Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  I wish everybody a wonderful day with loved ones and good food :-).

We all have so much to be thankful for -- it's nice to have a day to focus on all of our blessings and give thanks.

On this day of Thanksgiving, I thought I would include a couple of quotes from apostles about giving thanks.

"When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same."

—Dallin H. Oaks, "Give Thanks in All Things"

"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As I am blessed now to pray with apostles and prophets, I find among these modern-day leaders of the Savior’s Church the same characteristic that describes Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon: these are men whose hearts swell with thanksgiving to God for the many privileges and blessings which He bestows upon His people (see Alma 48:12)."

—David A. Bednar, "Pray Always"

Let us remember to give thanks in all things.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Epiphany

I was watching discussions on the Pearl of Great Price this morning.  One of the episodes I watched was about the second coming/signs of the times as found in Joseph Smith-Matthew.  Which is Joseph Smith's inspired translation of Matthew 24.

Anyway, something that was said struck me almost like an epiphany.  So I thought I would share it on my blog.

They were discussing the scripture that says that even the very elect will be deceived in the last days.

• Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:22
  22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
  
  Matthew 24:24
  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

In light of recent events I have been somewhat concerned about not becoming one of the deceived. I began to wonder -- after personally seeing the fall of some very elect -- how do I prevent that from happening to me?

As I was watching the program, one of the professors mentioned my missionary scripture -- Helaman 5:12 -- as the answer.

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." -- Helaman 5:12

For me, that was a lightbulb moment. Ting. I don't know why I didn't connect it earlier. My interpretation: If you build your foundation on the Savior and His teachings, you cannot be deceived/fall.  In other words, if you live the gospel of Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments to the best of your ability -- you cannot be deceived.

Of course we all falter at times, but as long as we keep trying to live the gospel and pick ourselves up when we stumble, we will not be among those who are deceived and fall.

I find that very comforting. It's a marvelous promise we are given.

Interesting side note -- I noticed during General Conference last month that Helaman 5:12 was often quoted.  I would venture to guess it was the most quoted Scripture during that particular conference.  I guess it's a reminder that we all need.  :-)

That's my two cents.

Reality

I've been told a couple of times recently that I do not live in reality. That in fact, I live in a bubble. I've never been one to concern myself with other people's perception of me, but it got me thinking about what it means to live in reality. So I thought I would share a few thoughts with you.

First of all, so we are all on the same page, the dictionary definition of reality is, "The quality or state of being actual or true." As opposed to something that is idealistic or imagined. Now, the definition of bubble: "used to refer to a good or fortunate situation that is isolated from reality or unlikely to last."

An argument could easily be made that reality is different for everybody. And that you can create your own reality. For instance, my reality is that it rains a lot and is often gray and cloudy where I live. For other people in other parts of the country or world reality is that it is hot and sunny all the time. Naturally, that reality could easily be changed by moving. The fact that I live in the Pacific Northwest, where rain and clouds are a reality often times, doesn't preclude me from knowing that people living in the tropics are most likely experiencing hot and sunny weather.

People's lives are governed by their choices. That is reality. Some people may choose to invite things into their lives/minds that skew their perception of reality. For instance: Hollywood movies, television, popular music of any genre, magazines, etc. none of those things represent reality. Yet, if you avoid such influences you are perceived as not living in reality by some people.

It should be obvious to most people that the media skews reality. For instance, I didn't take time to look up the exact numbers but I remember reading a study recently that stated the percentage of homosexuals in the United States being around 1.7%-- Yet in movies and television the percentage of homosexuals represented is closer to 20 to 30%. That is a huge skew from reality. Yet many people perceive that as their reality. Because that is what they see in the media.

The percentage of other vices such as smoking, alcohol use, drug use, adultery, fornication, cohabitation, violence, etc. are also extremely skewed from reality. Yet people who invite those movies, television shows, magazines, and music into their lives develop a skewed sense of reality.

I don't have to listen to a vulgar, profanity laden, sexually explicit song to know that it exists. Or to know that many people listen to such. I'm well aware of what the media portrays as reality. But I'm wise enough to know the difference between truth and fiction. I know that Satan wants us to believe that what he portrays as reality is in fact, not reality at all. Yes, there are many who will fall into this trap. There are many who will believe his lies -- that what he portrays as reality is reality. But the truth remains that what the media portrays as reality is actually far from reality.

For instance let's look at politics.  How many people get their political information from mainstream media?  It is well-known that mainstream media dramatically skews reality to the left. If the only political information you get is from mainstream media then you're only being fed liberal propaganda. Yet how many people accept mainstream media news as reality?  I would argue that most people in this country are either uninformed or misinformed about the political landscape and what's going on in reality.  Most don't even care.

Is being a slave to a smartphone reality? Is social media reality?  Not so much.  I just read an article that, in fact, argued the opposite.  Are those things not, in reality, an escape from reality?

In terms of living in a bubble -- being isolated from reality -- I hardly think I qualify. I have lived in six different regions of the country and have visited several others. At least half of the areas I have lived and worked in have been extremely liberal--Including San Francisco and Los Angeles where I met and worked with many people who live lifestyles completely opposite to mine. I keep abreast of the news via several different media outlets.  I am highly educated and hold a doctorate degree. I am well aware of what goes on in the world.

Just because I choose to avoid most forms of media, and choose not to put myself in certain situations does not mean that I am out of touch with reality or living in a bubble by any means. And perhaps ironically it means that I'm actually in better touch with reality than those who do subject themselves to the media. As a matter of fact, it is because I am well aware of reality that I choose to avoid those things that I know will be detrimental to me.

Reality is that those people who look at me and think that I'm out of touch with reality and living in a bubble are in fact, living in their own bubble and completely out of touch with reality and truth.

That's my two cents.

Ronald Reagan Quotes

"We don't celebrate dependence day on the Fourth of July. We celebrate Independence Day."
-- Ronald Reagan

"Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence."
-- Ronald Reagan

"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we've been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else?"
-- Ronald Reagan

"We are a nation that has a government—not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth."
-- Ronald Reagan

"As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever."
-- Ronald Reagan

"A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his."
-- Ronald Reagan

I would add my own take on a modern-day version of the above quote -- replace Jimmy Carter with Barack Hussein Obama.

All quotes taken from Deseret News November 13, 2014

Family Home Evening Lesson -- The Law of Chastity

Tammy’s Family Home Evening Lesson

The Law of Chastity

November 2, 2014

From gospel principles manual Chapter 39:

The Power of Procreation

God commanded each living thing to reproduce after its own kind (see Genesis 1:22). Reproduction was part of His plan so that all forms of life could continue to exist upon the earth.

Then He placed Adam and Eve on the earth. They were different from His other creations because they were His spirit children. In the Garden of Eden, He brought Adam and Eve together in marriage and commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth (see Genesis 1:28). However, their lives were to be governed by moral laws rather than by instinct.

God wanted His spirit children to be born into families so they could be properly cared for and taught. We, like Adam and Eve, are to provide physical bodies for these spirit children. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have stated, “We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). God has commanded us that only in marriage between a man and a woman are we to have sexual relations. This commandment is called the law of chastity. --Gospel principles chapter 39

From LDS.org chastity, 2007, 2-14:

What Is the Law of Chastity?

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is a beautiful and sacred part of God’s plan for His children. It is an expression of love within marriage and allows husband and wife to participate in the creation of life. God has commanded that this sacred power be expressed only between a man and a woman who are legally married. The law of chastity applies to both men and women. It includes strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage and complete fidelity and loyalty to one’s spouse after marriage.

In addition to reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, we obey the law of chastity by controlling our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus Christ taught, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28). – LDS.org Chastity, (2007), 2–14

Why Should I Keep the Law of Chastity?

Your Heavenly Father has given the law of chastity to protect and bless you. Like all sacred things, physical intimacy must be expressed according to God’s direction. As you keep the law of chastity, you will enjoy happiness, peace, and self-respect. You will enjoy trust and confidence in your family relationships, and you will be blessed with self-control. You will enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the influence of the Holy Ghost.

As you live the law of chastity, you will:

1. •Invite the Holy Ghost into your life.
2. •Develop greater self-respect as you exercise self-control.
3. •Have greater confidence in your relationships.
4. •Increase in love for those around you.

Satan leads people to believe that sexual intimacy outside of marriage is acceptable and even desirable. But it is a serious sin; God has always taught His children to be virtuous and chaste (see Exodus 20:14 and Alma 39:3–5). This principle is eternal.

Violating the law of chastity is an abuse of the power God has given to create life; it shows a disregard for Him and for His children. It dulls spirituality and often leads to bitterness, heartache, divorce, disease, and abortion. Those who violate this law are exposed to greater influence from Satan. This sin also seriously affects family members and others.—LDS.org, chastity, 2007, 2-14

Personal story from my cousin:

"I wanted to share with you what mom told me when I was a teenage girl that meant so much to me. 

My mom told me to picture myself as a beautiful, perfect rose. She said and now picture a row of young men, those who you will date, it may be a couple, it may be a few but at the end of the row is your husband, your soul mate. Now the first young man in the row is the first one to take you out on a date so he is holding the rose that represents you. In his other hand is another rose, he is going to treat them both quite different. One rose, he will be able to touch and smell and feel while the other rose is untouched and remains beautiful. The roses will be passed down the row with the same rules for each young man. When the two roses that have been treated much differently come to your husband which one is he going to want? Which one are you going to want to give him? The one that is wilted and losing petals? Or the untouched beautiful rose that was left only for him? 

Anyway, I know that might be kind of corny but it meant a lot to me and I was so happy with my decision to be the beautiful rose not the wilted one. I know that was the right thing to do even with the pure pressures growing up and I'm sure they're probably even worse now but what I found was that the stronger the pure pressure was the more power and self confidence I gained from sticking to my guns, it made me stronger to hold firm to what I believed in. And in the end I married a wonderful man who respected my beliefs and is a wonderful husband and father and anyone who didn't respect my decisions in the past well they just weren't half the man he is! So I appreciate them letting their true colors shine so I could move on to much better things! And I feel like I have been greatly rewarded by God with [Husband] and now [son].” – personal e-mail received from my cousin, November 1, 2014

How Do I Keep the Law of Chastity?

God requires a high moral standard of His children. To keep the law of chastity, you must replace undesirable thoughts, words, and actions with wholesome ones. The following principles will help:

Thoughts. Positive and constructive thoughts will push negative or immoral ones from your life. As you fill your life with wholesome thoughts and activities, you will grow in your ability to replace and overcome negative thoughts. Reading the scriptures, serving your family, working diligently, and engaging in wholesome recreational activities will help you control your thoughts.

Avoid pornography in all forms. It is addictive and destructive. It will rob you of your self-respect and of an appreciation for the beauties of life. Do not allow your mind to dwell on obscene or immoral thoughts or images. Do not view, read, or listen to anything that depicts or describes the human body or sexual conduct in a disrespectful way. Avoid looking with lustful thoughts at others, and avoid suggestive or explicit movies, television shows, Internet sites, music, books, magazines, and activities.

“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.” D&C 121:45

Words. Let your words build up others and strengthen them. Eliminate degrading, vulgar, and sexually explicit words, jokes, and themes from your conversations.

Actions. Always treat others with respect. Be modest in how you dress. If you remember that each person is a child of God, and if you do all you can to help others follow His plan, then you will be strengthened in your desire to keep the law of chastity. --LDS.org chastity, 2007, 2-14

From gospel principles chapter 39:

Satan Wants Us to Break the Law of Chastity

Satan’s plan is to deceive as many of us as he can to prevent us from returning to live with our Heavenly Father. One of the most damaging things he can do is entice us to break the law of chastity. He is cunning and powerful. He would like us to believe it is no sin to break this law. Many people have been deceived. We must guard ourselves against evil influences.

Satan attacks the standards of modesty. He wants us to believe that because the human body is beautiful, it is something to flaunt and expose. Our Heavenly Father wants us to keep our bodies covered so that we do not encourage improper thoughts in the minds of others.

Satan not only encourages us to dress immodestly, but he also encourages us to think immoral or improper thoughts. He does this with pictures, movies, stories, jokes, music, and dances that suggest immoral acts. The law of chastity requires that our thoughts as well as our actions be pure.

President Gordon B. Hinckley warned: “You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornography, with its sleazy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible, engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly. Be virtuous in thought and in deed. God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends. When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don’t need this, and neither do the girls” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 71–72; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51).—Gospel principles, chapter 39

Poison analogy

Cyanide – Sweet almond smell –prevents cells from using oxygen –can kill in 20 seconds

belladonna (deadly nightshade) – can be mistaken for black currant – sweet tasting berry – ingesting two berries or one leaf is lethal.

Death cap mushroom –great flavor – ½ of a mushroom is lethal –slow acting kills over several days – hepatotoxic—no remedy – can sometimes survive with liver transplant, otherwise 100% lethal. if a large amount is ingested death can occur within hours.

Tetrodotoxin – puffer fish –100 times more potent than cyanide – ½ mg(1/200,000 oz) will kill in under 20 seconds –no antidote or cure – no one has ever survived longer than seven hours after ingesting any quantity

Botulinum toxin – most deadly poison – 1 teaspoon can kill millions of people –toxin made by Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria. Generally found in soil but can also be found in homes on floors, carpets, countertops.  Growing bacteria produce toxin.  Anaerobic bacteria – bacteria cannot grow where oxygen is present – toxin easily destroyed with heat, high oxygen, high salt, low pH (acidity).in unfavorable conditions, i.e. where oxygen is present, C. botulinum occurs in spore form – dormant and harmless – C. botulinum is an obligate anaerobic and can only grow and produce toxin in ideal conditions without oxygen. Botulinum toxin is a neuro toxin which causes flaccid paralysis.

Compare physical poisons to spiritual poisons such as pornography, movies, off-color jokes, music, etc. generally the amount of poison ingested is directly proportional to how quickly it kills you.  The same is true with spiritual poisons.  Antidotes include: keeping the commandments i.e. Scripture study, prayer, attending church, service, etc.  Of course it’s best to avoid the poison rather than seek an antidote.  Sometimes there is no antidote or the antidote is administered too late.  Compare to breaking the law of chastity and the consequences of such.  I.e. once a child is conceived, there is no undoing it.  But because of the Savior’s atonement, repentance is always possible.

Continuing with gospel principles, chapter 39:

Breaking the Law of Chastity Is Extremely Serious

The prophet Alma grieved because one of his sons had broken the law of chastity. Alma said to his son Corianton, “Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5). Unchastity is next to murder in seriousness.

Satan sometimes tempts us through our emotions. He knows when we are lonely, confused, or depressed. He chooses this time of weakness to tempt us to break the law of chastity. Our Heavenly Father can give us the strength to pass through these trials unharmed.

The scriptures tell about a righteous young man named Joseph who was greatly trusted by his master, Potiphar. Potiphar had given Joseph command over everything he had. Potiphar’s wife lusted after Joseph and tempted him to commit adultery with her. But Joseph resisted her and fled from her. (See Genesis 39:1–18.)

Paul taught, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Alma emphasized that we will “not be tempted above that which [we] can bear” as we “humble [ourselves] before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually” (Alma 13:28).—Gospel principles, chapter 39

From LDS.org, chastity, 2007, 2-14:

Blessings of Living the Law of Chastity

As you live the law of chastity, you will be more open to the influence of the Holy Ghost. With the guidance of the Holy Ghost, you will develop greater wisdom, face trials with greater courage, feel God’s support and direction in your life, and be an example to your family and others. The love you have for your spouse and loved ones will be deeper, richer, and more meaningful. You will experience greater peace of mind.

In the scriptures we learn that true happiness comes from obeying the commandments of God (see Mosiah 2:41) and that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).

Regardless of what you have done in the past, great blessings are available to you if you begin now to live the law of chastity.

If you have broken the law of chastity, God has made it possible for you to repent and become clean again. Repent now of any past transgressions, and commit to live this sacred law. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and true repentance, you can be forgiven and feel peace.—LDS.org, chastity, 2007, 2-14

Those Who Break the Law of Chastity Can Be Forgiven

Peace can come to those who have broken the law of chastity. The Lord tells us, “If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, … all his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him” (Ezekiel 18:21–22). Peace comes only through forgiveness. – Gospel principles, chapter 39

From Elder David A. Bednar, April 2013 General conference

President Marion G. Romney declared:

“I can think of no blessings to be more fervently desired than those promised to the pure and the virtuous. Jesus spoke of specific rewards for different virtues but reserved the greatest, so it seems to me, for the pure in heart, ‘for they,’ said he, ‘shall see God’ (Matt. 5:8). And not only shall they see the Lord, but they shall feel at home in his presence.

“Here is … the Savior’s promise: ‘Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God’ (D&C 121:45)” (“Trust in the Lord,” Ensign, May 1979, 42).

We also are promised that, as we pursue the pathway of virtue, “the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion” (D&C 121:46). Thus, living the law of chastity invites some of the greatest blessings men and women can receive in mortality: appropriate spiritual confidence in the presence of family, friends, Church associates, and, ultimately, the Savior. Our innate longing to belong is fulfilled in righteousness as we walk in the light with hope.