notebook of wisdom

Decided to start a book of wisdom (so I became more wise, of course).  It's a big binder and it's going to be filled with things I learn.  Its purposes are to help me:

1) Recognize what I learn
2) Remember what I learn
3) Apply what I learn

This is a good little 3-step formula for getting better at life, which is definitely what I'm here to do.

As Christians in the last days

We, as Christians in the last days, are up against quite a lot.  It's not exactly in fashion to be followers of Christ and to be working to become more like Him; with media constantly mocking sacred matters, with people preaching science and technology over religion, with false prophets producing confusing new fads and "solutions" we're supposed to follow to find truth--it's easy to get lost and wonder where to turn to know what's real and what's a lie.

Thankfully, Paul promises us that the scriptures help us know how to discern between lies and truth, and how to become people "of God, perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:17).  I'm thankful to have God's words in the scriptures as a resource, support, and teacher in my life.

2 Timothy 3 begins with Paul telling us what to watch out for in this world (and what not to become ourselves!): "This know [ye] also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than loves of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim 3: 1-7).

Paul was right--our world is teeming with these characteristics.  And they do "creep into" our homes and they easily distract us with promises of power, prestige, and wealth.  But they can't bring true, lasting happiness.  So I never want to be one of the "silly women" who becomes deceived.  Instead I want to learn the knowledge that endures beyond this life.  I like what Elder Wirthlin said: "How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust and fade away.  How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of eternal life."

Paul goes on to explain that through all the "persecutions" and "afflictions" he went through, the Lord delivered Him from all of them.  He warns that we will also suffer and be mocked, but that we can continue in our faith--and the scriptures will strengthen us by giving us the knowledge (TRUTH!) we need to withstand opposition from the evils of our day that he just described in verses 1-7.  

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim 3:12-17).  

I love the scriptures and I know they teach the truths that we can count on, because they're God's truths rather than man-created theories.  Each time I read the scriptures my mind makes new connections and I know what I need to change in my life.  I feel calm and at peace when I contemplate God's words, because I know they are helping me in my own search for truth.  They give me strength to stay faithful even when the world doesn't see faith as in-vogue.  

Even when it's hard, all of us as Christians in the last days "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]" (Philippians 4:13).  

“All health and vitality [are] the outward reflection of a pure heart and right intent”

–Baron Baptiste

"we are called to support and heal rather than condemn"

he makes me cry.

loving the Christian genre

Lately I've been really into the Christian music genre.  I listen in the morning when I get ready for the day and also sometimes walking to class, and I always have a big smile on my face as this music communicates  the JOY of Christ's love!  If you ever need a pick-me up, or just want a great song to listen to, here are some of my favorites (sorry some of the videos aren't so great):

we radiate what we are.

In a religion class the other night, our teacher gave us this quote by David. O. McKay:

"There is one responsibility which no man can evade; that responsibility is his personal influence.  Man's unconscious influence is the silent, subtle radiation of his personality--the effect of his words and his actions on others.  This radiation is tremendous.  Every moment of life man is changing, to a degree, the life of the whole world.


Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other man.  He cannot escape for one moment this radiation of his character, this constant weakening or strengthening of others.  Man cannot evade the responsibility by merely saying it is an unconscious influence.


Man can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated.  He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character.  And by these qualities he will constantly affect the world.


This radiation, to which I refer, comes from what a person really is, not from what he pretends to be....


Life is a state of radiation and absorption.  To exist is to radiate.  To exist is to be the recipient of radiation."


I love this quote!  During every moment in our lives, we're radiating our existence to the universe. And we're either giving or taking. We can choose to give life rather than take it away as we literally strengthen those around us.  We are--for better or worse--changing the world every day by what we choose to do.  COOL!

for Mother's Day

The following is an excerpt from Margaret D. Nadauld's message, "A Woman of Faith."  It reminds me of my own mother and many of the women who have influenced my life; it also reminds me of the woman I want to be :)  Happy Mother's Day!

"A woman of faith is fearless. She fears no evil, for God is with her (Psalm 23:4).  There is no ambiguity, no uncertain trump in her life. She can live a principled life because she studies the doctrine and teachings of a perfect teacher, the Master. She is a noble example to all who know her. She is less than perfect, of course, not because she doesn't have perfect principles or the perfect example in Christ, but because she is human...

A woman of faith loves the Lord. She wants Him to know it by the life she lives, by the words she speaks, by the service she renders to His children, by her every action. She knows that He loves her even though she is imperfect and still trying to be better. She knows that when she does her very best, that it is enough, as President Hinckley has told us.

A woman of faith is blessed by faithful men in her life who hold the priesthood of God and honor this privilege: her father...husband, brothers, sons. They value her and the divine gifts given by God to His daughter. They sustain and encourage, and they understand the great mission of her life as a woman. They love her; they bless her. They are in turn blessed by this woman of faith as they walk the path of life together. They know, as scripture teaches, that "two are better than one. . . . For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

I express my gratitude for wonderful women of faith, for great, noble men, and for my beloved family, who have lifted me up and inspired me throughout my life." 

when in disagreement, remember...

One aspect of maturity is the ability to listen to someone else's viewpoint with respect and consideration, whether or not the person's opinion matches your own.

One aspect of wisdom is the ability to respond to a disagreement by first showing that you understand where the person is coming from--or, if you don't, that you appreciate their views and would like some clarification--and by then gently explaining your own views without attacking the other person.

One aspect of intelligence is the ability to use reason, rather than feelings, to make valid your claim or the principle in which you are explaining.

One aspect of charity is the ability to embrace people, whether or not they agree with you, as individuals in the human family.

One aspect of humility is recognizing that we all are incredibly flawed; we all hold prejudices and we are all, in many points, misguided.  Thus, one aspect of humility includes understanding the necessity of listening to others' viewpoints so we can find out when we are wrong and then properly adjust our own viewpoints.   

One aspect of love is the ability to recognize and respect the divine light in every human being, and to view each being as equally important as oneself.

alfalfa sprout juice

I had two bundles of alfalfa sprouts that were starting to wilt, so instead of trying to eat all of them in a salad, I wondered if I could juice the little babies.  I discovered yes, you can juice alfalfa sprouts, and they taste quite good if you add carrots.

Run through the juicer:


6 cups alfalfa sprouts
8 med. size carrots
a few leaves Romaine lettuce


Voila!

thoughts after Bin Laden's assassination

I'm frustrated with America’s reaction.   It's one thing to rejoice in the safety of our country and troops (which, arguably, actually may not be much greater now that Osama Bin Laden is dead), but quite another thing to celebrate death.  It's inexcusable for Americans to parade around howling and hooting about another human's death.  We should handle the situation with maturity and grace, recognizing the political move as one that President Obama saw as necessary—but we should not gloat over the fact that this was done.  We should be able to look at the situation with humanity in our hearts and with love of country rather than hatred toward a man incredibly mislead and filled with hate himself. As soon as we start to hate, we become like him in a very real sense.

Furthermore, from a political standpoint, the general public’s reaction is making a terrible political reputation for the United States.  I doubt our allies—and also those against us, who already think we’re spoiled, selfish, and ethnocentric—will appreciate seeing pics and video footage showcasing certain reactions and behavior.  I’m not saying all the people celebrating outside the Whitehouse were acting inappropriately;  I’m just saying in general and in the future, we need to be careful in the way we express our feelings about America, and we need to make sure to show virtues of humanity and use of reason rather than vices of hate and passion.  

We might also—whether Christian or Hindu or Buddhist or Muslim or agnostic—do well to remember some wise words: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

if the president of the U.S can do it...

If the President of the United States can quote the Pledge of Allegiance in a national speech...


why don't they teach it in school anymore? 




(question asked by my friend, Anjelique.  Good question!!)

Osama Bin Laden dead.

I can only wonder what happens when men who harbor so much hate cross over to the other side.

That's why I feel sorry for this guy; he's bound to be going through something hellish right now.

God bless America, and may we now, and in the future, unite and work to spread freedom, love and peace to all of God's children.

May we also remember the true religion of Islam and those of our many Muslim brothers and sisters who practice love and peace.  It would be a pity for us to wrongly judge a religion based upon some bad, bad examples of "Jihad."

Gaga

Because Lady Gaga seems to constantly be reducing women to sex objects, I have a personal problem with her.  And shouldn't all women have a problem with being reduced to sex objects? Shouldn't our boyfriends and husbands?

It's ironic that females, many of whom have long been pursuing women's rights, actually support artists who objectify us and reduce our value to so very little.  We're continually exploited by the people who entertain us.

But I'm not just offended by the way in which Gaga exploits my gender.  I'm more concerned about her anti-Christ behavior; she not only blasphemes the Savior, but continually promotes Satan through her lyrics and videos. She is thus, in every sense of the term, an anti-Christ figure.  And what I don't understand is given all of this, our culture is worshipping her.

I don't think it's possible to miss Gaga's blasphemous lyrics--or the Satanic symbolism in her music videos--but in case you have overlooked these blatant messages, let me point out a few:

"Judas"(my comments are italicized)

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

Judas! Juda-as Judas! Juda-as
Judas! Juda-as Judas! GAGA


Judas, the disciple who betrayed Christ by betraying Him to Roman soldiers, became the son of perdition (John 17:12). 

When he comes to me, I am ready
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times, he betrays me


Gaga references the woman who washed Christ's feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair (Luke 7:44); far worse, though, is that Gaga implies her ability to forgive sins when God alone has the authority to forgive sins (Luke 5:21).

I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown

I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But still I'm in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But still I'm in love with Judas, baby

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

Judas! Juda-as Judas! Juda-as
Judas! Juda-as Judas! GAGA


I couldn't love a man so purely
Even prophets forgave his crooked way
I've learned love is like a brick you can
Build a house or sink a dead body


I have no knowledge of prophets forgiving Judas.  
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/lady_gaga/judas.html ]
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown

I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But still I'm in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But still I'm in love with Judas, baby

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

Ohohohoh
I'm in love with Judas, Judas

In the most Biblical sense,
I am beyond repentance
Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense
Judas kiss me if offenced,
Or wear an ear condom next time


Beyond repentance?  That's for God to judge and I hope you're not, but if you don't come to see the light eventually--yes, Ms. Gaga, you will probably be "beyond repentance" in the "most Biblical sense."


You are acting like a "hooker" and a "prostitute wench"--I wish you'd stop.  


The line "Judas kiss me if offenced" refers to when Judas betrayed Christ. Judas told the soldiers he would show them who Christ was by kissing Christ on the cheek (Matthew 6:49) 

I wanna love you,
But something's pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue,
And Judas is the demon I cling to
I cling to


Gaga "clings to" the son of perdition rather than Christ.



"Born This Way"(my comments are italicized)

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby



Alright, this should be obvious: "Capital H-I-M" refers to God.  (And surely it does matter if we love Him.) 


"Paws" implies we're animals/beasts, not humans with reason and agency.    

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothin wrong with lovin who you are"
She said, "'cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way


Yes, we are beautiful in our own way, especially because we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)--and yes, God does not make any mistakes because He is perfect.  But WE make mistakes, and loving ourselves isn't enough--"love yourself and you're set" doesn't work because the first commandment is to "Love thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37) and the second commandment is "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:39).  Perhaps most important to note here is that Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).  If we love Christ, we follow Him by keeping His commandments--whether Gaga likes it or not. 

Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be!

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (love needs faith)


Gaga's assertion "a different lover is not a sin" followed by "Believe capital H-I-M" implies that Christ accepts relationships other than heterosexual relationships (see below where she sings: "No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life I'm on the right track baby...")  While I love my gay friends and want them to know that, I can't deny that as a Christian, I believe God created males and females to fit together--biologically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually--in relationships, and that claiming otherwise is blasphemy.  I like what Gil Rugh said: "Homosexuality is a biblical issue, not a political issue.  How we 'feel' about it is not relevant.  What the Bible says about it is completely relevant."  Lady Gaga can claim what she wants--but truth is truth, whether or not we accept it.  


Repeat chorus + post-chorus

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way
No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to be brave



 Now check out the symbols in the music video:




If you want help understanding the symbols, check out this article.  Interesting points and the writer interprets the capital H-I-M as Satan himself (though I interpreted the reference as God, I see how both interpretations could work here.)

"Alejandro"


Watch it and again, if you want to read about the symbolism try this.





Watch "Bad Romance" and then read this.




Apart from lyrics and music videos, Gaga has been fairly open about personal Satanic nightmares that she includes in her performances.  She said, "I do have morbid dreams...I put them in the show.  A lot of the work I do is an exorcism for the fans but also for myself."  Gaga spoke of an illuminati dream during an interview with Rolling Stone:

"I have this recurring dream sometimes where there’s a phantom in my home and he takes me into a room, and there’s a blond girl with ropes tied to all four of her limbs. And she’s got my shoes on from the Grammys. Go figure—pyscho. And the ropes are pulling her apart.  I never see her get pulled apart, but I just watch her whimper, and then the phantom says to me, ‘If you want me to stop hurting her and if you want your family to be OK, you will cut your wrist.’ And I think that he has his own, like, crazy wrist-cutting device. And he has this honey in, like, Tupperware, and it looks like sweet-and-sour sauce with a lot of MSG from New York. Just bizarre. And he wants me to pour the honey into the wound, and then put cream over it and a gauze."


Yuck.  

Do people not get what they're supporting every time they listen to and watch Gaga's filth? 

something I learned today

Girodet, The Entombment of Atala (1808)

The virgin Atala frees Chactas and the two run away; Atala, though now in love with Chactas, had already sworn in her faith to remain a virgin.  Atala poisons herself. 

i love learning!

Today I began classes for spring term and I was amazed at the spirit I felt in each class--a spirit of truth and inspiration.  Perhaps one of the basic reasons I love learning is because I so often feel inspired by the people who teach me.  And I feel their love and light--it's not something I can explain; I just feel it!

I've been thinking lately about how I'm surrounded by so many wonderful people, and I'm becoming more and more impressed as I notice the different talents each of us has.  I've been thinking about how COOL it is that we all can work together--using our unique talents--to help each other and learn from each other.  I'm so glad we're all so different.  

But even with all our differences, we have this basic "stuff" that makes us so similar--the stuff that makes us human--and we're all in this experience in life together.  If we could just remember that, think how much we could accomplish as we come together, seeing the good in each other and building relationships founded on love and respect for the divine light within us.  

There's so much beauty in the world, especially within each of us.  And what's so exciting is that we can create more beauty with what we choose to do in life!  

the influence of a woman.

"It is interesting to know how man is put together– how incomplete he is. His whole physical and emotional, and for that matter, spiritual nature, is formed in such a way that it depends upon a source of encouragement and power that is found in a woman. When man has found his wife and companion, he has in a sense found the other half of himself. He will return to her again and again for that regeneration that exalts his manhood and strengthens him for the testing that life will give him. A woman has the privilege and influence to transform a man into an able and effective...leader. However, for this there are two prerequisites. First, she must want to, and second, she must know how. Part of knowing how includes the genius of encouraging him to meet his obligations without replacing him in his role, without presiding over him."

-Boyd K. Packer 

happy studying!

Here's a little treat for my fellow BYU spring termers.  Good way to begin the semester :)

Happy Easter!

“For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living” (Romans 14:9). 

I know Jesus suffered, died and rose again for all of us.  I know "he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" and that He heals us (Isaiah 53:5). Christ suffered so we don't have to; He overcame death so we can live again after this life.  I know He loves us, and I know He is our Savior and God. 

This is a video from my last trip to the Garden Tomb in December, narrated by my good friend Mary.  It's perfect for Easter.



Garden Tomb from Jenna Carson on Vimeo.

beautiful

our bodies are miracles and I sometimes forget how beautiful they are--this video helps me remember :)