Well, it's that time of year. What time of year, you ask? Oh, the time of year where the sun goes behind the clouds often, the weather gets cold enough for coats and boots, and we've been in school for a long time with no break and no break in the easily foreseeable future. This is the "IhavesomuchhomeworkIwanttodiebecauseIhavenobreakeither" time of year.
You know what I'm talking about.
I myself have been suffering from this particular occurrence. I have found it difficult to want to continue to write papers, study for tests, and go to classes that I am having trouble paying attention in. I have often found my school load, combined with my life load, overwhelming, and all I want to do is sleep in in my cozy warm bed, get up, stay in my pajamas and spend time with my favorite blanket and book.
This, however, must wait for the weekends. Maybe.
I am here to offer you encouragement, though. This is my rough survival guide for this "Kill me" time of year. First off, remember why you're at college. I don't actually need to be at college so I can gain money making ability. I already have that ability as a certified massage therapist. So why am I at college? Because I like to learn, and because that learning is refining me. I kinda thought that idea was merely to be inspiring and motivational, but it's true. I am a better, classier woman because of my education, and shouldn't I be proud of that? A college degree is an accomplishment to be proud of (so is a family, however). Remember why you're at college.
Second, the Lord will bless you for your efforts and provide ways for the impossible to be accomplished. We have been encouraged by our prophets to get as much education as we can. You're following the prophet! Therefore, you're following the Lord. Therefore, you can be confident in the fact that you are doing what you ought to be. And if you think you might need to be somewhere else, ask God and he will tell you. But in the meantime, if you study for that test, God will help you remember what you studied.
Third, If you're about to blow up because of your classes (and even if you're not), TAKE A BREAK. This is allowable and even encouraged. Education is not learned just in the classroom. Allow yourself other opportunities for learning things that perhaps you wouldn't learn in class. Take breaks. Drink cider, love your friends, see a movie. Read a good book. Really. Recreation and relaxation is just as important to getting good grades as is studying.
Fourth, listen to your favorite music often. Music gets your energy up and your brain thinking positively; it's even better if you sing out loud. You may even want to dance. I encourage you to do so. Music is wonderful and good and great. So send that stuff through your ears!
Lastly, remember that there is at (the very) least one person on this earth who is cheering and rooting for you and who is so proud that you are where you are, be it your parents, one parent, your God, a sibling, a grandparent, yourself, a best friend, a sweetheart. There is always someone out there cheering for you. So take courage, dear heart!
My fellow students. Rock socks.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Unique Beliefs
There are a couple points of Mormon religion that many people have questioned me about or that are not clear to others. I would like to highlight some of the unique things about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (abbreviated as LDS or Mormons) and why I support or believe in those things.
1. Jesus Christ
We are Christians. Jesus Christ is the keystone to our religion. We believe that he came to earth and died for man, and we believe that he was resurrected and that he will come again in these latter days.
2. Joseph Smith
Many people think that we worship Joseph Smith. This is not so. Joseph Smith was only a man, but he was the instrument of God to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. He was directed by the Lord in what he should do, and through the power of God translated ancient records into the book known today as the Book of Mormon. We do not worship Joseph Smith; He does, however, play an important role in LDS history, as he did restore this gospel to the earth and was the first prophet of God in this dispensation.
3. Modern Revelation
We believe in the continuing revelations of God. God talked with and through his prophets in Bible times and He continues to do so today. We have a prophet at the head of our church who receives direction and instruction for the population of the church. We also believe that each man, woman, and child are entitled to receive personal revelation for themselves.
I know this to be true as I have seen instructions and prophecies from modern prophets come to pass. I have also received personal revelation on matters, both large and small, in my life. I cannot deny that my Father in Heaven talks to me and is aware of me.
4. Additional books
We use the Bible in our studies, but we also have the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ; as well as The Pearl of Great Price and The Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Mormon is the book that resulted from the translation of ancient records done by Joseph Smith. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of inspired translations and gets its name from one of Christ's parables about a man who is seeking goodly pearls, and when he finds one he sells all that he has to obtain it. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations received by modern prophets. All 4 books are used in teaching gospel principles.
5.The Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom is a principle that provides guidelines for health. Most commonly known is no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or coffee. However, this is not all that is included in the Word of Wisdom. Other guidelines include eating fruits and grains and other such dietary instruction. We are promised that if we follow these guidelines, we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them." Doctrine and Covenants Section 89. So if we follow the Word of Wisdom, we receive the promises given above. And if we do not follow it, we do not receive the blessings.
Many people think that these"no alcohol, no cigarettes," etc, are constrictive. Perhaps, but I do not have to worry about the expense for paying for either of these things, or about becoming addicted to things that can be so destructive. I do not follow these principles blindly; I have tried and tested them and found them to be true. It is faith and personal experience that influences these choices; not blind following.
6. Lay clergy
Our clergy are not compensated for the time that they spend in church related service, and they voluntarily give of their time and efforts. Bishops, for example, fulfill their church calling in addition to their chosen occupation.
As I have been led and taught by these people, I have become convinced that many of them would not perform the duties that they were asked to do if they did not believe in the truthfulness of what they have been taught and what they teach. If it were not true, why would they do it? For they do not receive any sort of monetary compensation.
7. Tithing
Tithing, in the LDS church, is paying 10% of the money that one earns to the church. This helps finance the various programs and needs of the Church at large. Tithing helps pay for church buildings, temples, church education programs, and missionary work, to name a few things. In Malachi 3:10 it states "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now, herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." If one does not pay tithing, one forgoes the outpouring of the Lord's blessings. All members are encouraged to pay a full tithe. It is, however, a personal choice. I emphasize this as many people think that members of the church are forced to pay tithing.
I know that the principle of tithing is true and good because of the example of my parents. They have always paid tithing without question, and the financial needs of our family have always been met. We have never been left wanting. I expect this belief to be confirmed again and again in my own future as I begin to build my own family.
8. Temple
Temples are literally "houses of the Lord" and are buildings where worthy members can enter and perform important ordinances for both the living and the dead. We believe in life after death, and in the temples we perform ordinances by proxy that allow those who have passed on to partake of the covenants that they were not able to in life. This allows them to continue forward in their eternal progression.
There are objections from some people about the selectivity of who is let into the temple. As mentioned before, we believe temples to be literal houses of the Lord. In Doctrine and Covenants 97:15 it states, "And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it (the house) be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it." Thus, those who are striving to be righteous and obedient to the commandments of God are those who can enter into His house.
9. Family and Little Children
We believe that families are eternal. One ordinance in the temple is called a "sealing"; this means that a family can be sealed together as a family for all eternity as long as they are true to the covenants they make with the Lord.
In regards to little children who die before they are baptized (baptism is performed at age 8 in the LDS church) we believe that they go straight back to their Heavenly Father. "We believe that man must be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" (Article of Faith #2). Children are born pure and clean, and remain as such until the age of accountability (8 yrs) when they understand the difference between wrong and right and must accept the consequences of their choices.
I love my family and wish to be with them even after I die. I want to be with my sweet husband after this life, and this doctrine provides a means to do it. A principle that brings such joy cannot be evil. Anyone who wishes can partake of these blessings.
As far as small children who pass on before their time, I know that our Heavenly Father loves little children and welcomes them home to him. They are not in a horrible place; they are with their Father in Heaven. And I know that parents who lose their children will have the opportunity to raise them to adulthood. What comfort.
10. The last thing I would like to address is a question that a friend asked me that puzzled me for quite awhile. Here is the answer to that question.
Why is an organized church necessary?
"At a worldwide seminar for mission presidents held in 1961, Elder Harold B. Lee addressed this very question: "Why be concerned about organization? Why not adopt the attitude of the Universal Church, as they call themselves, where they have no faith, no creed, no organization, no buildings?" He then proceeded to answer his own question, "We organize to do the Lord's work better and easier by sharing the work load, by delegating responsibility. . . We must organize to grow. Through organization, direction is given." What is the Lord's work of which Elder Lee spoke? The Savior Himself declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Hence, it is intended that participation in the organized Church and its quorums and auxiliaries will assist in bringing about a person's exaltation."
I hope this has been informative. I would like to note that I have not mentioned all of the doctrine and principles of the LDS church. I have chosen a few specific principles that have been called into question the most frequently in my experience. Mormon.org is a great place to go if you have any questions. :)
1. Jesus Christ
We are Christians. Jesus Christ is the keystone to our religion. We believe that he came to earth and died for man, and we believe that he was resurrected and that he will come again in these latter days.
2. Joseph Smith
Many people think that we worship Joseph Smith. This is not so. Joseph Smith was only a man, but he was the instrument of God to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. He was directed by the Lord in what he should do, and through the power of God translated ancient records into the book known today as the Book of Mormon. We do not worship Joseph Smith; He does, however, play an important role in LDS history, as he did restore this gospel to the earth and was the first prophet of God in this dispensation.
3. Modern Revelation
We believe in the continuing revelations of God. God talked with and through his prophets in Bible times and He continues to do so today. We have a prophet at the head of our church who receives direction and instruction for the population of the church. We also believe that each man, woman, and child are entitled to receive personal revelation for themselves.
I know this to be true as I have seen instructions and prophecies from modern prophets come to pass. I have also received personal revelation on matters, both large and small, in my life. I cannot deny that my Father in Heaven talks to me and is aware of me.
4. Additional books
We use the Bible in our studies, but we also have the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ; as well as The Pearl of Great Price and The Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Mormon is the book that resulted from the translation of ancient records done by Joseph Smith. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of inspired translations and gets its name from one of Christ's parables about a man who is seeking goodly pearls, and when he finds one he sells all that he has to obtain it. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations received by modern prophets. All 4 books are used in teaching gospel principles.
5.The Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom is a principle that provides guidelines for health. Most commonly known is no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or coffee. However, this is not all that is included in the Word of Wisdom. Other guidelines include eating fruits and grains and other such dietary instruction. We are promised that if we follow these guidelines, we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them." Doctrine and Covenants Section 89. So if we follow the Word of Wisdom, we receive the promises given above. And if we do not follow it, we do not receive the blessings.
Many people think that these"no alcohol, no cigarettes," etc, are constrictive. Perhaps, but I do not have to worry about the expense for paying for either of these things, or about becoming addicted to things that can be so destructive. I do not follow these principles blindly; I have tried and tested them and found them to be true. It is faith and personal experience that influences these choices; not blind following.
6. Lay clergy
Our clergy are not compensated for the time that they spend in church related service, and they voluntarily give of their time and efforts. Bishops, for example, fulfill their church calling in addition to their chosen occupation.
As I have been led and taught by these people, I have become convinced that many of them would not perform the duties that they were asked to do if they did not believe in the truthfulness of what they have been taught and what they teach. If it were not true, why would they do it? For they do not receive any sort of monetary compensation.
7. Tithing
Tithing, in the LDS church, is paying 10% of the money that one earns to the church. This helps finance the various programs and needs of the Church at large. Tithing helps pay for church buildings, temples, church education programs, and missionary work, to name a few things. In Malachi 3:10 it states "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now, herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." If one does not pay tithing, one forgoes the outpouring of the Lord's blessings. All members are encouraged to pay a full tithe. It is, however, a personal choice. I emphasize this as many people think that members of the church are forced to pay tithing.
I know that the principle of tithing is true and good because of the example of my parents. They have always paid tithing without question, and the financial needs of our family have always been met. We have never been left wanting. I expect this belief to be confirmed again and again in my own future as I begin to build my own family.
8. Temple
Temples are literally "houses of the Lord" and are buildings where worthy members can enter and perform important ordinances for both the living and the dead. We believe in life after death, and in the temples we perform ordinances by proxy that allow those who have passed on to partake of the covenants that they were not able to in life. This allows them to continue forward in their eternal progression.
There are objections from some people about the selectivity of who is let into the temple. As mentioned before, we believe temples to be literal houses of the Lord. In Doctrine and Covenants 97:15 it states, "And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it (the house) be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it." Thus, those who are striving to be righteous and obedient to the commandments of God are those who can enter into His house.
9. Family and Little Children
We believe that families are eternal. One ordinance in the temple is called a "sealing"; this means that a family can be sealed together as a family for all eternity as long as they are true to the covenants they make with the Lord.
In regards to little children who die before they are baptized (baptism is performed at age 8 in the LDS church) we believe that they go straight back to their Heavenly Father. "We believe that man must be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" (Article of Faith #2). Children are born pure and clean, and remain as such until the age of accountability (8 yrs) when they understand the difference between wrong and right and must accept the consequences of their choices.
I love my family and wish to be with them even after I die. I want to be with my sweet husband after this life, and this doctrine provides a means to do it. A principle that brings such joy cannot be evil. Anyone who wishes can partake of these blessings.
As far as small children who pass on before their time, I know that our Heavenly Father loves little children and welcomes them home to him. They are not in a horrible place; they are with their Father in Heaven. And I know that parents who lose their children will have the opportunity to raise them to adulthood. What comfort.
10. The last thing I would like to address is a question that a friend asked me that puzzled me for quite awhile. Here is the answer to that question.
Why is an organized church necessary?
"At a worldwide seminar for mission presidents held in 1961, Elder Harold B. Lee addressed this very question: "Why be concerned about organization? Why not adopt the attitude of the Universal Church, as they call themselves, where they have no faith, no creed, no organization, no buildings?" He then proceeded to answer his own question, "We organize to do the Lord's work better and easier by sharing the work load, by delegating responsibility. . . We must organize to grow. Through organization, direction is given." What is the Lord's work of which Elder Lee spoke? The Savior Himself declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Hence, it is intended that participation in the organized Church and its quorums and auxiliaries will assist in bringing about a person's exaltation."
I hope this has been informative. I would like to note that I have not mentioned all of the doctrine and principles of the LDS church. I have chosen a few specific principles that have been called into question the most frequently in my experience. Mormon.org is a great place to go if you have any questions. :)
God bless you and have a wonderful day!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
God and such.
It seems appropriate, at the end of general conference, to share some thoughts. I would like to share an essay I wrote my freshman year of college, as I feel it captures what I want to say now.
I believe in God.
One might think that this is a sort of an obvious belief, especially since I live in Utah, which has very a high percent of religious people. However, I feel that this particular belief is growing more and more important as time progresses and our world continues to evolve, in what I think of as a somewhat unfortunate and degrading direction. Sex has become commonplace and free of responsibility. People are surprised when someone is honorable or has integrity. TV is barely watchable anymore, as all of the shows glorify violence, and guess what else? Sex. Yup. People lock their doors at night, don’t go out alone by themselves in big cities, and think getting wasted is a good time. Family is not a focus of society anymore. Marriage is “optional”. Bad things happen to good people. In my own generation I have noticed a marked lack of respect for people, in general, but especially to teachers and older people. Our nation is going bankrupt, the divorce rate is over 50%. Our nation is arguing about whether to keep the reference to God in our pledge of allegiance. Different parts of the world are engaged in war and genocides. Hm. Well, heck.
With a world like this, why do I still believe in God? Especially since it looks like nothing is going to get better anytime soon.
I’ll tell you why.
Because there are still good and honorable people. Because there are sunsets, and sunrises, and stars. Because my family is still whole. Because a man and a woman can create a new, perfect little human being. There is no way that a little amoeba evolved into two so entirely different beings of the same species that can recreate as perfectly as humans can. Because of patriotism, and the people who fight and really believe in what America has to offer. Because of places like the Grand Canyon or the rocky mountains. Because I have the ability to think, and to feel. Joy is not an emotion generated by a mortal. I believe in God because of the way that plants work, because of the way bodies work and how animals work, and how the earth can take care of itself, if we could let it alone. Because there is music in the world. I believe in God because people still love each other.
My list goes on and on. But because I believe in God, I am motivated to act as I think he would, to find others who need help, to stand and defend those morals that are beginning to be disregarded. I believe that God gives me my strength; I believe he loves me. I believe in God.
I testify that there is a Heavenly Father who loves you and who loves me, and who cares very much about our choices and the things we do. I feel the influence of the Holy Spirit every day in my life. I feel joy every day just to be alive, because of the beautiful blessing that is and the experiences I will get to experience every new day.
I am beautiful and my Heavenly Father loves me, and I love him back.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Long time no write!
Ollo. (If you can name what movie that's from you get points).
No particular topic today. Let me tell you about my life, shall I?
I'm still at BYU doing lots of homework and coming home to a husband who also has a lot of homework, haha. We do homework together. It's fun. We're also in the LAST PART OF THE SEMESTER. (Not that I'm excited or anything). We don't get spring break, but I've noticed that I'm not as inclined to have a mental breakdown about it this year as I was last year and the year before. Maybe it's cu'z I'm married. :)
In other news, I am not pregnant, and Alan and I are heading to Alaska for the summer! We're going to work for my grandparents and drive boats and chop wood and hike mountains and make fires and fix and build things. SO EXCITED. :) (Except for the part where finals come first. It'd be nice to just fast forward over that week). But, can't have the sweet without the bitter, I guess.
Life is good. Just kinda busy. But! The sun has started to come out, which makes life better always (Alan calls me a plant because I like the sun so). If you're depressed, go to the park and lie there and cloud watch. It will make your day better, I promise you.
No particular topic today. Let me tell you about my life, shall I?
I'm still at BYU doing lots of homework and coming home to a husband who also has a lot of homework, haha. We do homework together. It's fun. We're also in the LAST PART OF THE SEMESTER. (Not that I'm excited or anything). We don't get spring break, but I've noticed that I'm not as inclined to have a mental breakdown about it this year as I was last year and the year before. Maybe it's cu'z I'm married. :)
In other news, I am not pregnant, and Alan and I are heading to Alaska for the summer! We're going to work for my grandparents and drive boats and chop wood and hike mountains and make fires and fix and build things. SO EXCITED. :) (Except for the part where finals come first. It'd be nice to just fast forward over that week). But, can't have the sweet without the bitter, I guess.
Life is good. Just kinda busy. But! The sun has started to come out, which makes life better always (Alan calls me a plant because I like the sun so). If you're depressed, go to the park and lie there and cloud watch. It will make your day better, I promise you.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
My major.
It is time to talk about my major. Normally I try not to write about things personal to me, as I don't feel the general public is terribly interested in that, but this is important to me so I'm gonna write about it.
To begin. My original plan was to major in music education. (a 5 year degree that contains the most credits at BYU). Several things happened over the course of that first school year to change my mind. Consequently, instead of music education, I am majoring in family sciences.
Family Sciences, you say? Yes. For those of you who don't know, this is the "MRS" degree of BYU. It's generally thought to be one of the easier majors, and therefore made fun/looked down on. I'm going to tell you why I don't agree with this anymore, as I used to be someone who made fun of this major (oh, the irony).
In Family Sciences, you learn about the dynamics of family life, how children develop, the relation between God's plan and the family, and useful things for a parent to know (ie financial planning, sewing, cooking, etc). Perhaps it sounds cushy, but having been introduced to some of these classes I find that they require a lot of work. Which makes sense.
The other week, I told someone (who happens to be a physicist) that I was majoring in family sciences. The look of "why are you taking That major?" crossed his face, and he asked," Why don't you do statistics, or something?" Well, first off, I'm terrible at math. Second off, how will statistics help my family? My children will be much better off if they can eat well and not be destitute because of poor planning; in addition to which they will learn to cook, plan for and take care of themselves. Perhaps statistics would be a good career, but I plan on being a mother. It makes sense to me to gain the skills I need to competently care for and teach a family. That is a job that I would like to do full time, given the opportunity.
In short, I'm majoring in Family Science because I have a testimony of the importance of families. Just because I'm not in engineering or music education or something else like that doesn't mean I'm not smart or not hardworking. I'm both, and I know that.
This mindset took a long time to acquire. I was worried of being laughed at or scorned because of my major choice, or that I really was undermining my potential in choosing this route. This is false. I believe I will meet/develop my potential as a woman and mother, and seeing as that's one of my main goals in life, it seems appropriate, don't you think?
To begin. My original plan was to major in music education. (a 5 year degree that contains the most credits at BYU). Several things happened over the course of that first school year to change my mind. Consequently, instead of music education, I am majoring in family sciences.
Family Sciences, you say? Yes. For those of you who don't know, this is the "MRS" degree of BYU. It's generally thought to be one of the easier majors, and therefore made fun/looked down on. I'm going to tell you why I don't agree with this anymore, as I used to be someone who made fun of this major (oh, the irony).
In Family Sciences, you learn about the dynamics of family life, how children develop, the relation between God's plan and the family, and useful things for a parent to know (ie financial planning, sewing, cooking, etc). Perhaps it sounds cushy, but having been introduced to some of these classes I find that they require a lot of work. Which makes sense.
The other week, I told someone (who happens to be a physicist) that I was majoring in family sciences. The look of "why are you taking That major?" crossed his face, and he asked," Why don't you do statistics, or something?" Well, first off, I'm terrible at math. Second off, how will statistics help my family? My children will be much better off if they can eat well and not be destitute because of poor planning; in addition to which they will learn to cook, plan for and take care of themselves. Perhaps statistics would be a good career, but I plan on being a mother. It makes sense to me to gain the skills I need to competently care for and teach a family. That is a job that I would like to do full time, given the opportunity.
In short, I'm majoring in Family Science because I have a testimony of the importance of families. Just because I'm not in engineering or music education or something else like that doesn't mean I'm not smart or not hardworking. I'm both, and I know that.
This mindset took a long time to acquire. I was worried of being laughed at or scorned because of my major choice, or that I really was undermining my potential in choosing this route. This is false. I believe I will meet/develop my potential as a woman and mother, and seeing as that's one of my main goals in life, it seems appropriate, don't you think?
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