I haven't kept up this blog like I intended to, and despite my good intentions may not continue to write more than once a century, but the intention is there! So let's see how I go!
One of the reasons I haven't written on here is because we've been going through so much medically in our family that I haven't had the time and energy to write a lot. I keep my journal, and I'm still maintaining my scripture-journal goals, and then I'm studying and writing novels so by the time I've done all that writing, I'm pooped and tell myself I'll "do it tomorrow".
Ok, enough excuses. I just wanted to basically, and quickly say that through all of the injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, and other struggles we've been going through (including the marriage surviving by the skin of it's teeth, thankfully) the one constant that never changes is the love of God which is the one thing I can rely on to get me through!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Boyd K Packer - October 2010
I don't know if anyone out there will even read this, but I want to say my 2c worth. I have thought about the controversy flying around the media and cyberspace over this talk, and feel that there is a lot of emotion around this topic, but not nearly as much reason. First of all, though I have a few things to be clear on:
1, I sustain President Boyd K. Packer as an Apostle of the Lord
2, I agree with the church's official response to the human rights people
3, I think that those who suffer from homosexual temptation, and still live the Gospel faithfully are amazing, and clearly love the Lord (John 14:15)
There are a lot of things I would like to say, but it seems to me that those people who are so oversensitive as to take any opportunity to argue over things taken out of context, make that task impossible to do peacefully. So I'm just going to say that obviously the people getting all angry have ignored (perhaps on purpose) the actual message of the rest of the talk, which was love and hope in Christ through the Atonement. The one single line that everyone is getting so upset about wasn't even specific to one group, and I would go into others who may fit that description, but I'm sure someone would get all agro about it and accuse me of saying things I'm not actually saying (just like they have with Pres. Packer).
There are plenty of biblical scriptures that support, directly, in context what President Packer said, so those complaining about it clearly are either not considering or not caring that it is God they are whinging against, and not just His servants. Are those who say he isn't telling the truth, therefore denying the rest of his talk, about the Atonement? The power and infinity of the Atonement to help these people overcome a very difficult thing? If the Atonement isn't strong enough, then that means it isn't infinite, and if it isn't infinite then God would have to be a liar, so either the Atonement IS infinite and covering everyone, including those precious souls who struggle with these temptations (as Boyd K Packer says), or the power and infinity of Christ and His sacrifice is being denied.
Unfortunately many people seem far too emotional to see the love behind this talk, and the scriptures that support it. Why be so unreasonable as to take out a single sentence out of context, and ignore both it's actual meaning and the rest of the talk? That just shows an extreme mentality (as evidenced by extreme reaction). There was nothing "hateful" in President Boyd K Packer's talk, in either manner or context, so I think the media, and those "hateful" against the church need to get some new adjectives.
I don't write this to bash anyone or offend anyone (seriously, some people are WAY too easily offended), I was just honestly surprised that something so simple, said so many times before, and in a very gentle and loving manner, was even taken the way it has been. I simply want to add my support and testimony that I have found out for myself the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I sustain His servants and His doctrine, and I love Him enough to keep His commandments (John 14:15, Joshua 24:15) I hope everyone can see that the message of the talk in question, and of the Gospel itself is that there is always hope in Christ for everyone who is willing to come to Him.
"I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it" - Joseph Smith Jr, 1844
1, I sustain President Boyd K. Packer as an Apostle of the Lord
2, I agree with the church's official response to the human rights people
3, I think that those who suffer from homosexual temptation, and still live the Gospel faithfully are amazing, and clearly love the Lord (John 14:15)
There are a lot of things I would like to say, but it seems to me that those people who are so oversensitive as to take any opportunity to argue over things taken out of context, make that task impossible to do peacefully. So I'm just going to say that obviously the people getting all angry have ignored (perhaps on purpose) the actual message of the rest of the talk, which was love and hope in Christ through the Atonement. The one single line that everyone is getting so upset about wasn't even specific to one group, and I would go into others who may fit that description, but I'm sure someone would get all agro about it and accuse me of saying things I'm not actually saying (just like they have with Pres. Packer).
There are plenty of biblical scriptures that support, directly, in context what President Packer said, so those complaining about it clearly are either not considering or not caring that it is God they are whinging against, and not just His servants. Are those who say he isn't telling the truth, therefore denying the rest of his talk, about the Atonement? The power and infinity of the Atonement to help these people overcome a very difficult thing? If the Atonement isn't strong enough, then that means it isn't infinite, and if it isn't infinite then God would have to be a liar, so either the Atonement IS infinite and covering everyone, including those precious souls who struggle with these temptations (as Boyd K Packer says), or the power and infinity of Christ and His sacrifice is being denied.
Unfortunately many people seem far too emotional to see the love behind this talk, and the scriptures that support it. Why be so unreasonable as to take out a single sentence out of context, and ignore both it's actual meaning and the rest of the talk? That just shows an extreme mentality (as evidenced by extreme reaction). There was nothing "hateful" in President Boyd K Packer's talk, in either manner or context, so I think the media, and those "hateful" against the church need to get some new adjectives.
I don't write this to bash anyone or offend anyone (seriously, some people are WAY too easily offended), I was just honestly surprised that something so simple, said so many times before, and in a very gentle and loving manner, was even taken the way it has been. I simply want to add my support and testimony that I have found out for myself the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I sustain His servants and His doctrine, and I love Him enough to keep His commandments (John 14:15, Joshua 24:15) I hope everyone can see that the message of the talk in question, and of the Gospel itself is that there is always hope in Christ for everyone who is willing to come to Him.
"I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it" - Joseph Smith Jr, 1844
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Anti-Mormon literature
I just want to say a quick word about anti-Mormon literature written by those who used to be members of the church and have left for either petty reasons of someone causing offense, or even legitimate abuse (which no one should have to endure anywhere in any form in an ideal world). Obviously these books are written from an emotional standpoint, and not a logical one, because logic would dictate that the doctrine of an entire religion is not dictated by some individual person/s doing the wrong thing within that organization. And when it comes to offense, that is a matter of perspective on both sides and is EVERYWHERE. Anywhere on planet Earth where human beings associate with one another there are (unfortunately) conflicts and tragedies, which would show that human nature is the common denominator, and not the church.
If someone is bullied at school, does that mean that all curriculum taught in that school is suddenly untrue? Do the principles of biology suddenly change?
Every time someone gets an uncaring or dodgy Doctor, does that make the entire medical profession in all it's facets suddenly irrelevant?
How then, could attacking the church from the same ludicrous perspective be taken seriously by anyone? The church's purpose is testifying of Christ and following Him. If someone doesn't live up to that, it doesn't suddenly make the church itself untrue, how could it?
I don't mean to sound harsh to anyone who has legitimately suffered; it's terrible what some people endure! But the church, or rather the Gospel isn't what's imperfect, it's the people within it. No one should miss out on all the available happiness offered by our Savior, just because they blame the entire church for an individual, or some people's conduct.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
If someone is bullied at school, does that mean that all curriculum taught in that school is suddenly untrue? Do the principles of biology suddenly change?
Every time someone gets an uncaring or dodgy Doctor, does that make the entire medical profession in all it's facets suddenly irrelevant?
How then, could attacking the church from the same ludicrous perspective be taken seriously by anyone? The church's purpose is testifying of Christ and following Him. If someone doesn't live up to that, it doesn't suddenly make the church itself untrue, how could it?
I don't mean to sound harsh to anyone who has legitimately suffered; it's terrible what some people endure! But the church, or rather the Gospel isn't what's imperfect, it's the people within it. No one should miss out on all the available happiness offered by our Savior, just because they blame the entire church for an individual, or some people's conduct.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I haven't forgotten!
I just wanted to write and say that I haven't forgotten my goals. I have been reading and taking notes on my feelings and thoughts/insights but I just haven't had time to write the blog on top of everything else. That's all, I haven't slackened off =)
Friday, March 12, 2010
So busy!
I just wanted to write that I am still reading, and taking notes but I haven't had time to write the blog but I will as soon as I can! =)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
We are not limited to one form of revelation per person
I can't believe how much I've gained by reading the first two chapters of the Book of Mormon. Some of it is reaffirming doctrines I already knew, and some things are insights that are new to me, as well as back up for things I've felt myself but didn't know where to find scriptural confirmation.
Chapter 2 of 1st Nephi talks about eternal perspective, obedience and the Spirit in ways I'd missed. First of all, in the first chapter (v. 20) Nephi says that he wants to show the tender mercies of the Lord in delivering the righteous. Verse 1 of chapter 2 is the fulfillment of that. So Nephi follows through immediately. Secondly, in chapter 1 Nephi speaks of his father having visions, then in chapter 2 he refers to dreams and further on he talks of the voice of the Spirit, Angels, transfiguration, Temples (mountains in this case), and also discussing things with his father and Sam (he tries with Laman & Lemuel but they're not exactly pleased with the spiritual perspective of their family). So between Nephi and Lehi we have specific examples of how one person can be taught by the Spirit, or receive revelation in several ways, not just one per person. I like it because it means I am limited only by my level of faith and intent.
That's another thing, real intent is prevalent in the way that Nephi prays to know the truth & mysteries of God. He has every intention of obeying anything the Lord requires of him. Verse 3 is very simple and beautiful (this is what I was referring to by obedience in ways I hadn't noticed). Lehi's attitude is one of obedience, so putting into action follows on naturally. He gives up every material possession (much to the incredulity of Laman and Lemuel) without even a question, then departs into the wilderness. Lehi also stops along the way to build an alter and give thanks.
Lehi is grateful! Despite Laman and Lemuel's perpetual whining, and the conditions in which they were travelling (not to mention the length of time), Lehi still sees that the Lord has delivered his family and he's grateful. So I'm sure that he was grateful for his wealth, but he saw it in it's proper place because he had an eternal perspective. Also Nephi saw his father's obedience and noted it. Our children do see the good we do. I need to be obedient to the Lords commandments so that my children will see it. This example will be more powerful than anything I can say to them. (I'm going to do that too of course).
I also learned from Lehi that gratitude and ordinances are important no matter what our circumstances, and for me, I need to remember to never be too busy to attend the Temple. Perhaps our homeless situation served some purpose of the Lords and isn't something to murmur about. Lehi dwelt in a tent & we almost did too. Is our current journey to our promised land to fulfill the purposes of the Lord? I think it is.
One thing I will say that has been reinforced by my reading is that being a righteous parent doesn't guarantee that all of my children will follow suit. It isn't necessarily a reflection of my success or failure as a mother. (as long as I am actually righteous & doing my best in all things. If I neglect them then that's clearly not righteousness or very smart)
Ok, I love that Nephi prayed for his brothers because he loved them so much. He put up with so much garbage from them and still loved them all his life! I would like to say something that I think about Laman and Lemuel. I'm not sure how concise I can be but I'll give it a good effort;
Verses 19-24 are beautiful because Nephi is receiving a direct answer to humble prayer. He was humble, obedient and had real intent and a pure heart. Because of this he was open to the understanding the Lord wished to give him. He was told some future events and found out where they were heading. Laman and Lemuel were bitter about leaving their stuff and obviously liked living in Jerusalem and thought their father was paranoid or crazy or both. They constantly complain throughout the whole journey about how hard done by they are and how they don't get any revelations for themselves. They lack eternal perspective. So even if the Lord came personally and told them the same things as Nephi, they still likely wouldn't see the point and would then have greater responsibility because of the greater light. It is wisdom in God when he doesn't share more with us than we're ready for. It must have been very frustrating for them to be out of the spiritual loop, but it was their own attitudes that kept them there.
When the Lord tells Nephi that he is to be a teacher and a ruler over them, he is offering them yet another chance to understand at their own level, the big picture but they're still so caught up in their "why me"'s that they can't see it as anything more than a pious affront to their birthright as the eldest. If they pulled their heads out of their indignation they would have seen what the Lord, through Nephi was trying to offer them. He was offering them exactly what they were whining about not having, the knowledge and mysteries of God that Lehi and Nephi had.
The moral of this story I think, in layman's terms (not Laman's terms, heheh) is: Don't shoot yourself in the foot with your own arrogance.
Chapter 2 of 1st Nephi talks about eternal perspective, obedience and the Spirit in ways I'd missed. First of all, in the first chapter (v. 20) Nephi says that he wants to show the tender mercies of the Lord in delivering the righteous. Verse 1 of chapter 2 is the fulfillment of that. So Nephi follows through immediately. Secondly, in chapter 1 Nephi speaks of his father having visions, then in chapter 2 he refers to dreams and further on he talks of the voice of the Spirit, Angels, transfiguration, Temples (mountains in this case), and also discussing things with his father and Sam (he tries with Laman & Lemuel but they're not exactly pleased with the spiritual perspective of their family). So between Nephi and Lehi we have specific examples of how one person can be taught by the Spirit, or receive revelation in several ways, not just one per person. I like it because it means I am limited only by my level of faith and intent.
That's another thing, real intent is prevalent in the way that Nephi prays to know the truth & mysteries of God. He has every intention of obeying anything the Lord requires of him. Verse 3 is very simple and beautiful (this is what I was referring to by obedience in ways I hadn't noticed). Lehi's attitude is one of obedience, so putting into action follows on naturally. He gives up every material possession (much to the incredulity of Laman and Lemuel) without even a question, then departs into the wilderness. Lehi also stops along the way to build an alter and give thanks.
Lehi is grateful! Despite Laman and Lemuel's perpetual whining, and the conditions in which they were travelling (not to mention the length of time), Lehi still sees that the Lord has delivered his family and he's grateful. So I'm sure that he was grateful for his wealth, but he saw it in it's proper place because he had an eternal perspective. Also Nephi saw his father's obedience and noted it. Our children do see the good we do. I need to be obedient to the Lords commandments so that my children will see it. This example will be more powerful than anything I can say to them. (I'm going to do that too of course).
I also learned from Lehi that gratitude and ordinances are important no matter what our circumstances, and for me, I need to remember to never be too busy to attend the Temple. Perhaps our homeless situation served some purpose of the Lords and isn't something to murmur about. Lehi dwelt in a tent & we almost did too. Is our current journey to our promised land to fulfill the purposes of the Lord? I think it is.
One thing I will say that has been reinforced by my reading is that being a righteous parent doesn't guarantee that all of my children will follow suit. It isn't necessarily a reflection of my success or failure as a mother. (as long as I am actually righteous & doing my best in all things. If I neglect them then that's clearly not righteousness or very smart)
Ok, I love that Nephi prayed for his brothers because he loved them so much. He put up with so much garbage from them and still loved them all his life! I would like to say something that I think about Laman and Lemuel. I'm not sure how concise I can be but I'll give it a good effort;
Verses 19-24 are beautiful because Nephi is receiving a direct answer to humble prayer. He was humble, obedient and had real intent and a pure heart. Because of this he was open to the understanding the Lord wished to give him. He was told some future events and found out where they were heading. Laman and Lemuel were bitter about leaving their stuff and obviously liked living in Jerusalem and thought their father was paranoid or crazy or both. They constantly complain throughout the whole journey about how hard done by they are and how they don't get any revelations for themselves. They lack eternal perspective. So even if the Lord came personally and told them the same things as Nephi, they still likely wouldn't see the point and would then have greater responsibility because of the greater light. It is wisdom in God when he doesn't share more with us than we're ready for. It must have been very frustrating for them to be out of the spiritual loop, but it was their own attitudes that kept them there.
When the Lord tells Nephi that he is to be a teacher and a ruler over them, he is offering them yet another chance to understand at their own level, the big picture but they're still so caught up in their "why me"'s that they can't see it as anything more than a pious affront to their birthright as the eldest. If they pulled their heads out of their indignation they would have seen what the Lord, through Nephi was trying to offer them. He was offering them exactly what they were whining about not having, the knowledge and mysteries of God that Lehi and Nephi had.
The moral of this story I think, in layman's terms (not Laman's terms, heheh) is: Don't shoot yourself in the foot with your own arrogance.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
First day of Book of Mormon goal
Well, let me just say that I have already gotten more out of this than I expected! For a start, I hadn't realized just how obedient Lehi was. For example in chapter 1 of 1st Nephi before he has the vision, he was going about doing something and as he went forth he had the vision, and he wasn't like "no, I'll be late for work if I stop now" he immediately obeyed and listened, then went home, received more and straight away went out to testify of Christ.
Another thing I've learned is that Nephi honored his parents by abridging Lehi's record before starting on his own. I think that's considerate, which seems to be a key characteristic of Nephi. A lot of the information and the way he phrases it is considerate to either someone in the situation or to the reader.
I like to look for parenting advice too when I read the scriptures, because anyone who is a parent knows that you can't do it to the best of your ability alone. We need to be teachable and take advice. Obviously we need the Lord, and we need to swallow our arrogance sometimes for the greater good and the sake of our children. In verse 1 of chapter 1, Nephi's context of being born of goodly parents follows that he was taught by his father and that he had a "great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God". The advice I take from that is to be a goodly parent and to teach my children that God is good. And to understand the Spirit so they can come to a great knowledge and recognize their gifts. I also took some other notes of historical interest, but I want to focus here on things of the Spirit.
One of those things is that Nephi (in chapter 1 verse 20) very much wants to show us the Lords character of mercy and love. I love the way he says "But behold I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" The Lord always delivers us, sooner or later, it happens every time. Sometimes it's quick like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego and sometimes it takes longer, like the children of Israel when Moses delivered them. The Book of Mormon itself is full of examples too but they were the first that came to mind.
Also Nephi mentions that his father saw "many great and marvelous things" (1 Nephi 1:14) but the only one he mentions at this stage is the warning that Jerusalem will be destroyed (cross reference 2nd Kings 24 & 25) I just thought that was interesting for our day with prophesies now of wars preceding the Second Coming. It came to pass as warned. That's another things I gained from this is that the Lord always gives so many warnings about everything. If He was just interested in fire and destruction as some believe then why would He go to the trouble of warning and exhorting repentance so many times? He gives us every possible opportunity to do what's best for us and to accept His love and Atonement. The way verse 4 is worded seems to me that the destruction was an inevitable consequence of the actions (wickedness) that the people were warned about, rather than anything nasty like some think. I think John 3:17 sums it up pretty well and of course the verse before it is one of my favorites!
These are my notes from just the first chapter of the Book of Mormon...wow! And I thought I was being brief. =)
Another thing I've learned is that Nephi honored his parents by abridging Lehi's record before starting on his own. I think that's considerate, which seems to be a key characteristic of Nephi. A lot of the information and the way he phrases it is considerate to either someone in the situation or to the reader.
I like to look for parenting advice too when I read the scriptures, because anyone who is a parent knows that you can't do it to the best of your ability alone. We need to be teachable and take advice. Obviously we need the Lord, and we need to swallow our arrogance sometimes for the greater good and the sake of our children. In verse 1 of chapter 1, Nephi's context of being born of goodly parents follows that he was taught by his father and that he had a "great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God". The advice I take from that is to be a goodly parent and to teach my children that God is good. And to understand the Spirit so they can come to a great knowledge and recognize their gifts. I also took some other notes of historical interest, but I want to focus here on things of the Spirit.
One of those things is that Nephi (in chapter 1 verse 20) very much wants to show us the Lords character of mercy and love. I love the way he says "But behold I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" The Lord always delivers us, sooner or later, it happens every time. Sometimes it's quick like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego and sometimes it takes longer, like the children of Israel when Moses delivered them. The Book of Mormon itself is full of examples too but they were the first that came to mind.
Also Nephi mentions that his father saw "many great and marvelous things" (1 Nephi 1:14) but the only one he mentions at this stage is the warning that Jerusalem will be destroyed (cross reference 2nd Kings 24 & 25) I just thought that was interesting for our day with prophesies now of wars preceding the Second Coming. It came to pass as warned. That's another things I gained from this is that the Lord always gives so many warnings about everything. If He was just interested in fire and destruction as some believe then why would He go to the trouble of warning and exhorting repentance so many times? He gives us every possible opportunity to do what's best for us and to accept His love and Atonement. The way verse 4 is worded seems to me that the destruction was an inevitable consequence of the actions (wickedness) that the people were warned about, rather than anything nasty like some think. I think John 3:17 sums it up pretty well and of course the verse before it is one of my favorites!
These are my notes from just the first chapter of the Book of Mormon...wow! And I thought I was being brief. =)
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