one another and for your children, you can build a reservoir of spiritual strength that will never run dry."-Spencer W. Kimball
"Mothers, you are your children’s best teacher. Don’t shift this precious responsibility to day-care centers or baby-sitters. A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are her most important ingredients in teaching her own."-Ezra Taft Benson
From March 1982 Ensign-Children in Church:
"Tiny Latter-day Saints are normal children. The things they do during church are typical of their growth and development. Research at Yale University has produced a host of characteristics which children exhibit at various ages. (See Arnold Gesell and Frances Ilg, Infant and Child in the Culture of Today, New York: Harper and Brothers.) At age one children like activity—moving around, pulling up, creeping on the floor, throwing things on the floor to have them retrieved. By fifteen months they like to explore, to turn pages, to observe action around them. By eighteen months climbing is their favorite activity. They like to tear pages out of books, including hymn books. This is the busybody, into-every-thing age. Their temper tantrums are a result of discovering their own will and its effect on others. By age two, children like to practice their newly acquired vocabulary, not always in soft tones. They are particularly fond of father and want to be with him (even if he is speaking in church). Almost all of their play is accompanied by constant talking. By age three children are becoming more responsive to parental requests and can entertain themselves up to an hour if provided with appropriate materials. By age four they are even more self-entertaining but still ask up to four hundred questions daily. They may stay occupied but still not be interested in the proceedings of an entire sacrament meeting.
These developmental facts combine to produce a picture of very powerful, active, inquisitive little Saints. But the normality of our children should be a comfort, not a concern. During the preschool years, children learn more than they will ever again learn in mortality: vital life skills of locomotion, communication, relationships. They form feelings, attitudes, and opinions that will remain with them the rest of life—about God, about church, about family and friends. We must, therefore, not overlook their developmental needs nor contribute to negative attitudes during church. We must capitalize on children’s stages of development and be creatively persistent in helping them cope with the challenges of church activity. "-Joyce Williams, former professor of child development and mother of five
“Children in Church,” Ensign, Mar 1982, 43–48
“Latter-day Saints should be the most reverent people in all the earth,” President Spencer W. Kimball has said. “Where, then, does reverence begin, and how can we develop it? The home is the key to reverence, as it is to every other godlike virtue.
“… Behavior learned at home determines behavior in Church meetings. A child who has learned to pray at home soon understands that he must be quiet and still during prayers in worship service.
“Likewise, when family home evenings are part of home life, children know that there are special times, not only at church but at home, when we learn about our Heavenly Father and when everyone needs to be on his best behavior. …
“Parents with small children sometimes have a difficult time helping their youngsters appreciate meetings and keeping them from creating disturbances. Perseverance, firmness, and preparation in the home are essential ingredients for success.” (We Should Be a Reverent People, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1976, pp. 2–3.)
I am not a parent but I understand the importance of following the Prophet’s counsel in raising children. Hopefully these quotes from former prophets and childhood development experts will help those of you raising young children. I would just like to reiterate one statement from a childhood development expert, “During the preschool years, children learn more than they will ever again learn in mortality”
That’s my two cents.
From November 1981 Ensign, Ezra Taft Benson, “The Honored Place of Woman”:
"It is a fundamental truth that the responsibilities of motherhood cannot be successfully delegated. No, not to day-care centers, not to schools, not to nurseries, not to babysitters.
We become enamored with men’s theories such as the idea of preschool training outside the home for young children. Not only does this put added pressure on the budget, but it places young children in an environment away from mother’s influence....
It is mother’s influence during the crucial formative years that forms a child’s basic character.
Home is the place where a child learns faith, feels love, and thereby learns from mother’s loving example to choose righteousness.
How vital are mother’s influence and teaching in the home—and how apparent when neglected!
I do not wish to wound any feelings, but all of us are aware of instances of active Latter-day Saint families who are experiencing difficulties with their children because mother is not where she ought to be—in the home."-Ezra Taft Benson, 1981
A few quotes from President Spencer W. Kimball:
"Home life, proper teaching in the home, parental guidance and leadership—these are the panacea for the ailments of the world and its children. They are the cure for spiritual and emotional diseases and the remedy for its problems. Parents should not leave the training of children to others."-Spencer W. Kimball
"There seems to be a growing tendency to shift this responsibility from the home to outside influences such as the school and the church, and of greater concern, to various child-care agencies and institutions. Important as these outward influences may be, they never can adequately take the place of the influence of the mother and the father. Constant training, constant vigilance, companionship, and being watchmen of our own children are necessary in order to keep our homes intact and to bless our children in the Lord’s own way."-Spencer W. Kimball
"Fathers and mothers, your foremost responsibility is your family. By working together you can have the kind of home the Lord expects you to have. By showing love and consideration for one another and for your children, you can build a reservoir of spiritual strength that will never run dry."-Spencer W. Kimball
"Mothers, you are your children’s best teacher. Don’t shift this precious responsibility to day-care centers or baby-sitters. A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are her most important ingredients in teaching her own."-Ezra Taft Benson
From March 1982 Ensign-Children in Church:
"Tiny Latter-day Saints are normal children. The things they do during church are typical of their growth and development. Research at Yale University has produced a host of characteristics which children exhibit at various ages. (See Arnold Gesell and Frances Ilg, Infant and Child in the Culture of Today, New York: Harper and Brothers.) At age one children like activity—moving around, pulling up, creeping on the floor, throwing things on the floor to have them retrieved. By fifteen months they like to explore, to turn pages, to observe action around them. By eighteen months climbing is their favorite activity. They like to tear pages out of books, including hymn books. This is the busybody, into-every-thing age. Their temper tantrums are a result of discovering their own will and its effect on others. By age two, children like to practice their newly acquired vocabulary, not always in soft tones. They are particularly fond of father and want to be with him (even if he is speaking in church). Almost all of their play is accompanied by constant talking. By age three children are becoming more responsive to parental requests and can entertain themselves up to an hour if provided with appropriate materials. By age four they are even more self-entertaining but still ask up to four hundred questions daily. They may stay occupied but still not be interested in the proceedings of an entire sacrament meeting.
These developmental facts combine to produce a picture of very powerful, active, inquisitive little Saints. But the normality of our children should be a comfort, not a concern. During the preschool years, children learn more than they will ever again learn in mortality: vital life skills of locomotion, communication, relationships. They form feelings, attitudes, and opinions that will remain with them the rest of life—about God, about church, about family and friends. We must, therefore, not overlook their developmental needs nor contribute to negative attitudes during church. We must capitalize on children’s stages of development and be creatively persistent in helping them cope with the challenges of church activity. "-Joyce Williams, former professor of child development and mother of five
“Children in Church,” Ensign, Mar 1982, 43–48
“Latter-day Saints should be the most reverent people in all the earth,” President Spencer W. Kimball has said. “Where, then, does reverence begin, and how can we develop it? The home is the key to reverence, as it is to every other godlike virtue.
“… Behavior learned at home determines behavior in Church meetings. A child who has learned to pray at home soon understands that he must be quiet and still during prayers in worship service.
“Likewise, when family home evenings are part of home life, children know that there are special times, not only at church but at home, when we learn about our Heavenly Father and when everyone needs to be on his best behavior. …
“Parents with small children sometimes have a difficult time helping their youngsters appreciate meetings and keeping them from creating disturbances. Perseverance, firmness, and preparation in the home are essential ingredients for success.” (We Should Be a Reverent People, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1976, pp. 2–3.)
I am not a parent but I understand the importance of following the Prophet’s counsel in raising children. Hopefully these quotes from former prophets and childhood development experts will help those of you raising young children. I would just like to reiterate one statement from a childhood development expert, “During the preschool years, children learn more than they will ever again learn in mortality”
That’s my two cents.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wise Counsel
Those of you from Utah, are quite familiar with Jon Huntsman. I came across this article On Deseret news.com. What a wise man. This article summarizes a BYU devotional given by Elder Huntsman yesterday. I think I will have to look for the devotional on BYU TV. Anyway, I thought it was really good so I thought I would share. I hope you enjoy it.
Elder Huntsman tells Y. students to focus on integrity, hard work
By Marianne Holman
Published: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 10:05 p.m. MST
PROVO — "God did not put us here to fail," Elder Jon M. Huntsman Sr., a prominent businessman and philanthropist, told BYU students during the university's weekly devotional Tuesday in the Marriott Center.
"I would say to you, have faith in yourself, believe in what you are doing and, most importantly, be a person of integrity," said Elder Huntsman, an Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "It is totally up to you and no one else how your life evolves."
Elder Huntsman spoke of the personal responsibility each individual has in shaping his or her own future and the importance of goal setting and hard work.
"What we become, who we are and the footprint we will leave in life is based entirely on our own determination, hard work, education and sacrifice," he said. "Our Heavenly Father expects the best from each of us. We must believe in ourselves."
Elder Huntsman told the students to work hard and show integrity in all aspects of their life, regardless of prosperous or hard times.
"Don't give in when the going gets rough," he said. "You are laying the foundation of a great work, and that great work is your life. Never cut corners, demean other people or waste time 'hanging out.' Decide who you are and what your goals entail, then go for the roses. Life has little regard for those who waste time."
Drawing from a Book of Mormon scripture (2 Nephi 2:25) in which Lehi tells his son, Jacob, that "men are that they might have joy," Elder Huntsman spoke of the importance of following one's own dream, no matter the obstacles or difficulty of the task.
Remembering his college years, Elder Huntsman spoke of when he realized he needed to study hard to reach his dreams.
"Making dreams become reality requires great sacrifice and determination," he said. "Most people are content to just coast along. Many really don't like to apply their talents and abilities or to put in long hours of work. But to achieve any dream and to make something truly remarkable happen in our lives, we must face adversity head on, and we must overcome all of the obstacles in our pathway."
The world today is filled with significant obstacles everywhere, Elder Huntsman said. Attempted suicide, pornography, drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual identity and addictions of various forms and disguises plague society, making some feel as though they cannot fulfill their dreams, he said.
But these are only momentary setbacks, Elder Huntsman said. There is a road to recovery that many can travel and have done so through the atonement of Jesus Christ, he said.
Another challenge facing individuals today is the economy, and some of the problems of losing homes and jobs. Despite the setbacks, there is much to be learned during times of adversity, Elder Huntsman said.
"Many of us here today are either going through one of the valleys of life or will someday experience one of those challenges or moments of adversity," he said. "Remember that adversity determines our character."
Looking to LDS Church founder Joseph Smith as an example of weathering difficulty, Elder Huntsman spoke of the character formed and the need for integrity during lessons of trial and challenge. These experiences in life are intended to make us better — not bitter, he said.
"Always keep in mind, nothing meaningful can come your way without integrity, and integrity is often challenged by adversity," Elder Huntsman said. "Be creative, work hard and surround yourself with bright, honest people. Be a straight shooter, and follow your dreams. But above all else, believe in yourself, and between you and the Lord, your dreams can and will come true. And in your pursuit of your dream, never, never forget others."
I couldn't have said it better myself. :-) May we all try to remember and emulate the principles taught by Elder Huntsman.
That's my two cents.
Elder Huntsman tells Y. students to focus on integrity, hard work
By Marianne Holman
Published: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 10:05 p.m. MST
PROVO — "God did not put us here to fail," Elder Jon M. Huntsman Sr., a prominent businessman and philanthropist, told BYU students during the university's weekly devotional Tuesday in the Marriott Center.
"I would say to you, have faith in yourself, believe in what you are doing and, most importantly, be a person of integrity," said Elder Huntsman, an Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "It is totally up to you and no one else how your life evolves."
Elder Huntsman spoke of the personal responsibility each individual has in shaping his or her own future and the importance of goal setting and hard work.
"What we become, who we are and the footprint we will leave in life is based entirely on our own determination, hard work, education and sacrifice," he said. "Our Heavenly Father expects the best from each of us. We must believe in ourselves."
Elder Huntsman told the students to work hard and show integrity in all aspects of their life, regardless of prosperous or hard times.
"Don't give in when the going gets rough," he said. "You are laying the foundation of a great work, and that great work is your life. Never cut corners, demean other people or waste time 'hanging out.' Decide who you are and what your goals entail, then go for the roses. Life has little regard for those who waste time."
Drawing from a Book of Mormon scripture (2 Nephi 2:25) in which Lehi tells his son, Jacob, that "men are that they might have joy," Elder Huntsman spoke of the importance of following one's own dream, no matter the obstacles or difficulty of the task.
Remembering his college years, Elder Huntsman spoke of when he realized he needed to study hard to reach his dreams.
"Making dreams become reality requires great sacrifice and determination," he said. "Most people are content to just coast along. Many really don't like to apply their talents and abilities or to put in long hours of work. But to achieve any dream and to make something truly remarkable happen in our lives, we must face adversity head on, and we must overcome all of the obstacles in our pathway."
The world today is filled with significant obstacles everywhere, Elder Huntsman said. Attempted suicide, pornography, drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual identity and addictions of various forms and disguises plague society, making some feel as though they cannot fulfill their dreams, he said.
But these are only momentary setbacks, Elder Huntsman said. There is a road to recovery that many can travel and have done so through the atonement of Jesus Christ, he said.
Another challenge facing individuals today is the economy, and some of the problems of losing homes and jobs. Despite the setbacks, there is much to be learned during times of adversity, Elder Huntsman said.
"Many of us here today are either going through one of the valleys of life or will someday experience one of those challenges or moments of adversity," he said. "Remember that adversity determines our character."
Looking to LDS Church founder Joseph Smith as an example of weathering difficulty, Elder Huntsman spoke of the character formed and the need for integrity during lessons of trial and challenge. These experiences in life are intended to make us better — not bitter, he said.
"Always keep in mind, nothing meaningful can come your way without integrity, and integrity is often challenged by adversity," Elder Huntsman said. "Be creative, work hard and surround yourself with bright, honest people. Be a straight shooter, and follow your dreams. But above all else, believe in yourself, and between you and the Lord, your dreams can and will come true. And in your pursuit of your dream, never, never forget others."
I couldn't have said it better myself. :-) May we all try to remember and emulate the principles taught by Elder Huntsman.
That's my two cents.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
College Football Picks Week 11
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 11
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ohio at Buffalo
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Toledo at Central Michigan
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Bowling Green at Miami, Ohio
Ball State at Northern Illinois
South Florida at Rutgers
Friday, November 13, 2009
West Virginia at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Texas at Baylor
Georgia Tech at Duke
Houston at UCF
Indiana at Penn State
Michigan and Wisconsin
Syracuse and Louisville
South Dakota State and Minnesota
Tennessee at Mississippi
Clemson at North Carolina State
Florida State at Wake Forest
Northwestern at Illinois
Michigan State at Purdue
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Missouri at Kansas State
Virginia Tech at Maryland
Brigham Young at New Mexico
Colorado and Iowa State
San Jose State and Utah State
Louisiana Lafayette at Middle Tennessee State
UTEP at Southern Methodist
Florida at South Carolina
Idaho at Boise State
Stanford at USC
Iowa at Ohio State
Miami at North Carolina
Washington and Oregon State
Boston College at Virginia
Nebraska at Kansas
Delaware at Navy
Fresno State at Nevada
Southern Mississippi at Marshall
UCLA at Washington State
UNLV at Air Force
Alabama at Mississippi State
Louisiana Tech at LSU
Auburn at Georgia
Texas A&M at Oklahoma
Utah at TCU
Troy and Arkansas
Notre Dame at Pittsburgh
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
Wyoming at San Diego State
New Mexico State at Hawaii
Arizona State at Oregon
Arizona at California
Eastern Washington at Southern Utah
Northern Arizona at Weber State
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Utah at TCU __________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 11
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ohio at Buffalo
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Toledo at Central Michigan
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Bowling Green at Miami, Ohio
Ball State at Northern Illinois
South Florida at Rutgers
Friday, November 13, 2009
West Virginia at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Texas at Baylor
Georgia Tech at Duke
Houston at UCF
Indiana at Penn State
Michigan and Wisconsin
Syracuse and Louisville
South Dakota State and Minnesota
Tennessee at Mississippi
Clemson at North Carolina State
Florida State at Wake Forest
Northwestern at Illinois
Michigan State at Purdue
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Missouri at Kansas State
Virginia Tech at Maryland
Brigham Young at New Mexico
Colorado and Iowa State
San Jose State and Utah State
Louisiana Lafayette at Middle Tennessee State
UTEP at Southern Methodist
Florida at South Carolina
Idaho at Boise State
Stanford at USC
Iowa at Ohio State
Miami at North Carolina
Washington and Oregon State
Boston College at Virginia
Nebraska at Kansas
Delaware at Navy
Fresno State at Nevada
Southern Mississippi at Marshall
UCLA at Washington State
UNLV at Air Force
Alabama at Mississippi State
Louisiana Tech at LSU
Auburn at Georgia
Texas A&M at Oklahoma
Utah at TCU
Troy and Arkansas
Notre Dame at Pittsburgh
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
Wyoming at San Diego State
New Mexico State at Hawaii
Arizona State at Oregon
Arizona at California
Eastern Washington at Southern Utah
Northern Arizona at Weber State
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Utah at TCU __________
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Week 10 results
1 ~ Michael -15 (49 Tiebreaker)
2 ~ Tammy -15 (57 Tiebreaker)
3 ~ Juliet -16
4 ~ Mom and Lisa -18 (42 Mom Tiebreaker 52 Lisa Tiebreaker)
6. ~ Dad -18 (54 Tiebreaker)
7. ~ Derrinda -20
Actual Tiebreaker 47.
2 ~ Tammy -15 (57 Tiebreaker)
3 ~ Juliet -16
4 ~ Mom and Lisa -18 (42 Mom Tiebreaker 52 Lisa Tiebreaker)
6. ~ Dad -18 (54 Tiebreaker)
7. ~ Derrinda -20
Actual Tiebreaker 47.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Scumbags
I've blogged about this before but came across this video so I thought I would post it. I hate politics. Obama is such a liar. Politics is turning into a moral agenda rather than political. This health care reform stuff is a joke. But nobody's laughing. It is just another step in Korihor's scheming plot toward socialism. And the destruction of this country. In a free world, taxpayer dollars do not go towards funding abortions, homosexuals and their sinful lifestyle, or any other immoral practice. Nor are we forced into purchasing health insurance, if we choose not to. This cursed state in which I live passed the "everything but marriage" law, referendum 71. Which I encouraged everyone to vote against. At least I did all I could do, in voting to reject it. I am fed up with all the scumbags leading this country. Elected by scumbags, who outnumber people with morals trying to do what is right.
That's my two cents.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Technical Difficulties
For those of you anxiously awaiting week 10 college football picks, I regret to inform you that I cannot get the paste function to work in blogger. So I will not be posting picks for week 10. My computer has been having problems recently. Sorry.
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Week 9 Results
1. Michael -15 tiebreaker 55
2. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 43
3.dad -15 tiebreaker 42
4.Juliet -19 tiebreaker 42
5.Lisa -19 tiebreaker 36
6.mom -25
7.Derrinda -28
actual tiebreaker 58
2. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 43
3.dad -15 tiebreaker 42
4.Juliet -19 tiebreaker 42
5.Lisa -19 tiebreaker 36
6.mom -25
7.Derrinda -28
actual tiebreaker 58
Friday, October 30, 2009
Way better with...?
My sister informed me yesterday that my niece had a young women's activity in which they decorated recipe boxes. Inside the recipe boxes were recipes that the young women leaders had typed up and made for all the girls. Now, there is nothing unusual or blog worthy about this. Except, one of the recipes that was given to the young women was for some kind of fondue and it stated on the recipe that you can add water, milk, or beer. And it emphasized that it was way better with beer. WHAT? Did I hear that correctly? The young women's leaders actually gave a recipe to young impressionable girls which said to use beer? That is absurd. You can't be serious. But yes, this really happened. To my niece. I still can't believe it and I heard the story yesterday.
How can someone who has been called to teach 12 to 18-year-old young women, while sitting at their computer typing up recipes, include the words, "Way better with beer"? Have these leaders never heard of the word of wisdom? Isn't that one of the hallmarks of our religion? Even people who know nothing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, know that we are taught to avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, harmful drugs, etc.
I am completely dumbfounded that this happened in our church, to my niece. These young women have these activities to get away from the bad influences of the world. To strengthen their testimonies. And to become unified as a group. What are these young women learning when their church leaders are teaching them things that are contrary to the teachings of the Church? Well, I will tell you that the converse of what is supposed to be happening is happening. These young girls are very impressionable, and it is wrong for these young women's leaders to teach them things that are contrary to church teachings. Especially in the format of a church activity.
Now, I know what these young women's leaders would say in their defense. But they are WRONG. The alcohol never completely cooks out, and even if it did, it is the principle of the matter. Aren't we taught to avoid even the appearance of evil? Can you imagine going to the grocery store and watching your young women's leader purchase beer? As a matter of fact, along the same lines, in a previous ward my sister was in, one of the priesthood leaders purchased beer for a high Priest group barbecue or something. Can you imagine submitting that for reimbursement? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? Are they really that stupid? Apparently so.
Stupid people really bug me. Especially when it concerns me or my family. You would think active members of the Church, who hold callings, would know what is appropriate. Or maybe they just don't care. To me, this is just another reminder of the sad state of our society. Even within the church.
That's my two cents.
How can someone who has been called to teach 12 to 18-year-old young women, while sitting at their computer typing up recipes, include the words, "Way better with beer"? Have these leaders never heard of the word of wisdom? Isn't that one of the hallmarks of our religion? Even people who know nothing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, know that we are taught to avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, harmful drugs, etc.
I am completely dumbfounded that this happened in our church, to my niece. These young women have these activities to get away from the bad influences of the world. To strengthen their testimonies. And to become unified as a group. What are these young women learning when their church leaders are teaching them things that are contrary to the teachings of the Church? Well, I will tell you that the converse of what is supposed to be happening is happening. These young girls are very impressionable, and it is wrong for these young women's leaders to teach them things that are contrary to church teachings. Especially in the format of a church activity.
Now, I know what these young women's leaders would say in their defense. But they are WRONG. The alcohol never completely cooks out, and even if it did, it is the principle of the matter. Aren't we taught to avoid even the appearance of evil? Can you imagine going to the grocery store and watching your young women's leader purchase beer? As a matter of fact, along the same lines, in a previous ward my sister was in, one of the priesthood leaders purchased beer for a high Priest group barbecue or something. Can you imagine submitting that for reimbursement? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? Are they really that stupid? Apparently so.
Stupid people really bug me. Especially when it concerns me or my family. You would think active members of the Church, who hold callings, would know what is appropriate. Or maybe they just don't care. To me, this is just another reminder of the sad state of our society. Even within the church.
That's my two cents.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Happy 40th Mom and Dad!
Today is my Mom and Dad's 40th wedding anniversary. We will be celebrating this evening with a small gathering, my siblings and their families. I just want to wish my mom and dad a happy anniversary and thank them for all they do for me. They are the greatest! I Love You, Mom and Dad. Happy 40th anniversary!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Relief Society Lesson Courage
May You Have Courage
President Thomas S. Monson
April 2009 General Young Women’s Meeting
1. Courage to Refrain from Judging Others
Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
True love can alter human lives and change human nature.-Thomas S. Monson
2. Courage to Be Chaste and Virtuous
Isaiah declared, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”
Isaiah 5:20 ¶ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable!-Thomas S. Monson
Powerful is this quote from news commentator Ted Koppel, host of ABC’s Nightline program for many years. Said he:
“We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. ‘Shoot up if you must; but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever with whomever you wish; but [protect yourself].’
“No. The answer is no. Not no because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward—but no, because it’s wrong. . . .
“What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were.”-Ted Koppel Duke University commencement address 1987
3. Courage to Stand Firm For Truth and Righteousness
Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to allow derisive comments and criticism of the Church to cause you to question and doubt. Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.-Thomas S. Monson
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
…although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.” With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way.-Thomas S. Monson
President Thomas S. Monson
April 2009 General Young Women’s Meeting
1. Courage to Refrain from Judging Others
Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
True love can alter human lives and change human nature.-Thomas S. Monson
2. Courage to Be Chaste and Virtuous
Isaiah declared, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”
Isaiah 5:20 ¶ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable!-Thomas S. Monson
Powerful is this quote from news commentator Ted Koppel, host of ABC’s Nightline program for many years. Said he:
“We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. ‘Shoot up if you must; but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever with whomever you wish; but [protect yourself].’
“No. The answer is no. Not no because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward—but no, because it’s wrong. . . .
“What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were.”-Ted Koppel Duke University commencement address 1987
3. Courage to Stand Firm For Truth and Righteousness
Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to allow derisive comments and criticism of the Church to cause you to question and doubt. Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.-Thomas S. Monson
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
…although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.” With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way.-Thomas S. Monson
Football Picks Week Nine
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 9
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
East Carolina at Memphis
Thursday, October 29, 2009
North Carolina at Virginia Tech
Friday, October 30, 2009
West Virginia at South Florida
Saturday, October 31, 2009
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Indiana and Iowa
Cincinnati at Syracuse
New Mexico State and Ohio State
Rutgers at Connecticut
North Carolina State at Florida State
Purdue and Wisconsin
Ohio at Ball State
Louisiana Lafayette at Florida international
Akron at Northern Illinois
Mississippi at Auburn
Nebraska at Baylor
Southern Mississippi at Houston
Missouri at Colorado
Southern Methodist @Tulsa
San Jose State at Boise State
UAB at UTEP
Georgia at Florida
Miami at Wake Forest
California and Arizona state
Arkansas State and Louisville
Central Michigan at Boston College
Iowa State at Texas A&M
Duke at Virginia
Michigan and Illinois
Temple at Navy
Kansas at Texas Tech
UNLV at TCU
Air Force at Colorado State
UCLA at Oregon State
Western Kentucky at North Texas
Middle Tennessee State at Florida Atlantic
Hawaii at Nevada
Penn State at Northwestern
Louisiana Tech at Idaho
Utah State at Fresno State
Eastern Michigan and Arkansas
Mississippi State at Kentucky
Kansas State and Oklahoma
Louisiana Monroe and Troy
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt
Washington State at Notre Dame
New Mexico at San Diego State
South Carolina and Tennessee
Texas and Oklahoma state
USC and Oregon
Tulane at LSU
Wyoming at Utah
Michigan State at Minnesota
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Utah State at Fresno State __________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 9
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
East Carolina at Memphis
Thursday, October 29, 2009
North Carolina at Virginia Tech
Friday, October 30, 2009
West Virginia at South Florida
Saturday, October 31, 2009
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Indiana and Iowa
Cincinnati at Syracuse
New Mexico State and Ohio State
Rutgers at Connecticut
North Carolina State at Florida State
Purdue and Wisconsin
Ohio at Ball State
Louisiana Lafayette at Florida international
Akron at Northern Illinois
Mississippi at Auburn
Nebraska at Baylor
Southern Mississippi at Houston
Missouri at Colorado
Southern Methodist @Tulsa
San Jose State at Boise State
UAB at UTEP
Georgia at Florida
Miami at Wake Forest
California and Arizona state
Arkansas State and Louisville
Central Michigan at Boston College
Iowa State at Texas A&M
Duke at Virginia
Michigan and Illinois
Temple at Navy
Kansas at Texas Tech
UNLV at TCU
Air Force at Colorado State
UCLA at Oregon State
Western Kentucky at North Texas
Middle Tennessee State at Florida Atlantic
Hawaii at Nevada
Penn State at Northwestern
Louisiana Tech at Idaho
Utah State at Fresno State
Eastern Michigan and Arkansas
Mississippi State at Kentucky
Kansas State and Oklahoma
Louisiana Monroe and Troy
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt
Washington State at Notre Dame
New Mexico at San Diego State
South Carolina and Tennessee
Texas and Oklahoma state
USC and Oregon
Tulane at LSU
Wyoming at Utah
Michigan State at Minnesota
Tiebreaker: Total score in
Utah State at Fresno State __________
Monday, October 26, 2009
Vote!
Today we filled our absentee ballots. It took us most of the afternoon to read through everything and make our decisions. I have always been a voting advocate. I have voted in every election I was able to, even the primaries that didn't really seem to matter. The right to vote is not something you should take lightly. It is a hard-fought right that not many people in the world possess. And with the current presidential administration who knows how long it will last.
So please, go vote! The general election is Tuesday, November 3. If you receive absentee ballots you should already have them and be able to vote. And more than anything, please vote to REJECT referendum 71! This is the referendum to which I was referring in my previous blog posting about political advertisements.
GO VOTE!
That's my two cents.
So please, go vote! The general election is Tuesday, November 3. If you receive absentee ballots you should already have them and be able to vote. And more than anything, please vote to REJECT referendum 71! This is the referendum to which I was referring in my previous blog posting about political advertisements.
GO VOTE!
That's my two cents.
Highlight of Grandpa's Birthday Celebration
The highlight of Grandpa's 90th birthday celebration, was when Michael and Grandpa serenaded me with a personal concert of Music Maestro Please. It was awesome. Grandpa didn't miss a beat. He remembered all of the lyrics to a tee. That was very special.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Political Advertisements
Do you know what really irks me?
Well, a lot of things but, yesterday while I was watching Jeopardy I was really getting perturbed. I'm absolutely sick of political advertisements. This time of year, that's practically all you see on TV, besides R-rated television promotions for scumbag sitcoms and dramas. But that's another story.
Up here in the liberal Pacific Northwest, we have been bombarded with political advertisements for a referendum in favor of homosexual rights. I really cannot stomach political advertisements showing homosexuals complaining about the so-called "injustices" they face.
For one thing, these advertisements are shown during prime time family television viewing. It is absolutely wrong to subject children to these sinful lies. Not only children, but all people who are only trying to catch up on the local news or watch an innocent show like Jeopardy. It's absolutely ridiculous.
What happened to the days when people were actually ashamed of committing sin? Now, they are not only proud of their sinful lifestyle, but they flaunt it on TV. In so doing, they are convincing many vulnerable people into believing their lies. It is yet another example of the power the media has over people's lives. Satan is an expert in playing on people's emotions to convince them that lies are truth. This is what these commercials attempt to do. But for me, all they do is make steam come out of my ears, and make my blood boil.
That's my two cents.
Well, a lot of things but, yesterday while I was watching Jeopardy I was really getting perturbed. I'm absolutely sick of political advertisements. This time of year, that's practically all you see on TV, besides R-rated television promotions for scumbag sitcoms and dramas. But that's another story.
Up here in the liberal Pacific Northwest, we have been bombarded with political advertisements for a referendum in favor of homosexual rights. I really cannot stomach political advertisements showing homosexuals complaining about the so-called "injustices" they face.
For one thing, these advertisements are shown during prime time family television viewing. It is absolutely wrong to subject children to these sinful lies. Not only children, but all people who are only trying to catch up on the local news or watch an innocent show like Jeopardy. It's absolutely ridiculous.
What happened to the days when people were actually ashamed of committing sin? Now, they are not only proud of their sinful lifestyle, but they flaunt it on TV. In so doing, they are convincing many vulnerable people into believing their lies. It is yet another example of the power the media has over people's lives. Satan is an expert in playing on people's emotions to convince them that lies are truth. This is what these commercials attempt to do. But for me, all they do is make steam come out of my ears, and make my blood boil.
That's my two cents.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Football Picks Week Eight
Name:____________________________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 8
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tulsa at UTEP
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Florida State at North Carolina
Friday, October 23, 2009
Rutgers at Army
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Texas at Missouri
Clemson at Miami
Oklahoma and Kansas
Colorado at Kansas State
Minnesota at Ohio State
Georgia Tech at Virginia
South Florida at Pittsburgh
Indiana at Northwestern
Central Michigan at Bowling Green
UAB at Marshall
Connecticut at West Virginia
Illinois at Purdue
Arkansas at Mississippi
Iowa State at Nebraska
Oklahoma State at Baylor
Northern Illinois and Miami, Ohio
Maryland at Duke
Louisiana Tech at Utah State
Tennessee and Alabama
Louisville and Cincinnati
Oregon and Washington
Penn State at Michigan
Boston College at Notre Dame
Akron at Syracuse
UCF at Rice
Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee State
Wake Forest at Navy
North Texas at Troy
Air Force at Utah
San Diego State at Colorado State
Idaho at Nevada
Washington State at California
UCLA at Arizona
Iowa at Michigan State
Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Florida international at Arkansas State
Tulane at Southern Miss
Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Temple at Toledo
Florida at Mississippi State
Auburn at LSU
TCU at Brigham Young
Southern Methodist at Houston
Oregon State at USC
UNLV at New Mexico
Arizona State at Stanford
Fresno State at New Mexico State
Boise State at Hawaii
Tiebreaker: Total score in
TCU at Brigham Young __________
Score:___________
2009 Football Picks
Week 8
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tulsa at UTEP
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Florida State at North Carolina
Friday, October 23, 2009
Rutgers at Army
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Texas at Missouri
Clemson at Miami
Oklahoma and Kansas
Colorado at Kansas State
Minnesota at Ohio State
Georgia Tech at Virginia
South Florida at Pittsburgh
Indiana at Northwestern
Central Michigan at Bowling Green
UAB at Marshall
Connecticut at West Virginia
Illinois at Purdue
Arkansas at Mississippi
Iowa State at Nebraska
Oklahoma State at Baylor
Northern Illinois and Miami, Ohio
Maryland at Duke
Louisiana Tech at Utah State
Tennessee and Alabama
Louisville and Cincinnati
Oregon and Washington
Penn State at Michigan
Boston College at Notre Dame
Akron at Syracuse
UCF at Rice
Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee State
Wake Forest at Navy
North Texas at Troy
Air Force at Utah
San Diego State at Colorado State
Idaho at Nevada
Washington State at California
UCLA at Arizona
Iowa at Michigan State
Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Florida international at Arkansas State
Tulane at Southern Miss
Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Temple at Toledo
Florida at Mississippi State
Auburn at LSU
TCU at Brigham Young
Southern Methodist at Houston
Oregon State at USC
UNLV at New Mexico
Arizona State at Stanford
Fresno State at New Mexico State
Boise State at Hawaii
Tiebreaker: Total score in
TCU at Brigham Young __________
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