Tuesday night was BookClub and I finally got to go! I enjoy the women and hearing their take on whatever the read is. tonight it was To Kill a Mockingbird. I really enjoyed the book. I've not read it in years and years and had a much different take than all those years ago.
My life is starting to settle in and I'm seeing how to handle it and for that I'm so thankful!! I can feel some direction and I know my Temple trip blessings are starting to roll in and I'm so appreciative of thoughts and feelings that are coming to me.
Still in immersion mode on scripture study and I really like this quote by Elder Bednar. He was President at BYU-I and also serving as a Seventy. You will enjoy the entire talk, here is a snippet....
"Brothers
and sisters, those are the four basic principles I have learned about
receiving, recognizing, and responding to the promptings of the Holy
Ghost: (1) desire, (2) invite, (3) heed simple promptings, and (4) heed
promptings quickly. If you and I have a sincere desire for the constant
companionship of the Holy Ghost, invite His influence into our lives
through our obedience and actions, and learn to heed simple promptings
and to do so quickly, then I testify and promise that we will be able to
tell the difference between our own emotions telling us what we want to
hear and the Holy Ghost telling us what we need to hear."
(“Receiving, Recognizing, and Responding to the Promptings of the Holy Ghost,” [Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, Aug. 31, 1999]; byui.edu)
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Soon...he will be home!!!!!
Our Grandson has learned many things on his Mission. I like knowing that he has learned this....
The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.
--- Joseph B. Wirthlin
This will aid him throughout his life.
We all need to remember this fact. Maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone. Maybe everyone already has this engrained in their character. So...I am the one that needs to remind myself of this truth that Elder Wirthlin shared!!!
He will be home in a few days!!!
They were companions twice in the two years!
The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.
--- Joseph B. Wirthlin
This will aid him throughout his life.
We all need to remember this fact. Maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone. Maybe everyone already has this engrained in their character. So...I am the one that needs to remind myself of this truth that Elder Wirthlin shared!!!
He will be home in a few days!!!
 |
| friends for life!! |
 |
| I look forward to meeting this wonderful Elder! A convert of 5 years! |
They were companions twice in the two years!
Monday, August 4, 2014
My beautiful Temple....
My solo Temple trip was wonderful. So many things that I want solutions/resolution/clarification/direction on in my life. Plus trying to figure out how to create a balance for our NewNorm. Some would feel it's a waste of time to drive a car with the only passenger being the driver and have all other seats empty and not share the experience. I don't feel that way. I many times like to solo it and pray out loud/sing hymns/just be still and listen. I prayed my way past Prosser/sang a few hymns/shed a few tears/pleaded to hear/feel the Holy Ghost. Repented. Expressed gratitude. By the time I got to Queensgate I was ready to listen/learn/receive.
Saw the 3rd of the new Temple films. The music was heavenly. Parts of it were so powerful. Just a small section but it melted my heart as it washed over me.
Enjoyed time in the Celestial room. absorbing the beauty and the sweetness of Spirit. Praying. Eager to see what insight would come to me. I believe in personal revelation and the Temple is a banquet table to feast at as far as Spiritual things. Love and appreciate the counsel received and I know things will keep unfolding to me. So thankful.
I thought about active members that I know and love that are not endowed for one reason or another. IF I were them I would get a Temple Recommend and I'd go to the Temple, take my scriptures, enter the foyer and just sit there and feel the Spirit. Our Temple has a large waiting area with some benches and it's a beautiful room. When the Temple was first built and you opened the door, you were right at the desk to have your recommend checked and go on back for ordinance work or turn right for baptismal font room...then they built our lovely waiting room. most of the time it is empty but even if others are there, you can still sit and have privacy. IF it's not a possibility/reality for you to take out your endowments and yet you wish you could, then still bring as much of the Temple into your life and as much as you into the Temple as you can.
President Hunter really encouraged members to have Temple Recommends even if they couldn't use them for whatever reason....no Temple nearby or non-member spouse or all sorts of reasons. I couldn't find that exact quote to share but I did find this for you. This is when he became Prophet and first spoke of his two invitations for us, the Church members....
“There are two invitations I would like to leave with the members of the Church as we strive to keep the commandments of God and receive the full measure of His blessings. First of all, I would invite all members of the Church to live with ever more attention to the life and example of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion He displayed.
“Secondly, and in that same spirit, I also invite the members of the Church to establish the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of their membership and the supernal setting for their most sacred covenants. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it.
“Temples are the very center of the spiritual strength of the Church. We should expect that the adversary will try to interfere with us as a Church and with us individually as we seek to participate in this sacred and inspired work”
Saw the 3rd of the new Temple films. The music was heavenly. Parts of it were so powerful. Just a small section but it melted my heart as it washed over me.
Enjoyed time in the Celestial room. absorbing the beauty and the sweetness of Spirit. Praying. Eager to see what insight would come to me. I believe in personal revelation and the Temple is a banquet table to feast at as far as Spiritual things. Love and appreciate the counsel received and I know things will keep unfolding to me. So thankful.
I thought about active members that I know and love that are not endowed for one reason or another. IF I were them I would get a Temple Recommend and I'd go to the Temple, take my scriptures, enter the foyer and just sit there and feel the Spirit. Our Temple has a large waiting area with some benches and it's a beautiful room. When the Temple was first built and you opened the door, you were right at the desk to have your recommend checked and go on back for ordinance work or turn right for baptismal font room...then they built our lovely waiting room. most of the time it is empty but even if others are there, you can still sit and have privacy. IF it's not a possibility/reality for you to take out your endowments and yet you wish you could, then still bring as much of the Temple into your life and as much as you into the Temple as you can.
President Hunter really encouraged members to have Temple Recommends even if they couldn't use them for whatever reason....no Temple nearby or non-member spouse or all sorts of reasons. I couldn't find that exact quote to share but I did find this for you. This is when he became Prophet and first spoke of his two invitations for us, the Church members....
“There are two invitations I would like to leave with the members of the Church as we strive to keep the commandments of God and receive the full measure of His blessings. First of all, I would invite all members of the Church to live with ever more attention to the life and example of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion He displayed.
“Secondly, and in that same spirit, I also invite the members of the Church to establish the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of their membership and the supernal setting for their most sacred covenants. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it.
“Let
us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. Let us hasten to
the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances
allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for
the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety
which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The
temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place
of peace. It is the house of the Lord. It is holy unto the Lord. It
should be holy unto us.” full talk is here
And I love these two quotes by Elder Packer....“Temples are the very center of the spiritual strength of the Church. We should expect that the adversary will try to interfere with us as a Church and with us individually as we seek to participate in this sacred and inspired work”
“When members of the Church are troubled or when crucial decisions weigh heavily upon their minds, it is a common thing for them to go to the temple. It is a good place to take our cares. In the temple we can receive spiritual perspective. . . . Sometimes our minds are so beset with problems and there are so many things clamoring for attention at once that we just cannot think clearly and see clearly. At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can ‘see’ things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known” (“The Holy Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2010, 35)
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I took total advantage of my sweet nearby Temple (55 minutes away!) and feel buoyed/redirected/peaceful/hope-filled and just overflowing with gratitude for the Gospel and all of the marvelous helps for me, free of charge, to survive/thrive my mortal trek.
***********************************
I took total advantage of my sweet nearby Temple (55 minutes away!) and feel buoyed/redirected/peaceful/hope-filled and just overflowing with gratitude for the Gospel and all of the marvelous helps for me, free of charge, to survive/thrive my mortal trek.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Brace yourself....
Please don't run away!!! I just had to soapbox. AGAIN???!!!
Chapter 1
If I were to join any sort of club or group or even be in a restricted home owners agreement, I'd read the fine print. I'd ask questions. If the answers weren't satisfactory to me or didn't meet my desires then I'd keep on searching until I found what met my needs.
If I were to audition for a play or want to join a sports team or run a marathon...I'd really check out the fine print and learn what was expected of me and then figure out if I really wanted to make that commitment and join in.
I would also want to understand what could cause me to lose my membership at the Country Club or whatever I was involved in.
There are restaurants that I might enjoy going to dinner but according to their guidelines there is a possibility that I might not be served if I showed up barefoot.
All of these groups have that right to give the boot to those that refuse to adhere to the original agreement if they persist in opposition after being told the rules of conduct.
Chapter 2
In the Church we are expected to conform...early on we were told about the Word of Wisdom, appropriate Sabbath day activities, having a calling, and we had to tweak some of those things in order to meet the guidelines for membership/baptism...also why we needed to be re-baptized and about the gift of the Holy Ghost. We needed to pay tithing. Priesthood was the power of God and men could exercise that power when authorized. We also understood we were expected to attend a lot of meetings on Sunday and during the week. We had to be taught to pray and were overwhelmed with all that entailed in the suggested number. Some of the teachings we received as investigators required change right away. other things like prayer and reading scriptures and going to the Temple were going to be developed along the way.
We also understood the lay ministry concept. no paid clergy. no voting. temporary calls. and the big startling news, when we discovered that the Church taught and believed the heavens are open, not closed as we were taught, and that God speaks to mankind through a living Prophet. I was astounded at such a thing. Could this really be? How does this happen?
Over the years, studying and praying and trying to live the Gospel to the best of my ability, I gained a fervent testimony of that truth. I could see the sense and the blessing of having heavenly help in what is billed as a Church governed by inspired prophets. I really believe that. Growing in learning how to pray and to feel I was heard and listened to and loved and received personal revelation was a wonderful journey.
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
I'm a Bible believer. The Bible speaks against gays from what I've read.
It's also scriptural that men are responsible after ordination to use the Priesthood in Church governance and blessing the lives of people by use of the power.
I'm a believer also in current revelation.
I also believe that the Family Proclamation sums up the stand our religion has on the whole ball of wax regarding men/women/marriage/family. It is true. To me it is.
Chapter 5
I'm trying to come to more peace and unconditional love and personal revelation in my life so I'm addressing these issues to calm down? will I end up calmed down after this brief focus? Maybe this is me calmed down??!!! I intend to find out.
Chapter 6
The Presidency of the Church was praying for all men to receive the Priesthood and every once in awhile it would be mentioned. I didn't understand why it was withheld but I did understand that prayers from the tip top in-charge men were aware and praying for that to happen. I know it goes way back on Prophets mentioning it. Members understood it was in the hands of the leaders and eventually it would be straightened out. that did happen and I thought it was wonderful.
In all the years of my membership I have never read or heard one word from the General Leaders saying they were praying that gays could legally marry/be sealed in the Temple. nor was it mentioned they were pleading for women to receive the Priesthood. not once.
I do not equate either of these subjects with all men receiving the Priesthood.
As a matter of fact, I've heard them speak to the contrary and state authoritatively, that these requests/suggestions etc. are contrary to revelation they have received. It's not open for discussion.
Chapter 7
Maybe I will just end up firm. strong? my way of standing for truth and righteousness? I'm still mulling and pondering and looking forward to a solo trip to the Temple for added insight and possible direction. I will not write every day on this but for a few days I will. It's important to me to be at peace and feel settled. I'm moving ahead.
********************************************************
a sort of PS about One Church etc.
I have always been amazed at the One Lord. One Faith. One Church. It makes sense but how can it be? how can one way cover all bases and all nations and all customs and traditions? That is the beauty of the Gospel. it works for all mankind and that is the edict to tell it to the world. The leading faction in the Church, the governing body, does an excellent job in keeping us united. They print everything in the languages of the world. The Handbook has been honed to the basics and not something that might be thought American only. The Church continues to grow and that growth is aptly handled by those few men.
I enjoyed this note from my son, Greg. Here is a bit of what he sent....
Good point in your blog that it is a testimony of the truthfulness of the
gospel that it is the same in all areas around the world. Remember a
couple of years ago they had a push for uniformity through out the church.
When I was asked to pick pictures for the newly remodeled Manhattan
building, I was handed an approved list of pictures. I thought that this
was because they were trying to get a volume discount (that's part of it)
but also that list goes throughout the world I bet. "One church" is what
we believe in, even down to the pictures. In Africa they had buildings
that had some native/traditional decorations and they had to remove them
because of that push for uniformity.
********************
from my study today
Elder David A. Bednar counseled, “As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14)”
(and he also said in same talk....)
"The enabling power of the Atonement of Christ strengthens us to do things we could never do on our own. Sometimes I wonder if in our latter-day world of ease—in our world of microwave ovens and cell phones and air-conditioned cars and comfortable homes—we ever learn to acknowledge our daily dependence upon the enabling power of the Atonement."
(“The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 44)
Thursday, July 31, 2014
What??!! July is gone!
I'm still thinking about love and peace and also the turmoil of the last days. I'm not sure why I was so innocent that I would think I'd pull up a chair, eat popcorn, watch the action and it would never really impact my life. I guess I thought I'd watch the signs of the times unfold right before my eyes and simply choose not to be involved and share my testimony and conviction of the Gospel and the Savior and that would be my part. Destruction all around and me unscathed. such an innocent on so many levels. The world seeps into my life.
This stuff, the happenings of the last days, are everywhere. I'm still okay with realizing this is prophecy being fulfilled and it will get worse and it's amazing to see scriptural things come to pass right before my eyes. Things getting worse???? How on earth that will happen?...I have no idea. I just know we haven't hit the pinnacle yet.
I want peace. peace everywhere. I want to be adorably pig-tailed waving my pom-poms and cheering for all the good guys. I don't want people shoving stuff on me that I don't want. Most especially in my religious beliefs I want no interference. so therefore I'm really digging into reading about love and peace from the Gospel standpoint.
The gem of discovery for sharing today just really fortified my soul. it made me remember that love is all we can do. not saying we have to accept things being forced on us as best can be. just saying I need to make sure I'm centered in love.
I saw love portrayed on the news. well, it hit me like love. it was in the Gaza strip with two battling forces. Each side showed the wrapped body of a young man that had been killed. Split screen showed two exact reactions. Twins to each other in their grieving. Each wailing as is their custom. It really hit me hard that each Mother adored her boy and it tore her heart out to know he was so young and innocently caught up, just by being at a place that was unexpectedly hit. Love was before my eyes as I witnessed these two women's suffering. Lost because of warring factions but love just manifested in their grief.
I also saw a place that had been declared safe. the women were inside this building with the children. 50 per room. the men were outside the building in hopes the children would be safe. then it accidentally was hit and destroyed and I forget how many lives were lost but I remember an irate women talking about the destruction and them trying to protect the children.
I think of the children, those illegals, spread all over the ground. it is heart breaking to me. They are children and I don't view all of them as hoodlums/criminals etc. I wonder how their Mothers are. We women think differently than men.
I love the children in our Ward. I want them safe and to feel confident that there are adults that love them. Primary workers!!! gold medals to all!!
I'm going to try to increase my personal goal of loving unconditionally and reduce the boiling factor within me to a simmer of sorts. Not fooling myself that I won't always be passionate about things! Simmer would be a great improvement!!
I so enjoyed reading this quote and it really helps put things in perspective...
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 21–24
Isn't that just beautiful the way he said it? the entire talk is a treasure!! Enjoy!
Here is someone I love with all my heart. Our grandson Lance. He will be home from his mission in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to seeing him. He wrote us a tender note. I just have to share it...
Hey Grandma and Grandpa-
I have about 2 weeks left on my mission. It is kinda sad but at the same time I am ready to go. I feel that I have fulfilled my calling. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It has been great.
By far the greatest part is my personal growth. I have gained a deeper understanding of God and His Son, and my relationship to them. The 2 years was worth it just because of this.
I have made many lifetime friends. It has been great.
I love the Gospel. I am so grateful that you 2 joined the Church. Thank you!
I love you All. I hope you are there in August! but if not, no worries.
Love you,
Elder Seljestad
This stuff, the happenings of the last days, are everywhere. I'm still okay with realizing this is prophecy being fulfilled and it will get worse and it's amazing to see scriptural things come to pass right before my eyes. Things getting worse???? How on earth that will happen?...I have no idea. I just know we haven't hit the pinnacle yet.
I want peace. peace everywhere. I want to be adorably pig-tailed waving my pom-poms and cheering for all the good guys. I don't want people shoving stuff on me that I don't want. Most especially in my religious beliefs I want no interference. so therefore I'm really digging into reading about love and peace from the Gospel standpoint.
The gem of discovery for sharing today just really fortified my soul. it made me remember that love is all we can do. not saying we have to accept things being forced on us as best can be. just saying I need to make sure I'm centered in love.
I saw love portrayed on the news. well, it hit me like love. it was in the Gaza strip with two battling forces. Each side showed the wrapped body of a young man that had been killed. Split screen showed two exact reactions. Twins to each other in their grieving. Each wailing as is their custom. It really hit me hard that each Mother adored her boy and it tore her heart out to know he was so young and innocently caught up, just by being at a place that was unexpectedly hit. Love was before my eyes as I witnessed these two women's suffering. Lost because of warring factions but love just manifested in their grief.
I also saw a place that had been declared safe. the women were inside this building with the children. 50 per room. the men were outside the building in hopes the children would be safe. then it accidentally was hit and destroyed and I forget how many lives were lost but I remember an irate women talking about the destruction and them trying to protect the children.
I think of the children, those illegals, spread all over the ground. it is heart breaking to me. They are children and I don't view all of them as hoodlums/criminals etc. I wonder how their Mothers are. We women think differently than men.
I love the children in our Ward. I want them safe and to feel confident that there are adults that love them. Primary workers!!! gold medals to all!!
I'm going to try to increase my personal goal of loving unconditionally and reduce the boiling factor within me to a simmer of sorts. Not fooling myself that I won't always be passionate about things! Simmer would be a great improvement!!
I so enjoyed reading this quote and it really helps put things in perspective...
Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 21–24
Isn't that just beautiful the way he said it? the entire talk is a treasure!! Enjoy!
******************************************
Family and friends are so special to me and I love them. Yes. You too! I just need greater love within myself. Am I the only one?Here is someone I love with all my heart. Our grandson Lance. He will be home from his mission in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to seeing him. He wrote us a tender note. I just have to share it...
Hey Grandma and Grandpa-
I have about 2 weeks left on my mission. It is kinda sad but at the same time I am ready to go. I feel that I have fulfilled my calling. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It has been great.
By far the greatest part is my personal growth. I have gained a deeper understanding of God and His Son, and my relationship to them. The 2 years was worth it just because of this.
I have made many lifetime friends. It has been great.
I love the Gospel. I am so grateful that you 2 joined the Church. Thank you!
I love you All. I hope you are there in August! but if not, no worries.
Love you,
Elder Seljestad
*********************************************
I wanted to put a picture and I can't figure it out!! Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Thoughts on a Wednesday
Love and thoughts of peace are on my mind a lot. I love my family. I love my friends. I love the Gospel/The Church- programs and classes and meetings and teaching and learning and most especially that weekly meeting to be amongst the believers. It's a very brief association that often doesn't even involve conversation or contact. We are all together for that Sacrament hour to renew covenants, to be buoyed by talks, to inwardly repent and to draw strength from the mere presence of each other. I love to be with the believers. I enjoy doing a mental pew check as to who is in place and those that are not. There is peace for me in that meeting. Strength. Love.
I also love the Temple. I love the stillness. the hush. the non-world feeling of calm. I love knowing that I can have storms within myself calmed. I love knowing that blessings will follow me home. I love knowing personal revelation is a reality and that answers will come with either solutions or greater strength to bear what is vexing me.
And I love the blessing that I have, way down deep in my soul, that we are led by Prophets. That we have Apostles here on earth. They will give clear guidance to all of us and I'm so thankful when the Holy Ghost testifies to me of truths they have spoken. They too give me untold volumes of sacred writ filled with their love/God's love and it rings true in very loud tones.
I love the order of the Church organization and I have a clear understanding of who is in charge. I have a very small arena of influence and responsibility with family and friends and any calling that has been extended to me via the Priesthood. I understand the pecking order and know that I will only know what to do in my own life and have no clue of what others in their responsibilities should do or not do. I can only share my own life experience.
One Lord, One faith, One baptism. I believe that and embrace that. I marvel at the fact we are a world wide Church. It's amazing to me of how the powers that be are able to keep us all connected. That fact is a testament to me of the Church's truthfulness.
I love the 11th article of faith. I think it's wonderful. We don't find fault with others, so please don't find fault with us. You can do what you want and please allow us that same privilege regarding worship.
I have found what works for me. I have found my truth to live by. I'm content. I'm at Peace. I feel love for what I have joined and made a choice to support.
With discord raging and actually warring throughout the world, the Gospel means all the more to me, in the peace it affords me. It's disturbing and disappointing and irritating and embarrassing and somewhat uncomfortable, that members would wage a civil war of sorts, within the Church, petitioning/counseling/marching/pleading etc. the General Authorities to change the Church position on filling their needs.
They say they have a testimony but they don't have a testimony that I do of the line of Authority as was taught to me early on in my joining. Revelation to change the Church comes from heaven downward and not earthlings upward.
My solution is for discontents to form their own Church and put everything they want in it. Seriously. I feel that way. I shared that with a gay friend and insulted him.
I said... I think the gay movement will really increase and the members will really divide. It will be a mess. Seriously...no joking...if gays feel the Church/leaders are wrong etc., why don't they just form their own LDS Church? build their own Temples? etc. etc. I want peace in my religion. this is not peaceful. seriously...why not? there are discontents with men and women over Priesthood for women and gays wanting to be married in Temple etc. etc. IF the belief is the Church is wrong then why not form a right Church? Why war in the Church I love and accept as is? just create a new LDS Church. what say ye?
He said...
haha is your suggestion that people form their own LDS church really a serious suggestion? or just a lighthearted joke? because if taken seriously i imagine it could be taken quite offensively and hurtfully, something a long the lines of "perhaps you should leave. and if you did, no one would really mind."
I said..I don't understand, really I don't, IF the Church is led by Prophets then why are believers not believing it and petitioning for change? It is what it is..
I joined the Church enjoying and embracing it as is. I still feel that way and I really don't like arguing and being divisive etc. with discontents. I'm a firm believer in the 11th article of faith. I'm satisfied with the way the Church is and when changes occur I'm fine with that also. I'm not fine with petitioning/counseling/etc. etc. the Church leaders for change.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, “Christ and His angels and His prophets forever labor to buoy up our spirits, steady our nerves, calm our hearts, send us forth with renewed strength and resolute hope” (“The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 83).
I also love the Temple. I love the stillness. the hush. the non-world feeling of calm. I love knowing that I can have storms within myself calmed. I love knowing that blessings will follow me home. I love knowing personal revelation is a reality and that answers will come with either solutions or greater strength to bear what is vexing me.
And I love the blessing that I have, way down deep in my soul, that we are led by Prophets. That we have Apostles here on earth. They will give clear guidance to all of us and I'm so thankful when the Holy Ghost testifies to me of truths they have spoken. They too give me untold volumes of sacred writ filled with their love/God's love and it rings true in very loud tones.
I love the order of the Church organization and I have a clear understanding of who is in charge. I have a very small arena of influence and responsibility with family and friends and any calling that has been extended to me via the Priesthood. I understand the pecking order and know that I will only know what to do in my own life and have no clue of what others in their responsibilities should do or not do. I can only share my own life experience.
One Lord, One faith, One baptism. I believe that and embrace that. I marvel at the fact we are a world wide Church. It's amazing to me of how the powers that be are able to keep us all connected. That fact is a testament to me of the Church's truthfulness.
I love the 11th article of faith. I think it's wonderful. We don't find fault with others, so please don't find fault with us. You can do what you want and please allow us that same privilege regarding worship.
I have found what works for me. I have found my truth to live by. I'm content. I'm at Peace. I feel love for what I have joined and made a choice to support.
With discord raging and actually warring throughout the world, the Gospel means all the more to me, in the peace it affords me. It's disturbing and disappointing and irritating and embarrassing and somewhat uncomfortable, that members would wage a civil war of sorts, within the Church, petitioning/counseling/marching/pleading etc. the General Authorities to change the Church position on filling their needs.
They say they have a testimony but they don't have a testimony that I do of the line of Authority as was taught to me early on in my joining. Revelation to change the Church comes from heaven downward and not earthlings upward.
My solution is for discontents to form their own Church and put everything they want in it. Seriously. I feel that way. I shared that with a gay friend and insulted him.
I said... I think the gay movement will really increase and the members will really divide. It will be a mess. Seriously...no joking...if gays feel the Church/leaders are wrong etc., why don't they just form their own LDS Church? build their own Temples? etc. etc. I want peace in my religion. this is not peaceful. seriously...why not? there are discontents with men and women over Priesthood for women and gays wanting to be married in Temple etc. etc. IF the belief is the Church is wrong then why not form a right Church? Why war in the Church I love and accept as is? just create a new LDS Church. what say ye?
He said...
haha is your suggestion that people form their own LDS church really a serious suggestion? or just a lighthearted joke? because if taken seriously i imagine it could be taken quite offensively and hurtfully, something a long the lines of "perhaps you should leave. and if you did, no one would really mind."
I said..I don't understand, really I don't, IF the Church is led by Prophets then why are believers not believing it and petitioning for change? It is what it is..
I joined the Church enjoying and embracing it as is. I still feel that way and I really don't like arguing and being divisive etc. with discontents. I'm a firm believer in the 11th article of faith. I'm satisfied with the way the Church is and when changes occur I'm fine with that also. I'm not fine with petitioning/counseling/etc. etc. the Church leaders for change.
I'm also fine with people forming their own Church to cover their religious needs.
Mine are covered as is. I would like that for everyone.
love that 11th article of faith.
he said...
i voice my opinion because I feel it is right to push for equality and i believe it's more in alignment with god's reality and i think it will aid the church in the long run just as changing the racist policies helped the church, but i have absolutely no interest in founding a religion, nor am i holding my breath waiting for it to change. My life goes on in peace either way. i don't even really view myself as particularly religious, more spiritual really. i just have have a strong connection and spiritual feeling about this religion, which is my community. the idea of creating a new community that was not my community completely defeats the purpose. i mean, most of my community wouldn't even be in this "new" church. so what purpose would that serve? it's an absurd idea really, and I know you are only playing with me.
I said...not toying with you as much as you might think!! Older folks are many times known for their absurdities!
a few days later he wrote...of course we are still friends! don't ever worry about that. I have been very emotionally wrapped up in the Palestinian conflict, feel sick about how many people are dying. I was a bit hurt by your statement about leaving and starting another church, but I'm quite certain you do not mean it the way someone like might hear it. I understand completely that it is your way of expressing your frustration with these issues that are dividing people in the church. xxx
At this point I dropped the subject. I wasn't expressing frustration. I was stating a solution that seems far out there but would restore peace at least to me!! IF a person believes in the Church then the Proclamation to the World just sums it all up as to what you need a testimony of. I believe that Proclamation is inspired and true.
Well, didn't know I'd be soapboxing about this but I sure did.
****************************************
Have been reading about peace. This talk is perfect for the subject. You will be made stronger just by reading it.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, “Christ and His angels and His prophets forever labor to buoy up our spirits, steady our nerves, calm our hearts, send us forth with renewed strength and resolute hope” (“The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 83).
*******************************
I really enjoyed this one also. Treat yourself to a double read today and read both talks. you will be so glad you did!!!....
The use of artificial lures to fool and catch a fish is an example of the way Lucifer often tempts, deceives, and tries to ensnare us.
Like the fly fisherman who knows that trout are driven by hunger, Lucifer knows our “hunger,” or weaknesses, and tempts us with counterfeit lures which, if taken, can cause us to be yanked from the stream of life into his unmerciful influence. And unlike a fly fisherman who catches and releases the fish unharmed back into the water, Lucifer will not voluntarily let go. His goal is to make his victims as miserable as he is.
M. Russell Ballard, “O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.2010, 108–10
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Life continues....
Thanks for checking on me! If I stop writing it's usually because I'm struggling in some way to balance my life. It's like I freeze frame. I keep trying to get a grip on our new norm and find myself letting lose and floating in a bit of confusion. You know the feeling of when a new baby comes into your life and it takes a bit to figure it all out...schedules...sleep deprivation...concern...guilt over feeling things are being neglected in all areas including tending to individual spiritual growth... uncertainty..doubt of own abilities to handle this newness of life?...that is what I've felt. This newness is now Our New Normal. As with a newborn...there are health things that we don't know how to handle...seemingly endless time spent in Doctor's waiting rooms... and all the time figuring out how to cope with limiting health factors like fatigue, poor balance, pain. Not a pretty scenario but this is our life.
and our life, in it's NewNorm, is great. We just have to tweak it, readjust our goals to fit a limited energy base. Stop trying to multitask and do hours of something and realize we need to downsize that goal to perhaps one major task instead of hours or work. Your mind can think of lists to cross things off and learning...regroup...rethink...refigure.
We are blessed for many reasons. First of all we love each other. That grants us patience and a measure of kindness in realizing life has changed. Change...I've always embraced change and I am figuring out how to embrace this one.
For starters--at this point Terry's health is okay. True he has limitation but he does the best he can. True he laments, at times, missing his bull strength and his ability to climb ladders and all that sort of thing. He wishes he could go help the Stake crews clean up the wild fire devastation in the Pateros area. He can't and he realizes he would hinder and not help. But he doesn't have pity parties and I'm thankful for that.
So with everything being level with all the gall bladder/pancreas etc. and not needing an appointment until Nov. 11th, it just made sense to go on a roadtrip!! We have a capable car. A GPS. I can buy minutes for my emergency cell phone. Between the two of us we feel we have one working brain, decent vision with both of us watching traffic, so why not?
I realize that my paramount solution to everything challenge in life is to party/do something fun and have a family dinner or shared food of some sort!! (even a breakfast at McD with their added sugar grams!) all of that is somehow or other very healing. Plus just the anticipation and planning is so energizing and I love it!!
So I sent a note to our kiddos and they are terrific. All excited (hopefully about us coming to visit and not that I'm the designated driver!). We are fortunate to see Kipper often as we are neighbors. We get to see Jeanee and the girls and that is such a blessing when they visit. So...
We will make a weekend short trip to see our grandson Kip and his family. They both work so we go on a Friday afternoon, eat dinner, spend the night, eat breakfast, visit and come home Saturday afternoon. that gives them time to do some of their weekend things. It's marvelous!!
We will make a separate trip to visit our son Ben and his family in Carson City. The boys might be in a play production and we hope to time it around that.
The big leg of the journey will be visiting our son Greg and his family in Kansas. Oh, I need some red Dorothy shoes to click and just arrive but instead we will drive and drive and drive. Our grandson Lance will be home from his mission on August 12. he will shortly be leaving for BYU-I and we want to see him. so we will leave here on August 25.
then we will see David and his family on the way back from Greg.
See my sister on the way home from David's.
I really want to at least say hi to my friend Tamera. not sure if it will work out but just wishing so!
Of course I'm hoping weight will just miraculously sluff off and that I will have old time pictures organized, in books and ready to gift each family. why not make them all quilts??? surely I can write my life history in a couple of weeks. really, I'm so over the top on things. At best it will just be us and that will be enough for them. and us!
In seeking peace and answers...I got a blessing. was reminded to immerse myself in study. not just read but immerse myself. I've had this counsel before and it was good to be reminded of essentials needed in my life to maintain the level of spirit that brings me the greatest personal revelation, peace, happiness and all sorts of goodies.
Today I studied about prayer and this has to be one of the best talks ever on prayer. Read it and it will really make you think about how you pray. It's about improving your personal prayers and I loved so much of the information. like this....
this talk is in the Ensign. by Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy. you can read it here
I love that sentence I made bold!! that is a great definition of how we pray always...thoughts in our minds and hearts.
I also throughly enjoyed this talk...
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Again, my brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives” (“Consider the Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 88).
So there you go. My life. Up to date. one more thing...I did get on FB with my own account! Not sure how it will work but I'll give it a try. Terry has one and I kept barging in and it was confusing as to which of us was making a comment. problem solved. ask...I'll friend you!
and our life, in it's NewNorm, is great. We just have to tweak it, readjust our goals to fit a limited energy base. Stop trying to multitask and do hours of something and realize we need to downsize that goal to perhaps one major task instead of hours or work. Your mind can think of lists to cross things off and learning...regroup...rethink...refigure.
We are blessed for many reasons. First of all we love each other. That grants us patience and a measure of kindness in realizing life has changed. Change...I've always embraced change and I am figuring out how to embrace this one.
For starters--at this point Terry's health is okay. True he has limitation but he does the best he can. True he laments, at times, missing his bull strength and his ability to climb ladders and all that sort of thing. He wishes he could go help the Stake crews clean up the wild fire devastation in the Pateros area. He can't and he realizes he would hinder and not help. But he doesn't have pity parties and I'm thankful for that.
So with everything being level with all the gall bladder/pancreas etc. and not needing an appointment until Nov. 11th, it just made sense to go on a roadtrip!! We have a capable car. A GPS. I can buy minutes for my emergency cell phone. Between the two of us we feel we have one working brain, decent vision with both of us watching traffic, so why not?
I realize that my paramount solution to everything challenge in life is to party/do something fun and have a family dinner or shared food of some sort!! (even a breakfast at McD with their added sugar grams!) all of that is somehow or other very healing. Plus just the anticipation and planning is so energizing and I love it!!
So I sent a note to our kiddos and they are terrific. All excited (hopefully about us coming to visit and not that I'm the designated driver!). We are fortunate to see Kipper often as we are neighbors. We get to see Jeanee and the girls and that is such a blessing when they visit. So...
We will make a weekend short trip to see our grandson Kip and his family. They both work so we go on a Friday afternoon, eat dinner, spend the night, eat breakfast, visit and come home Saturday afternoon. that gives them time to do some of their weekend things. It's marvelous!!
We will make a separate trip to visit our son Ben and his family in Carson City. The boys might be in a play production and we hope to time it around that.
The big leg of the journey will be visiting our son Greg and his family in Kansas. Oh, I need some red Dorothy shoes to click and just arrive but instead we will drive and drive and drive. Our grandson Lance will be home from his mission on August 12. he will shortly be leaving for BYU-I and we want to see him. so we will leave here on August 25.
then we will see David and his family on the way back from Greg.
See my sister on the way home from David's.
I really want to at least say hi to my friend Tamera. not sure if it will work out but just wishing so!
Of course I'm hoping weight will just miraculously sluff off and that I will have old time pictures organized, in books and ready to gift each family. why not make them all quilts??? surely I can write my life history in a couple of weeks. really, I'm so over the top on things. At best it will just be us and that will be enough for them. and us!
In seeking peace and answers...I got a blessing. was reminded to immerse myself in study. not just read but immerse myself. I've had this counsel before and it was good to be reminded of essentials needed in my life to maintain the level of spirit that brings me the greatest personal revelation, peace, happiness and all sorts of goodies.
Today I studied about prayer and this has to be one of the best talks ever on prayer. Read it and it will really make you think about how you pray. It's about improving your personal prayers and I loved so much of the information. like this....
To
pray is to speak with God, the Eternal Father of our spirits—not at Him
but with Him. He loves each of us perfectly and is full of mercy and
understanding. He knows everything about us. He knows what we need, even
when we can see only what we want. He has infinite power and capacity
to sustain and guide us. He is always willing to forgive us and to help
us in all things.
We
can speak with Heavenly Father vocally or by forming thoughts and
expressions in our minds and hearts. Personal prayers should be solemn,
sacred expressions of praise and gratitude; heartfelt petitions for
specific needs and desires; humble, contrite confessions and requests
for cleansing forgiveness; pleadings for comfort, direction, and
revelation. These expressions often cause us to pour out our very souls
to our loving Heavenly Father.
Prayer is often a brief communication, but it can also be an open and continuous dialogue all throughout the day and night (see Alma 34:27).
this talk is in the Ensign. by Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy. you can read it here
I love that sentence I made bold!! that is a great definition of how we pray always...thoughts in our minds and hearts.
I also throughly enjoyed this talk...
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Again, my brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives” (“Consider the Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 88).
So there you go. My life. Up to date. one more thing...I did get on FB with my own account! Not sure how it will work but I'll give it a try. Terry has one and I kept barging in and it was confusing as to which of us was making a comment. problem solved. ask...I'll friend you!
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