Wednesday, December 19, 2012
One December Morning
December 19, 2012
It is early yet this morning as I sit on the couch welcoming in the new day. I look at the lights on the tree in the dark room. Behind me, the day begins to dawn with a light glow that is still too weak to fill the room.
These are precious moments to me. The house is quiet as I close the door after wishing my husband ‘a good day.’ No one stirs yet leaving me alone with the lights and the dark and the day approaching behind me.
My mind is cluttered with the list of items that already call me, pulling me from this moment of peace, bringing a sense of rushing. I sit, a while longer and take in the feelings of the lights and the season they represent.
I wonder how many more of these seasons will I be able to have this way. Outside my secure surroundings today lays a world in chaos. Government bodies argue over plans and taxes. People hurt after a horrible shooting at an elementary school. The superstitious worry if their days are numbered fearing the end in sight. Others scurry on to work or school or wherever their patterned actions compel them to go.
All these thoughts make this moment even sweeter.
My grandchild will be here soon. The clock on the wall ticks. The light is brighter now. I’m reading an article on my smart phone on an e-magazine. The writer attempts to explain what likely happened in Bethlehem the night the Christ child was born.
So much has changed in the Lord’s world since He came into His world to live his earthly days. So many today are still confused about who Jesus actually is/was. Some think there is/was only one God and he came down to earth as a child. Some have an even foggier version of the story and the nature of God and His Son. Some unfortunately do not believe at all. I believe.
I believe beyond any doubt that our Heavenly Father sent Jesus, our brother, here to earth. He came into this world, as we all do, born of a woman. He is the Son of God. He is not God the Father, he, like us is God's son. Not an embodiment or formless being housing three spirits. His mission was a specific one. Foretold from the beginning by prophets of God. Today, we speak of the Christ child with reverence, knowing he is the Savior of the World. We celebrate His birth because it is one of the most significant events in our mortal history. His life, his coming, is the greatest gift the world has ever received.
Its five days and counting now. Light fills the room. Stirring is heard in the rooms upstairs. The day begins, but just for a moment longer, I sit, and ponder upon what Christmas means to me and feel His peace.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Blogging, Birthdays and Trunk or Treat
I totally missed my conference blog last week due to all the birthdays, Halloween pre-parties, and just way too many things going to to even get to my computer. Oh, and I was preparing a talk for Sacrament meeting too last week. I was busy.
This week's conference book club talk link is:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/an-unspeakable-gift-from-god?lang=eng
"An Unspeakable Gift from God" by Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy
A few of my thoughts:
One of the unique doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that of the Godhead and the role the Holy Ghost place in that unit. We as members of the Church, know and understand the Gift of the Holy Ghost is something we receive at the time of our baptism and confirmation. This gift is a blessing to us so long as we remain faithful and obedient to the covenants we make. We are blessed to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide for us here in mortality.
Quoting the talk, "President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. … While we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling … ’.”18 It is through these sacred feelings from the Holy Ghost that we come to know what God would have us do, for this, as stated in scripture, “is the spirit of revelation.”19
This conference address is a very good explanation for non-members or new converts to explain our beliefs about the third member of the Godhead.
I recommend using it as a family home evening lesson too.
This week's conference book club talk link is:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/an-unspeakable-gift-from-god?lang=eng
"An Unspeakable Gift from God" by Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy
A few of my thoughts:
One of the unique doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that of the Godhead and the role the Holy Ghost place in that unit. We as members of the Church, know and understand the Gift of the Holy Ghost is something we receive at the time of our baptism and confirmation. This gift is a blessing to us so long as we remain faithful and obedient to the covenants we make. We are blessed to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost as a guide for us here in mortality.
Quoting the talk, "President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. … While we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling … ’.”18 It is through these sacred feelings from the Holy Ghost that we come to know what God would have us do, for this, as stated in scripture, “is the spirit of revelation.”19
This conference address is a very good explanation for non-members or new converts to explain our beliefs about the third member of the Godhead.
I recommend using it as a family home evening lesson too.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Prophets and Latter-day Saints
I read an article today written by Joni Hilton, an LDS writer. I often follow her on a e-zine known as Meridian Magazine. Joni's work is spot on, in my opinion. She doesn't mince words and doesn't seem to mind hitting some of the tougher issues. I respect that about her.
Her article today was one of the best ones I have read. The topic was about prophets of the LDS church. In the article she shares a story about a woman's experience talking to a stranger about the church. The conversation didn't go well for the woman. Because of her experience she learned a valuable lesson. A lesson we can learn too, hopefully less painfully.
Having a Latter-day Saint running for the highest office in our country has stirred up a bit more interested in the Church. Now more than ever we need to be prepared to share and teach. We need
to know what we believe and why. One day though, this current hubbub will die down and the spot light will dim a bit. Regardless of what goes on in the world around us, we need to be prepared to answer questions.
Being a stay at home mom for the past few years, I don't have as many opportunities to talk to people like I did when I was working. I do have one friend who has a strong faith in God. Often our conversations are of a religious nature. Sometimes the conversation isn't so much about doctrine but about the love of the Savior and Father in Heaven. I believe this friend does not doubt that I believe in Christ. I believe her view of "Mormons" is favorable. Not because of any great thing that I did. More because, I believe, spirits can talk to one another more deeply than one can imagine.
I hope that as you read this blog and check out Joni's article from the link below. Consider what things you would say to people you meet in line at the store. Consider what message you want them to hear, in spite of the one you actually sent.
http://ldsmag.com/article/1/11624
Her article today was one of the best ones I have read. The topic was about prophets of the LDS church. In the article she shares a story about a woman's experience talking to a stranger about the church. The conversation didn't go well for the woman. Because of her experience she learned a valuable lesson. A lesson we can learn too, hopefully less painfully.
Having a Latter-day Saint running for the highest office in our country has stirred up a bit more interested in the Church. Now more than ever we need to be prepared to share and teach. We need
to know what we believe and why. One day though, this current hubbub will die down and the spot light will dim a bit. Regardless of what goes on in the world around us, we need to be prepared to answer questions.
Being a stay at home mom for the past few years, I don't have as many opportunities to talk to people like I did when I was working. I do have one friend who has a strong faith in God. Often our conversations are of a religious nature. Sometimes the conversation isn't so much about doctrine but about the love of the Savior and Father in Heaven. I believe this friend does not doubt that I believe in Christ. I believe her view of "Mormons" is favorable. Not because of any great thing that I did. More because, I believe, spirits can talk to one another more deeply than one can imagine.
I hope that as you read this blog and check out Joni's article from the link below. Consider what things you would say to people you meet in line at the store. Consider what message you want them to hear, in spite of the one you actually sent.
http://ldsmag.com/article/1/11624
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Conference Book Club update
In my last post, prior to even seeing the first GCBC talk I mentioned Elder Cook's talk and what do you know, that is the very one used to kick off the club. How awesome is that? Is it possible that even on the blogosphere great minds think alike?
Honestly, it was just an awesome talk. I love the scripture he referenced in the beginning of his talk; “If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”2
Much of conference seemed to me to be about commitment. I loved the explanation by another apostle the difference between testimony and commitment.
With the "poisonous culture" around us we have "wounded spiritual immune systems." This part of Elder Cooks talk grabbed a piece of my own testimony and validated what I know to be a real concern. Even for myself. It is not uncommon for our testimony to waiver from time to time. Now, after hearing General Conference, I look not so much to my testimony well-being but to my commitment well-being.
This is another of the quotes from this talk that spoke to me: "The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But “when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.”
I have seen the affects of members who do not take both feet to the covenanted side of their baptism. I have seen what happens when one foot stays in the old life. I can testify that this counsel, this reminder, cannot be stated often enough or emphatically enough.
In the past few days since conference I have taken the time to review many of the past conferences addresses of a couple of the apostles. I appreciate the 'in your face' tone to a conference talk. I don't think words should be minced when it come to how the gospel should be lived.
I hope that you will take the time to go back and read Elder Cook's address. Here's the
link: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/can-ye-feel-so-now?lang=eng
I am grateful for the enlightened perspective that I received from hearing Elder Cook's address.
Honestly, it was just an awesome talk. I love the scripture he referenced in the beginning of his talk; “If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”2
Much of conference seemed to me to be about commitment. I loved the explanation by another apostle the difference between testimony and commitment.
With the "poisonous culture" around us we have "wounded spiritual immune systems." This part of Elder Cooks talk grabbed a piece of my own testimony and validated what I know to be a real concern. Even for myself. It is not uncommon for our testimony to waiver from time to time. Now, after hearing General Conference, I look not so much to my testimony well-being but to my commitment well-being.
This is another of the quotes from this talk that spoke to me: "The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But “when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.”
I have seen the affects of members who do not take both feet to the covenanted side of their baptism. I have seen what happens when one foot stays in the old life. I can testify that this counsel, this reminder, cannot be stated often enough or emphatically enough.
In the past few days since conference I have taken the time to review many of the past conferences addresses of a couple of the apostles. I appreciate the 'in your face' tone to a conference talk. I don't think words should be minced when it come to how the gospel should be lived.
I hope that you will take the time to go back and read Elder Cook's address. Here's the
link: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/can-ye-feel-so-now?lang=eng
I am grateful for the enlightened perspective that I received from hearing Elder Cook's address.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Conference Update No. 1
Something else about this conference has cause me to feel great gratitude. It has not been that long ago that members of the Church waiting for the printing of the ensign to obtain a copy of the talks from general conference. They all available online today. All of the sessions, text and audio are available here: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/10?lang=eng
President Monson said, "We have had unprecedented coverage of the conference..." Another gift for which to be thankful.
The talk that I want to point out today is from Elder Quentin L. Cook. Elder Cook is a family friend. His brother family doctor most of my growing up years. My mom served in callings with Sister Cook, wife of Elder Quentin L. Cook. It is fun to have this little tidbit, but it is also a wonderful experience to be taught by this great man.
At the inception of Elder Cook's remarks he takes a moment to join his testimony and support to the new changes for missionaries. Elder Cook quotes George Albert Smith with this comment; "Your mission is to warn the people in as kind a way as possible that repentance will be the only panacea for the ills of the world." Though this comment was made during the trials of WWII, its message is even more pertinent today as the decline of morality increases and will be one of the major issues missionaries deal with as they serve the Lord.
There were many things Elder Cook spoke on, but the two that made great impact on me where these:
1. "Emersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and provides a healing balm."
1. "Emersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and provides a healing balm."
2. A quote from The Prophet Joseph Smith, "Before your baptism you could be on neutral ground between good and evil, but once you join the Church, you enlist to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground and you can never go back. You must never forsake the Master."
Testimony and commitment seemed to speak to me as each General Authority stood to speak. I often look for themes during the sessions of Conference. I often ask members of my family if they picked up on a theme to compare impressions. Either way, it is a form of personal inspiration. It is an opportunity to focus on an area that may be in need of attentions or change.
Aside from a pattern of topics, or answers to prayers and questions you might alway receive warnings from Conference messages. I felt a type of warning or counsel this past weekend. A message that developed or repeated as the sessions progressed over the two days. I am grateful for these blessings. We are, some of us, many miles from the foot of Church leaders during these conferences, yet still, the Lord will teach us. Through his spirit, as we prayerful pay attention to the speakers, we can be taught, warned and comforted.
Over the next few months there is an opportunity to participate in a book club group.
As I spend the next few days reviewing my notes and listening again to the talks online I will be back to post more General Conference Updates.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
General Conference and Fruit - Lots of Fruit!
General Conference and Fruit!
The past few days I have so wanted to follow up on the General Relief Society broadcast. Now General Conference is almost here. There is so, so much to say on that topic.
My timing is off this week. Instead of catching up on the last of the conference talks from April.
My house looks like this:
And this:
And this is sitting on the counter:
This is in the freezer waiting:
There is also a 14 lb bucket of boysenberry puree so far back in the freezer that I might forget about it until I am trying to get stuff in there for Thanksgiving.
My plan is to have all this mess cleared away and pretty little jars of apple butter, berry jam, and rhubarb jam all lined up on the shelves in the basement before the first session starts at 10:00 on Saturday.
While I am not here posting this week check out some of the other blogs out there. Diapers and Divinity has a great post going this week. I know there are others. I take a peek at them each time I wipe my hands off and go in for the next round of hot jars and rings.
I am anxious to sequester myself on the couch and drink in the words of our leaders. It seems each time there is something that must be said just to me. Instruction that I have been needing and answers to questions I have.
I saw a cute idea on another blog where the family wrote out each of their questions on a piece of paper and put it on the wall near their TV. When answers seem to fit their questions they can go up and write what they hear on papers taped to the wall. (check out onbeinglds.blogspot.com) I like this idea well enough that my plan is to make a list of my questions on several pages in the back of my notebook. When the answers come, and they will, I will record my impressions there. Great idea!!!
I am grateful that we have a living prophet upon the earth that leads this church under the direction of the Savior. I know there are many who do not believe this is possible, yet there are many like me that know it to be so and are grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This weekend is huge to us. We look forward to it. We prepare for it and we are hopefully changed by it.
My timing is off this week. Instead of catching up on the last of the conference talks from April.
My house looks like this:
And this:
And this is sitting on the counter:
This is in the freezer waiting:
There is also a 14 lb bucket of boysenberry puree so far back in the freezer that I might forget about it until I am trying to get stuff in there for Thanksgiving.
My plan is to have all this mess cleared away and pretty little jars of apple butter, berry jam, and rhubarb jam all lined up on the shelves in the basement before the first session starts at 10:00 on Saturday.
While I am not here posting this week check out some of the other blogs out there. Diapers and Divinity has a great post going this week. I know there are others. I take a peek at them each time I wipe my hands off and go in for the next round of hot jars and rings.
I am anxious to sequester myself on the couch and drink in the words of our leaders. It seems each time there is something that must be said just to me. Instruction that I have been needing and answers to questions I have.
I saw a cute idea on another blog where the family wrote out each of their questions on a piece of paper and put it on the wall near their TV. When answers seem to fit their questions they can go up and write what they hear on papers taped to the wall. (check out onbeinglds.blogspot.com) I like this idea well enough that my plan is to make a list of my questions on several pages in the back of my notebook. When the answers come, and they will, I will record my impressions there. Great idea!!!
I am grateful that we have a living prophet upon the earth that leads this church under the direction of the Savior. I know there are many who do not believe this is possible, yet there are many like me that know it to be so and are grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This weekend is huge to us. We look forward to it. We prepare for it and we are hopefully changed by it.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
General Relief Society Broadcast
Tonight members of the largest women's organization will gather in meetinghouses and homes around the world to witness a meeting prepared just for the women of the church. We will receive instruction from the General Relief Society presidency and a member of the First Presidency. Linda K. Burton, Relief society general president, Carole M. Stephens, first counselor, and Linda S. Reeves, second counselor are the officers of the newly called general presidency. This will be the first time these women will address us.
A live stream is available here: broadcasts.lds.org
There is even an event page where you can invite friends and associated via Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/LDS
I have been a member of this grand organization for many, many years now. Every year as this meeting approaches I anxiously await the instructions I will receive. I know these women, though new in their callings have prayerfully prepared to speak to us. I know we will receive the instructions the Lord wants us to hear. It is well worth the sacrifice you make in adjusting your schedules, reigning in the husband to keep watch over the flock, and prayerfully preparing yourself to have your spirit fed.
Just as we prepare for General Conference, this meeting should receive the same personal intent. Just as the priesthood meets on the Saturday evening of General Conference weekend, so we, as women of the Church need to meet together to receive the Lord's instruction from his chosen leaders.
Over on Mormon Women there are some great links to follow on this topic. Don't get caught up on the dates (2010), this principle is as important now as it was when those words were written.
http://mormonwoman.org/2010/10/01/preparing-for-general-conference-this-weekend/
Or hop on over to LDS Media Talk and read what they have put together for you.
http://ldsmediatalk.com/2011/03/28/how-can-you-prepare-for-general-conference/
Gather the girls together tonight, friends from the ward, mothers and daughters, neighbors, kneel and pray and invite the Spirt to attend and instruct you as you participate in this meeting. I can testify you will be fed. You will be uplifted. You will come away changed. These are the reasons we make the effort to go.
I was reading this morning on another blog I follow about 'fitting ourselves to the standard Heavenly Father has set for us" (http://beinglds.blogspot.com/). How can we know what to adjust if we do not take the time to hear what he has to say. To be fit for the kingdom we need to know what those requirements are -- and implement them here. Procrastinating our mortal education and training will not make our next estate easier.
It is my prayer, that tonight, the women of the Church will be in attendance all over the world, where ever they can hear the sound of the Lord's servant and unite themselves in the work of the Lord.
A live stream is available here: broadcasts.lds.org
There is even an event page where you can invite friends and associated via Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/LDS
I have been a member of this grand organization for many, many years now. Every year as this meeting approaches I anxiously await the instructions I will receive. I know these women, though new in their callings have prayerfully prepared to speak to us. I know we will receive the instructions the Lord wants us to hear. It is well worth the sacrifice you make in adjusting your schedules, reigning in the husband to keep watch over the flock, and prayerfully preparing yourself to have your spirit fed.
Just as we prepare for General Conference, this meeting should receive the same personal intent. Just as the priesthood meets on the Saturday evening of General Conference weekend, so we, as women of the Church need to meet together to receive the Lord's instruction from his chosen leaders.
Over on Mormon Women there are some great links to follow on this topic. Don't get caught up on the dates (2010), this principle is as important now as it was when those words were written.
http://mormonwoman.org/2010/10/01/preparing-for-general-conference-this-weekend/
Or hop on over to LDS Media Talk and read what they have put together for you.
http://ldsmediatalk.com/2011/03/28/how-can-you-prepare-for-general-conference/
Gather the girls together tonight, friends from the ward, mothers and daughters, neighbors, kneel and pray and invite the Spirt to attend and instruct you as you participate in this meeting. I can testify you will be fed. You will be uplifted. You will come away changed. These are the reasons we make the effort to go.
I was reading this morning on another blog I follow about 'fitting ourselves to the standard Heavenly Father has set for us" (http://beinglds.blogspot.com/). How can we know what to adjust if we do not take the time to hear what he has to say. To be fit for the kingdom we need to know what those requirements are -- and implement them here. Procrastinating our mortal education and training will not make our next estate easier.
It is my prayer, that tonight, the women of the Church will be in attendance all over the world, where ever they can hear the sound of the Lord's servant and unite themselves in the work of the Lord.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Seek the Good
I keep thinking back to the lessons I was taught this past weekend at TOFW (Time Out For Women). A weekend event for Women sponsored by Deseret Book. It was an amazing weekend full of wonderful music and beautiful words of encouragement.
At first, my only reason for going this year was because of one particular presenter, James Ferrell. I have loved his books since my dad gifted me a copy of The Peace Giver. It was awesome. I wanted more. The Holy Secret, The Hidden Christ. I appreciated this author's gentle, yet principled teaching I appreciated the way I was led to the point of understanding, acceptance and change.
The whole weekend was wonderful. The theme this weekend was 'Seek the Good." A beautiful message to instill in the hearts of the women of the church.
Thinking along this line, I looked up a few scriptures on seeking the good. Here's what I found:
Amos 5:14 "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken."
There is a beautiful blessing in this scripture for seeking the good, that of having the Lord with you. In the church we speak often of how we need to behave, or speak, in order for the Holy Ghost to be with us. His spirit cannot be with us when are actions and words are not in keeping with the commandments.
A favorite of mine is: Psalms 34:14 "Depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue it."
Finding and maintaining a spirit of peace has been a journey of mine for many years. I cling to scripture that teaches me the principles of peace. In Psalms we are encouraged to purse goodness and peace. I like that.
Finally, in the last sentence of the 13th Article of Faith it says: "...If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Seek the good. Pursue peace.
At first, my only reason for going this year was because of one particular presenter, James Ferrell. I have loved his books since my dad gifted me a copy of The Peace Giver. It was awesome. I wanted more. The Holy Secret, The Hidden Christ. I appreciated this author's gentle, yet principled teaching I appreciated the way I was led to the point of understanding, acceptance and change.
The whole weekend was wonderful. The theme this weekend was 'Seek the Good." A beautiful message to instill in the hearts of the women of the church.
Thinking along this line, I looked up a few scriptures on seeking the good. Here's what I found:
Amos 5:14 "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken."
There is a beautiful blessing in this scripture for seeking the good, that of having the Lord with you. In the church we speak often of how we need to behave, or speak, in order for the Holy Ghost to be with us. His spirit cannot be with us when are actions and words are not in keeping with the commandments.
A favorite of mine is: Psalms 34:14 "Depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue it."
Finding and maintaining a spirit of peace has been a journey of mine for many years. I cling to scripture that teaches me the principles of peace. In Psalms we are encouraged to purse goodness and peace. I like that.
Finally, in the last sentence of the 13th Article of Faith it says: "...If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Seek the good. Pursue peace.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The Family
I mentioned in my previous post the blessing of family as one of the greatest gifts I have. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know the family to be the central part of the plan. We know the Adversary's work is to destroy the family and to make a mockery of the sacredness of the marriage relationship.
17 years ago this month, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve released a statement, not just to the general church membership, but to the world. "The Family, A Proclamation to the World". This proclamation states emphatically where the Lord stands on family and where we as members, and as children of God need to stand.
For those of you who are not familiar with this, I am posting it here:
The Family
A Proclamation
To The World
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I Am a Latter-day Saint
My name is Jae. I'm a Mormon. Actually, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a mouth-full, I know. It is the official name given by revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr when the church was organized here on the earth again. Many people often refer to us as "Mormon s" because of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. ( A book of scripture that tells about Christ's dealings with the people on the American continent. ) This is a wonderful church to belong to and I am going to tell you why.
Though I was born and raised in the LDS church, I, like all members came to a knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel on my own. We each must have a mighty change of heart and choose to follow the Savior and keep the commandments. It is not easy to live this way in a world where we are often misunderstood or criticized. Growing up, I was the only member at my school aside from my siblings. My good friends respected my beliefs, but there were many who teased and ridiculed me. Fast forward into adulthood and while the tormenting has stopped, there is still the sense of being different. And not in a good way.
Maybe for some that sense of not being like everyone else would be an issue. For us, as members of the LDS faith we are taught that we are a 'peculiar people.' We are ok with that. For the most part, most of us would love for all those around us to know what a good thing it is to be a part of this wonderful, albeit, peculiar group of people.
The greatest blessing in my life is my membership in the Lord's church. Every other blessing flows from this great one. The knowledge I have that I have a divine heritage, a Heavenly Father and Mother. I was blessed to be able to come to earth to receive a body, to be given a family, and then to
one day have a family of my own.
Knowing who you are and where you come from is huge. Ask any one who has been adopted or abandoned and get a sense of the yearning they feel for wanting to know where they belong. Knowing that I have a Father in Heaven who I am created like is also powerful knowledge. To me this understanding that the God of this world is not some mass of matter, but a glorified being, with a body of flesh and bones brings a peace to my soul. The knowledge that we are part of a heavenly family is also huge. It solidifies the truths regarding the importance of the family unit here on earth as well.
I am blessed to know and have all these things in my life. I am reminded of a familiar saying. "Where much is given, much is expected." Those of us in the LDS church know this to be a familiar reminder of the Law of the Harvest. Galatians 6:7 "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." We know that we have been given much as members of the Lord's church. We are expected to sow diligently and to share what we have been given. This blog is one of my attempts to live this law.
I pray as I sow here that what I give will be pleasing to my Heavenly Father. It is His message, and that of His son's that I want to leave here.
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