I know I've done posts on the tragedy of the consequences of fame before. Namely Michael Jackson and David Cassidy come to mind. I may have done others I don't remember.
Fame is an interesting thing. It is something so many people aspire to have. Yet those who have it will most likely tell you they don't want it. Most people can't handle fame. Especially without being grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I consider fame to be a trial or hardship people who have it go through. Fame has destroyed many people's lives.
I have never aspired to fame. In fact, I don't even like the few people who know me to know me. :-)
Fame is ironic. Being known by and adored by the masses yet so many who have achieved fame are extremely lonely. Fame is fleeting. Fame can be very destructive. Especially when your self-esteem is based on your fame. One minute everybody loves you, the next minute you are the loneliest person on the planet. You don't even know if your friends are true friends or if they are just your friends because you're famous.
Most famous people become miserable. I have a few theories as to why. First of all, fame tends to persuade people to turn away from God. Turning from God always leads to misery -- eventually. Perhaps not at first but like the prophet Alma taught, "wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10). Living a life of sin, living the "eat drink and be merry" lifestyle leads to nothing but heartache and misery.
When people become miserable they tend to try to escape the reality of their life. Thus leading to more destructive behavior -- drugs, alcohol, extreme risk-taking, promiscuity, etc. It's a very sad road.
As I said in my previous post, I have been on a Donny and Marie kick. I have even watched some concerts of the Osmond brothers from the early 1970s. All of them are extremely talented. Their dancing and harmonies are amazing! And all of them became very famous at a very young age. And Donny and Marie have stayed in the limelight pretty much their entire lives. Going on six decades now.
Yet, from my perspective, they both have been able to stay grounded, stay true to their faith, and even defend their faith when it is mocked. How is that possible? I believe it comes from their roots, what their parents taught them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and having good family support. And really, knowing what is most important in life.
I am impressed that Donny and Marie have been able to withstand the trial of fame that they've been dealt. As far as I'm aware, Donny and Marie and perhaps their brothers are the only people to achieve such fame and not let it destroy their lives.
Kudos to the Osmond family. Not only have Donny and Marie withstood the trial of fame. But they are using it to teach and defend truth. Marie does a weekly spiritually uplifting Instagram post on Sundays. And Donny has a section on his website where he shares his beliefs and even answers fans questions about the Gospel. So awesome! They are actually using their fame to do good and to help their fellow man find true happiness through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Donny and Marie are both extremely talented entertainers. Donny and Marie have both been famous their entire lives. Yet both Donny and Marie have figured out how to navigate through their fame and not let it destroy them. I have gained even more respect for Donny and Marie not only as entertainers but as people of character, integrity, and faith.
That's my two cents.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Saturday, January 19, 2019
On the Shelf
I've been on a Donny and Marie kick lately. I was able to find the old Donny and Marie shows from the 70s on YouTube. I have been binge watching them. They are awesome! I especially love the concert spots -- where Marie is a little bit country and Donny is little bit rock 'n roll.
I remember watching the Donny and Marie show sometimes when I was a kid. I was always more of a Marie fan because well, I'm a little bit country. :-) I had all of her albums in the 80s.
But after watching The Donny and Marie Show now as an adult, I must say I am impressed with Donny's talent as well. They are both excellent singers and dancers. I didn't realize their mad skills until recently. It is even more apparent when you watch their guests try to dance with them. Especially Merle Haggard. That was hilarious.
I absolutely love the 70s fashions, dancing, and music.
I just discovered this song, On The Shelf. Love it! I've been listening to it on repeat for days. I never get tired of it. So I thought I would share this masterpiece with you.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Your Countenance Tells the Truth
Several days ago I read a story that disturbed me. A woman whose sister chose to "marry" a woman wrote the article. She and her sister were both members of the Church. Her sister chose to leave The Church to live a homosexual lifestyle. The woman claimed that her sister was finally at peace now that she was living "true to herself" or something to that effect.
What disturbed me was the claim of being at peace. That's a bunch of malarkey. "You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible!" Said the wise prophet, Ezra Taft Benson.
Ended up that the woman also left the Church which makes sense because the claim that her sister was finally at peace would not come from someone on the covenant path.
One thing that I have noticed is that people who once knew the Gospel, lived in the Gospel, embraced the Gospel-- And then turn away from the Gospel, always look miserable. It radiates in their countenance. Just as they are claiming to never be happier, to finally be at peace, or whatever other lies they tell themselves and others -- their countenance tells another story. Their eyes are dark, their smile is forced and they look miserable.
You may be able to lie to others and even lie to yourself, but you're countenance will tell the truth.
True happiness is only found in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10)
God has established Commandments. They apply to everyone, regardless of beliefs. Granted, because of upbringing and chances for learning, some people understand the Lord's Commandments better than others. But, everybody is born with the light of Christ (a conscience), everyone has a basic moral compass.
I've noticed that those who were once on the covenant path, having embraced the Gospel and having been taught the truths of the Gospel, are the ones who fall the hardest and radiate the most miserable countenances. It's extremely sad to see. Especially when those closest to you, those whom you love the most are the ones choosing misery over happiness.
Whatever you choose, it will be reflected in your countenance.
Those who choose not to follow the Savior's covenant path inevitably try to convince themselves that they are happy and at peace. They may fool themselves. They may even find fleeting happiness in sin for a time. But their countenance will tell the truth. Even during times of fleeting happiness in sin, their countenance resonates misery.
That's my two cents.
What disturbed me was the claim of being at peace. That's a bunch of malarkey. "You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible!" Said the wise prophet, Ezra Taft Benson.
Ended up that the woman also left the Church which makes sense because the claim that her sister was finally at peace would not come from someone on the covenant path.
One thing that I have noticed is that people who once knew the Gospel, lived in the Gospel, embraced the Gospel-- And then turn away from the Gospel, always look miserable. It radiates in their countenance. Just as they are claiming to never be happier, to finally be at peace, or whatever other lies they tell themselves and others -- their countenance tells another story. Their eyes are dark, their smile is forced and they look miserable.
You may be able to lie to others and even lie to yourself, but you're countenance will tell the truth.
True happiness is only found in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10)
God has established Commandments. They apply to everyone, regardless of beliefs. Granted, because of upbringing and chances for learning, some people understand the Lord's Commandments better than others. But, everybody is born with the light of Christ (a conscience), everyone has a basic moral compass.
I've noticed that those who were once on the covenant path, having embraced the Gospel and having been taught the truths of the Gospel, are the ones who fall the hardest and radiate the most miserable countenances. It's extremely sad to see. Especially when those closest to you, those whom you love the most are the ones choosing misery over happiness.
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27)Your choices are reflected in your countenance. Do you choose to live your life on the covenant path? Do you choose liberty and eternal life by following our Savior? Do you choose happiness? Or do you choose to live a life outside of the covenant path? Do you choose captivity and death? Do you choose to follow the devil? Do you choose misery?
Whatever you choose, it will be reflected in your countenance.
Those who choose not to follow the Savior's covenant path inevitably try to convince themselves that they are happy and at peace. They may fool themselves. They may even find fleeting happiness in sin for a time. But their countenance will tell the truth. Even during times of fleeting happiness in sin, their countenance resonates misery.
"... I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" (Alma 5:19)My hope is that those who are choosing not to follow the Savior will quit fooling themselves and come back to the covenant path. Wherein true happiness is found. I hope we will all be able to have the image of God engraven upon our countenances.
That's my two cents.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
27 Years
27 years ago today I embarked on the greatest adventure of my life. I entered the Missionary Training Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And thus began my 18 month full-time proselyting mission.
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| I'm the good-looking Sister in the middle in the black sweater. :-) |
The above picture is me with my MTC district. The lady with the white name tag was our teacher. We had a morning, afternoon and evening teacher. In between was breakfast lunch and dinner. With some personal study, service, firesides/Group meetings, sacrament meetings and PE thrown in the mix.
It was intense training but also very rewarding and a great learning experience. Because I would be speaking my native tongue, I was only there three weeks. Those who had to learn a foreign language were there eight weeks.
Then I flew to Tampa Florida to begin proselyting full-time for 18 months. It was challenging but I learned a lot and grew leaps and bounds as a person. It is an experience I would highly recommend to anyone worthy and willing to serve.
That's my two cents.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Developing the Faith to Reap
I just read a really good article in this month's Ensign. I was going to just put a few quotes but the whole thing is worth reading in context. It gave me new insight on faith and the different levels of faith we can achieve.
I hope you will take the time to read it.
Developing the Faith to Reap
By Elder Wilford W. Andersen
Of the Seventy
From a devotional address, “The Faith to Reap,” delivered at Brigham Young University–Idaho on March 17, 2015.
Lehi and his family had been in the wilderness for only a matter of days when the Lord told him to send his sons back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban. We don’t often compliment Lehi’s two rebellious sons, Laman and Lemuel, but at least they were willing to go. They had enough faith to give it a try.
Laman, and later Lemuel with his brothers, asked Laban for the plates. The brothers lost their family fortune and almost their lives in the attempt. At that point, Laman’s and Lemuel’s faith failed them, and they were ready to quit. Nephi, on the other hand, rose above the danger and discouragement:
“As the Lord liveth, and as we live,” he said, “we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.
“Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord” (1 Nephi 3:15–16).
Nephi then exercised great faith, obtained the plates of Laban, and returned with his brothers to their father in the wilderness.
There seem to be two distinct levels of faith. The first level is the faith to try, the faith to thrust in our sickles. The second level is the faith to do. It is more than the faith to thrust in our sickles—it is the faith to reap.
Laman and Lemuel had the faith to try, but Nephi had the faith to do. Laman and Lemuel had enough faith to thrust in their sickles, but Nephi had enough faith to reap.
That subtle distinction between the faith to thrust in our sickles and the faith to reap will make all the difference in our lives. To live again with our Heavenly Father and to live productive and joyful lives on earth, we need to develop the faith to reap.
We have received marvelous promises from the Lord—promises of happiness and joy in this life and exaltation in the next. But the challenges and problems of our daily lives tend to diminish our hope. Our land of promise seems so far away, so improbable, that we begin to doubt.
“It isn’t possible for me to reach that goal or to receive that blessing,” we think. “Surely, the Lord was thinking about someone else when He made those promises.”
No, He was thinking of you and of me. We only need sufficient faith to receive our blessings—a faith so strong that it can convert our future promises into present realities. We need the faith to reap.
What exactly is the faith to reap, and how can we develop it?
Have Faith in Jesus Christ
First, unlike the faith to thrust in our sickles, the faith to reap is not faith in ourselves. It is not the same as self-confidence or positive mental attitude. It is not even faith in our families or friends—all of which are good. The faith to reap is faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It is faith in His power, not ours.
When I was called as the stake president of the Mesa Arizona Maricopa Stake, Elder W. Mack Lawrence, at the time a General Authority Seventy, invited my wife and me into the stake president’s office and extended the calling. I dutifully accepted. Then he invited us to enter the high council room and prayerfully consider men to recommend as my counselors. As I entered the room, I saw pictures of all the stake presidents who had previously served in the stake since it was organized, and my heart sank. They were great leaders both in the Church and in the community.
I looked at my wife and said, “Kathleen, I don’t think I can do this. I’m not in their league.”
She said, “Don’t talk to me about it. You had better talk to Elder Lawrence.”
To my surprise, when I told him that I didn’t think I could fulfill the calling, Elder Lawrence responded, “Well, I suppose you’re right.”
But then he said, “You can’t do it, Brother Andersen, but the Lord can. He has the power to do His work, and if you will be worthy and work hard, He will do it. You will see.”
And He did.
The faith to thrust in our sickles is the faith to try. It is faith in oneself, and it evaporates as soon as the going gets tough. And then we start to doubt. But the faith to reap is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It never yields.
Align Your Will with God’s Will
Second, to exercise the faith to reap, we must be certain that our desires and objectives are consistent with the will of God. We can never exercise faith to reap if God does not agree with the harvest. To have His help, we must align our will with His.
Because the prophet Nephi, the son of Helaman, was a righteous and faithful man, the Lord told him, “I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word.” That is a wonderful promise. But then the Lord adds, “For thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will” (Helaman 10:5).
Moroni taught, “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33; emphasis added).
Conforming our desires to God’s will is a prerequisite to the faith to reap.
When my sons were younger, they played on the high school basketball teams. Back then they used to have a team prayer prior to beginning each game. As I watched from the stands, I would wonder what they were praying for. If they were praying to win the game, their prayers lacked the faith to reap. This was clearly evidenced by the number of games they lost! The Lord apparently did not share their desire that they necessarily win every game.
In other words, God will help us to achieve only the goals that are good for us. That is because He loves us, and He knows better than we do what will be for our good. We should pray each day that Heavenly Father will bless us with righteous desires to conform our will to His. We must learn to pray as the Lord did in the Garden of Gethsemane that God’s will, not ours, be done (see Luke 22:42). Only then can we exercise the faith to reap.
Go to Work
The third prerequisite of faith to reap is work. The Apostle James makes it clear that faith without works is dead. The faith to thrust in our sickles requires belief, but the faith to reap requires more than belief. “The devils believe,” writes James, “and tremble” (see James 2:17, 19).
I heard a story about a father who noticed his young daughter kneeling beside her bed, praying that Heavenly Father would protect little birds from entering a bird trap her brother had built and placed in the backyard. Later that day, the father grew concerned. He knew the trap was a good one. He had helped his son build it.
“I heard you praying this morning that Heavenly Father would protect the little birds from your brother’s trap,” he said to his daughter. “But sometimes sad things happen even when we pray that they won’t.”
She responded, “I just know he won’t catch any birds, Daddy.”
“I admire your faith, sweetheart,” the father said. “But if he does catch some birds, I hope that won’t hurt your faith.”
“He won’t, Daddy,” she said. “I know he won’t.”
The father asked, “How can you have such great faith?”
“Because after I said my prayers,” his daughter replied, “I went out back and kicked his bird trap all to pieces.”
It is good to pray for Heavenly Father’s blessings. But after we say amen, we have to go to work. We cannot expect the Lord to guide our footsteps if we’re not willing to move our feet. Nor should we ask Him to do for us that which we can and should do for ourselves.
We must work at reaching our righteous goals. We must work at keeping the commandments. The real power in our covenants and the real power in the faith to reap is realized not when we conclude with certainty that God keeps His promises but rather when we conclude with certainty that we keep ours. That great truth is what converts future promises into present realities. We must work.
Don’t be discouraged with your failures or mistakes, but be constant in your efforts, and be determined. The faith to reap does not require perfection, but it does require persistence.
I invite you to develop the faith to reap. Place your faith firmly in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His Atonement. Make sure that your desires align with and conform to His will. Then go to work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, with unfailing determination and persistence. There is no challenge, no problem, no barrier that will not yield to the faith to reap.
Show Your Faith
“There is only One in whom your faith is always safe, and that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. And you need to let your faith show!”
President Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign, May 2014, 29.
I hope you will take the time to read it.
Developing the Faith to Reap
By Elder Wilford W. Andersen
Of the Seventy
From a devotional address, “The Faith to Reap,” delivered at Brigham Young University–Idaho on March 17, 2015.
Lehi and his family had been in the wilderness for only a matter of days when the Lord told him to send his sons back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban. We don’t often compliment Lehi’s two rebellious sons, Laman and Lemuel, but at least they were willing to go. They had enough faith to give it a try.
Laman, and later Lemuel with his brothers, asked Laban for the plates. The brothers lost their family fortune and almost their lives in the attempt. At that point, Laman’s and Lemuel’s faith failed them, and they were ready to quit. Nephi, on the other hand, rose above the danger and discouragement:
“As the Lord liveth, and as we live,” he said, “we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.
“Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord” (1 Nephi 3:15–16).
Nephi then exercised great faith, obtained the plates of Laban, and returned with his brothers to their father in the wilderness.
There seem to be two distinct levels of faith. The first level is the faith to try, the faith to thrust in our sickles. The second level is the faith to do. It is more than the faith to thrust in our sickles—it is the faith to reap.
Laman and Lemuel had the faith to try, but Nephi had the faith to do. Laman and Lemuel had enough faith to thrust in their sickles, but Nephi had enough faith to reap.
That subtle distinction between the faith to thrust in our sickles and the faith to reap will make all the difference in our lives. To live again with our Heavenly Father and to live productive and joyful lives on earth, we need to develop the faith to reap.
We have received marvelous promises from the Lord—promises of happiness and joy in this life and exaltation in the next. But the challenges and problems of our daily lives tend to diminish our hope. Our land of promise seems so far away, so improbable, that we begin to doubt.
“It isn’t possible for me to reach that goal or to receive that blessing,” we think. “Surely, the Lord was thinking about someone else when He made those promises.”
No, He was thinking of you and of me. We only need sufficient faith to receive our blessings—a faith so strong that it can convert our future promises into present realities. We need the faith to reap.
What exactly is the faith to reap, and how can we develop it?
Have Faith in Jesus Christ
First, unlike the faith to thrust in our sickles, the faith to reap is not faith in ourselves. It is not the same as self-confidence or positive mental attitude. It is not even faith in our families or friends—all of which are good. The faith to reap is faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It is faith in His power, not ours.
When I was called as the stake president of the Mesa Arizona Maricopa Stake, Elder W. Mack Lawrence, at the time a General Authority Seventy, invited my wife and me into the stake president’s office and extended the calling. I dutifully accepted. Then he invited us to enter the high council room and prayerfully consider men to recommend as my counselors. As I entered the room, I saw pictures of all the stake presidents who had previously served in the stake since it was organized, and my heart sank. They were great leaders both in the Church and in the community.
I looked at my wife and said, “Kathleen, I don’t think I can do this. I’m not in their league.”
She said, “Don’t talk to me about it. You had better talk to Elder Lawrence.”
To my surprise, when I told him that I didn’t think I could fulfill the calling, Elder Lawrence responded, “Well, I suppose you’re right.”
But then he said, “You can’t do it, Brother Andersen, but the Lord can. He has the power to do His work, and if you will be worthy and work hard, He will do it. You will see.”
And He did.
The faith to thrust in our sickles is the faith to try. It is faith in oneself, and it evaporates as soon as the going gets tough. And then we start to doubt. But the faith to reap is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It never yields.
Align Your Will with God’s Will
Second, to exercise the faith to reap, we must be certain that our desires and objectives are consistent with the will of God. We can never exercise faith to reap if God does not agree with the harvest. To have His help, we must align our will with His.
Because the prophet Nephi, the son of Helaman, was a righteous and faithful man, the Lord told him, “I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word.” That is a wonderful promise. But then the Lord adds, “For thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will” (Helaman 10:5).
Moroni taught, “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33; emphasis added).
Conforming our desires to God’s will is a prerequisite to the faith to reap.
When my sons were younger, they played on the high school basketball teams. Back then they used to have a team prayer prior to beginning each game. As I watched from the stands, I would wonder what they were praying for. If they were praying to win the game, their prayers lacked the faith to reap. This was clearly evidenced by the number of games they lost! The Lord apparently did not share their desire that they necessarily win every game.
In other words, God will help us to achieve only the goals that are good for us. That is because He loves us, and He knows better than we do what will be for our good. We should pray each day that Heavenly Father will bless us with righteous desires to conform our will to His. We must learn to pray as the Lord did in the Garden of Gethsemane that God’s will, not ours, be done (see Luke 22:42). Only then can we exercise the faith to reap.
Go to Work
The third prerequisite of faith to reap is work. The Apostle James makes it clear that faith without works is dead. The faith to thrust in our sickles requires belief, but the faith to reap requires more than belief. “The devils believe,” writes James, “and tremble” (see James 2:17, 19).
I heard a story about a father who noticed his young daughter kneeling beside her bed, praying that Heavenly Father would protect little birds from entering a bird trap her brother had built and placed in the backyard. Later that day, the father grew concerned. He knew the trap was a good one. He had helped his son build it.
“I heard you praying this morning that Heavenly Father would protect the little birds from your brother’s trap,” he said to his daughter. “But sometimes sad things happen even when we pray that they won’t.”
She responded, “I just know he won’t catch any birds, Daddy.”
“I admire your faith, sweetheart,” the father said. “But if he does catch some birds, I hope that won’t hurt your faith.”
“He won’t, Daddy,” she said. “I know he won’t.”
The father asked, “How can you have such great faith?”
“Because after I said my prayers,” his daughter replied, “I went out back and kicked his bird trap all to pieces.”
It is good to pray for Heavenly Father’s blessings. But after we say amen, we have to go to work. We cannot expect the Lord to guide our footsteps if we’re not willing to move our feet. Nor should we ask Him to do for us that which we can and should do for ourselves.
We must work at reaching our righteous goals. We must work at keeping the commandments. The real power in our covenants and the real power in the faith to reap is realized not when we conclude with certainty that God keeps His promises but rather when we conclude with certainty that we keep ours. That great truth is what converts future promises into present realities. We must work.
Don’t be discouraged with your failures or mistakes, but be constant in your efforts, and be determined. The faith to reap does not require perfection, but it does require persistence.
I invite you to develop the faith to reap. Place your faith firmly in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His Atonement. Make sure that your desires align with and conform to His will. Then go to work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, with unfailing determination and persistence. There is no challenge, no problem, no barrier that will not yield to the faith to reap.
Show Your Faith
“There is only One in whom your faith is always safe, and that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. And you need to let your faith show!”
President Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign, May 2014, 29.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Write Your Representatives
Vice President Pence was on Rush Limbaugh today. I just read part of the transcript. Vice President Pence asked us to please write or call our congressmen and senators to ask them to support President Trump in his efforts to secure our southern border.
Here is the letter I sent. I am also sending it to my two Senators.
Here is the letter I sent. I am also sending it to my two Senators.
Dear Congresswoman Schrier,
Since you represent me, I would like to ask you to please support our president in his efforts to secure our southern border. This is a very important matter. I am all for legal immigration. There is a right way to do it. Follow the law. Our country is being invaded by illegal aliens by the thousands every day. Bringing drugs, gangs, and sex trafficking to name a few of the threats to our nation. This is unacceptable.
Please support President Trump in building a wall to secure our southern border. And also please vote to fund border security.
Thank you,
Dr. Tammy Stone
This literally took me less than a minute to compose. A quick Internet search will link you to your congressman and senators. It's very easy. This is a very important matter. Please put forth the effort to send a quick note to them. You can even copy mine or paraphrase it if you wish.
That's my two cents.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
In the Last Days of My Probation
As you all know, I listen to The Book of Mormon every morning for several hours. This morning a scripture that I'm not familiar with jumped out at me because this is exactly how I feel. Or, in other words, I should say this is what I hope I can say at the end of my mortal life.
This scripture is the prophet Lehi speaking to his sons as he nears the end of his mortal journey-- or as he says, "in the last days of my probation". Basically teaching them gospel truths and admonishing them to live the gospel.
2 Nephi 2:30
My heart also is weighted down with sorrow from time to time because of the hardness of the hearts of family members and my fellow men.
I hope I will always teach and defend truth throughout my life despite persecutions I may face. I hope, like Lehi, that I will be able to say on my deathbed that "I have chosen the good part, according to the prophets" and that "my soul has been redeemed". Because I, also like Lehi, "have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen."
That's my two cents.
This scripture is the prophet Lehi speaking to his sons as he nears the end of his mortal journey-- or as he says, "in the last days of my probation". Basically teaching them gospel truths and admonishing them to live the gospel.
2 Nephi 2:30
"I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen."
I can relate to Lehi. He also had family members -- namely his sons Laman and Lemuel -- who chose not to live the gospel and persecuted those who did. Especially their family members. This despite having a father and brothers who were prophets. So, obviously they were taught, and knew well, the Gospel.
I look to Lehi and his righteous sons as examples to me. Lehi and his sons, Nephi and Jacob, all taught the gospel and called the wicked to repentance despite persecution. Even persecution from those who are supposed to love and protect them -- family.
Even on his deathbed, Lehi was teaching the gospel to his sons hoping that his wicked sons would wise up and change their ways to save their souls.
The following is part of what Lehi told his wicked sons on his deathbed.
2 Nephi 1: 13-19
13 O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.
14 Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of all the earth.
15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.
16 And I desire that ye should remember to observe the statutes and the judgments of the Lord; behold, this hath been the anxiety of my soul from the beginning.
17 My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts the Lord your God should come out in the fulness of his wrath upon you, that ye be cut off and destroyed forever;
18 Or, that a cursing should come upon you for the space of many generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by famine, and are hated, and are led according to the will and captivity of the devil.
19 O my sons, that these things might not come upon you, but that ye might be a choice and a favored people of the Lord. But behold, his will be done; for his ways are righteousness forever.Lehi continued to teach and warn his sons to complete chapter 1 of second Nephi. It's quite powerful if you'd like to read the rest.
My heart also is weighted down with sorrow from time to time because of the hardness of the hearts of family members and my fellow men.
I hope I will always teach and defend truth throughout my life despite persecutions I may face. I hope, like Lehi, that I will be able to say on my deathbed that "I have chosen the good part, according to the prophets" and that "my soul has been redeemed". Because I, also like Lehi, "have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen."
That's my two cents.
Thursday, January 3, 2019
College Football Bowl Picks Results
- Dad -16 TB 46
- Tammy -16 TB 33
- Lisa -17 TB 41
- Mom -20 TB 47
- Rex -21 TB 50
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Congratulations Mercedes!
My firstborn niece is getting married today!
So I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and post some pictures of me with Mercedes.
Fun times!
Now, that cute little girl has grown into a beautiful young woman.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
The Great Healer
We had a magnificent Christmas program today during Sacrament Meeting. Beautiful music with violins, flute, organ, and piano. Even the prelude music was violins and cello. Absolutely gorgeous. The ward choir sang like angels. And the narration was excellent. The Spirit was really strong during the meeting today. It was lovely! Such a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Anyway I read this quote today and it struck me. So I thought I would share it with you all.
Even though Moses' prayer wasn't answered in the way he asked, his prayer was answered. The Lord did not take away the poisonous serpents but provided a way to be healed if bitten.
I think a lot of times we don't think the Lord hears or answers our prayers, if we don't get the exact answer we want. This example reminds me that although the Lord will not always take away our trials-- He allows us to be bitten by poisonous serpents -- yet He will provide healing. Trials, although unpleasant, are necessary for our growth. And even though we must experience trials and hardships for our own benefit --Our Savior is the great healer. Through His Atonement we may all be healed.
If we look towards our Savior, He will heal us. It is very simple and straightforward yet how many Israelites died because they would not even look? How many people today die spiritually because they refuse to look towards the Savior?
At this marvelous time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, may we all remember to look to Him. Look to Him that He may heal us.
That's my two cents.
Anyway I read this quote today and it struck me. So I thought I would share it with you all.
"The difficulties of their journey caused the children of Israel to complain, murmuring against the prophet and the Lord. As a result, the Lord allowed poisonous serpents to bite them, bringing death to many. Moses prayed to the Lord to take away the serpents; instead, the Lord provided a way for the people to escape death when they had been bitten. The action required for them to be healed was to look upon a brass serpent that was affixed to a pole.
"Jesus Christ was nailed to a pole—the cross—so that we might look to Him in our sufferings and not be overcome by them. Jesus Christ does not always take away our trials, but as our Healer, He can take the poison out of them through the blessings of His Atonement." -- Stephen P. Schank, "I Am That I Am: Symbols of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament", Ensign, December 2018We're all familiar with the story in the Old Testament about the poisonous serpents killing the Israelites. And the brass serpent on the pole. All they had to do was look at the brass serpent on the pole to be healed if they were bitten-- yet so many didn't even bother to look, and as a consequence died.
Even though Moses' prayer wasn't answered in the way he asked, his prayer was answered. The Lord did not take away the poisonous serpents but provided a way to be healed if bitten.
I think a lot of times we don't think the Lord hears or answers our prayers, if we don't get the exact answer we want. This example reminds me that although the Lord will not always take away our trials-- He allows us to be bitten by poisonous serpents -- yet He will provide healing. Trials, although unpleasant, are necessary for our growth. And even though we must experience trials and hardships for our own benefit --Our Savior is the great healer. Through His Atonement we may all be healed.
If we look towards our Savior, He will heal us. It is very simple and straightforward yet how many Israelites died because they would not even look? How many people today die spiritually because they refuse to look towards the Savior?
At this marvelous time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, may we all remember to look to Him. Look to Him that He may heal us.
That's my two cents.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Outward Appearance
The other day someone commented to me about someone who has lost weight and how great they look now-- in their presence. This is actually very disturbing to me. I know it is common in our culture to say people look great when they lose weight. And somehow elevate their status in society because they have a lower BMI.
I have always had a problem with this. Not that I am opposed to someone working hard to achieve the goal. But I am disturbed by people thinking they have to look a certain way or have a certain BMI to be valued.
What people look like, what their BMI is, how much fat they carry, or any number of societal standards of beauty is really irrelevant in life.
It brings to mind the following Scripture:
1 Samuel 16: 7
It is extremely sad to me to see children seeking the acceptance and love and praise of a parent by losing weight or trying to make themselves prettier through makeup and clothing. I've seen this firsthand. It breaks my heart. Children should be loved unconditionally by their parents.
Not only do children seek the love and praise and acceptance of a parent. But they also seek acceptance and praise from society, their friends and peers. And not only children but also adults seek acceptance and praise of men.
I know of many adults who have dieted and lost weight to be more valued in society or to try to please, be accepted by, praised by, loved by, and valued by someone else.
It is tragic that so many people base their self-esteem and self-worth on their appearance and what others think of them (the praise of men).
I have never experienced low self-esteem or low self-worth. I have always known that I am of infinite worth regardless of what I look like. This is coming from someone who has been on both ends of the beauty spectrum. I have just as much self-esteem now as I did in my prime in my 20s -- if not more now.
You may be wondering why or how this could be. I will tell you why. It's because I know who I am. I am a daughter of God. I have an eternal perspective. I know God's plan for me. Mortality is temporary. Looks are fleeting. Even the most beautiful or handsome people age and lose their youthful good looks as defined by society.
How devastating for those who base their value on their looks.
I know many of you will argue that most people lose weight for health reasons. And that people should do their best to keep their bodies healthy. Yes, the scriptures teach that we should respect our bodies and keep them healthy. But I would argue that most people lose weight for vanity's sake not for health.
I would also argue that most people on diets -- those who take in fewer calories than their body needs and/or restrict certain foods-- are less healthy than those who eat a balanced diet and are slightly overweight.
Contrary to popular belief, skinny does not equal healthy. Often times those who lose weight are very sick. On the other hand, being overweight does not equate to being unhealthy. There are many different natural body types. As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.
You can't judge a person's health by their looks. People who live their life to sculpt their body into what they think looks good are just wasting precious time that could be spent doing themselves some good. Serving God, serving others -- doing those things that will keep them on the path to eternal life.
I guarantee you that on the day of final judgment the Lord will not ask you how much weight you lost in your life or what your BMI was or what your measurements were etc. or anything about your physical characteristics in mortality. He will, however, ask you what you did to serve Him and serve your fellow beings.
The Lord does not look on the outward appearance, the Lord looks on our hearts.
It is never polite to comment on someone's weight. Even if you think it is a compliment.
I wish more people understood who they are and why they are here. If more people understood their divine nature and Heavenly Father's plan of happiness, then more people would not worry about what they look like. Their self-esteem and self-worth would be based on who they are and how they live their life, not their physical appearance.
That's my two cents.
I have always had a problem with this. Not that I am opposed to someone working hard to achieve the goal. But I am disturbed by people thinking they have to look a certain way or have a certain BMI to be valued.
What people look like, what their BMI is, how much fat they carry, or any number of societal standards of beauty is really irrelevant in life.
It brings to mind the following Scripture:
1 Samuel 16: 7
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."Our outside appearance means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Yes, the world will teach that you must look a certain way to be valued in society. Too many people base their self-esteem on what they look like -- and more importantly what others think of what they look like.
It is extremely sad to me to see children seeking the acceptance and love and praise of a parent by losing weight or trying to make themselves prettier through makeup and clothing. I've seen this firsthand. It breaks my heart. Children should be loved unconditionally by their parents.
Not only do children seek the love and praise and acceptance of a parent. But they also seek acceptance and praise from society, their friends and peers. And not only children but also adults seek acceptance and praise of men.
I know of many adults who have dieted and lost weight to be more valued in society or to try to please, be accepted by, praised by, loved by, and valued by someone else.
It is tragic that so many people base their self-esteem and self-worth on their appearance and what others think of them (the praise of men).
I have never experienced low self-esteem or low self-worth. I have always known that I am of infinite worth regardless of what I look like. This is coming from someone who has been on both ends of the beauty spectrum. I have just as much self-esteem now as I did in my prime in my 20s -- if not more now.
You may be wondering why or how this could be. I will tell you why. It's because I know who I am. I am a daughter of God. I have an eternal perspective. I know God's plan for me. Mortality is temporary. Looks are fleeting. Even the most beautiful or handsome people age and lose their youthful good looks as defined by society.
How devastating for those who base their value on their looks.
I know many of you will argue that most people lose weight for health reasons. And that people should do their best to keep their bodies healthy. Yes, the scriptures teach that we should respect our bodies and keep them healthy. But I would argue that most people lose weight for vanity's sake not for health.
I would also argue that most people on diets -- those who take in fewer calories than their body needs and/or restrict certain foods-- are less healthy than those who eat a balanced diet and are slightly overweight.
Contrary to popular belief, skinny does not equal healthy. Often times those who lose weight are very sick. On the other hand, being overweight does not equate to being unhealthy. There are many different natural body types. As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.
You can't judge a person's health by their looks. People who live their life to sculpt their body into what they think looks good are just wasting precious time that could be spent doing themselves some good. Serving God, serving others -- doing those things that will keep them on the path to eternal life.
I guarantee you that on the day of final judgment the Lord will not ask you how much weight you lost in your life or what your BMI was or what your measurements were etc. or anything about your physical characteristics in mortality. He will, however, ask you what you did to serve Him and serve your fellow beings.
The Lord does not look on the outward appearance, the Lord looks on our hearts.
It is never polite to comment on someone's weight. Even if you think it is a compliment.
I wish more people understood who they are and why they are here. If more people understood their divine nature and Heavenly Father's plan of happiness, then more people would not worry about what they look like. Their self-esteem and self-worth would be based on who they are and how they live their life, not their physical appearance.
That's my two cents.
Monday, December 10, 2018
College Football Picks 2018 Weeks 14 and 15
- Lisa -2 TB 52
- Dad -3 TB 67
- Michael -4 TB 50
- Rex -4 TB 72
- Tammy -5 TB 63
- Mom -6 TB 57
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Talk Prepared for Stake Conference
Our Stake Presidency asked every member of the Stake to prepare a 3-5 minute talk on Mosiah 3:19. We were told that we might get called up to give our talk during Stake Conference, which was today.
So, like a good obedient disciple of Christ, I listened to my leaders and I prepared my talk last week in preparation of Stake Conference today.
Of the thousand or two thousand people that were there, only two youth (teenagers) were called up to speak and only one adult. I knew the odds were extremely low that I would be asked to speak, but I wanted to be prepared nonetheless. Not only because of the slim chance that I might be called upon, but mostly because I wanted to be obedient to my local church leaders and show the Lord that I'm willing to do what He asks.
Here is the Scripture we were assigned to study and write our talk on:
Mosiah 3:19
Tammy’s talk on Mosiah 3:19
For Stake Conference December 2, 2018
We all lived with our Heavenly Father, as spirit children, before we were born here on earth. Our spirits are made of matter, but much more pure and refined than our physical bodies. While living with our Heavenly Father in our pre-mortal life, we learned much and progressed as far as we could to become like Him.
Our Heavenly Father’s plan includes the opportunity to come to earth to receive a mortal physical body and to be tested. In doing so, we have the chance to progress further to become more like our Heavenly Father.
When we are born, our spirit joins with our physical body. A veil is placed over our minds so we won’t remember our pre-mortal existence and provides the opportunity to learn and grow by walking by faith.
Our physical bodies have appetites that we must learn to control. Our spirit can control the appetites of our physical body. This requires effort on our part. The Scripture says “the natural man is an enemy to God… and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man.”(Mosiah 3:19)
In order to “put off the natural man” we must “yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit”. In other words, to control the appetites of our physical bodies we must listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We must be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost to receive his promptings.
To be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost we must constantly work at staying on the covenant path by - praying, reading our scriptures, attending church, attending the temple, paying tithing, partaking of the sacrament, receiving a patriarchal blessing, etc.
By doing those things we keep the natural man at bay by becoming saints through the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we learn to control our physical appetites, desires, and passions we develop qualities that help us progress towards becoming more like our Heavenly Father. We “becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)
Satan’s objective is to stop our progression. He wants all of us to be miserable like he is. "And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind..." (2 Nephi 2:18). Satan’s greatest tool to destroy us and make us miserable like himself is to tempt us to misuse our bodies.
The Scriptures tell us that in the last days even the very elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). I have seen this happen to many people including family members.
President Nelson recently told us that "in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." ¹
I’m grateful for the opportunity a loving Heavenly Father has given me to come to earth and receive a physical body. I’m grateful for this mortal journey where we can prove ourselves and develop divine qualities. I’m thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His atonement which makes eternal progression possible.
May we all put off the natural man by keeping ourselves worthy to receive the guiding and comforting constant influence of the Holy Ghost. May we all stay on the covenant path so we may develop the qualities necessary for eternal progression.
In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
1 - Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” April 2018 General Conference
So, like a good obedient disciple of Christ, I listened to my leaders and I prepared my talk last week in preparation of Stake Conference today.
Of the thousand or two thousand people that were there, only two youth (teenagers) were called up to speak and only one adult. I knew the odds were extremely low that I would be asked to speak, but I wanted to be prepared nonetheless. Not only because of the slim chance that I might be called upon, but mostly because I wanted to be obedient to my local church leaders and show the Lord that I'm willing to do what He asks.
Here is the Scripture we were assigned to study and write our talk on:
Mosiah 3:19
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.Here is the talk I prepared:
Tammy’s talk on Mosiah 3:19
For Stake Conference December 2, 2018
We all lived with our Heavenly Father, as spirit children, before we were born here on earth. Our spirits are made of matter, but much more pure and refined than our physical bodies. While living with our Heavenly Father in our pre-mortal life, we learned much and progressed as far as we could to become like Him.
Our Heavenly Father’s plan includes the opportunity to come to earth to receive a mortal physical body and to be tested. In doing so, we have the chance to progress further to become more like our Heavenly Father.
When we are born, our spirit joins with our physical body. A veil is placed over our minds so we won’t remember our pre-mortal existence and provides the opportunity to learn and grow by walking by faith.
Our physical bodies have appetites that we must learn to control. Our spirit can control the appetites of our physical body. This requires effort on our part. The Scripture says “the natural man is an enemy to God… and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man.”(Mosiah 3:19)
In order to “put off the natural man” we must “yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit”. In other words, to control the appetites of our physical bodies we must listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We must be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost to receive his promptings.
To be worthy and in tune with the Holy Ghost we must constantly work at staying on the covenant path by - praying, reading our scriptures, attending church, attending the temple, paying tithing, partaking of the sacrament, receiving a patriarchal blessing, etc.
By doing those things we keep the natural man at bay by becoming saints through the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we learn to control our physical appetites, desires, and passions we develop qualities that help us progress towards becoming more like our Heavenly Father. We “becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)
Satan’s objective is to stop our progression. He wants all of us to be miserable like he is. "And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind..." (2 Nephi 2:18). Satan’s greatest tool to destroy us and make us miserable like himself is to tempt us to misuse our bodies.
The Scriptures tell us that in the last days even the very elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). I have seen this happen to many people including family members.
President Nelson recently told us that "in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." ¹
I’m grateful for the opportunity a loving Heavenly Father has given me to come to earth and receive a physical body. I’m grateful for this mortal journey where we can prove ourselves and develop divine qualities. I’m thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His atonement which makes eternal progression possible.
May we all put off the natural man by keeping ourselves worthy to receive the guiding and comforting constant influence of the Holy Ghost. May we all stay on the covenant path so we may develop the qualities necessary for eternal progression.
In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
1 - Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” April 2018 General Conference
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