"I am a great believer in luck. I find that the harder I work the more luck I have." - Thomas Jefferson
Life is My Adventure
Thursday, February 26, 2009
100th Post
"I am a great believer in luck. I find that the harder I work the more luck I have." - Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How Do I Love Thee?
I have many favorite Valentine’s Day memories. Every year since I can remember, my dad has always bought his daughters flowers. Even when I was a little girl, a flower with my name attached would be found waiting for me on our kitchen table. When I was a temple worker, one of my shifts fell on Valentine’s Day. I still remember that session, which included a reunion with a beloved bishop, and I made a promise to attend the temple every Valentine’s Day I could thereafter. One of those times, a poem about my family came to my mind. It was the most incredibly experience to have the words flow into my head. I came home, wrote it (I actually recorded the words on my cell phone on the drive home from the temple), and immediately emailed it to my family. I have an immense amount of love and respect for my family! However, my favorite Valentine’s memory happened while I was an undergrad. Elder Holland came to speak the day after Valentine’s Day and he discussed love and marriage. I have quoted his talk on my blog before, but his words have such an incredible spirit that I wanted to share them again. Many of the quotes will be out of context, which will encourage you to read his talk. For those who want to hear the talk, click here. For those who want to read the talk in its entirety, click here.
I believe that second only to your membership in the Church, your "membership in a marriage" is the most important association you will have in time and eternity--and to the faithful what doesn't come in time will come in eternity.
True charity, the absolutely pure, perfect love of Christ, has really been known only once in this world--in the form of Christ Himself, the living Son of the living God…As in everything, Christ is the only one who got it all right, did it all perfectly, loved the way we are all to try to love. But even though we fall short, that divine standard is there for us. It is a goal toward which we are to keep reaching, keep striving--and, certainly, a goal to keep appreciating.
And as we speak of this, may I remind you, as Mormon explicitly taught, that this love, this ability, capacity, and reciprocation we all so want, is a gift. It is "bestowed"--that is Mormon's word. It doesn't come without effort and it doesn't come without patience, but, like salvation itself, in the end it is a gift, given by God to the "true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ." The solutions to life's problems are always gospel solutions. Not only are answers found in Christ, but so is the power, the gift, the bestowal, the miracle of giving and receiving those answers.
I have taken for a title to my remarks Mrs. Browning's wonderful line "How do I love thee?"… not when do I love thee nor where do I love thee nor why do I love thee nor why don't you love me, but, rather, how. How do I demonstrate it, how do I reveal my true love for you? Real love is best shown in the "how," and it is with the how that Mormon and Paul help us the most.
There are many qualities you will want to look for in a friend or a serious date--to say nothing of a spouse and eternal companion--but surely among the very first and most basic of those qualities will be those of care and sensitivity toward others, a minimum of self-centeredness that allows compassion and courtesy to be evident. There are lots of limitations in all of us that we hope our sweethearts will overlook. I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command--such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them.
True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves. That is Christ's great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the respect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships.
To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person.
No serious courtship or engagement or marriage is worth the name if we do not fully invest all that we have in it and in so doing trust ourselves totally to the one we love. You cannot succeed in love if you keep one foot out on the bank for safety's sake. The very nature of the endeavor requires that you hold on to each other as tightly as you can and jump in the pool together. In that spirit, and in the spirit of Mormon's plea for pure love, I want to impress upon you the vulnerability and delicacy of your partner's future as it is placed in your hands for safekeeping--male and female, it works both ways.
In the honesty of our love--love that can't truly be Christlike without such total devotion--surely God will hold me accountable for any pain I cause [my wife] by intentionally exploiting or hurting her when she has been so trusting of me, having long since thrown away any self-protection in order that we could be, as the scripture says, "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
In all that Christ was, He was not ever envious or inflated, never consumed with His own needs. He did not once, not ever, seek His own advantage at the expense of someone else. He delighted in the happiness of others, the happiness He could bring them. He was forever kind.
In a dating and courtship relationship, I would not have you spend five minutes with someone who belittles you, who is constantly critical of you, who is cruel at your expense and may even call it humor. Life is tough enough without having the person who is supposed to love you leading the assault on your self-esteem, your sense of dignity, your confidence, and your joy. In this person's care you deserve to feel physically safe and emotionally secure.
At least one difference between a tolerable marriage and a great one may be that willingness in the latter to allow some things to pass without comment, without response.
Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good and doubt the bad.
One of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in these times. No one ought to have to face such trials alone. We can endure almost anything if we have someone at our side who truly loves us, who is easing the burden and lightening the load. Friends, sweethearts, and spouses need to be able to monitor each other's stress and recognize the different tides and seasons of life. We owe it to each other to declare some limits and then help jettison some things if emotional health and the strength of loving relationships are at risk. Remember, pure love "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things," and helps loved ones do the same.
Of course such Christlike staying power in romance and marriage requires more than any of us really have. It requires something more, an endowment from heaven. Remember Mormon's promise: that such love--the love we each yearn for and cling to--is "bestowed" upon "true followers of Christ." You want capability, safety, and security in dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus. Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate dating from discipleship at your peril. How should I love thee? As He does, for that way "never faileth."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Love Is a Battlefield
The women in the MBA program never fail to disappoint the Tanner Building. Our element of fun has reached new heights! Today we celebrated Pink Thursday in honor of Valentine's Day dressing in the most sappy garb possible with pink, purple, red, hearts, flowers, etc. Not only did we look smashing today, but we raised awareness of the MBA Women Love by making a spectacle of ourselves.
The first year MBA women!
The winner is Erin Page!
Cute girls in the program!
The first year MBA women!
The winner is Erin Page!
Cute girls in the program!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Love and C.S. Lewis
My friend Michelle posted this quote on her wall in honor of St. Valentine and I thought I would pass it along.
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung, and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one and nothing, not even an animal. You must carefully wrap it round with hobbies and little luxuries and routine and avoidances of entanglement, and then lock it up in the casket or coffin of your own selfishness. And this means, in the long run, the alternative to tragedy, or at least to the threat of tragedy, is damnation. For in that casket, safe, still and unventilated in the darkness, it will go bad. Not broken, but finally unbreakable, impenetrable, resistant to all good and joy. It's like hiding the talent in the napkin, and for much the same reason. "I knew thee that thou art a hard man." Christ did not teach and suffer in order that we should become more cautious of our own happiness, even in our natural loves. If a man is not uncalculating, and in that way reckless in loving his earthly beloveds whom he has seen, how will he be in his love for God, whom he has not seen? We should draw nearer to the love of God, not by attempting to avoid the sufferings inherent in any love, but by accepting them and offering them to him, by throwing away all defensive armor, taking all risks, descending when he so wills, into all tribulations."
--CS Lewis, The Four Loves
--CS Lewis, The Four Loves
Monday, February 9, 2009
Hopeful Romantic
I was able to find my favorite commercial on youtube. In honor of Valentine's Day this week, I am sharing it with all of you. It is from DeBeers and called Declaration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXnDAPOxIKw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXnDAPOxIKw
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Note from Facebook
On facebook right now, people are tagging one another and listing 25 random things about them. Here are my 25 random things, facts, habits or thoughts.
1. One summer I went to EFY (Yes I went and had a great time!) and the program director talked about his dreams. One was to own hotels and another was to produce a Broadway musical. He inspired me! So, I made a list of all the things I wished/hoped/dreamed I could do in my life. Some are extreme and will probably never happen and others are more practical. To date, I have crossed off half of my list.
2. I love being outdoors. Though my dad thinks 4-wheelers are dangerous, I love riding one them. I like camping or maybe I should say I like being in the mountains around a campfire. Sleeping in a tent is never comfortable. Sunsets are absolutely amazing, especially when you watch it with someone. But most of all I love the night sky. I have fond memories of watching the stars with Nettie. One thing I miss about Arizona is the rising full moon. Amazing!
3. So I may love the outdoors but being in the mountains at night scares me to death. Yes, I am afraid of the dark. Once Nettie and I broke down on our way to the cabin. We were only half a mile away but I was petrified. Just when I had the courage to get out of the car and walk, Nettie said that she wasn’t afraid of the animals but random crazy people that could be lurking in the dark. That sealed the deal. We waited an hour for Suzy and Ray to come and hopped in their car.
4. I have a tendency to talk too much. At parent conferences, my mom was always told, “Good student but she talks too much.” I have also been told I am selfish because I am so busy talking and not taking enough time asking others about them. Because of this, I focus on listening to what others are saying and asking them questions about their lives. I know my love of talking can be a great weakness.
5. If you want to know what I’m thinking you have to ask. The best time to get any information you want is when I’m exhausted. Too many people have gotten way too much information when I have been tired. But if you want to know the inner workings of me, get me in a tired slap happy mood and you can find out anything you want.
6. I have an acute sense of direction. If I have been to a place before, I don’t need directions a second time. Often when I am with people who have no sense of direction, it takes every ounce of restraint not to tell them where to go.
7. Nettie and I drove to Las Vegas once just for food. Our first purpose was to buy cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory for my mom’s birthday. While there we got food to go from my favorite place to eat and ate dinner at a restaurant only located in Vegas and Hawaii.
8. I love Peanut Butter M&Ms but will only buy them at Easter time. The regular ones are good but the Easter PB M&Ms are divine.
9. My favorite foods are bread, meat, and cheese in that order.
10. Growing up during the summer, I would walk around the neighborhood barefoot. I still prefer walking without shoes but weather and social decency usually dictates me wearing shoes.
11. I love walking places. Growing up in a small town it was easy to walk places. When I went to college my mom asked me not to walk by myself at night, knowing that was a favorite activity at home. I have been pretty good about that one. Not perfect, but pretty good.
12. I had my first pair of glasses at the age of 4. I wasn’t allowed (by my eye doctor) to get contacts until I was 16. So I was the nerdy girl who had the thick horrible glasses. I had LASIK surgery three years ago and it was money well spent.
13. I am a texture eater. I like apples but not cooked apples in pie. I like the flavor of onions but biting into them is not a pleasant experience. Some foods I just don’t like though I have made an effort to expand foods I’ll eat and have been adding about two foods a year.
14. I love waffles. Not pancakes. Waffles. You may think they are the same thing but the texture is a bit different. My mom’s waffles are the best! Mostly because she throws evil ingredients like cream into them. Oh, I also grew up on homemade syrup so I think the store bought stuff is very thick and rich.
15. I have ADD. Not really, but it feels like that at times. I am always fidgeting with something or just easily distracted. As Nettie would say, “Focus!”
16. I like quoting movies. Some of my favorites are from Mickey and the Beanstalk, Three Musketeers, any Disney movie, and yep! So many quotes, so little time.
17. I really like cooking but don’t like cooking for myself.
18. Our house was by an alfalfa field and we would get lots of stray kitties come and go. We had fun naming them: Beatrice, Othello, Kiefer, Grady, Spock, Moshka, Garmisch, Parten, Kirchen, Whitesis, Prince Charming, Otis, and others.
19. My dad taught me how to hold my breath under water. I learned to swim under water two lengths of my grandparent’s swimming pool. I can swim a full Olympic size pool length with a bit of practice.
20. I have never gotten a speeding or traffic ticket. Have been pulled over six or more times, once with a police escort, but I have never gotten a ticket.
21. I have a fetish for Broadway musicals. I’m not a connoisseur. I don’t even know what is currently playing, but usually love what I hear. Some favorite songs are “Lily’s Eyes” from Secret Garden, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Miserables, “Back to Before” from Ragtime, “In His Eyes” from Jekyll and Hyde, “When I Look at You” from Scarlet Pimpernel, and “Home” from Beauty and the Beast.
22. My favorite subject to study is the Civil War. My dream vacation is to start in Gettysburg and drive to different battle sites including Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Richmond, and Appomattox. Then travel down through North Carolina, South Carolina and over to Georgia. Then hit Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Shiloh, and Vicksburg. I get really excited just thinking about it.
23. When I went to college my parents pleaded with me to go to class. My other two sisters were told to please make time to have fun. Apparently, my social side got the better of me in high school. Because of that promise, I won’t skip class. I feel really guilty if I skip because as an eighteen year old, I told my parents I would go to class.
24. My friend Anna once said I was the most hopeful romantic person she has ever met. Ambiance really does make a moment. One of my favorite commercials is an old Lifesaver commercial. A father and daughter are sitting on a cliff watching the sunset and eating Lifesavers. As the sun sets you hear him saying, “Going, going, and gone.” The little girl looks up at her dad and says, “Do it again Daddy.” Not a romantic moment but one completely filled with ambiance. Of course my other favorite commercial has them both. I won’t describe that one but I will say it is in Venice, has a guy, a girl, and produces a giddy romantic smile every time. :)
25. As you can tell, I remember little details. I can describe many moments in life with specifics. If you have told me a story about a time you wandered off from home and were found riding your bike down main street, I will remember it. I listen to what people tell me and watch what is happening around me. The world is a fascinating place.
1. One summer I went to EFY (Yes I went and had a great time!) and the program director talked about his dreams. One was to own hotels and another was to produce a Broadway musical. He inspired me! So, I made a list of all the things I wished/hoped/dreamed I could do in my life. Some are extreme and will probably never happen and others are more practical. To date, I have crossed off half of my list.
2. I love being outdoors. Though my dad thinks 4-wheelers are dangerous, I love riding one them. I like camping or maybe I should say I like being in the mountains around a campfire. Sleeping in a tent is never comfortable. Sunsets are absolutely amazing, especially when you watch it with someone. But most of all I love the night sky. I have fond memories of watching the stars with Nettie. One thing I miss about Arizona is the rising full moon. Amazing!
3. So I may love the outdoors but being in the mountains at night scares me to death. Yes, I am afraid of the dark. Once Nettie and I broke down on our way to the cabin. We were only half a mile away but I was petrified. Just when I had the courage to get out of the car and walk, Nettie said that she wasn’t afraid of the animals but random crazy people that could be lurking in the dark. That sealed the deal. We waited an hour for Suzy and Ray to come and hopped in their car.
4. I have a tendency to talk too much. At parent conferences, my mom was always told, “Good student but she talks too much.” I have also been told I am selfish because I am so busy talking and not taking enough time asking others about them. Because of this, I focus on listening to what others are saying and asking them questions about their lives. I know my love of talking can be a great weakness.
5. If you want to know what I’m thinking you have to ask. The best time to get any information you want is when I’m exhausted. Too many people have gotten way too much information when I have been tired. But if you want to know the inner workings of me, get me in a tired slap happy mood and you can find out anything you want.
6. I have an acute sense of direction. If I have been to a place before, I don’t need directions a second time. Often when I am with people who have no sense of direction, it takes every ounce of restraint not to tell them where to go.
7. Nettie and I drove to Las Vegas once just for food. Our first purpose was to buy cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory for my mom’s birthday. While there we got food to go from my favorite place to eat and ate dinner at a restaurant only located in Vegas and Hawaii.
8. I love Peanut Butter M&Ms but will only buy them at Easter time. The regular ones are good but the Easter PB M&Ms are divine.
9. My favorite foods are bread, meat, and cheese in that order.
10. Growing up during the summer, I would walk around the neighborhood barefoot. I still prefer walking without shoes but weather and social decency usually dictates me wearing shoes.
11. I love walking places. Growing up in a small town it was easy to walk places. When I went to college my mom asked me not to walk by myself at night, knowing that was a favorite activity at home. I have been pretty good about that one. Not perfect, but pretty good.
12. I had my first pair of glasses at the age of 4. I wasn’t allowed (by my eye doctor) to get contacts until I was 16. So I was the nerdy girl who had the thick horrible glasses. I had LASIK surgery three years ago and it was money well spent.
13. I am a texture eater. I like apples but not cooked apples in pie. I like the flavor of onions but biting into them is not a pleasant experience. Some foods I just don’t like though I have made an effort to expand foods I’ll eat and have been adding about two foods a year.
14. I love waffles. Not pancakes. Waffles. You may think they are the same thing but the texture is a bit different. My mom’s waffles are the best! Mostly because she throws evil ingredients like cream into them. Oh, I also grew up on homemade syrup so I think the store bought stuff is very thick and rich.
15. I have ADD. Not really, but it feels like that at times. I am always fidgeting with something or just easily distracted. As Nettie would say, “Focus!”
16. I like quoting movies. Some of my favorites are from Mickey and the Beanstalk, Three Musketeers, any Disney movie, and yep! So many quotes, so little time.
17. I really like cooking but don’t like cooking for myself.
18. Our house was by an alfalfa field and we would get lots of stray kitties come and go. We had fun naming them: Beatrice, Othello, Kiefer, Grady, Spock, Moshka, Garmisch, Parten, Kirchen, Whitesis, Prince Charming, Otis, and others.
19. My dad taught me how to hold my breath under water. I learned to swim under water two lengths of my grandparent’s swimming pool. I can swim a full Olympic size pool length with a bit of practice.
20. I have never gotten a speeding or traffic ticket. Have been pulled over six or more times, once with a police escort, but I have never gotten a ticket.
21. I have a fetish for Broadway musicals. I’m not a connoisseur. I don’t even know what is currently playing, but usually love what I hear. Some favorite songs are “Lily’s Eyes” from Secret Garden, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Miserables, “Back to Before” from Ragtime, “In His Eyes” from Jekyll and Hyde, “When I Look at You” from Scarlet Pimpernel, and “Home” from Beauty and the Beast.
22. My favorite subject to study is the Civil War. My dream vacation is to start in Gettysburg and drive to different battle sites including Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Richmond, and Appomattox. Then travel down through North Carolina, South Carolina and over to Georgia. Then hit Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Shiloh, and Vicksburg. I get really excited just thinking about it.
23. When I went to college my parents pleaded with me to go to class. My other two sisters were told to please make time to have fun. Apparently, my social side got the better of me in high school. Because of that promise, I won’t skip class. I feel really guilty if I skip because as an eighteen year old, I told my parents I would go to class.
24. My friend Anna once said I was the most hopeful romantic person she has ever met. Ambiance really does make a moment. One of my favorite commercials is an old Lifesaver commercial. A father and daughter are sitting on a cliff watching the sunset and eating Lifesavers. As the sun sets you hear him saying, “Going, going, and gone.” The little girl looks up at her dad and says, “Do it again Daddy.” Not a romantic moment but one completely filled with ambiance. Of course my other favorite commercial has them both. I won’t describe that one but I will say it is in Venice, has a guy, a girl, and produces a giddy romantic smile every time. :)
25. As you can tell, I remember little details. I can describe many moments in life with specifics. If you have told me a story about a time you wandered off from home and were found riding your bike down main street, I will remember it. I listen to what people tell me and watch what is happening around me. The world is a fascinating place.
Monday, February 2, 2009
More on the Family
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Proclamation on the Family
I have pretty definite opinions on certain subjects but am often reticent to share them because of the varied viewpoints and principles of others. Basically, I am more interested in what others think and will rarely speak my thoughts unless asked. However, with the climate of today, my passion for what I believe is right needs to be expressed. Recently, Speaker of the House Pelosi defended a move to add birth control funding to the new economic stimulus package claiming, "contraception will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government." I am horrified at the different angles and attacks the adversary uses to perpetuate the disintegration of the family.
In 1995, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a proclamation to the world warning 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." I reflect often on this closing statement and the tactics Satan uses to continually destroy the creation of families. Pelosi's contraception comment is only one of many ways that the family is being assaulted. Proposition 8 attacked the very definition of the the family, denying God's eternal plan and destiny for His children.
In spite of the varied ways that families are being ambushed, I actually believe Satan, in his cunning ways, has found a new more subtle way than using worldly political movements. Don't misunderstand me. Political ideologies are attacking families from every flank. But in the world of the church, he has found a way to infiltrate our very core: he has stopped families from even being created. Thousands of faithful single members have a strong pull toward eternal things. We want to be married, to have a family, to continue our Heavenly Father's plan, but what stops us?
Through lies, fear, and deceit, the adversary convinces us that our lives are good enough OR financially we cannot afford to be married or to have children. He uses fear to trick us into not believing the spiritual promptings we have received OR that we would fail in our divinely appointed roles OR even that "camping on the beach" (see Ether 2) is good enough. He deceives us that our worldly goals and pursuits will satisfy these "immortal longings" (Shakespeare) in each of us. I believe deep inside each of our hearts is the desire to be a wife/mother or husband/father, but Satan uses school, careers, hobbies, talents, and other good things (Elder Oaks) to distract us from what is best. Recognizing this attack is difficult because we still need to be diligent and careful in entering something as sacred as marriage. Yet, do we look beyond the mark? Are we allowing the adversary to blind us? I know so many faithful singles who have run away from marriage (before and after the ceremony) because they believed the lies, succumbed to the deceits, and allowed fear to dictate their agency (the topic of agency requires a post of its own).
Realize that I have many years of experience in the singles dating world. I myself have been a victim of these assaults in multiple ways. I know dating is difficult, frustrating, painful, and completely overwhelming at times. But I also believe in the words of Elder Holland. "To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person." We have to keep pressing forward, being steadfast and strong in our faith, and not allow complacency or the onslaught of political ideologies destroy our eternal hope and happiness. The adversary is real and will use our weaknesses against us. But, we have to remember to Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them (2 Kings 6:16).
In 1995, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a proclamation to the world warning 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." I reflect often on this closing statement and the tactics Satan uses to continually destroy the creation of families. Pelosi's contraception comment is only one of many ways that the family is being assaulted. Proposition 8 attacked the very definition of the the family, denying God's eternal plan and destiny for His children.
In spite of the varied ways that families are being ambushed, I actually believe Satan, in his cunning ways, has found a new more subtle way than using worldly political movements. Don't misunderstand me. Political ideologies are attacking families from every flank. But in the world of the church, he has found a way to infiltrate our very core: he has stopped families from even being created. Thousands of faithful single members have a strong pull toward eternal things. We want to be married, to have a family, to continue our Heavenly Father's plan, but what stops us?
Through lies, fear, and deceit, the adversary convinces us that our lives are good enough OR financially we cannot afford to be married or to have children. He uses fear to trick us into not believing the spiritual promptings we have received OR that we would fail in our divinely appointed roles OR even that "camping on the beach" (see Ether 2) is good enough. He deceives us that our worldly goals and pursuits will satisfy these "immortal longings" (Shakespeare) in each of us. I believe deep inside each of our hearts is the desire to be a wife/mother or husband/father, but Satan uses school, careers, hobbies, talents, and other good things (Elder Oaks) to distract us from what is best. Recognizing this attack is difficult because we still need to be diligent and careful in entering something as sacred as marriage. Yet, do we look beyond the mark? Are we allowing the adversary to blind us? I know so many faithful singles who have run away from marriage (before and after the ceremony) because they believed the lies, succumbed to the deceits, and allowed fear to dictate their agency (the topic of agency requires a post of its own).
Realize that I have many years of experience in the singles dating world. I myself have been a victim of these assaults in multiple ways. I know dating is difficult, frustrating, painful, and completely overwhelming at times. But I also believe in the words of Elder Holland. "To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person." We have to keep pressing forward, being steadfast and strong in our faith, and not allow complacency or the onslaught of political ideologies destroy our eternal hope and happiness. The adversary is real and will use our weaknesses against us. But, we have to remember to Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them (2 Kings 6:16).
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Sleeping Habits
Whenever my family visited my grandparents, my sisters and I always had to share a bed. Because of my erratic sleeping patterns, a groan was usually heard when one of my sisters found out they had to share with me. Most of the problems came because I stole all the covers, well not really stole but wrapped myself in them making it impossible for them to have any. Gratefully I have grown out of many these habits because I would go to sleep with intense fear that I would incur the wrath of my sister. Now that I have my own bed, I find I still have a few odd quirks that I don't mind sharing with the blogging world.
I like my pillows and feel lost when one is missing (I have three). I can't stand being too hot but need something covering me (which is a problem in the summer). If I go to sleep with socks on, inevitably they will be off in the morning. I have even woken myself up taking my socks off. I have a queen bed and I know which side I prefer. The craziest habit of all is I dislike getting ready for bed. I will avoid it all possible costs until I can reasonably justify falling asleep without doing said tasks. For those who laugh at this last one, I have five sisters just like me. :)
I like my pillows and feel lost when one is missing (I have three). I can't stand being too hot but need something covering me (which is a problem in the summer). If I go to sleep with socks on, inevitably they will be off in the morning. I have even woken myself up taking my socks off. I have a queen bed and I know which side I prefer. The craziest habit of all is I dislike getting ready for bed. I will avoid it all possible costs until I can reasonably justify falling asleep without doing said tasks. For those who laugh at this last one, I have five sisters just like me. :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Challenge to Become
One of my favorite talks is "The Challenge to Become" by Elder Oaks. His words touched my heart and made such an impression that the phrase "Challenge to Become" is the banner heading on my cell phone.
"From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."
The underlying principles that this phrase evokes in me are the importance of obedience and repentance. Studying these two principles has produced significant insights and knowledge over the years, but reading a friend's blog today resulted in greater understanding about the power of repentance. My friend referenced a talk in church and the speaker happened to post the foundation for his talk online. The post is titled A Fresh View of Repentance.
The essence of the speaker's talk was that there are two kinds of repentance: reactive repentance and proactive repentance. He writes:
The "classic" definition of repentance can be summarized in the following way: "feel sorry for your mistakes and stop making them". It is, in a very real way, a process of surgery - attempting to cut out and discard the "bad" from within us, so that we will stop making mistakes. ... Repentance IS a process of change that involves ridding ourselves of those tendencies that keep us from being Christ-like. It DOES include gaining control over those things that cause our transgressions. But ... reconciling to God is a process of acquiring the characteristics listed by Jesus as leading to perfection - adding them to your character - NOT cutting out pieces of yourself and assuming the holes will be filled somehow.
He then gives this example to explain the difference between reactive repentance and proactive repentance:
If you struggle with a temper that manifests itself through yelling at your kids, you can try to "overcome" this tendency in one of two ways. You can take the classic approach and exert tremendous effort to recognize when you are about to lose it and, in that moment, exert even more effort to control that tendency by suppressing it - assuming that if you suppress it often enough you will gain total control over it. The problem is that the temper has not been eliminated; it simply has been suppressed, which means it still is there. When that effort to suppress fails and the temper flares again, you feel like a failure, since your effort couldn't stop the outburst.
On the other hand, with a different VIEW (of repentance), you can look more deeply than just at the manifestation (your temper) and focus on the cure (becoming poor in spirit) in ALL aspects of your life. You can focus on the character trait that Jesus has identified as part of becoming perfect (in this case, poor in spirit) and allow Him to help you rid yourself of the underlying cause of the action. You repent by giving Him your burden (a temper) and agreeing to carry his yoke instead (walking humbly with Him). You repent by giving Him your heart and letting Him change your actions. You repent by forgetting about what you want to do and accepting what He wants you to do. You repent by ceasing to try to lessen who you are (eliminate part of yourself) and allowing Him to increase who you are (adding perfecting characteristics). In short, you repent by "losing (your view of) yourself" and "finding (His view of) yourself".
I now have a different view of repentance which has helped me focus my goals on the things the Savior taught. Hopefully all of us can become more like our Savior by giving our heart to Him and letting His atonement change us.
"From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."
The underlying principles that this phrase evokes in me are the importance of obedience and repentance. Studying these two principles has produced significant insights and knowledge over the years, but reading a friend's blog today resulted in greater understanding about the power of repentance. My friend referenced a talk in church and the speaker happened to post the foundation for his talk online. The post is titled A Fresh View of Repentance.
The essence of the speaker's talk was that there are two kinds of repentance: reactive repentance and proactive repentance. He writes:
The "classic" definition of repentance can be summarized in the following way: "feel sorry for your mistakes and stop making them". It is, in a very real way, a process of surgery - attempting to cut out and discard the "bad" from within us, so that we will stop making mistakes. ... Repentance IS a process of change that involves ridding ourselves of those tendencies that keep us from being Christ-like. It DOES include gaining control over those things that cause our transgressions. But ... reconciling to God is a process of acquiring the characteristics listed by Jesus as leading to perfection - adding them to your character - NOT cutting out pieces of yourself and assuming the holes will be filled somehow.
He then gives this example to explain the difference between reactive repentance and proactive repentance:
If you struggle with a temper that manifests itself through yelling at your kids, you can try to "overcome" this tendency in one of two ways. You can take the classic approach and exert tremendous effort to recognize when you are about to lose it and, in that moment, exert even more effort to control that tendency by suppressing it - assuming that if you suppress it often enough you will gain total control over it. The problem is that the temper has not been eliminated; it simply has been suppressed, which means it still is there. When that effort to suppress fails and the temper flares again, you feel like a failure, since your effort couldn't stop the outburst.
On the other hand, with a different VIEW (of repentance), you can look more deeply than just at the manifestation (your temper) and focus on the cure (becoming poor in spirit) in ALL aspects of your life. You can focus on the character trait that Jesus has identified as part of becoming perfect (in this case, poor in spirit) and allow Him to help you rid yourself of the underlying cause of the action. You repent by giving Him your burden (a temper) and agreeing to carry his yoke instead (walking humbly with Him). You repent by giving Him your heart and letting Him change your actions. You repent by forgetting about what you want to do and accepting what He wants you to do. You repent by ceasing to try to lessen who you are (eliminate part of yourself) and allowing Him to increase who you are (adding perfecting characteristics). In short, you repent by "losing (your view of) yourself" and "finding (His view of) yourself".
I now have a different view of repentance which has helped me focus my goals on the things the Savior taught. Hopefully all of us can become more like our Savior by giving our heart to Him and letting His atonement change us.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hearts Knit in Unity
As I drive back and forth from school I listen to General Conference talks. As I drove home yesterday, Elder Eyring's talk answered some lingering questions I had on my mind which brought peace to my heart.
The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better.
The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Winter Semester
To be honest, Winter semester scares me. The most difficult times in my life have started at the beginning of the new year; however, these soul-bending experiences have also yielded the greatest blessings. I learned something about myself this week. Whenever the trials and tests of life bombard me, I find refuge not only in my faith and testimony, but also with those I love. Their mere existence and love for me buoy me up and bring much-needed comfort.
One undergrad semester was exceptionally trying. The blessing of a plane ticket allowed me to fly to California for the weekend where I found the escape and perspective I needed by playing with my nieces and nephews and talking with my sister and brother. I came back having renewed energy and strength to tackle the difficult tasks before me.
Most of you have heard the Parable of Thursday Night Class, an experience that happened while I attended ASU. Though I didn't understand what was happening, I knew that God loved me and guided me in that direction. Little by little, I recognized what I needed to learn and how this "mistake" allowed me to serve others. My parents were my anchor and support as I navigated this difficulty. Never once did they let me give up. They encouraged and pushed me onward, for which I am forever grateful.
Which leads me to now. With the bombardments of life, I have felt myself faltering in adversity. Realizing I needed the love of family, I visited Melissa and Adam who live nearby. There, I was able to ponder and find peace in the Lord. Because I do not know the end of the story, I would like to close this post with thoughts from Elder Maxell. In a fireside on December 2, 1984, Elder Maxwell spoke about D&C 121:8, If Thou Endure It Well. This talk is one I referred to many times in the above experiences and it has become a frequent read the past few weeks. May you also find peace in the words of an apostle of the Lord.
There have been, and will be times in each of your lives when such faith must be the bottom line. You don't know what is happening to you or around you, but you know that God loves you, and knowing that, for the moment, is enough.
The gospel is not a religion of repose. There is an inherent activism in which God will not be content with us as we now are because he knows what we have the possibilities to become.
For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so . . . righteousness could not be brought to pass. (2 Nephi 2:11)
The Lord will measure our bearing capacity. (See D&C 50:40) He knows we are children and what we cannot handle, but He will give us almost all that we can handle, at times.
So it is that enduring well to the end--or to the very beginning--becomes a prime quality. It calls for shoulder squaring and not shoulder shrugging. It calls for realizing the wisdom of that wise man who said to each of us, the "cross comes before the crown, and tomorrow is a Monday morning." So is the structure of life.
May God bless you as a generation of destiny to whom so many challenges and opportunities will be given, to develop within you, along with all the other qualities, that added sense of reverence and respect for the spiritual submissiveness which permits us to endure well to the very beginning. To take one more step when we think we cannot, to make it to the next ridge when we are sure it is too far to go, to endure injustice, misrepresentation and abuse because we are the servants of Him upon whom they spat, and He suffered it. We should do it in the same way--with kindness and long suffering.
One undergrad semester was exceptionally trying. The blessing of a plane ticket allowed me to fly to California for the weekend where I found the escape and perspective I needed by playing with my nieces and nephews and talking with my sister and brother. I came back having renewed energy and strength to tackle the difficult tasks before me.
Most of you have heard the Parable of Thursday Night Class, an experience that happened while I attended ASU. Though I didn't understand what was happening, I knew that God loved me and guided me in that direction. Little by little, I recognized what I needed to learn and how this "mistake" allowed me to serve others. My parents were my anchor and support as I navigated this difficulty. Never once did they let me give up. They encouraged and pushed me onward, for which I am forever grateful.
Which leads me to now. With the bombardments of life, I have felt myself faltering in adversity. Realizing I needed the love of family, I visited Melissa and Adam who live nearby. There, I was able to ponder and find peace in the Lord. Because I do not know the end of the story, I would like to close this post with thoughts from Elder Maxell. In a fireside on December 2, 1984, Elder Maxwell spoke about D&C 121:8, If Thou Endure It Well. This talk is one I referred to many times in the above experiences and it has become a frequent read the past few weeks. May you also find peace in the words of an apostle of the Lord.
There have been, and will be times in each of your lives when such faith must be the bottom line. You don't know what is happening to you or around you, but you know that God loves you, and knowing that, for the moment, is enough.
The gospel is not a religion of repose. There is an inherent activism in which God will not be content with us as we now are because he knows what we have the possibilities to become.
For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so . . . righteousness could not be brought to pass. (2 Nephi 2:11)
The Lord will measure our bearing capacity. (See D&C 50:40) He knows we are children and what we cannot handle, but He will give us almost all that we can handle, at times.
So it is that enduring well to the end--or to the very beginning--becomes a prime quality. It calls for shoulder squaring and not shoulder shrugging. It calls for realizing the wisdom of that wise man who said to each of us, the "cross comes before the crown, and tomorrow is a Monday morning." So is the structure of life.
May God bless you as a generation of destiny to whom so many challenges and opportunities will be given, to develop within you, along with all the other qualities, that added sense of reverence and respect for the spiritual submissiveness which permits us to endure well to the very beginning. To take one more step when we think we cannot, to make it to the next ridge when we are sure it is too far to go, to endure injustice, misrepresentation and abuse because we are the servants of Him upon whom they spat, and He suffered it. We should do it in the same way--with kindness and long suffering.
The Unexpected is What Changes Our Lives
I love quotes or little anecdotes that capture the essence of a situation. I have been thinking of all that has happened the past month and find myself thinking of the inspiring words of others. So I share the those thoughts that have been pressing on my mind, beginning with the inspiration for my blog.
-But sometimes our expectations sell us short. Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You've got to wonder why we cling to our expectations. Because the expected is just what keeps us steady. Standing. Still. The expected is just the beginning. The unexpected is what changes our lives
-Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
-Brick walls are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough.
-There was this law of life, both so cruel and so just, that demanded one must grow or else pay more for staying the same.
-Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.
-Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.
-To endure is greater than to dare; to tire out hostile fortune; to be daunted by no difficulty; to keep heart when all have lost it; to go through intrigue spotless; to forego even ambition when the end is gained - who can say this is not greatness?
-Adversity has a way of challenging all of us, sooner or later. How we collectively bear up to the pressures of unexpected tragedy, how we care for and honor those who suffer loss, how we hold on to our values despite the seductive lure of simple, quick and easy solutions to the complex problems we face — how we deal with such things defines us forever.
-But sometimes our expectations sell us short. Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You've got to wonder why we cling to our expectations. Because the expected is just what keeps us steady. Standing. Still. The expected is just the beginning. The unexpected is what changes our lives
-Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
-Brick walls are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough.
-There was this law of life, both so cruel and so just, that demanded one must grow or else pay more for staying the same.
-Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.
-Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.
-To endure is greater than to dare; to tire out hostile fortune; to be daunted by no difficulty; to keep heart when all have lost it; to go through intrigue spotless; to forego even ambition when the end is gained - who can say this is not greatness?
-Adversity has a way of challenging all of us, sooner or later. How we collectively bear up to the pressures of unexpected tragedy, how we care for and honor those who suffer loss, how we hold on to our values despite the seductive lure of simple, quick and easy solutions to the complex problems we face — how we deal with such things defines us forever.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What Am I Going To Do?
My last final ended last night at 8:30PM. I had been there for almost three hours and had typed over five pages of material. When I left, 2/3 of the class were still there. In a 58 hour period, I was in finals almost 12 hours, had a little over 12 hours of sleep, and studied almost the rest of the time. I did take a study break and Andrew helped give me some semblance of sanity. Finals are now over! I survived my first semester of MBA school and am amazed at the changes and growth that have occurred in me. As a side note, I love self-reflection. It brings such peace realizing how the Lord has helped me accomplish difficult tasks that I didn't think I had the capacity to complete. Such a humbling thought.
Now on to the real reason for the post. I was laying in bed this morning, enjoying not waking up to an alarm or having somewhere I had to be, and created a list of all the things I needed/wanted to do now that I didn't have to study for classes. Here is my list:
1. clean my room
2. clean the house
3. organize and file my notes and assignments
4. balance my checkbook (I have been keeping track of my finances but haven't taken the time to balance my checkbook since October.)
5. write my Christmas card
6. decide what to buy people for Christmas and actually go buy it
7. go food shopping (In July and August I built up a food storage because I had the impression that I was going to need it. I thought it was because finances would become tight. No, no. I didn't have time to run to the grocery store. I think I went twice after school started. Now, I went to Costco every few weeks to get milk and a few other essentials, but never made it to the grocery store.)
8. drop off items at the DI that have been sitting in my closet
9. organize the piles that have built up (this is not part of cleaning room because the piles need to be filed in the folders in the basement)
10. start creating the family calendar
11. organize emails (I take emails I write to people and put them in my journal)
12. write on the backs or pictures and put them in an album (In September I went through my 2006 pictures and had Costco print them. Well, they have been sitting in a box on my floor since then.)
13. search companies that do not recruit at BYU and look for a summer internship
14. read a book Andrew lent me about Hugh Nibley and the 101st airborne
15. read other books that I am not assigned to read
16. actually talk to Suzy on the phone (She has called me a few times the past week and I just couldn't talk when she called.)
17. clean out my car (However, it is snowing outside and this one may have to wait)
18. take a nap (I think I deserve this one)
19. venture out into the real world and meet people outside of the Tanner building
20. go to the temple
And that is the list I came up with this morning. I don't expect to do this all today. Just my list of things I can concentrate on now that final are over. Happy day!
Now on to the real reason for the post. I was laying in bed this morning, enjoying not waking up to an alarm or having somewhere I had to be, and created a list of all the things I needed/wanted to do now that I didn't have to study for classes. Here is my list:
1. clean my room
2. clean the house
3. organize and file my notes and assignments
4. balance my checkbook (I have been keeping track of my finances but haven't taken the time to balance my checkbook since October.)
5. write my Christmas card
6. decide what to buy people for Christmas and actually go buy it
7. go food shopping (In July and August I built up a food storage because I had the impression that I was going to need it. I thought it was because finances would become tight. No, no. I didn't have time to run to the grocery store. I think I went twice after school started. Now, I went to Costco every few weeks to get milk and a few other essentials, but never made it to the grocery store.)
8. drop off items at the DI that have been sitting in my closet
9. organize the piles that have built up (this is not part of cleaning room because the piles need to be filed in the folders in the basement)
10. start creating the family calendar
11. organize emails (I take emails I write to people and put them in my journal)
12. write on the backs or pictures and put them in an album (In September I went through my 2006 pictures and had Costco print them. Well, they have been sitting in a box on my floor since then.)
13. search companies that do not recruit at BYU and look for a summer internship
14. read a book Andrew lent me about Hugh Nibley and the 101st airborne
15. read other books that I am not assigned to read
16. actually talk to Suzy on the phone (She has called me a few times the past week and I just couldn't talk when she called.)
17. clean out my car (However, it is snowing outside and this one may have to wait)
18. take a nap (I think I deserve this one)
19. venture out into the real world and meet people outside of the Tanner building
20. go to the temple
And that is the list I came up with this morning. I don't expect to do this all today. Just my list of things I can concentrate on now that final are over. Happy day!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Be Right Back
I haven't written for a while because I am in the midst of finals. Lots to say but my mind can only speak NPV values, capital budgeting, pro formas, CAPM, cycle counting, safety stock, EOQ, EPQ, 4Ps, 5Cs, and human capital relations. After Wednesday, I'll be back.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Remembering
Many people I know are suffering from the trials of life. One of those succumbed to colon cancer yesterday. She was a vibrant 26-year-old who still had so much to live for. This quote became her mantra and I post it in memory of her.
“… the tests of life are tailored for our own best interests, and all will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way.
If we constantly focus only on the stones in our mortal path, we will almost surely miss the beautiful flower or cool stream provided by the loving Father who outlined our journey. Each day can bring more joy than sorrow when our mortal and spiritual eyes are open to God’s goodness. Joy in the gospel is not something that begins only in the next life. It is our privilege now, this very day. We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more blessings than burdens—even if some days it doesn’t seem so. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Enjoy those blessings right now. They are yours and always will be.” --Elder Jeffery R. Holland
“… the tests of life are tailored for our own best interests, and all will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way.
If we constantly focus only on the stones in our mortal path, we will almost surely miss the beautiful flower or cool stream provided by the loving Father who outlined our journey. Each day can bring more joy than sorrow when our mortal and spiritual eyes are open to God’s goodness. Joy in the gospel is not something that begins only in the next life. It is our privilege now, this very day. We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more blessings than burdens—even if some days it doesn’t seem so. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Enjoy those blessings right now. They are yours and always will be.” --Elder Jeffery R. Holland
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Story
My Favorite Christmas storybook is Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green -
The biggest tree he had ever seen.
The story continues as Mr. Willowby realizes his tree is too tall. The top is whacked off and the maid takes it to her room. She too needs to take a bit off the top and discards the remaining portion. The story continues as the poor tree continues to be cut and thrown out. However, the ending brings warmth to my heart as the final recipient of the tree is a little mouse who lives in the wall of Mr. Willowby's house.
Oh, wasn’t it grand to have a tree—
Exactly like Mr. Willowby?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Birthday Week
Today is my brother Richard's and sister Lucille's birthdays. They are not twins but were born eight years apart. My mom was very good and always made two birthday cakes making sure both felt important. Richard is always fun. He makes me cds full of random music that I would never put together. This week he sent me one titled CRAP (country, rock, alternative, and psychedelic). I enjoy the mixes he creates. When I first came to college, I felt alone but Rich always took time for me. We would go for walks and he would give me big brother dating advice. When I come to visit now, he shows me the latest basketball or Sports Center highlights on his DVR. We have a good time together and I am glad he is my brother. Lucille is one of my best friends. We have so many fun memories together including beach trips, playing _________ (fill in the blank) when we were younger, laughing hysterically when staying up too late (think 3 Little Pigs and Mickey and the Beanstalk), quoting movies, and conversations that always give me hope. One of those times happened in Russia. Because of some unfortunate circumstances, I was quite upset. Lucy put her arm around me, let me cry, then let me know everything would be okay. She is an amazing sister.
Monday, December 1, 2008
An Editorial on Mormons
http://townhall.com/Columnists/KathrynJeanLopez/2008/11/26/mormons_in_the_crosshairs
Mormons in the Crosshairs
by Kathryn Jean Lopez
Mormons have a reason to be nervous. I didn't fully appreciate it two years ago, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first came under an intense political spotlight. In 2006, Mormon officials had begun making the media rounds, prepping for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's expected try for the Republican presidential nomination. This protective measure stood out. No evangelical contingents were giving theological primers in anticipation of Mike Huckabee's run. Few officials were warning Catholics to not do as Rudy Giuliani does on abortion before his run. Why did the Mormons need to do advance work?
We quickly saw why. Many members of this young, uniquely American church understandably did not desire the intense scrutiny that Romney's run would bring. It didn't take long, as it turned out, for journalists and popular blogs to raise questions about undergarments, theology and points of history. Some points fell within the fair scope of political journalism, while many were clearly out of bounds.
But nothing justifies the concerns of anxious Mormons like the current controversy over Proposition 8 in California. This initiative protecting traditional marriage won by the same margin as Barack Obama did in that state -- getting the support of some Obama voters, in fact. Its victory has led supposed agents of tolerance to blatant acts of bigotry; gay-marriage advocates are blaming the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their electoral defeat.
Romney, because he subscribes to the Mormon faith, had to give a speech on religion a year ago. In it, Romney did what John F. Kennedy didn't do in the first Catholic president's effort to allay concerns about his creed. Kennedy essentially apologized for his religion, assuring people that it wouldn't have any real influence over his decisions as president. Romney, on the other hand, stood by the faith of his fathers, and took the opportunity to talk about how the varieties of belief and nonbelief practiced in the United States make it a richer, more vigorous country.
Romney's thanks for this contribution to our civic life consist of continued hostility. A piece in the Boston Herald proclaimed "Mitt Romney's kin put faith in pa$$ing Proposition 8." The story detailed how some Romney relatives, along with other prominent Massachusetts Mormons, contributed cash to the pro-8 campaign.
And so? While some reports claim that Mormon contributions accounted for a whopping 70 percent of total donations to the pro-8 cause, it should also be noted that 70 percent of black Californians voted for the initiative. The backlash -- which has included white-powder scares and bomb threats at Mormon temples and offices -- is both wrong and unfair. (Outside Denver, a Book of Mormon was lit on fire and dropped on the doorstep of a Mormon temple.) Catholics, Orthodox bishops and evangelicals also supported the initiative.
A law professor at the purportedly Catholic Georgetown University, who is also a gay activist, argues that the cause of gay marriage is simply in conflict with religious liberty; he's "having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win." (Never mind, again, that the victory of Proposition 8 in California was not the result of an edict from Salt Lake, the Vatican or any one religion, but the free and fair vote of California citizens, some informed by their religious belief, as they are free to be so motivated.)
Surely we don't have to be Mormon to be outraged. I make no statement about their recruitment strategies when I say, watching California, "We're all Mormons now." Next time the violent backlash may be in response to a brave Catholic bishop teaching responsibility at the voting booth. Next time it could be an online evangelical dating service hauled into court by a state "civil rights" office for not providing same-sex matchmaking. Oh wait, that already happened in New Jersey.
Now I know why Mormons were so nervous. They were warning the rest of us. Our freedom to believe is at hazard, and it's time we all had the Mormons' backs.
Mormons in the Crosshairs
by Kathryn Jean Lopez
Mormons have a reason to be nervous. I didn't fully appreciate it two years ago, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first came under an intense political spotlight. In 2006, Mormon officials had begun making the media rounds, prepping for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's expected try for the Republican presidential nomination. This protective measure stood out. No evangelical contingents were giving theological primers in anticipation of Mike Huckabee's run. Few officials were warning Catholics to not do as Rudy Giuliani does on abortion before his run. Why did the Mormons need to do advance work?
We quickly saw why. Many members of this young, uniquely American church understandably did not desire the intense scrutiny that Romney's run would bring. It didn't take long, as it turned out, for journalists and popular blogs to raise questions about undergarments, theology and points of history. Some points fell within the fair scope of political journalism, while many were clearly out of bounds.
But nothing justifies the concerns of anxious Mormons like the current controversy over Proposition 8 in California. This initiative protecting traditional marriage won by the same margin as Barack Obama did in that state -- getting the support of some Obama voters, in fact. Its victory has led supposed agents of tolerance to blatant acts of bigotry; gay-marriage advocates are blaming the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their electoral defeat.
Romney, because he subscribes to the Mormon faith, had to give a speech on religion a year ago. In it, Romney did what John F. Kennedy didn't do in the first Catholic president's effort to allay concerns about his creed. Kennedy essentially apologized for his religion, assuring people that it wouldn't have any real influence over his decisions as president. Romney, on the other hand, stood by the faith of his fathers, and took the opportunity to talk about how the varieties of belief and nonbelief practiced in the United States make it a richer, more vigorous country.
Romney's thanks for this contribution to our civic life consist of continued hostility. A piece in the Boston Herald proclaimed "Mitt Romney's kin put faith in pa$$ing Proposition 8." The story detailed how some Romney relatives, along with other prominent Massachusetts Mormons, contributed cash to the pro-8 campaign.
And so? While some reports claim that Mormon contributions accounted for a whopping 70 percent of total donations to the pro-8 cause, it should also be noted that 70 percent of black Californians voted for the initiative. The backlash -- which has included white-powder scares and bomb threats at Mormon temples and offices -- is both wrong and unfair. (Outside Denver, a Book of Mormon was lit on fire and dropped on the doorstep of a Mormon temple.) Catholics, Orthodox bishops and evangelicals also supported the initiative.
A law professor at the purportedly Catholic Georgetown University, who is also a gay activist, argues that the cause of gay marriage is simply in conflict with religious liberty; he's "having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win." (Never mind, again, that the victory of Proposition 8 in California was not the result of an edict from Salt Lake, the Vatican or any one religion, but the free and fair vote of California citizens, some informed by their religious belief, as they are free to be so motivated.)
Surely we don't have to be Mormon to be outraged. I make no statement about their recruitment strategies when I say, watching California, "We're all Mormons now." Next time the violent backlash may be in response to a brave Catholic bishop teaching responsibility at the voting booth. Next time it could be an online evangelical dating service hauled into court by a state "civil rights" office for not providing same-sex matchmaking. Oh wait, that already happened in New Jersey.
Now I know why Mormons were so nervous. They were warning the rest of us. Our freedom to believe is at hazard, and it's time we all had the Mormons' backs.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Gratitude - Day 28
As this is the last day of my gratitude blog, I wanted to highlight eternal things I am grateful for.
1. I am grateful for scriptures that testify of Christ. As we approach this Christmas season, my thoughts focus more keenly on His birth and life. The scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, teach us about Jesus Christ, His earthly mission, and how we can become like Him.
2. I am grateful for revelation. More and more, I rely on the simple insights I receive which help me make important decisions. Without revelation, my life would feel directionless. I am very grateful for personal revelation.
3. I am grateful for modern day apostles and prophets. In church we discussed the Proclamation on the Family. In a world of uncertainty where the tides of discord are threatening our moral foundation, I am grateful for a living, latter-day prophet who guides and directs our lives.
1. I am grateful for scriptures that testify of Christ. As we approach this Christmas season, my thoughts focus more keenly on His birth and life. The scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, teach us about Jesus Christ, His earthly mission, and how we can become like Him.
2. I am grateful for revelation. More and more, I rely on the simple insights I receive which help me make important decisions. Without revelation, my life would feel directionless. I am very grateful for personal revelation.
3. I am grateful for modern day apostles and prophets. In church we discussed the Proclamation on the Family. In a world of uncertainty where the tides of discord are threatening our moral foundation, I am grateful for a living, latter-day prophet who guides and directs our lives.
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