Today has to be a really short post. But I wanted to say that I believe my Savior will save me, in His way, His time, and it will be perfect. I believe Him when He says He will keep His promises, and I believe that He has made promises with me. And I can trust in that enough to go forward and serve His children, my family.
Now, I'm off to go celebrate my wonderful mother's birthday.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
It's true, then what else matters?
Do you believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored church of God, or just a group of nice people trying to be good? The church is either of God, it has either been restored in its fullness and is still on the earth, or all the prophesies are wrong and we are all lost without hope because the healing word of God cannot go to all people.
What do you believe? What do you live by?
Do you see the world in shades of gray. When I have, I have found that living in a world of gray is so confusing, not knowing what is right or where to go. Life is hard enough on its own. When I focus on God, I can see black and white, better, and know the way I should go.
I don't doubt, I don't question the Lord. I know in whom I trust. The way I see it, you now have to choose what to hold on to. If you just pick a few threads of the gospel you will find yourself falling in the great storm of life because they don't have enough strength on their own to sustain you. You are at a crossroads my friend.
Do you read and study your scriptures daily? Do you pray? When was the last time you went to the temple? And when can you go again?
I know these are private answers, so I don't really expect an answer, but I love introspective questions, so really come up with answers.
I know that we are not alone, our God has not taken His authority and power to help all His children find strength. It is here, it is within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church is not just an organization ran by good people, it is an organization with Christ at its head, and Thomas S. Monson, the Lord's anointed prophet directing it here on Earth. If Thomas S. Monson is anything else, this church is false. I know that He is God's prophet, and it is through listening to Him that we hear the Savior's voice too.
Our Savior lived in mortality for not much longer than I've been alive. Within that time, He never once put Himself first, He never once made excuses so that the way was 'easier' than living obediently. He never complained or ignored His fellowmen, and lived in such a way to bring others up, not leaving them in doubt or held captive by darkness. He remembered us, and He loves us, and though He was constantly given reasons to turn away, to take an easier path, to give up, He never gave any heed to the tempter. The temptations were still there, but He turned away from them and focused on God and His eternal work, of which we are both a part. He knew what was right and He lived it. He ignored counterfeits by immediately identifying them, and rejecting them. Christ concluded His mortal ministry in the greatest pain, the greatest loneliness, the greatest hurt, and with as many reasons to quit as you could possibly imagine, but He held on. I know that our Savior lived this way so that we can come back. So that we have a reason to rejoice, to find strength, and to find direction when we are lost. There is a way prepared. This way, we can be strong, we can have faith at all times, we can be truly wise and not just intelligent, we can be true, and we can be united eternally. It is through His life, and His death, His daily struggles and conquests over the adversary that the door was opened, the way was prepared, and now we can follow in it.
The choice is yours what to believe. I hope you would write it down in your journal and I would hope that you would find truth and live it. Theoretical debates are great, but whatever path you choose, I hope you find peace and answers, not just more questions. Choose who to follow and I hope you find joy and healing.
The life you lead is your own. If you look for faults or inadequacies in the church, I guarantee you'll find them. Does that mean that Thomas S. Monson is not the true and living prophet? No. God has not ceased leading this Church. Do you believe that? Please don't fall to doubt and fear, questioning everything and trusting no one.There is a way prepared, the truth was restored by Joseph Smith, and prophets have led the church since. It is through this continuing revelation we find strength to go on each day, and hope for eternity. We cannot have that without the prophet. I would hope that you continue to read and study the words of God as much as you do any other book, for where there is light in those books you mention, there is only one source of perfect light, God, and if you only settle for a little light, a little bit of truth in a sea of almost-truths, you'll live your life in darkness. And I for one will not live that way.
I know it is long, but it is true. What else matters?
What do you believe? What do you live by?
Do you see the world in shades of gray. When I have, I have found that living in a world of gray is so confusing, not knowing what is right or where to go. Life is hard enough on its own. When I focus on God, I can see black and white, better, and know the way I should go.
I don't doubt, I don't question the Lord. I know in whom I trust. The way I see it, you now have to choose what to hold on to. If you just pick a few threads of the gospel you will find yourself falling in the great storm of life because they don't have enough strength on their own to sustain you. You are at a crossroads my friend.
Do you read and study your scriptures daily? Do you pray? When was the last time you went to the temple? And when can you go again?
I know these are private answers, so I don't really expect an answer, but I love introspective questions, so really come up with answers.
I know that we are not alone, our God has not taken His authority and power to help all His children find strength. It is here, it is within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church is not just an organization ran by good people, it is an organization with Christ at its head, and Thomas S. Monson, the Lord's anointed prophet directing it here on Earth. If Thomas S. Monson is anything else, this church is false. I know that He is God's prophet, and it is through listening to Him that we hear the Savior's voice too.
Our Savior lived in mortality for not much longer than I've been alive. Within that time, He never once put Himself first, He never once made excuses so that the way was 'easier' than living obediently. He never complained or ignored His fellowmen, and lived in such a way to bring others up, not leaving them in doubt or held captive by darkness. He remembered us, and He loves us, and though He was constantly given reasons to turn away, to take an easier path, to give up, He never gave any heed to the tempter. The temptations were still there, but He turned away from them and focused on God and His eternal work, of which we are both a part. He knew what was right and He lived it. He ignored counterfeits by immediately identifying them, and rejecting them. Christ concluded His mortal ministry in the greatest pain, the greatest loneliness, the greatest hurt, and with as many reasons to quit as you could possibly imagine, but He held on. I know that our Savior lived this way so that we can come back. So that we have a reason to rejoice, to find strength, and to find direction when we are lost. There is a way prepared. This way, we can be strong, we can have faith at all times, we can be truly wise and not just intelligent, we can be true, and we can be united eternally. It is through His life, and His death, His daily struggles and conquests over the adversary that the door was opened, the way was prepared, and now we can follow in it.
The choice is yours what to believe. I hope you would write it down in your journal and I would hope that you would find truth and live it. Theoretical debates are great, but whatever path you choose, I hope you find peace and answers, not just more questions. Choose who to follow and I hope you find joy and healing.
The life you lead is your own. If you look for faults or inadequacies in the church, I guarantee you'll find them. Does that mean that Thomas S. Monson is not the true and living prophet? No. God has not ceased leading this Church. Do you believe that? Please don't fall to doubt and fear, questioning everything and trusting no one.There is a way prepared, the truth was restored by Joseph Smith, and prophets have led the church since. It is through this continuing revelation we find strength to go on each day, and hope for eternity. We cannot have that without the prophet. I would hope that you continue to read and study the words of God as much as you do any other book, for where there is light in those books you mention, there is only one source of perfect light, God, and if you only settle for a little light, a little bit of truth in a sea of almost-truths, you'll live your life in darkness. And I for one will not live that way.
I know it is long, but it is true. What else matters?
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Fellowship and my thoughts on beer
I have another blog, and someone has reached out to me and we chat via email sometimes. I just got this in my email, and my reply is below. I probably should have planned it out a little more, and prayed a little harder for inspiration, but I think it is right.
"May I say something controversial and hopefully thought provoking? Did you know...that beer is ok according to the Word of Wisdom (being a mild barley drink), and that Mormons were one of the foremost producers and consumers of beer until Prohibition? And that the fact that Mormons consider it a moral standard to not drink today has nothing to do with revelation, but instead is largely based on ignorance? Not saying I have ever had a drink or necessarily ever will, but this is one aspect of a potentially very large and interesting discussion. And I know it's controversial :) and I am still learning more on the subject. But I thought I'd throw that out there."
My reply "I think it is great to learn things for ourselves, like you said you are still learning more, and so am I, so I don't want to crush your opinion with mine, so please keep that in mind as I ramble:Up until reading this, I had never heard any of that, but from where I stand, it needs more research on my end before I comment - I don't know any more than what you have told me and don't feel like looking it up so I will just give ya my opinion as is. :) We could easily get into the semantics of the Word of Wisdom. It may be ok. Here's my thing. I don't care. I have personally seen effects of people drinking beer, it stinks, and it takes away agency and humanity. Therefore, I am morally opposed to it. Call it ignorance if you will, maybe the Word of Wisdom says it is ok. Personally, I don't think it does say that, mostly because of beer's affects on the human brain. The Word of Wisdom is a principle to guide us, it doesn't say don't drink beer, and it doesn't say don't drink gasoline. Personally, I shall not drink either. And, I'm not sure it hasn't been revealed.
The thing is, the Word of Wisdom was given from a loving Father who knows more than we do, obviously, and can see the complete picture. The specifics that were revealed are just that, revealed in section 89. Sugar, caffeine, white flour, etc. etc., I'm not sure. I also don't know what it means by we are to use strong drinks for the washing of our bodies or something... I don't understand a lot, but I will stand up for what I know to be true, and I will turn to the One who does know all things to clarify my perspectives further on this subject and any other I come across.
I hope, as boldly as I felt I was there, that I didn't come across as antagonistic. If I did, I am sorry. My opinion hasn't changed, and I need to learn more. I am grateful for what you have shared with me and am excited to learn more with you.
There is always going to be a lot we don't understand, and semantics alone can be very vague and confusing. Then you add in trying to understand revelation, and it is very hard. And it is even harder to broadly apply it to the world, let alone to just one person."
AND I gave a talk today! It went well, I think. I felt really strong and bold with my preparation, and that the Spirit was guiding me. Hopefully that is the case and people's hearts were touched.
It was on Fellowship and I really have caught the vision, at least a glimpse of the vision, of how important fellowship is, and I've resolved to work at it a little more. We can trust in the promise that we are going to be ok and provided for, that we are not forgotten, and we can be there for each other. We need each other and we need to step up and help each other.
"May I say something controversial and hopefully thought provoking? Did you know...that beer is ok according to the Word of Wisdom (being a mild barley drink), and that Mormons were one of the foremost producers and consumers of beer until Prohibition? And that the fact that Mormons consider it a moral standard to not drink today has nothing to do with revelation, but instead is largely based on ignorance? Not saying I have ever had a drink or necessarily ever will, but this is one aspect of a potentially very large and interesting discussion. And I know it's controversial :) and I am still learning more on the subject. But I thought I'd throw that out there."
My reply "I think it is great to learn things for ourselves, like you said you are still learning more, and so am I, so I don't want to crush your opinion with mine, so please keep that in mind as I ramble:Up until reading this, I had never heard any of that, but from where I stand, it needs more research on my end before I comment - I don't know any more than what you have told me and don't feel like looking it up so I will just give ya my opinion as is. :) We could easily get into the semantics of the Word of Wisdom. It may be ok. Here's my thing. I don't care. I have personally seen effects of people drinking beer, it stinks, and it takes away agency and humanity. Therefore, I am morally opposed to it. Call it ignorance if you will, maybe the Word of Wisdom says it is ok. Personally, I don't think it does say that, mostly because of beer's affects on the human brain. The Word of Wisdom is a principle to guide us, it doesn't say don't drink beer, and it doesn't say don't drink gasoline. Personally, I shall not drink either. And, I'm not sure it hasn't been revealed.
The thing is, the Word of Wisdom was given from a loving Father who knows more than we do, obviously, and can see the complete picture. The specifics that were revealed are just that, revealed in section 89. Sugar, caffeine, white flour, etc. etc., I'm not sure. I also don't know what it means by we are to use strong drinks for the washing of our bodies or something... I don't understand a lot, but I will stand up for what I know to be true, and I will turn to the One who does know all things to clarify my perspectives further on this subject and any other I come across.
I hope, as boldly as I felt I was there, that I didn't come across as antagonistic. If I did, I am sorry. My opinion hasn't changed, and I need to learn more. I am grateful for what you have shared with me and am excited to learn more with you.
There is always going to be a lot we don't understand, and semantics alone can be very vague and confusing. Then you add in trying to understand revelation, and it is very hard. And it is even harder to broadly apply it to the world, let alone to just one person."
AND I gave a talk today! It went well, I think. I felt really strong and bold with my preparation, and that the Spirit was guiding me. Hopefully that is the case and people's hearts were touched.
It was on Fellowship and I really have caught the vision, at least a glimpse of the vision, of how important fellowship is, and I've resolved to work at it a little more. We can trust in the promise that we are going to be ok and provided for, that we are not forgotten, and we can be there for each other. We need each other and we need to step up and help each other.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
General Conference
Oh. Wow. What else can I say about today (and yesterday, of course)
First, the Spirit testified so strongly of the truths that were spoken. I am so glad I was able to watch and listen as history was made and historic talks were given. Second - I developed a blog post that I'm very excited about. It has to do with Fact - Meaning - Feeling - Action. Get excited, and go check out my other blog soon. This one is mostly for me, after all.
I wanted to write a little snippet of all the talks. But, I am running out of energy and computer life, so I'm just going to say a couple of things I want to remember. First, taking notes is vital. I convinced my littlest brother to write down one thing from each talk that he liked, and he did, and I felt the Spirit from what he learned and it was so cool to watch him learn of Christ too, all it took was reminding him to pay attention :)
I'm a huge note-taker and firmly believe that I have received so much inspiration in my life because I write things down. Sometimes, I cannot act immediately on promptings I received, but I can write them down, which helps me value them and remember them.
Probably the biggest takeaway is to keep striving. It is vital that I step up and be more valiant. I can have hope, I can remember my Savior, and I can be at peace, finding enabling strength to get me through each day. Study these words. eave the neutral facade that you are in, make a decision, and come unto Christ. Learn of Him, act more as He does, and find yourself becoming as He is.
First, the Spirit testified so strongly of the truths that were spoken. I am so glad I was able to watch and listen as history was made and historic talks were given. Second - I developed a blog post that I'm very excited about. It has to do with Fact - Meaning - Feeling - Action. Get excited, and go check out my other blog soon. This one is mostly for me, after all.
I wanted to write a little snippet of all the talks. But, I am running out of energy and computer life, so I'm just going to say a couple of things I want to remember. First, taking notes is vital. I convinced my littlest brother to write down one thing from each talk that he liked, and he did, and I felt the Spirit from what he learned and it was so cool to watch him learn of Christ too, all it took was reminding him to pay attention :)
I'm a huge note-taker and firmly believe that I have received so much inspiration in my life because I write things down. Sometimes, I cannot act immediately on promptings I received, but I can write them down, which helps me value them and remember them.
Probably the biggest takeaway is to keep striving. It is vital that I step up and be more valiant. I can have hope, I can remember my Savior, and I can be at peace, finding enabling strength to get me through each day. Study these words. eave the neutral facade that you are in, make a decision, and come unto Christ. Learn of Him, act more as He does, and find yourself becoming as He is.
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