Did you ever think it would come to this? Information withdrawal? Really?
Let me back up here.
Over the past two weeks I've been trying to slow down because I feel like I'm in the midst of chaos so often that I've lost time to just "be still" and think. I've been working to cut out the extra "noise" in my life and just "smell the roses." I've been trying to live in the moment, appreciate what's around me, get more in-tune with myself, and most importantly, contemplate my relationship with God. I've been doing simple things like meditating 20 minutes daily, going on walks and bike rides, sitting outside and watching the sunrise more often, staying in bed for a few extra moments in the morning just to listen to the birds chirp outside my window, reading books I want to read, making time to talk with people and be more aware of what they need.
It was hard at first, because since my junior year in high school I've been cramming things into my life--always trying to do more. I think I believed, "The more I do, the better I'll be." (wrong!) So of course slowing down was hard at first! But after only two weeks of slowing down, I look back and wonder why I chose to go at such a crazy pace. I now feel so much more peaceful because I'm more in-touch with myself! I'm making time to contemplate what life's about, where I'm headed, and what God wants me to accomplish. So slowing down and creating a more peaceful lifestyle has been quite an exciting revolution for me.
I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying about what I want to change in my life to become the person I want to be and to live the best life I can--cause here's the fact: We're only living this life once, so we've gotta make it good! I've been thinking about this talk by Elder Oaks. In our personal efforts to come closer to Christ, we need to figure out the best things in our lives--and then choose to pursue the best things over the "good" and "better"options.
One last thought: When I'm more in-touch with myself, it's easier for me to be more in-touch with others. Rather than becoming more selfish, I begin to look outward and to be a more giving person. I think it's easier to love people when we feel inner peace.
I'm tired of hearing bad news in the media about men who make poor choices (it's rather discouraging) so today I'm going to write about a fantastic example of men who made fantastic choices.
The Book of Mormon records an account of 2,000 sons of the people of Ammon who left their homes and families to defend their people in battle (time period = about 63 BC; location = somewhere in the ancient Americas in the land called Bountiful; commander = Helaman). These men came to be known as "Helaman's stripling warriors," and they were men known for the strength God gave them for their faithfulness and diligence.
"They were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all--they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:20-21).
Though I sometimes worry about things like this, I know there are also men who are choosing to be "true at all times," to "walk uprightly," and to live with courage and strength. I know it because I know men in my life--my dad, other male family members, my professors, friends, leaders in my church and other churches--who exemplify what it means to be righteous men, even in a world where values like integrity, fidelity, and hard work are too often forgotten.
Now that is something to be happy about! So I'll wear a big smile today as I remember the fantastic men in my life. Thanks for your strength!
I've been sitting in on one of Brother Bott's famous classes this term. He's taught me so much about learning to see who I am, and he's inspired me to consider my potential as God's child. Perhaps the reason why Bro. Bott is so popular is because he's learned to love other people and see everyone on equal terms--more like the way Father in Heaven sees us--and he conveys God's love every time he teaches. He's always reminding us of our inheritance from God--of our divinity--and how we just need to learn to see it!
A few of my favorite pieces of wisdom from Brother Bott:
“Why don’t we just accept the fact that God says we’re [inherently] good and then act the part?”
“You’ve got to see who you are.”
“You’re not here to prove it to God; you’re here to prove it to yourself.”
“You were born to create and born to control…you need to step up to the plate and take control of who you are and what you do. You’re not a puppet.”
"That's the secret [to beating depression and negativity]: work, work, work."
"If you wanna go to heaven you better identify the things that aren't gonna be there and get rid of them." In this lecture, Bro. Bott was actually talking about sulking--telling us not to mope around, but instead to have good attitudes--cause guess what: God doesn't sulk :) There will be no pessimism in heaven.
"We all go where we want to go. If you want to make it to the Celestial Kingdom, live the celestial law."
"If I don’t make it to the Celestial Kingdom it will not be because of what God didn’t do for me—it will be because of what I refused to do for myself."
"Life doesn't start to become fun until you learn to laugh at yourself." -Brother Bott
I just heard of this thing called acroyoga, and I'm amazed.
There are no words to describe how insanely cool this is--so you can just watch josh maready's video (maready, by the way, also just so happens to be insanely cool. Check out his photography--WOW).
See? Amazing! I'd like to know how many years of practice and hours of sweat this kind of fitness takes to achieve. I'm left thinking--as Oskar would say in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close--"What the? What the what the?"
One of my best friends and I keep touch by writing letters--yes, real snail-mail letters! She's very dear to me and I appreciate her insight and wisdom. As I reread one of her letters tonight, a few sentences stuck out as just what I needed to learn today:
"I feel like I've grown as a person so much in these short months of marriage, primarily in the departments of patience and biting my tongue. I've learned I'm not always right. There is always another way, sometimes a better way, to accomplish a task."
We all live, in great part, inside our own brains. It's normal, of course, and it has to be that way. But I need to learn to get outside of my own head more often and listen to what all these other awesome brains have to say! We all have different talents and ideas and experiences and perspectives to help each other out. So cool.
There are better ways to accomplish things than by my ideas alone. Listen to others, respect their ideas and opinions, and be open-minded. Remember that God knows all truth and that we work together to come to know the truth He knows. This is the beauty of working with others! Each person possesses unique strength to contribute to the world—and unique talents that can teach and enlighten. Wisdom means recognizing the truth that others have and then adding it to my own knowledge of truth.
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.
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).
Thursday, June 2, 2011
“All health and vitality [are] the outward reflection of a pure heart and right intent”
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):
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!
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."
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.
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
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).
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."
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.
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?
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.
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!
"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."
“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.
our bodies are miracles and I sometimes forget how beautiful they are--this video helps me remember :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"There is a set of men lately sprung up amongst us, who endeavor to distinguish themselves by ridiculing everything that has hitherto appeared sacred and venerable in the eyes of mankind. Reason, sobriety, honor, friendship, marriage are the perpetual subjects of their insipid raillery; and even public spirit, and a regard to our country, are treated as chimerical and romantic. Were the schemes of these anti-reformers to take place, all the bonds of society must be broken..." -David Hume
I'm filled with gratitude to God, and I want to share with all of you dear friends who read this blog! I need to let you know that I know God is here for us personally, in every moment, in every situation, in whatever emotion and circumstance we find ourselves.
In my journal this semester I've been writing, writing, and writing some more about how I've seen God in my life; the more I look around me, the more I see His blessings. I see His infinite, unconditional love for all of us.
I want to testify that because God loves us, He makes us strong AFTER we demonstrate faith. Moroni explains this principle so well in one of his most beautiful prayers: "...thou [God] workest after men have faith. For thus didst thou manifest thyself unto thy disciples; for after they had faith, and did speak in thy name, thou didst show thyself unto them in great power. And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared" (Ether 12: 30-32)
God manifests Himself to us in our lives after we demonstrate faith; we first have hope and we then act in hope--then the blessings come. But sometimes the blessings don't come right away, because often God wants us to stretch ourselves to our limit. If God didn't stretch us and let us struggle and grow, how would we grow in the first place? Even throughout all the pain, though, He's there all along, shouldering our burdens with us. Sometimes it's so hard we don't even realize He's here; we cry and plead, and we think we're getting nowhere. But after we continue to hang in there and get by--doing the best we can--things come together. That's when God pours blessings like RAIN! And it's not a sprinkling of blessings; it's a STORM of blessings. I'm experiencing this right now. God is flooding my life with blessings. And the greatest blessing of all is that He's given me so much of His grace over the past few months that I've grown in ways I can't explain. He's changing me. Our souls are, as the scriptures say, like soft clay being shaped by a potter.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our Potter; He died so we might live--and not live in sorrow, but in HAPPINESS as we live in His love, experiencing the miracles of His light and peace. :)
last-week-of-school/finals survival tool: private mini dance parties.
(definition of PMDP) noun. 5-10 minutes of pure awesomeness including, but certainly not limited to, crazy dancing all by yourself.
PMDPs usually work well when no one else is home.
The best PMDPs tend to include things you usually don't do in front of other people (jumping on the bed, obnoxious singing, outlandish dance moves, and so on)
Why you might love PMDPs:
1. They're short enough to give you a break without taking too much time away from your studying
2. You can dance as weird as you want without attracting unwanted gazes from people who wouldn't appreciate your dance moves properly
3. You can freely listen to artists you really love but pretend you don't in order to avoid humiliation (my newfound love, J. Bieber, for example)
4. You'll find you develop favorite PMDP songs you keep coming back to--and every time you hear those songs in the future, you'll fondly remember that one PMDP party that one time before you took that one final and how that one song helped you ACE that final. yeahhhhhhhh babbbbyyy
Once in a while in the late hours of the night, Ariel, Elise and I end up looking up random videos on youtube and singing along. We lose track of time and forget about homework. These have been some of my favorite moments all semester :D
Here's a little sampling of some favorites for your listening enjoyment. As you can tell, we are proud lovers of Disney ;) I think I love Disney more now than I did as a kid.
What is spirituality? What does it mean to you? Yesterday a friend told me his definition: "forsaking passions and possessions in order to come closer to God." He said, "That's sort-of Hinduism, but it applies. I need to do more research."
I agree with Charles; spirituality certainly does entail forsaking passions and possessions as we work to become closer to God. And I also agree that all of us, no matter what religion, need to do more research on the concept. I need to make time to ponder my own spirituality.
I believe love is the foremost quality in spirituality. It's the very basis of the two great commandments to 1) Love God with all our souls and 2) Love our neighbors like unto ourselves. And I believe love is the element that motivates us to even become spiritual in the first place. Certainly love is required before we can truly forsake those passions and possessions Charles spoke of.
Learning to love God, ourselves, and others—and thus progress spiritually—requires a change of heart, not just a change of behavior but a change of attitude. Life, rather than a continual checklist of to-do activities such as praying and scripture studying, gives us the opportunity to change not only behaviors but foremost, the way we think and feel. When our actual thoughts and our intents change, we become like the Lord in mind and heart. We learn to love as He does as He imparts His grace and changes us.
Spirituality, then, includes forsaking passions and possessions as we come to love God. If love of God does not come first in our hearts, the effort to forsake ungodly behaviors and characteristics means little—because it’s not done in the right attitude. We cannot become like God until we begin thinking more like Him.
As a consider questions like How can I think more like God? How can I truly grow in love? How can I change my attitude? I hope to share some of my personal discoveries on this quest to grow in spirituality and become more like God.
I have a bad habit of looking forward to the future rather than focusing on the present. I'm always pretty excited about what's coming up in my life, but I seem to have a hard time being excited about the day I'm actually living in.
The last few weeks I've been working especially hard on changing this, and it has been FANTASTIC. It was hard at first (changing behaviors is always hard) but I'm getting better.
I had a great conversation with my aunt about learning to love the present, and to live in the present, without letting thoughts constantly wander, or thinking about what you're going to do when you finish what you're currently doing.
The trick is to stop thinking about finishing tasks, but to start embracing each moment and finding joy. I've realized we can find joy in just about anything. If we're washing dishes, we can love that we have hands to do things! We can love feeling bubbly dish-soap between our fingers.
I know every moment isn't gonna be peachy. We can't find joy in every thing. There are times to grief, times to feel hurt, and times to really dislike that one school assignment that we just can't seem to wrap our minds around. But I do believe we can find joy in most things, even the mundane things in life--and I think the happiest people have mastered this trick.
THE STATION
by Robert J. Hastings
Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long, long trip that almost spans the continent. We're traveling by passenger train, and out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hills, of biting winter and blazing summer and cavorting spring and docile fall.
But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. There will be bands playing, and flags waving. And once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So many wishes will be fulfilled and so many pieces of our lives will finally be neatly fitted together like a completed jigsaw puzzle.
How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering...waiting, waiting, waiting, for the station. However, sooner or later we must realize…The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.
“When we reach the station, that will be it!" we cry. Translated it means, "When I'm 18, that will be it! When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz, that will be it! When I put the last kid through college, that will be it! When I have paid off the mortgage, that will be it! When I win a promotion, that will be it! When I reach the age of retirement, that will be it! I shall live happily ever after!"
Unfortunately, once we get It, then It disappears. The station somehow hides itself at the end of an endless track.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. Rather, it is regret over yesterday or fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot oftener, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
I can hardly believe I lived 20 years without ever reading anything by Tennessee Williams. I readStreetcar last night for one of my classes and fell in love. Then I watched the movie and fell in love all over again. It's been running through my head and I can't get it out. You've gotta read the play if you haven't! And then watch the movie. Don't spoil it by watching the movie first! I know I'm tempting you with the trailer, but it's so worth the read first!
5. It's getting warmer outside! No excuse to stay in :) Pick a race to train for and hit the pavement.
6. Bake a batch of healthy cookies for the neighbors you don't know yet.
7. Attend different worship services (besides your own faith) around your community.
8. Get artsy and head to a museum for inspiration. The Carl Bloch exhibit, currently at BYU, is fantastic!
happy weekend! <3
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Don't you love it when you discover you can do something that you couldn't do before?!
Why not take some risks? Why not embrace some new challenges? Take a class you know will be hard, but that you want to take because you're interested--Forget grades and learn for the sake of learning! Pick up a new hobby that isn't exactly your forte. Go to that hard-core workout class that you can't get through right now, but one day might be able to. Apply for that study abroad you've been putting off because you don't know if it could actually happen. Make that special goal you've been avoiding because you don't know if you really have the self disciple to carry it out--Choose to forget your fears and make up your mind to do what it takes.
Push your boundaries. Reach for opportunities, and God will make a way for you to accomplish new things. I know He will.
