Be an Example and a Light -- Part Eight

"It is often difficult to be different and to stand alone in a crowd. It is natural to fear what others might think or say. Comforting are the words of the psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  As we make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced by the courage of our convictions.

"Life is perfect for none of us, and at times the challenges and difficulties we face may become overwhelming, causing our light to dim. However, with help from our Heavenly Father, coupled with support from others, we can regain that light which will illuminate our own path once again and provide the light others may need."

"To illustrate, I share with you the touching words of a favorite poem I first read many years ago:

I met a stranger in the night

Whose lamp had ceased to shine.

I paused and let him light

His lamp from mine.

A tempest sprang up later on

And shook the world about.

And when the wind was gone

My lamp was out!

But back to me the stranger came—

His lamp was glowing fine!

He held the precious flame

And lighted mine!⁸

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015 General Conference

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Seven

"...as the world moves further and further away from the principles and guidelines given to us by a loving Heavenly Father, we will stand out from the crowd because we are different. We will stand out because we dress modestly. We will be different because we do not use profanity and because we do not partake of substances which are harmful to our bodies. We will be different because we avoid off-color humor and degrading remarks. We will be different as we decide not to fill our minds with media choices that are base and demeaning and that will remove the Spirit from our homes and our lives. We will certainly stand out as we make choices regarding morality—choices which adhere to gospel principles and standards. Those things which make us different from most of the world also provide us with that light and that spirit which will shine in an increasingly dark world."

-- Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example in the Light, October 2015 General Conference

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Six

"...we are to be pure, which means that we are clean in body, mind, and spirit. We know that our body is a temple, to be treated with reverence and respect. Our minds should be filled with uplifting and ennobling thoughts and kept free from those things which will pollute. In order to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we must be worthy. Brothers and sisters, purity will bring us peace of mind and will qualify us to receive the Savior’s promises. Said He, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”"

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015

One of Satan's biggest tactics is to get us to disrespect and pollute our bodies and minds.  Because he knows the power of the pure -- those who are clean in body, mind, and spirit.  Satan doesn't have and never will have a body and he's extremely upset about that.  Everybody with a body is more powerful than Satan.  He knows that.  That's why he tries so hard to tempt us.  He wants us to be as miserable as he is.  The easiest way for him to do that is to get us to break God's commandments regarding our bodies and minds.  Sadly though, many people fall into his trap. 

Being natural men and women it is easy to fall into Satan's trap if we don't keep our guard up.  We must work every day on putting on the armor of God.  As previously mentioned, daily Scripture study and prayer are vital.

We all know people who, sadly, have chosen to pollute their bodies and minds.  Whether it be by breaking the word of wisdom -- alcohol, drugs, etc. or by breaking the law of chastity which includes polluting the mind with pornography, or any other way in which people disrespect and pollute their bodies and minds.  All of those things can lead to addictions -- which is ironic.  Most people in choosing to break the Lord's laws think they are freeing themselves from the restrictions of God's commandments.  When in reality they are actually becoming slaves to their addictions. Thereby becoming much more restricted than those who choose to keep God's commandments and remain free.  Oh the irony.

Obviously by disrespecting and polluting our bodies and minds we also harm our spirits and offend the spirit of the Lord.  I think often times we take for granted the gift of the Holy Ghost.  But that is really the most important gift we could ever receive.  By choosing to break God's commandments and disrespect our body, mind, and spirit we lose that most precious gift.  That is not insignificant.

Interesting that President Monson would include being pure in his talk about being an example and a light.  Because just by keeping ourselves pure we stand out as an example and a light to the world.

That's my two cents.

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Five

"Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in our Heavenly Father will influence all that we do. Amidst the confusion of our age, the conflicts of conscience, and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. I reiterate what we have been told repeatedly—that in order to gain and to keep the faith we need, it is essential that we read and study and ponder the scriptures. Communication with our Heavenly Father through prayer is vital. We cannot afford to neglect these things, for the adversary and his hosts are relentlessly seeking for a chink in our armor, a lapse in our faithfulness. Said the Lord, “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good.”"

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015

I love this quote!  I added the emphasis.  I've said this many times in my blog and President Monson just said it again -- reading, studying, and pondering the Scriptures and praying are vital to gaining and keeping faith.

Interesting that he uses the word vital.  I don't think the Prophet chooses his words haphazardly.  Coming from a medical background the word vital to me has to do with life and death.  For example, vital organs are essential or you die if they aren't functioning properly.  Vital signs are indicative of how your vital organs are functioning.  President Monson here uses the word vital to indicate the importance of prayer and scripture study.  They are vital to our spiritual nourishment and growth.

Prayer is our way of communicating with our Heavenly Father, and scripture study is His way of communicating with us. I love the use of the word vital in that context.  Because without prayer and scripture study, we die spiritually.

And in the grand scheme of things, spiritual death is far worse than physical death.  Gaining and keeping our faith through prayer and scripture study are vital!  I absolutely love that prophetic counsel and his amazing use of the English language.

I hope we will all follow the Prophet's counsel to study our scriptures and pray daily as they are vital to our spiritual survival.

That's my two cents.

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Four

"...we are to be an example in spirit. To me that means we strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude,forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us. It has been my opportunity through the years to associate with countless individuals who possess such a spirit. We experience a special feeling when we are with them, a feeling that makes us want to associate with them and to follow their example. They radiate the Light of Christ and help us feel His love for us.

"To illustrate that the light which comes from a pure and loving spirit is recognized by others, I share with you an experience of many years ago.

"At that time, leaders of the Church met with officials in Jerusalem to work out a lease agreement for land on which the Church’s Jerusalem Center would be built. In order to obtain the permissions needed, the Church had to agree that no proselyting would be undertaken by our members who would occupy the center. After that agreement had been made, one of the Israeli officials, who was well acquainted with the Church and its members, remarked that he knew the Church would honor the no-proselyting agreement. “But,” he said, referring to the students who would attend there, “what are we going to do about the light that is in their eyes?”  May that special light ever shine within us, that it might be recognized and appreciated by others."

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015

It has been said that the eyes are the window to the soul -- I have found that to be true.  It is amazing how just looking into someone's eyes can tell you a lot about them.  Some people's eyes sparkle and shine and emanate light, and others are dark, dreary, and sad.  It obviously has to do with life choices in how they choose to live, and who they choose to follow.

I think I've told this story before when I posted my mission stories and pictures -- one of the ladies we tracted into one day told me that I looked wholesome.  Obviously as full-time missionaries we are focused on doing the Lord's work 24/7 and are close to Him and His work.  This lady was able to recognize that light coming from a servant of the Lord.  It was the best compliment I have ever received. And it reiterates President Monson's prophetic words, "the light which comes from a pure and loving spirit is recognized by others."

It brings to mind this Scripture:

Alma 5:14 "And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"

I echo President Monson's hope for all of us, "May that special light ever shine within us, that it might be recognized and appreciated by others."

That's my two cents.

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Three

"I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own."

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015

College Football Picks 2015 Results Week 8

1. Rex -12 tie breaker 56
2. Tammy -12 tie breaker 55
3. Dad -13 tie breaker 62
4. Chanelle -14 tie breaker 42
5. Lisa -19 Tiebreaker 52
6. Elijah -22 tiebreaker 68
7. Derrinda -24 tiebreaker 39
8. Mom -25 tiebreaker 56
9. Brandon -25 tiebreaker 29
10. Juliet -26 tiebreaker 63

Actual tiebreaker 66

one tiebreaker point -- aargh!  :-(

Be an Example and a Light -- Part Two

"Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others."

-- Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015 General Conference

Be an Example and a Light -- Part One

I recently re-watched President Monson's General conference address from earlier this month.  I always seem to get much more out of each conference address every additional time I watch or read them.  This was no exception.  The second time I watched it I wasn't so distracted and was able to glean much more out of it.

I would argue that it is perhaps our dear Prophet's most meaningful and touching address yet.  And he's given many!  :-)

There are so many wonderful quotes that I think I will break them up into segments.  At least two.  :-)

Perhaps it is because of recent life experience or because this is a topic that has always touched a nerve with me but, the following quote really struck me and resonated with me:

"The words we use can lift and inspire, or they can harm and demean. In the world today there is a profusion of profanity with which we seem to be surrounded at nearly every turn. It is difficult to avoid hearing the names of Deity being used casually and thoughtlessly. Coarse comments seem to have become a staple of television, movies, books, and music. Bandied about are slanderous remarks and angry rhetoric. Let us speak to others with love and respect, ever keeping our language clean and avoiding words or comments that would wound or offend. May we follow the example of the Savior, who spoke with tolerance and kindness throughout His ministry."

-- President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 2015

The words we choose to use speak volumes as to our character, who we are, and how we want to represent ourselves. As President Monson said, "there is a profusion of profanity" all around us. And it's only getting worse.  It saddens me deeply that people choose to disrespect and demean those around them by blaspheming deity and using such course and crass language.

It really is a sign of lack of intelligence, refinement, class, tact, and grace.

Using profanity is ultimate disrespect.

Any mindless buffoon can utter profanity.  But it takes an intelligent, refined, classy, tactful, graceful follower of our Savior to rise above and be an example and a light.

That's my two cents.

Quote of the Day

I've been meaning to do a blog post for several days now but just can't bring myself to do it yet.  I received this quote in my inbox yesterday and loved it.  It is a wonderful spiritual pick me up.

"As we fill our hearts and homes with the Savior’s light…we will have the inner strength to withstand in every circumstance."

—Cheryl A. Esplin, "Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth"

YW In Excellence Invitation

As the YW secretary in my ward, I was asked to design the invitation for our upcoming YW in Excellence program.  They wanted to make it formal and have the girls dress up.  So I came up with the theme "Of Royal Birth".

I spent most of the day Friday in Photoshop designing this invitation:

I was pleased with the outcome.  I thought it turned out awesome, if I do say so myself.  :-)

Yesterday I asked the YW president if she got the design I sent, because I hadn't heard from her, and she said she already had them printed up.  She said she showed it to her daughter and she couldn't read it -- because it was in cursive! I didn't even think of that.  We were just talking about this a few weeks ago.  How unbelievable it is that kids can't read cursive nowadays.

So I guess the kids won't be able to read their invitations.  But at least they look pretty :-).

CFP 2015 Week Seven Results

1-Chanelle -15 tie breaker 63
2-Tammy -16 tie breaker 45
3-Rex -17 tie breaker 42
4-Dad -19 tiebreaker 42
5-Lisa -20 tie breaker 63

6-Mom -22 tiebreaker 35
7-Elijah -22 tiebreaker 68
8-derrinda -24 tiebreaker 39
9-Brandon -25 tiebreaker 29
10-Richie -25 tie breaker 12

Actual tiebreaker 50

Refreshing Honesty

I'm a fan of Jeopardy.  I enjoy playing along.  Recently, Jeopardy has had a longtime champion -- I don't even remember his name.  :-) But he was defeated yesterday.  Didn't quite make it to Ken Jennings status.

Anyway, for some reason I just wasn't fond of his personality and wanted him to get beat.  But as the days went on, he was growing on me.  I was beginning to like him.  And yesterday he did something which made me like him and want to root for him -- and of course ironically that's the day he got beat.

The category was 2 letter words that begin with A.  Pretty easy huh?  Well the question was some French word -- Au was the answer.  The champion rang in and said al but they heard it as au.  And gave him credit for a right answer.

Well, during the commercial break the champion informed the judges that he actually said al and not au.  And so they deducted it from his score.

It shouldn't be surprising that someone was actually honest but in this world of flipping and flopping in sports -- what they call acting which is actually just being dishonest in my opinion -- trying to convince the officials to believe something that isn't true in order to win a game or at least advance your cause.  It's nice and refreshing to actually see someone being honest despite the negative outcome.

Kudos to Matt Jackson -- I looked up his name.  :-) -- for his honesty!

That's my two cents.

Voided Stake Dance Flyer

I've been kind of feeling blasé lately. Listening to the Scriptures the other day I heard this quote and it resonated with me. So I looked it up and here it is:

"...for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil." -- 3 Nephi 21:10

Of course that is Jesus Christ speaking -- I would hope I could say the same thing about myself.

Anyway, there are a lot of quotes from the Ensign that I just read and Conference that I want to share but I just don't feel like it now.  :-(  Perhaps later.

I went to a lot of work making a flyer for our upcoming stake dance.  Unfortunately they changed the theme on me and I had to redo it.  :-( So anyway I wanted to post it here so all my work wasn't completely in vain.  :-)

College Football Picks 2015 Results Week Six

1 --Tammy -11 tie breaker 59
2 --Chanelle -12 tie breaker 56
3 --Dad -14 tiebreaker 62
4 --Rex -16 tie breaker 61
5 --Lisa -17 tie breaker 57
6 --Derrinda -18 tiebreaker 51
7 --Juliet -20 tie breaker 54
8 --Mom -20 tiebreaker 49
9 --Cody -20 tie breaker 38
10 --Elijah -21 tiebreaker 44
11 --Brandon -23 tiebreaker 36

Actual tiebreaker 54

Quotes :-)

I just started reading the Ensign this month.  After reading the first two articles, there are two quotes that stuck out to me.  So I thought I would share.  :-)

From the Visiting Teaching Message:

“Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.” -- President Thomas S. Monson

From the First Presidency Message:

"Sometimes after stumbling, failing, or even giving up, we get discouraged and believe our light has gone out and our race is lost. But I testify that the Light of Christ cannot be extinguished. It shines in the darkest night and will relight our hearts if only we incline our hearts to Him (see 1 Kings 8:58).

No matter how often or how far we fall, the Light of Christ ever burns brightly. And even in the deepest night, if we but step toward Him, His light will consume the shadows and reignite our souls.

This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And it makes little difference how fast we go. In fact, the only way we can lose the race is by finally giving in or giving up." -- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Evil Muppets

Satan is becoming more brazen. He is pulling out all stops.  We all know it's happening, in fact we were recently warned about it again in general conference a few days ago.  The world and its standards are getting farther and farther from the Lord's standards.

As the Lord hastens His work, so does Satan.  Case in point -- I just read an article in the newspaper about the ABC Family television station changing its name because they are no longer family-friendly.  There was a link at the bottom to another article about the new Muppet show.  This was what pushed me o'er the brink to write this post.

Everybody knows the Muppets from their childhood and even recent movies -- from what I'm told -- as kid friendly and geared towards children.  That was certainly the case of the Muppets I have seen.  Although not a Muppets fan myself, growing up in the 70s and 80s I certainly knew of the Muppets and probably watched a few episodes.

Now there is a new Muppets show on TV using the same characters -- or most of the same characters anyway -- that are familiar to all adults.  Except, according to the article I read, it is certainly not kid friendly anymore.  I have seen a few of the commercials for it and it is obviously quite raunchy.  The article states that it is not your mother's or grandmother's Muppets.  It is geared towards adults -- which to me indicates that it is full of a bunch of garbage that nobody should be watching.  I have never understood why it is okay for adults to expose themselves to filth but not okay to expose children to it.  Filth is filth.  Nobody should be exposed to it, regardless of age.

But Satan's cunning, evil designs have now implemented children's puppets into exposing children to filth.  I'm sure some parents will let their children watch the new Muppets show thinking that it is like it was when they were growing up.  And many unsuspecting parents and children will be shocked at what they see.

It disgusts me. Satan is blatantly targeting innocent children and the sad thing is that most people don't care.  It used to be that parents tried to protect their children from blatant filth -- and there are many who still do -- yet many parents will and do allow more and more filth into their homes via "cute" television shows, etc.

I was going to add a scripture here but I can only get LDS.org to come up in Spanish.  And I'm not bilingual.  :-( Weird.  :-)

Anyway, all I have to say is beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.  That is one of Satan's specialties.  He makes things look very enticing and good when in fact they are very evil and destructive.  Don't fall for Satan's evil cunning schemes.

"O that cunning plan of the evil one!  -- 2 Nephi 9:28

That's my two cents.

CFP Results 2015 Week 5

1 --Chanelle -13 tie breaker 27
2--Rex -16 tie breaker 49
3--Tammy -17 tie breaker 43
4--Lisa -17 tie breaker 39
5 --Dad -19 tiebreaker 42
6 --Mom -19 tiebreaker 35
7 --Juliet -20 tie breaker 39
8 --Richie -25 tiebreaker 7

Actual tiebreaker 51

General Conference Summary

As usual, conference was a wonderful spiritually uplifting experience. My favorite quote from the conference is from President Monson's priesthood session talk.

"My message to you tonight is straightforward. It is this: keep the commandments. …" -- President Thomas S. Monson

There were many great quotes and stories but that, to me, sums up the theme of this conference.

Three new apostles were sustained: Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, and Elder Dale G. Renlund.

Did anyone else notice the change in President Nelson as he now assumes the mantle of President of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles?  Much like the change I noticed in President Monson when he became Prophet.  By the way I absolutely loved President Nelson's talk!  He's always been one of my favorites.  :-)

All of us will find much happiness, peace and joy in life if we heed the counsel of the Lord's chosen leaders of His Church who admonished us many times over the past few days to "keep the commandments". 

That's my two cents.