The Source

This is a statement of personal opinion. To find the official stance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints please click here.

To tell the truth, I have been annoyed with the amount of misinformation coming from both sides about Proposition 8. I was thankful that I didn't have to form an opinion on the proposition, because I am not a California (Arizona or Florida) voter. But, now that the protests targeted the LDS community in New York City I felt motivated to seek out the truth and form my opinion, because as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are encouraged to seek out the truth and form our own opinions. We are never taught to blindly follow the crowd even if that crowd is made up of other LDS people.

My husband and I have many gay and lesbian friends and acquaintances. On an individual basis we have found that we can respect each other's opinions, desires, and rights. We respect their desire to be in a committed relationship, and they respect our desire to teach our son that God doesn't approved of the sexual actions of homosexual couples. We have been able to love and care about these same-sex couples, without demeaning our religious beliefs. I recognize that many religious people find our tolerance too accepting, but we have found just as many religious people who share our so-called liberal-mindedness.

The problem is that Proposition 8 is an attempt to combine church and state. For those of us who believe that marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman, opening the definition of marriage infringes on our religious right to define marriage. Now, if the fight was really about equal rights, same-sex couples seeking equal rights would not be opposed to calling it a "civil union" by which the rights that should be granted to all people who love each other are granted. And, it is on that reasoning that I have decided that I am glad Proposition 8 passed, because in its passage, religious rights are protected. After much internal debate I have decided to share the sources that helped me form this opinion.

In the Doctrine and Covenants (a sacred book of scripture) Section 134 defines the church's beliefs about government. In verse 7 it states,

We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy."

The reason the Church leaders encouraged its members to be active participates in supporting Proposition 8 is because if it did not pass it would mean government would be proscribing religious people in their opinions.

Another poignant verse in section 134 is verse 4

We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.

It is for this reason that I cannot be of the opinion that same-sex couples should be denied rights granted by government to committed couples. In "The Divine Institution of Marriage" an official document of the Church, it sates,

The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.

I would encourage you to read the section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants and "The Divine Institution of Marriage" to gain a better understanding of the Church's standing on the issue. I have found it enlightening and encouraging.

I am grateful for the rights I have been granted by the United States Government. I hope that the government will sustain the vote of the people. I hope that both sides demanding rights will be able to avoid hate and work towards a solution. I believe that marriage is a divine union, that it is sacred, and that it should be protected. I believe that it is my right to think, teach, and practice that belief. I hope that right is never taken from me, and that my opinion is allowed, in just the same way I wish to allow lifestyles that do not fall in that definition. I will admit that I can't call it marriage, but I do firmly believe that government should protect the rights of all couples, just under a different name.

The Facts of Prop 8 and Mormons

The Facts of Prop 8 and Mormons

I think its awful that so many groups are isolating the mormons as the persecutors for prop 8. Here are some facts:

1. Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California. There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.

2. Mormon voters were less than 5% of the yes vote. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then LDS voters made up 4.6% of the Yes vote and 2.4% of the total Proposition 8 vote.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.

4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.

5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.

6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8. Los Angeles County voted in favor of Yes on 8. Ventura County voted in favor of Yes on 8.

7. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on

8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8. 8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).

9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims – all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California. Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.

10. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.

11. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that Churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church as always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.

12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way.

Love

So I have come to realize how grateful I am for the knowledge of the truth. With the rapid increase in the signs prophesied of regarding the Second Coming, I am grateful to know this is all part of it. It is really sad to see protestors defiling the temples, hurting people, and threatening others, but we have been warned that this would happen. I am grateful to know that in the end, Christ will come and make everything right. I am grateful to know that I still have power over my family and can still have the spirit to comfort us in trials. I am grateful to feel the love of the Lord. In a way, I feel a sort of sorrowful love for those who are confused about the truth. Really, they are very valiant individuals who are confused about which side to fight for. I am sad for them, because their choices will hurt them. I have realized that I need to turn my prayers toward them and hope their hearts will soften for their sakes. Here is an article to show the depth of their confusion regarding marriage.

Gratitude Attitude

At a Stake Conference a couple of weeks ago we were challenged to keep a daily journal of gratitude for a year. Since I'm on the computer daily, I decided to start a gratitude blog. As I update it, I find that even on the really rough days,when life seems awfully bleak, I can still find at least one thing to be grateful for. I'm glad that the Lord wants us to be grateful. It's comforting that directly or indirectly we can see His hand in all things.

"And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;

That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." Alma 34:37-38

General Conference Choir

The sister who wrote the following letter was a member of the incredible Relief Society choir that sang for the general Relief Society broadcast September 27, 2008.

Hello Family and Friends -

Well, I broke down and decided to send a quick email to let you know that the choir for the General Women's Broadcast tomorrow night was selected from my area and I am in it. I just had to share some things I have learned and felt during the last seven weeks at rehearsals.

First, you will see that we are wearing white blouses. Some people have commented to me their surprise at the color choice (or lack thereof) but I have to tell you the story behind this. Sis. Beck, the General Relief Society President., stopped into our practice one night as a surprise and she spoke for a few minutes. First, I cannot describe the feeling she brought with her, the power of the Holy Ghost as she testified to us of the Lord's hand in this conference and her humble pleading for help in her talk. She said that as she has traveled the world, she has felt such a powerful need to communicate to the women worldwide, regardless of race, economics, etc. that we are sisters and ALL members of the LORD'S church--together. She said that she felt inspired to request that we wear white because everywhere she has gone, the women always show up in a clean white shirt somehow. She said she didn't know how it was possible in some areas to have anything clean let alone white, but they always come, somehow, in white, even if it is a tee-shirt, cleaned and turned inside out so the writing on it doesn't show.

So, she wanted them to see the choir and know that they could be part of it regardless of money or situation. They also asked us to not wear jewelry (or very minimal) so that women who are not sure where the next meal is coming from don't feel such an economic division between
Utah and them.

They have worked to prepare us spiritually as much as musically. From the first night, they have said, "The music is secondary. The testimony of Jesus Christ is primary." It is only about Him and the sisters out there. From the second we started rehearsing, the Spirit has been tangible and present. Every time, I leave feeling changed inside. At our first rehersal, they said that there wouldn't be any new or original special songs. They told us that the conference is translated into the various languages, except the music. The music is always in English. There are many versions of Hymnals in the world, but they don't have every song in them. In fact, there are only about 15-20 songs (if I remember correctly) common among them all. So, to unify the sisters again, they chose four of the songs that are in every hymnal, so even if they don't understand our language, they will know the song and feel it is their hymns and their Church.

The theme of the music is rejoicing and hope in the Savior. In light of world events of the recent days, I can't tell you the power and peace I feel when I practice these songs. I invite you to listen closely to the words of the songs. They have come to me with force I have rarely felt in music ~ for example: 'His kingdom cannot fail. He rules over earth and heaven.' When it seems that everyday something else is failing, His kingdom cannot fail. Or, 'I would learn the Healer's art', 'Find in Thee my strength my beacon', or just the simple phrase 'Lift up your hearts! Lift up your voice! Rejoice again I say rejoice.' I have felt things during this preparation time that I never dreamed of feeling or learning.

So, I felt the spirit say as I was practicing tonight ' 'Lift up your voice' and send some thoughts to those you love.' So, here are my thoughts and my love for whomever of you needs them. My testimony has never been stronger of Jesus Christ and his love for us. My favorite name for him is 'Savior.' I feel it in every fiber of my being. He will not fail us if we cleave to Him. It is a marvelous time to be on the earth and great things are happening in this Church! It is his kingdom we are a part of. It is a privilege to bear His name and to try to be like Him. It is worth fighting for and holding our standards high.

When we had our dress rehearsal in the Conference Center , and the organ started playing HUGE, and sound pouring out of the pipes over us, and singing with all the feeling of our souls, my heart felt like it would explode! I never considered how intimately the Savior watches over the preparations of conference, but I testify He is in every detail, every plan, every element of it. It is His conference, His church, His world, His people, His Love, and I am so grateful for the chance to sing my testimony to you tomorrow night! I will have you in my mind and heart! XXOO Sara

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Driving home last night from an activity, the song came on the radio with the chorus line of "Easy Like Sunday Morning." SCREEEECCCHHHH.... wait a second here...

Sunday mornings are easy?

My typical Sunday morning is chaos. Dear husband is gone to Sunday meetings, leaving me alone to run around gathering up all the "entertainment" for church. I must get breakfast for four hungry people as well as getting the four of us dressed and looking presentable. Sometimes we forget things- lesson manuals, scriptures, tithing, handouts... and sometimes we're late... what's worse is we are the closest members to the building in the entire branch!! Sometimes we both have early morning meetings adding even more to the chaos.

Another interesting coincidence in the last four days was that we had Stake Conference. We had an amazing Stake Conference! In our Saturday evening adult session, we had a discussion about "Go to the house of Prayer.... and offer up thy sacraments" (D&C 59:9-10).

I see a pattern here. I think.

I learned quite a few things I can do to make things easy like Sunday morning. The first thing that stuck out in my mind was that preparation begins on Saturday, not when I get up on Sunday morning. The most important part of Sunday worship is partaking of the Sacrament. Remembering the sacrifice made for us by our Savior and covenanting again. An interesting comment made was that we can offer up our sacraments by letting go of the things that set us back, in other words- we repent and covenant to do better and be better.

Bishop Burton of the Presiding Bishopric also said he hoped we felt passion about the gospel and counseled us to use our gifts to bless the lives of those around us. It was a very inspiring conference. What I took away from it was a resolution to do a little better on Sunday mornings.

Easy like Sunday morning will yet happen in my life.

Is this really Tolerance?

From the account of a Relief Society President near San Francisco:


Dear family and friends,

I had a very disturbing experience yesterday that I would like to share with those of you that live outside of California (or outside of the San Francisco Bay Area).

This weekend we have stake conference. Our stake conference always begins with a stake temple session on Friday or Thursday night. Early Friday morning I received a call from the second counselor in our bishopric to let me know that there would be numerous protesters outside the temple, and to remind everyone to stay calm and to drive carefully.

The beautiful Oakland Temple is located right across the bay from San Francisco, very close to the city of Berkeley. Apparently the opposition to proposition 8, the amendment that seeks to make marriage in CA between a man and a woman again, has realized the deep involvement of the church and begun to protest right outside of the temple and harass temple patrons.

The fastest way to get to the temple from our house is to take the 680 freeway, but the exit is a bit tricky. The off ramp is extremely short and straight uphill. You then make an almost blind left turn, an immediate right and another left into the parking lot. As we approached the off ramp, I realized there would be trouble. There was a backup onto the freeway from cars stalled on the off ramp. As we moved forward inches at a time, we realized this was due to a large group of loud protesters who were standing on both sides of the street, yelling, screaming and waving signs. When we got to the top of the off ramp, ready to make our turn, one protester jumped out right in front of our car. It took my husband all his self control to carefully maneuver around him to the left and proceed to the temple. I tried not to listen to all they were shouting at us, but I was shaking as I got to the temple front door.

Several of the sisters, especially the ones driving on their own, were crying (which made me snap out of it and go into RS President mode to comfort them). Later, as I was sitting in the perfect quiet of the chapel, I couldn't help but think of Lehi's dream, and the people who mocked the Saints from the big spacious building but "we heeded them not."

It was a truly surreal experience, I'd never thought that I would have to go through an angry crowd to get to the temple. As we left late at night, the protesters had dispersed, temple security (who all looked very large and Tongan) stood by the gates. I never saw a single police man.

Please pray for those of us in California fighting for prop 8--it's getting kind of scary out here.

Susanne

Amazing Words

Elder Bednar speaks, in this video, about the impacts that Proposition 8 has on our countries religious freedoms. He calls it the tyranny of tolerance. Although it is immediately affecting California, this tyranny of tolerance will spread out quickly and be very bad. Watch the clip. I is only about 3-4 minutes.
http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/media/mediaplayer.swf?media=http://broadcast.lds.org/newsroom/video/flv/bednar_edit02_150k.flv&type=FLV

Look at Massachusetts

Here is an example of what happens in the school system when same sex marriage is legalized. Notice how the parents were not notified beforehand and were unprepared to teach their children their family's views on the subject. The government was deciding what to teach the children, not the parents.
Here's the video

The Phantom Tollbooth

For any of you who haven't read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, I recommend it. It's witty, charming, and clever. Also for any of you who haven't read it, I'll give a little background and actually quote the part that caused me to reflect on the activities of my days ...

A boy named Milo is on a quest to rescue a couple of princesses accompanied by a watchdog named Tock and a bug named Humbug. They have arrived into some mountains full of demons and have just had a very unpleasant encounter with one of the demons. Then (and I quote) "just ahead, leaning comfortably against a dead tree, stood a very elegant-looking gentleman.

"He was beautifully dressed in a dark suit with a well-pressed shirt and tie. His shoes were polished, his nails were clean, his hat was well brushed, and a white handkerchief adorned his breast pocket. But his expression was somewhat blank. In fact, it was completely blank, for he had neither eyes, nose, nor mouth.

"Hello, little boy," he said, amiably shaking Milo by the hand. "And how's the faithful dog?" he inquired, giving Tock three or four strong and friendly pats. "And who is this handsome creature?" he asked, tipping his hat to the very pleased Humbug. "I'm so happy to see you all."

"What a pleasant surprise to meet someone so nice," they all thought, "and especially here."

"I wonder if you could spare me a little of your time," he inquired politely, "and help with a few small jobs?"

"Why, of course," said the Humbug cheerfully.
"Gladly," added Tock.
"Yes, indeed," said Milo, who wondered for just a moment how it was possible for someone so agreeable to have a face with no features at all.

"Splendid," he said happily, "for there are just three tasks. Firstly, I would like to move this pile from here to there," he explained, pointing to an enormous mound of fine sand; "but I'm afraid that all I have are these tiny tweezers." And he gave them to Milo, who immediately began transporting one grain at a time.

"Secondly, I would like to empty this well and fill the other; but I have no bucket, so you'll have to use this eye dropper." And he handed it to Tock, who undertook at once to carry one drop at a time from well to well.

"And, lastly, I must have a hole through this cliff, and here is a needle to dig it." The eager Humbug quickly set to work picking at the solid granite wall.

When they had all been safely started, the very pleasant man returned to the tree and, leaning against it once more, continued to stare vacantly down the trail, while Milo, Tock and the Humbug worked hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after hour after ------

... After what seemed like days ... Milo's new pile of sand was hardly a pile at all. ...

[With a magic wand Milo finds out that] ... at the rate they were working, it would take each of them eight hundred and thirty-seven years to finish.

"Pardon me, ... but it's going to take eight hundred and thirty-seven years to do these jobs."

"Is that so?" replied the man, without even turning around. "Well, you'd better get on with it then."

"But it hardly seems worthwhile," said Milo softly.
"WORTHWHILE!" the man roared indignantly.
"All I mean was that perhaps it isn't too important," Milo repeated, trying not to be impolite.
"Of course it's not important," he snarled angrily. "I wouldn't have asked you to do it if I thought it was important." And now, as he turned to face them, he didn't seem quite so pleasant. ...

"What could be more important that doing unimportant things? If you stop to do enough of them, you'll never get to where you're going." He punctuated his last remark with a villainous laugh. "I am the Terrible Trivium, demon of petty tasks and worthless jobs, ogre of wasted effort, and monster of habit."

... "But why do only unimportant things?" asked Milo, who suddenly remembered how much time he spent each day doing them.

"Think of all the trouble it saves," the man explained, and his face looked as if he'd be grinning an evil grin -- if he could grin at all. "If you only do the easy and useless jobs, you'll never have to worry about the important ones which are so difficult. You just won't have the time. For there's always something to do to keep you from what you really should be doing, and if it weren't for that dreadful magic stuff, you'd never know how much time you were wasting." (end of quote)

So after reading this portion of the book I paused to ponder:

Wherefore do ye ^aspend money for that which is not bread? and your ^blabour for that which satisfieth not?

How often do we help Satan with a "few small jobs" simply by not being at our original task of "rescuing the princesses" or in a sense, striving for exaltation? Why do we sometimes spend so much time doing the unimportant things, especially when they eternally can't satisfy?

I'll just leave my pondering at that and let you ponder the rest.

Standing for Truth and Righteousness

So I know that I have strong opinions and strong emotions at times, but I need to share my thoughts for a minute. I know that we all are aware of the Proposition 8 that is on the ballot in California. We know that it is an important issue, but I don't know if we really grasp the severity of it. I recently returned from a visit to see my family in CA and I have found out a lot. Everyone in the stake my parents are in is asked to participate in walking the precincts. There will be a state-wide fireside in two weeks where they'll address the issues of the importance of protecting marriage and family.
There are many consequences that we'll definitely not like if the Proposition fails. If you want to read more, you can read some I've included here. It is a very serious issue for the future of our religious freedom/liberties as well as marriage and family. I have been shy at times, and have not known how to stand up for things or to what extent, but I have definitely realized that this time we cannot waste time. We need to stand up and protect our rights, religion and families. If the First Presidency of the Church will send a letter to the wards in CA as well as all the other states, telling us to do all we can in support of this Proposition, that should tell us to figure out how we can help.
PROTECT OUR FUTURE!

Six Consequences if Prop 8 Fails

So my mom was telling me about the different things she's found to share with people as she walks the precincts in CA promoting affirmative votes for Proposition 8. The following list was given by the Yes Coalition to those walking the precints.
1. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage. The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage is between any two adults regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
2. Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask yourself whether your pastor, priest, miniter, bishop or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed its doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools with married student housing may be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: "traditional marriage", or "family values" because after the same-sex marriage case, it is "hate speech."
6. It will cost you money. This change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits, including some already lost (e.g. photographers cannot now refuse to photograph gay marriages, doctors cannot now refuse to perform artificial insemination of gays even given other willing doctors). Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today's activist judges), think of the money-your money-that will be spent on such legal battles.

And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?

You See What You Look For

My current calling is in the Young Women's program. I have 1 Laurel, 2 Beehives, and 13 Mia Maids. Yes, 13 Mia Maids. The bulk of the girls are 14 and 15 years old and they go to four different high schools. And there are three of us referees... I mean leaders.

We have had so much drama in the last couple of months and I would dare say I have had enough to last my entire life time. I do not deal well with drama.

The problem is they are being so mean to each other. This all started about mid-August as they all went back to school. My sweet girls being mean to each other. At times I just sit in our meeting, looking at them, pondering the situation, and wondering how on earth they can be so mean, gossipy, and fickle. Now I know people can be mean and others may just need to get a back bone, but these are 14 year old girls. I truly think the hardest two years of any young woman's life are age 14 and 15. Seriously. Its a make or break time of life. Shopping is in, you have to listen to the right music, wear the right clothes, and popularity is all the rage. If you ask me, I would say, "Who cares?!" Well, its a big deal when girls aren't coming because of the way they are treated when they do come.

So what do you do?

I've asked many different people what they would do in my situation and have spent countless hours praying over this. This is what I have learned.

I have great young women and I love them all very much. When I look at each of them, I can see in them so much potential. These are outstanding young women. I see the talents they have, the traits they can share with others, I see their testimonies, and I also see many insecurities.

So why is this not working?

In all my conversations, one in particular struck me the hardest. These girls are nit-picking each other, degrading each other, and finding reasons not to like each other. That is what they have learned to do! My challenge then as their leader is to teach them and guide them to look for the good in the other young women. Never before has the phrase "What you look for, you will see" meant so much to me. These girls are looking for negatives in other people, and they are seeing it.

Now I know how to remedy the situation.

Its all about coming up ideas and activities that help them see good things in each other. We are going to do a compliment box on Sundays where they pull a piece of paper out of a box. On the piece of paper is another girl's name. They write a sincere compliment on it and put it back in the box. Then, I pull the paper out, have the girl stand up, and read the compliment. It has been very well received. A little plug: any other ideas you can add?

The moral of the story is this. You see what you look for in people. Everyone we meet has good things to offer and everyone we meet has shortcomings. And thank goodness for that because I would not want a million different "Me's" running around. I have learned so much about myself and the kind of woman I want to be from this experience. If you want to see good in people and look for the good in people, that is what you will see. I love the gospel!

So go out and give some compliments today!

Proposition 8: Defining Marriage

The November elections are shaping up to be a really big deal! There is much controversy through both the Democratic and Republican National Parties. Voters must decide if the biggest issues are sex, race, qualifications, religious links, character, the economy, drilling for oil, the war in Iraq, and many more. In three states, Arizona, California, and Florida, a constitutional amendment is being proposed that will define marriage between a husband and wife. Since this is my blog and I have strong opinions about all of the aforementioned items, I would like to share a few thoughts.

First and foremost, I believe that traditional marriage is critical to the survival of our Country. It provides an arena where children can be raised with love, patience, and respect without fear of abuse in any form. I also believe that both the father and the mother are essential in teaching their children the role of the man and woman in society and how each should be treated. Fathers have a huge impact on the social development of their daughters and likewise mothers impact their sons.

Morality in our country has decreased immensely, children are being born out of wedlock, parents are single, abortion is rampant... all due to the lack of strong marriages. Our country has one of the highest rates of divorce in the entire WORLD. I believe allowing same sex marriages will eventually lead to the further decline of our society (as has already been proven in other European countries).

I fully support the proposition to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Please if you agree with this proposition, take a stand on it and get the word out. It is a BIG DEAL.

The church to which I belong, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which generally remains neutral in political issues, has also taken a definite stand on this issues. They have published a great article titled, "The Divine Institution of Marriage" that is a great read. It also makes for a good Family Home Evening lesson if you need one.

Please vote this November 4th, 2008!

Sharing Testimony When Faced with Adversity

I have been reading the circuit of Mormon Mom blogs for a couple years, finding much inspiration in their delight in being mothers, completely intrigued with the personality each displays, and awed by their power to turn everyday things magical. They sprinkle their faith here and there, but mostly they focus on being a good mom. They have huge readership, and seem to all be connected to each other. So, when I was making my rounds I was saddened, but also felt the spirit as I read about the airplane accident that NieNie and her husband were in. The family, friends, and blogger acquaintances have shared their testimonies of God's plan, kindness, and awareness of his children. They have been a great example of how to deal with trials, and maintain faith and hope while faced with adversity.

The official updater is C Jane (the sister of NieNie). She has a few links to the other tributes to Stephanie, and links to things you could do to help.

The Gospel in Everything

I have just finished a Early Childhood Music and Movement training program, and was over whelmed with the corrilation between Early Childhood Development and the Gospel.

One of my mother's favorite things to say is "Line upon line, precept upon precept." The scriptures are scattered with this concept. We are to teach, and learn, and give line upon line. We are to offer milk before meat, we are not to run faster than we are able. We are blessed by the Lord line upon line.

While discussing neuroscience research, and early childhood developmental studies I was reminded of the gospel's line upon line concept. I was impressed with the fact that gospel was present in all the scientific studies were were discussing. We wouldn't hand a 2 year old some sheet music and expect them to sit down and play the song, but we can sing to that child while rocking or tapping and that child will learn what he needs to learn from the teaching moment, and if we keep building on that foundation he will be able to sit down and play sheet music when it is time for that.

I was impressed with the fact that the way I was being trained to educated young children was the way Heavenly Father teaches us. He doesn't give us more than we can learn, he doesn't expect more from us than we are able to give. He guides us through every learning situation, and he leads us to a life of learning and happiness. That is not to say he doesn't challenge us, or push us to learn more we think we need to learn, because he does. He teaches with a plan in mind, a place where he wants us to end up, nothing is frivolous.

I know that God's way is the right way, and was excited to see that people discovered his way without ever saying specifically that it was His way.

EMOTIONS!

I wrote this in my blog as well, but I thought I'd write it here. Feel free to read or skim over.

So I have had a couple weeks of crazy news from friends to family members and since I've also been pretty busy with swimming lessons and all, I haven't had a lot of time to think about it. I have had some time recently, and I have truly learned about tender mercies of the Lord and how important it is to lean on him for comfort and strength, knowing that everything will work out, whether it is what we hope to happen or something different. One of my best friends from high school had some traumatic breastfeeding scares with her 3rd child, and found that she has breast cancer. She's 28 (not that cancer is ok at any age) and has a wonderful family and a wonderful personality, and it was a struggle to learn about this incredible trial of hers. My sister-in-law is pregnant as well (with her 4th) and when she went in for the "exciting" ultrasound, telling the gender, they found out is a girl (which is an exciting thing for my family), but there was a "good chance" that the baby could have Down Syndrome. She has had struggles with pregnancy (her 2nd was born at 26 weeks (1lb 9oz) and is now fine, at 6 1/2 years old) so it is always a constant to pray for her and her baby throughout her entire pregnancies, but to add this mental struggle, worrying about the health of her unborn baby, was a definite trial. You know that girl would be loved no matter what, but you always hope for the best possible outcome where the baby could be relatively normal when born. I have had a few friends in particular, who have struggled with trying to get pregnant and not being able to, and that is very difficult when so many around them or their friends/family post their happy news on their blogs. My cousin's son (about 6-7 months) gave a scare to the family when he had to go to the emergency room, then life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in SLC because his small intestine had somehow got sucked inside his large intestine. Usually with these cases, 95% of the kids are able to have it pushed right back out, but this boy was an unlucky one and with two different procedures to try and push it out, it didn't come, so they had to surgically take that part out. It took him a while to be able to poop, and even longer to be able to eat again, but he finally made it home this week.

Ok, so those are the things that have weighed the most heavy on my mind. With each of these trials, it could be easy to get frustrated because they are all wonderful people. It is very difficult for me to care so much about my friends and not know how to be there, what to say, or just to hope for the best, but I have definitely learned to be more grateful for what I have been given, as well as to learn to trust that our Savior definitely knows each of these wonderful people so much better than I do, and he knows how to "succor his people". Jeff and I read Alma 7 this morning, and it is where Alma is the high priest of the church, and goes to the different lands, giving them council. This chapter, he is in Gideon, where the people are righteous, and he tells them about Christ and how He will come and save his people. "...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy...that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities "(vs. 12). My family's/friends' trials are all known to the Savior; he suffered those same things to know physically how to help them have the comfort and strength to get through them. So many little tender mercies have already been given to them in ways that help them feel the hand of the Lord through it all. I think my little trial of my aching heart for my friends is also something the Lord understands. I sometimes feel very peculiar because I feel things differently than a lot of people and I don't know how to talk about my care. It is often seen that I just take in too much and I shouldn't care that much, to where it affects me. IN my patriarchal blessing, it talks about this "trial" I have been given, that it has a specific purpose in my life. I need to learn how to work through it so I don't get affected so strongly because I'm sure this won't be the last time I have many trials of others come at the same time, but the Savior knows me as well, and he knows how to succor me and help me get through this, even when I feel alone. I am grateful, even more now, for his Atonement and his love for my friends/family and for me.

"Former Friends and Birth"

I am currently living in New York City. Some people think it's the opportunity of a lifetime, I would trade places with them in an instant. It is a very hard place to live with a little one, and even harder when you are terrified of crowds, small enclosed spaces, and crowded small enclosed spaces. I've had a hard time connecting with people here. We live in 560 square feet and pay over 1300 dollars a month for it (which is a steal). We rely on public transportation, so I have to decide if the outing is worth carrying the stroller up two flights of stairs before I go. I could go on about the down sides.

The upside is, my husband is getting a glorious education, and will be employable when he is done. He is meeting people, and enjoying glimpses into the professional life that he would not be able to get anywhere else. I get to go to art museums, and free concerts in the park, and every once in a while a concert at Carnegie Hall, or a Broadway show.

But, mostly I've been pretty much hating most of my time here. And today I had an epiphany. We were singing O My Father, and my current situation suddenly seemed to be a mirror of a much bigger and scarier move.

We believe that our Heavenly Father called a meeting and told us of his plan to create an earth for us, to send us there so we could be tested and enjoy a mortal life, and return to Him to be like Him. Jesus Christ offered himself up so that we could all return to that heavenly home, and we accepted that plan. We watched as our friends and family left to earth, while waiting for our turn. And, now we are here, enjoying our time on earth, and hopefully striving to return to that heavenly home we left.

My time in New York was presented to me as a plan. My husband was accepted to a great school, and he told me "We'll move to New York, be tested, enjoy our time there, and then we will leave."

So, back to my epiphany. I was singing the second verse, "For a wise and glorious purpose Thou hast placed me here on earth and withheld the recollection of my former friends and birth..." I was swept with gratitude that I could not remember those friends and birth. I knew how I felt about missing my friends and life in the other "normal" places I have lived. I knew that if I remembered my former life in heaven it would be very hard to tolerate this mortality. Sure, it is hard on our faith not to remember those aspects of who and where we came from, but I think it is a blessing that we are allowed to live this life without the memory of how much nicer the other life was.

It has to be that way, because coming to earth is the only way that we can progress. It is the only way that we will be deserving of all the blessings God has in store to give to his children. We have to live like this so we can move on.

I wouldn't want to be stuck working entry level jobs, while trying to balance my family, and dealing with a husband who has to work jobs that don't utilize his talents or interests. I wouldn't want that "comfortable" life that I am so desperately missing for the rest of my life. And that is why we are here.

Agency and our Father's Will

The questions "Why me?", "Why does ____ have it and not me?" or "Why did You let this happen?" often come up when we are discouraged with trials. While these are legitimate questions, I've been thinking about our Father's role in our lives. I've realized two major parts of the plan of salvation: our agency, and the importance of learning our Father's will. It is crucial to have both so that we can learn what we need to while we are here. If Heavenly Father were to make all of our decisions for us, we wouldn't have our agency and couldn't learn from our choices (whether good or bad). On the other hand, if He didn't play a role in our decisions/life than we wouldn't be able to get to know Him and learn about His will. He allows things to happen so we can learn and grow from it, but He definitely is there ready to help us through when we decide that we want to follow His will.
There have been many instances in my life where I have questioned Heavenly Father's will for me and what His plan for me is. I have been down the suicidal path, the severe depression path, the path where I feel like everyone else is doing much better than me, and I have had a lot of time to think about this subject. In fact, it has been a focus of scripture study, ponder and reading for me. I don't know how, but over the last year, my understanding of this concept has greatly increased to where I am grateful for our Heavenly Father and his tender mercies toward me. I have come to understand that the Lord's ways of teaching and leading are perfect and our understanding is very limited. When we desire something, sometimes it is what our Heavenly Father would have us have, and sometimes he has a different lesson in mind. He waits until we are ready for His blessings and then when we decide to seek and follow His will, the blessings overflow. He doesn't change our trials so we can have what we want, rather He helps us through our trials to understand the blessings of His plan and his perfect love for us.
For one example, I have mentioned before that our family went through a real financial trial for a couple months. I felt really frustrated because I felt like we were following the principles of saving and living within our budget and when our supply was next to depleted, I wondered why we needed to go through this trial. As I turned to the Lord and tried to humble myself, I learned that His love for me never left, and he really knew our suffering. The reasons behind the trial were to help us learn more about His will and His plan for our family and to help us prepare for greater lessons to come. Although He didn't take this trial away from us, he gave us tender little mercies to show us that He was aware of us and willing to help us through if we turned to Him. We've learned that His love is perfect and we will never understand how deep that is, which is a major comfort to me.

Do any of you have any stories that have helped you understand the roles that agency and learning our Father's will have in our lives?

The Father of Us All

I am lucky to have fathers in my life who have taken the Father of Us All as their exemplar, so it is easy for me to understand my relationship with God the Father, through comparing that relationship to my relationships with fathers on earth.

There are plenty of examples in the scriptures of God acting as a Father, and I'm sure everyone has the story that best represents their understanding of being a father or their relation to fathers. Please share those scriptures in the comments, I would love to read them.

As for me, I think of John 17:25. Christ has been offering his intercessory prayer and starts to close his prayer. He says " O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee . . ." My earthly father often comes across as a grumpy, mean man, people who don't know him are often scared of him. But, those who know him know he's like a roasted marshmallow, crusty on the outside, and warm and gooey in the inside. I think we often slip into seeing God the Father the way people who don't really know him see him. Its easy to forget the merciful kindness, and everlasting trust and forgiveness that the Father has as part of his divine personality. It is easy to focus on the stern, keep to the rules aspects of God.

Christ continues to express that the people who were able to get to know him, were able to get to know God the Father. That he was able to share the love of God the Father with them. This makes me think that we, as children of God the Father, can help people get to know Him, or remind them (and ourselves) of the God the Father we know. Like Christ did, we can make sure that our lives act as a reminder to those who have forgotten the Father that we know. He is kind and loving, He wants us to succeed, and feels our pain, and helps us through our trials.

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

My stake presidency issued inspired counsel to all the members of my stake to memorize "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." While this may seem like a daunting task, like all other worthy and righteous goals, it yields great rewards!

For me, memorizing the Proclamation allowed me to prove the promise of the words in D&C 121:45, "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." When the statements from the Proclamation were continually in my mind, I began to see how often it is quoted or paraphrased in General Conference and other church meetings and publications. I started to recognize its principles being taught through my scripture study, giving me greater insight and knowledge. But one of the most priceless blessings I felt, was in gaining a testimony of the truthfulness of its teachings. Knowledge obtained through the witness of the Holy Spirit is different, stronger than that gained in any other way. Learning by the Spirit not only that these things were true, but why they were true, allowed me to recognize the error of much of the socially accepted theories regarding the family. It bolstered my confidence in the responsibility of rearing children in a world where so many are confused about these eternal principles of gender, marriage, and family.

Why not memorize it yourself, and see what blessings the Lord has in store for you!

A God of Love

I have been thinking about Heavenly Father and His incredible love for each of us. More often than not, if we are trying but we come short, He is more often than not an encourager and not a criticizer. He helps us feel like what we have accomplished is important and our desire to do more is right. By this action, it helps us feel his love and our appreciation helps us to be more motivated to try harder on our own. His love is a perfect love, knowing exactly what we need at what times to help us learn, grow and reach to greater heights. I love my Heavenly Father.

Family

What are your thoughts on the importance of family? You can feel free to write a comment in this post or create a post of your own. You can share experiences from your life that have helped you come to this conclusion, or you can just give a small thought about the importance of family.

Reflections of Christ

A friend sent me this link. The pictures of Christ and the music along with it are so inspiring and peaceful. I hope you like it.

Obedience

The prophets and apostles have told us to be prepared and keep a storage of items that we could use in an emergency. With Jeff changing his jobs, and a couple pricy circumstances coming at the same time, we had little money to live off of for 5 weeks. It has been difficult to not have the fresh fruits and veges we love, but we feel grateful that we knew to store food and supplies. Our "emergency" has helped us increase our faith that Heavenly Father will help us through hard times if we prepare and do the best we can. We have also learned what kinds of things are more valuable than others, so when we build our storage up again, we'll watch out for those things. For example, we love fruits and veges so it would be good to find ways to store canned, dried, frozen, etc. produce. If anyone has had similar experiences or thoughts about what to have in your emergency storage, I'd like to hear.

The Hope of the Blog

Hello all.
I love life and learning about our purpose on earth and about the incredible love of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I am hoping to have many co-authors on this blog and many comments from others, sharing what they have learned as well. Feel free to comment, as you'd like. Also, if you'd like to be a co-author, let me know and I'll "invite" you.