BUT Dave gave a beautiful blessing, Charlie was a doll, my family were all really good sports about missing the blessing and we had a blast at the luncheon. So we'll go ahead and count the day a success!
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Blessing Day
We blessed Charlie on Sunday. It was certainly a day to remember. First, apparently I gave my entire extended family the wrong address for the church. (We moved buildings a few months ago and the church website must not have changed yet.) So everyone missed it. Then, Lily threw up all over a few minutes before we were supposed to be at the church so we were late and almost missed it too! And Lily spent the rest of the day throwing up.
BUT Dave gave a beautiful blessing, Charlie was a doll, my family were all really good sports about missing the blessing and we had a blast at the luncheon. So we'll go ahead and count the day a success!
BUT Dave gave a beautiful blessing, Charlie was a doll, my family were all really good sports about missing the blessing and we had a blast at the luncheon. So we'll go ahead and count the day a success!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday thoughts
At church today the Young Women and Young Men's presidents spoke. They both gave good talks. Some stuff the Young Men's president said made me think about judging others. I just wanted to jot down some thoughts. Hopefully it is somewhat coherent so y'all can understand what I'm trying to say! These are thoughts that started while living in Dallas.
The speaker started of with a small anecdote about a Mormon attending a Southern Baptist sabbath meeting. The Mormon felt an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance from the Baptist congregation. No judgments. Just love.
The first thought I had was that we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in 'absolute truth' and/or 'universal truth'. We believe things to be pretty cut and dry, right and wrong; it's been ingrained in us since birth. Which is why I think it can be somewhat easy for us to become judgmental of those we see who may not be living in accordance with that truth. I think that sometimes we let our perception of other's lives and choices interfere with just loving and accepting them.
The second thought I had was that I also don't think that our judging stops there. I also think that we have a tendency to inaccurately judge the level of perfection in ourselves. The speaker quoted a statistic that said that Utah has the highest level of depression in the country. (I do not know what study he found this in, nor do I know the level of accuracy but I believe the point still stands...Utahn's struggle with depression.) Why, when we have the happiness of belonging to God's church are we depressed? My own personal experiences and observations lead me to believe it is because we are too hard on ourselves. We know what we should be doing to be perfect. We also fail at being perfect everyday.
The first thought I had was that we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in 'absolute truth' and/or 'universal truth'. We believe things to be pretty cut and dry, right and wrong; it's been ingrained in us since birth. Which is why I think it can be somewhat easy for us to become judgmental of those we see who may not be living in accordance with that truth. I think that sometimes we let our perception of other's lives and choices interfere with just loving and accepting them.
The second thought I had was that I also don't think that our judging stops there. I also think that we have a tendency to inaccurately judge the level of perfection in ourselves. The speaker quoted a statistic that said that Utah has the highest level of depression in the country. (I do not know what study he found this in, nor do I know the level of accuracy but I believe the point still stands...Utahn's struggle with depression.) Why, when we have the happiness of belonging to God's church are we depressed? My own personal experiences and observations lead me to believe it is because we are too hard on ourselves. We know what we should be doing to be perfect. We also fail at being perfect everyday.
Anyway, I guess I just relate to the story. I moved from Mormon dominated Utah into 'Christian' Texas. I never once felt judged for being a Mormon. I felt love and acceptance from the friends I met there. I am grateful for their example of those most important qualities. And I hope I can extend those feelings of love and acceptance to everyone, including myself.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I miss President Hinckley
Don't get me wrong. This is no comment on the current prophet. I love President Monson. I know him to be the true and living prophet of the Lord. He speaks for God and guides the Church in love and righteousness.
I just miss President Hinckley's words of wisdom, smiling face, and waiving cane. Conference still doesn't quite feel the same without him!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Lily is Official
Yesterday was finally Lily's baby blessing...she is officially on the records of the church! Dave gave a beautiful blessing and Lily slept through the whole thing! I am so grateful for my little Lily and I am even more grateful for our Savior who has made it possible for my family to be together forever.
Karen had a sweet little dress that she fancied up by adding pearls, a sash, and a lace headband...it was BEAUTIFUL and Lily looked like an angel! Then we all went over to my mom's for yummy pot-luck dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't get very good pictures (I looked a total mess all day) but I'll post what I have.
Karen had a sweet little dress that she fancied up by adding pearls, a sash, and a lace headband...it was BEAUTIFUL and Lily looked like an angel! Then we all went over to my mom's for yummy pot-luck dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't get very good pictures (I looked a total mess all day) but I'll post what I have.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Family Gems
The LDS website has a section were you can get email subscriptions called 'Gems.' These Gems are basically quotes from church leaders on different topics. I subscribe to the Family Gems so twice a week I get an email with a quote specifically about families. I really liked today's...
"It's easy to know what to teach. The scriptures and our prophets are clear about what to teach our children. Nephi summarizes it in this verse, 'And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins' (2 Nephi 25:26).
"Knowing that we teach of Christ and His gospel, how do we do it? Begin by following the counsel of our prophets and making time in our homes for family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Have we heard that counsel so often that it seems too simple? Or are we so busy that adding one more thing feels too complex? I testify that even when our family worship seems less than effective, obedience alone invites the blessings of the Lord."
(Margaret S. Lifferth, "Behold Your Little Ones," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 74-75)
"It's easy to know what to teach. The scriptures and our prophets are clear about what to teach our children. Nephi summarizes it in this verse, 'And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins' (2 Nephi 25:26).
"Knowing that we teach of Christ and His gospel, how do we do it? Begin by following the counsel of our prophets and making time in our homes for family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Have we heard that counsel so often that it seems too simple? Or are we so busy that adding one more thing feels too complex? I testify that even when our family worship seems less than effective, obedience alone invites the blessings of the Lord."
(Margaret S. Lifferth, "Behold Your Little Ones," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 74-75)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A reluctant post about the FLDS
I had made the conscious decision that I didn't want to get involved or wrapped up at all with the FLDS stuff here in Texas. When I first saw the headlines all I could think was, "Oh no, not this polygamy stuff again! I don't want to have to deal with explaining that those people are NOT us!" So I decided I wanted to remain completely ignorant and wash my hands of the whole thing so that if anyone asked I could just say that I didn't know anything about those polygamist weirdos.
That is, until I talked to my mom earlier this week and she told me that more than 400 children had been taken from their homes and mothers! After having now spent a few days reading about the whole situation I feel a wide range of (often conflicting) emotions: shock, outrage, sympathy, repulsion. As it turns out, this isn't really even about polygamy. It's about constitutional rights.
But, instead of going on a rant about the whole situation I'll just direct you to a couple of people who have written posts that describe my own feelings probably better than I can. Jeff Lindsay and Connor Boyack.
That is, until I talked to my mom earlier this week and she told me that more than 400 children had been taken from their homes and mothers! After having now spent a few days reading about the whole situation I feel a wide range of (often conflicting) emotions: shock, outrage, sympathy, repulsion. As it turns out, this isn't really even about polygamy. It's about constitutional rights.
But, instead of going on a rant about the whole situation I'll just direct you to a couple of people who have written posts that describe my own feelings probably better than I can. Jeff Lindsay and Connor Boyack.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Me 'n Gladys
So I spent Sunday evening with my pal Gladys...Gladys Knight that is!
Gladys Knight and her Saints Unified Voices choir came to Dallas for the weekend to put on a few missionary firesides. Gladys's one requirement for these fireside/concerts is that everyone bring at least one non-member. They're supposed to be missionary firesides--she doesn't want these to turn into free concerts for all of us freeloading members! Since Dave is the ward mission leader he has been involved in the missionary effort for this concert for our ward, he did a great job, our ward had a great turnout.
I thought the evening was very fun! The choir is very diverse and they sang songs from many different cultures; Hawaiian, Latin, slave gospel songs, etc. And both she and her husband told their own conversion stories and testimonies. I especially found her husband's testimony uplifting. He has a great sense of humor and at the same time seems rock solid in his faith and testimony of the church. I'm grateful that they are willing to sacrifice their time and talents to be such wonderful missionaries!
Gladys Knight and her Saints Unified Voices choir came to Dallas for the weekend to put on a few missionary firesides. Gladys's one requirement for these fireside/concerts is that everyone bring at least one non-member. They're supposed to be missionary firesides--she doesn't want these to turn into free concerts for all of us freeloading members! Since Dave is the ward mission leader he has been involved in the missionary effort for this concert for our ward, he did a great job, our ward had a great turnout.
I thought the evening was very fun! The choir is very diverse and they sang songs from many different cultures; Hawaiian, Latin, slave gospel songs, etc. And both she and her husband told their own conversion stories and testimonies. I especially found her husband's testimony uplifting. He has a great sense of humor and at the same time seems rock solid in his faith and testimony of the church. I'm grateful that they are willing to sacrifice their time and talents to be such wonderful missionaries!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Another baby update...
I had another doctors appointment today. Mostly just the standard pee in a cup, stand on the scale (covering your eyes to avoid seeing how much you've gained), and cold goop on the belly to hear the racing heart beat.
But I also had to get my glucose tests today...never that fun to be stabbed with needles. Then next appointment I have to get the rH shot...more stabbing...because I have rH negative blood which is bad for Lily.
As I've said before, I've been having a hard time decyphering which movements are Lily's. I know I have felt her move for a couple of weeks now but I'm just never sure which movements are her as opposed to the nausea or the beans I ate for dinner.
So Lily decided to show off a little. Yesterday during Relief Society I had my arms across my belly and she kicked so hard it made my arms lift like an inch! Then today while I was listening to President Monson answer questions at the announcement broadcast she started kicking me like crazy! I think she's pleased with the new first presidency!
But I also had to get my glucose tests today...never that fun to be stabbed with needles. Then next appointment I have to get the rH shot...more stabbing...because I have rH negative blood which is bad for Lily.
As I've said before, I've been having a hard time decyphering which movements are Lily's. I know I have felt her move for a couple of weeks now but I'm just never sure which movements are her as opposed to the nausea or the beans I ate for dinner.
So Lily decided to show off a little. Yesterday during Relief Society I had my arms across my belly and she kicked so hard it made my arms lift like an inch! Then today while I was listening to President Monson answer questions at the announcement broadcast she started kicking me like crazy! I think she's pleased with the new first presidency!
Monday, January 28, 2008
My Beloved Prophet
As I'm sure we all know by now, President Gordon B. Hinckley died last night at about 7:00. While my heart is broken at the thought that he is no longer with us to guide and teach, my heart is also full of joy and happiness for him. I am so grateful that he has finally been able to be reunited with the love of his life, his eternal companion and that he can be with our Savior and enter into His rest.
The Prophet President Hinckley has always been one of the anchors of my testimony. I was blessed to be in his presence quite a few times. Being in the same room with a prophet of God and hearing and reading his words have done more to build my testimony of Chirst than any other one thing in my life. I love and miss him very much.
Monday, January 7, 2008
My I'm-going-to-be-a-mommy-in-a-few-months Resolutions
A few days ago Dave asked me if I was going to make any New Years Resolutions. Knowing how much Dave loves to make goals, I quickly informed him that I had no intention of making any but I'd love to hear about his.
Then yesterday at church during fast and testimony meeting I started thinking about the fact that I really am going to be a mother in a matter of only a few months. Motherhood has always been "what I wanted to do with my life" and now that it's almost upon me I'm starting to feel the crunch. Lily is going to depend on me for everything...nourishment, clean diapers, comfort, learning, emotional support, education (of all sorts especially spiritual)...I need to be the best me I can, she deserves that. With these sobering thoughts racing through my head I quickly starting making mental note of all the things I need to do to strive for the best me...and I resolve to do them.
1. Read at least one chapter in the Book of Mormon a day and record thoughts, feelings, impressions, etc in a scripture journal. I have been doing decently well with my reading over the last few months but I decided it's time to step it up a notch and move from reading the scriptures to studying and pondering the scriptures. Hopefully the journal will help with that.
2. Read at least one talk from the General Conference edition of the Ensign a day and also record thoughts in journal.
3. Contiune personal prayers morning and night. Make prayer more thoughtful and meaningful.
4. Magnify my church calling. I have been feeling a bit isolated in my new ward (for many reasons). I was hoping that my new calling would help with that. None of the girls my age are in the Relief Society. They all work in Primary or Young Women or Nusery or somewhere else! I desperately wanted a calling that would put me with some of the people my age so I could get to know them better and make some good friends. So of course I was called to be a Visiting Teaching Supervisor for the Relief Society. I was rather distraught. I cried all the way home from church! I received this calling right before we left for Christmas and I was so upset about it that I had no intention of ever making any effort to contact the head supervisor and see what I can and should be doing.
BUT I have had my change of heart. My first step to magnifying this calling is to contact the head supervisor by next Sunday and let her know I've been called and ask what I can do to help.
5. Read one book on a gospel topic a month. This month I'm looking for a good one about the temple.
6. Read one book of my choice a week until the baby is born. I love reading so much that I've never set a reading goal before but I have a big stack of books on my night stand that I really want to finish before Lily comes.
7. Exercise in our apartment gym at least 3 times a week. The first few months of my pregnancy have been pretty rough as far as my health is concerned but I'm expecting to start feeling well enough to get in some serious exercise.
8. Make Lily a dress. I bought a crochet book a few months ago that has a really cute little dress in it. So I'm not really the most crafty of women but I want to try!
9. Sign up for classes. My doctor gave me a list of all sorts of classes I can take to learn about the different birthing options, parenting and all that.
10. Take a trip with Dave. Dave and I realized that although we have been on lots of trips since we got married, we have never done one just by ourselves. So, we're going to take one before Lily comes.
11. Play my violin at least 1 time a week. (For now...hopefully I can up the days!)
These are the goals I have off the top of my head. If I think of more I'll add them to this list.
*12. Spend quality time at the pool with Lily, Erin, and Eggroll this summer.
Then yesterday at church during fast and testimony meeting I started thinking about the fact that I really am going to be a mother in a matter of only a few months. Motherhood has always been "what I wanted to do with my life" and now that it's almost upon me I'm starting to feel the crunch. Lily is going to depend on me for everything...nourishment, clean diapers, comfort, learning, emotional support, education (of all sorts especially spiritual)...I need to be the best me I can, she deserves that. With these sobering thoughts racing through my head I quickly starting making mental note of all the things I need to do to strive for the best me...and I resolve to do them.
1. Read at least one chapter in the Book of Mormon a day and record thoughts, feelings, impressions, etc in a scripture journal. I have been doing decently well with my reading over the last few months but I decided it's time to step it up a notch and move from reading the scriptures to studying and pondering the scriptures. Hopefully the journal will help with that.
2. Read at least one talk from the General Conference edition of the Ensign a day and also record thoughts in journal.
3. Contiune personal prayers morning and night. Make prayer more thoughtful and meaningful.
4. Magnify my church calling. I have been feeling a bit isolated in my new ward (for many reasons). I was hoping that my new calling would help with that. None of the girls my age are in the Relief Society. They all work in Primary or Young Women or Nusery or somewhere else! I desperately wanted a calling that would put me with some of the people my age so I could get to know them better and make some good friends. So of course I was called to be a Visiting Teaching Supervisor for the Relief Society. I was rather distraught. I cried all the way home from church! I received this calling right before we left for Christmas and I was so upset about it that I had no intention of ever making any effort to contact the head supervisor and see what I can and should be doing.
BUT I have had my change of heart. My first step to magnifying this calling is to contact the head supervisor by next Sunday and let her know I've been called and ask what I can do to help.
5. Read one book on a gospel topic a month. This month I'm looking for a good one about the temple.
6. Read one book of my choice a week until the baby is born. I love reading so much that I've never set a reading goal before but I have a big stack of books on my night stand that I really want to finish before Lily comes.
7. Exercise in our apartment gym at least 3 times a week. The first few months of my pregnancy have been pretty rough as far as my health is concerned but I'm expecting to start feeling well enough to get in some serious exercise.
8. Make Lily a dress. I bought a crochet book a few months ago that has a really cute little dress in it. So I'm not really the most crafty of women but I want to try!
9. Sign up for classes. My doctor gave me a list of all sorts of classes I can take to learn about the different birthing options, parenting and all that.
10. Take a trip with Dave. Dave and I realized that although we have been on lots of trips since we got married, we have never done one just by ourselves. So, we're going to take one before Lily comes.
11. Play my violin at least 1 time a week. (For now...hopefully I can up the days!)
These are the goals I have off the top of my head. If I think of more I'll add them to this list.
*12. Spend quality time at the pool with Lily, Erin, and Eggroll this summer.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
November 17 and 18
I am thankful for...
1) the temple-even when things are hard, when I'm there I never doubt the truthfulness
2) when Dave is still nice to me when I feel a little 'off'
3) hot chocolate-the way Dave makes it
November 18
1) going to church even when 9:00 seems insanely early
2) having people over for dinner, I enjoy the company
3) Dave's comfy fleece sweats
1) the temple-even when things are hard, when I'm there I never doubt the truthfulness
2) when Dave is still nice to me when I feel a little 'off'
3) hot chocolate-the way Dave makes it
November 18
1) going to church even when 9:00 seems insanely early
2) having people over for dinner, I enjoy the company
3) Dave's comfy fleece sweats
I love to see the temple...
I've had this post for a long time but forgot to post it...oops!
I went there today! Dave and I went to the Dallas temple for the first time last Saturday. It really is a beautiful temple. We went as part of a family and friends temple day for our cousin Emily who has gone through some unthinkable things over the last year or two. It gives a whole different meaning to temple attendance when you go with a purpose and as part of a purpose. I felt such an emphasis on the eternal perspective and nature of the gospel, the temple, and the family.
I went there today! Dave and I went to the Dallas temple for the first time last Saturday. It really is a beautiful temple. We went as part of a family and friends temple day for our cousin Emily who has gone through some unthinkable things over the last year or two. It gives a whole different meaning to temple attendance when you go with a purpose and as part of a purpose. I felt such an emphasis on the eternal perspective and nature of the gospel, the temple, and the family.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Clean Hands AND Pure Heart
Today in Sunday School (we go to Gospel Principles now that Dave is the Ward Mission Leader) we were talking about tithing and why it is so important that we pay our tithes happily and with a willing heart.
In this last General Conference, Elder Bednar spoke about having 'clean hands and a pure heart.' I think this is the answer to why we must give our tithes happily and willingly. And of course the idea that we are required to not only have 'clean hands' (righteous actions such as paying our tithing and forgiveness of sins) but also 'pure hearts' (the changing of our very nature and motives) applies to more than just tithing. It is in every aspect of our lives, it's the very point of our mortal lives. We are not here on this earth to just 'do the right thing' that was Satan's plan. We are here to better ourselves, to "change our very natures" and to fix our wills to the Lord's so that our souls become worthy to live in His presence. The essence of God's plan for us is that we must use this life to strive for BOTH clean hands AND pure hearts.
In this last General Conference, Elder Bednar spoke about having 'clean hands and a pure heart.' I think this is the answer to why we must give our tithes happily and willingly. And of course the idea that we are required to not only have 'clean hands' (righteous actions such as paying our tithing and forgiveness of sins) but also 'pure hearts' (the changing of our very nature and motives) applies to more than just tithing. It is in every aspect of our lives, it's the very point of our mortal lives. We are not here on this earth to just 'do the right thing' that was Satan's plan. We are here to better ourselves, to "change our very natures" and to fix our wills to the Lord's so that our souls become worthy to live in His presence. The essence of God's plan for us is that we must use this life to strive for BOTH clean hands AND pure hearts.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
My first trip back to Utah
So Dave and I got to go home to Utah last weekend. I have to admit it was WAY harder than I thought it would be. I wasn't so sure I'd be able to leave!
It was kind of a crazy busy weekend. Our initial reason for heading to Utah was Jody's wedding on Saturday. But then we found out that another friend (Casey) was having a reception the same day. We weren't able to make it to Casey's reception...Jody's festivities took most of the day.
On the previous Wednesday my Grandma Stout passed away, somewhat unexpectedly. Her funeral was the following Monday so I was fortunate enough to already be in Utah. As hard and emotional as the passing of loved ones always is, I am greatful for the peace and perspective the gospel brings. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that she is with loved ones and that we'll get to be with her again.
There's nothing like attending weddings and funerals in the same weekend that gets you thinking about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
It was kind of a crazy busy weekend. Our initial reason for heading to Utah was Jody's wedding on Saturday. But then we found out that another friend (Casey) was having a reception the same day. We weren't able to make it to Casey's reception...Jody's festivities took most of the day.
On the previous Wednesday my Grandma Stout passed away, somewhat unexpectedly. Her funeral was the following Monday so I was fortunate enough to already be in Utah. As hard and emotional as the passing of loved ones always is, I am greatful for the peace and perspective the gospel brings. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that she is with loved ones and that we'll get to be with her again.
There's nothing like attending weddings and funerals in the same weekend that gets you thinking about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Traffic Laws and Integrity
It's been a little difficult to think of something to write about church yesterday. Not because it was particularly boring or un-spiritual but because I was pretty darn sick. I don't remember much except having to introduce myself a million times (as it was our first time in this ward) and trying desperately to not cough all over everyone I met.
But through the daze I do recall the topic of Relief Society: Integrity. There is so much to be said about integrity. And I'm sure they did say alot but it seemed like there was a disproportional amount of time and energy spent on the importance of obeying traffic laws for the sake of our integrity. It was as if that was the teacher's main point on integrity. One woman even went so far as to say that if we go even 1 mile over the speed limit the spirit completely withdraws from us but if we stay within the speed limit bad things will never happen to us while we are driving. (No exaggeration, she really said that and more!) While I have no intention of arguing about the importance of obeying traffic laws, I just kept thinking, is this really the best we can come up with on the subject of integrity?
So as I was thinking about the lesson a little deeper (especially now that my cold meds have kicked in) I think my own take-away from that lesson-after pushing past the importance of obeying traffic laws-was that ultimately our integrity is about our intentions and is between us and the Lord...Along the lines of the old saying "integrity is what you do when no one is looking." I think it especially has to do with two main aspects of our lives: the intent of our hearts and our efforts. And that is where this lesson really hits home for me.
I am definitely not saying that our integrity is not dependent on our dealings with those around us, because of course it is. What I am saying is that if we make sure that we are square with the Lord, first and foremost, we can count ourselves as full of integrity. It's less about making sure that I am going exactly 25 mph in a residential area and more about making sure that my heart is honest in all my dealings. Because I believe that our actions are a direct result of our thoughts and feelings. I guess my point is, if my heart and efforts are in the right place and still my actions fall short (hey, I'm only human) I feel like I can still count myself as one having integrity.
All in all, as I mull all this around in my groggy little brain, I am left with greater resolve and inspiration to keep my intentions pure and act with more integrity in all aspects of my life. And therefore I count yesterday's Relief Society lesson as a success.
Monday, June 25, 2007
My Deep Dark Secret...the Greater greater sin.
In Relief Society a few Sundays ago the lesson was Forgiving Others with All Our Hearts from the Spencer W. Kimball manual. We talked quite a bit about the statement found in D&C 64:9 that says "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin." And from that we discussed how people often don't realize that they have offended us so when we don't forgive them it only hurts US.
But that got me to thinking, if it only hurts us then why exactly does that make it the 'greater sin'? I think the main interpretation of 'greater sin' is that no matter what anyone else has done to you, your sin is worse if you don't forgive them for it. But I had a thought about what I consider the 'greater greater sin' in my life. It has always been super easy for me to forgive and forget...until I got married! Things that used to roll off my back now get right under my skin and there are times (much more than I'd like) that I find it hard to forgive and forget. Here's where my deep dark secret comes in, a secret that I'm extremely embarrassed to admit. I have come to realize that sometimes I get so annoyed that I don't want to forgive because I want to use my forgiveness as some kind of leverage.
This is a completely new and foreign urge for me and now that I have recognized it in myself it troubles me quite a bit. To me this is my 'greater greater sin'. If I don't forgive someone who doesn't know that they have hurt me I am only hurting myself and committing the 'greater sin' by harboring bad feelings. But if I refuse to forgive someone who IS seeking forgiveness...well, that's just cruel and in my book that's the GREATER greater sin.
But that got me to thinking, if it only hurts us then why exactly does that make it the 'greater sin'? I think the main interpretation of 'greater sin' is that no matter what anyone else has done to you, your sin is worse if you don't forgive them for it. But I had a thought about what I consider the 'greater greater sin' in my life. It has always been super easy for me to forgive and forget...until I got married! Things that used to roll off my back now get right under my skin and there are times (much more than I'd like) that I find it hard to forgive and forget. Here's where my deep dark secret comes in, a secret that I'm extremely embarrassed to admit. I have come to realize that sometimes I get so annoyed that I don't want to forgive because I want to use my forgiveness as some kind of leverage.
This is a completely new and foreign urge for me and now that I have recognized it in myself it troubles me quite a bit. To me this is my 'greater greater sin'. If I don't forgive someone who doesn't know that they have hurt me I am only hurting myself and committing the 'greater sin' by harboring bad feelings. But if I refuse to forgive someone who IS seeking forgiveness...well, that's just cruel and in my book that's the GREATER greater sin.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
My Testimony-In French
As part of the 12 Ways to share the gospel on the internet I have written my testimony in French. Any French speakers, please excuse my rusty French!
Je ne parle pas le français très bien mais j'essaierai d'exprimer mes pensées de l'Eglise de Jésus Christ des Saints de Dernier-jour. La connaissance de l'évangile et mon Sauveur me donne la paix pendant les temps difficiles de vie. Je suis réconforté par l’amour de Jésus Christ. Je sais gré pour le prophète Gordon B. Hinckley. Je sais qu'il parle pour Dieu. Je sais que Joseph Smith a vu Dieu le père et le fils et par le pouvoir de Dieu il a traduit le Livre de Mormon. Je sais que l'Eglise est vraie.
Je ne parle pas le français très bien mais j'essaierai d'exprimer mes pensées de l'Eglise de Jésus Christ des Saints de Dernier-jour. La connaissance de l'évangile et mon Sauveur me donne la paix pendant les temps difficiles de vie. Je suis réconforté par l’amour de Jésus Christ. Je sais gré pour le prophète Gordon B. Hinckley. Je sais qu'il parle pour Dieu. Je sais que Joseph Smith a vu Dieu le père et le fils et par le pouvoir de Dieu il a traduit le Livre de Mormon. Je sais que l'Eglise est vraie.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
12 Ways to Share the Gospel on the Internet
The More Good Foundation (where I work) has recently created a list of 12 Ways to Share the Gospel on the Internet. The list was made to help give people ideas on what they can do to help with the online missionary effort. As a member of the Foundation I will be doing each of these 12 things myself. I'll be reporting about each item on the Foundation's blog but I will be doing some of the suggestions here. So keep an eye out for future posts and I encourage you to a few of the 12 Ways yourself!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Gambling
The Visiting Teaching message for this month is on Becoming an Instrument in the Hands of God by Caring for the Poor and Needy. While talking to my visiting teachers the other day we got into a semi-debate about the best way to give money to the poor. One of my visiting teachers said that she doesn't feel comfortable giving money to random people she doesn't know...random people on the street. You never know what they'll do with the money; drugs, alcohol, worse? She feels better about giving the money to the church. That way she knows that all of it will be used for good. While I definitely find the merit in that point of view I also think there is more to it.
Jeff Lindsay also recently commented in this topic. He believes in what he refers to as social gambling. "Some are going to waste it. Some are going to lose it. But for some, that gamble you took could turn into a jackpot that could make a huge difference for that day, that week, of even for a life -- the difference, perhaps, between hope and despair." Even if your money only helps a small fraction of those you give it to it would be worth it if it can make a real difference in that person's life.
Basically, when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how you choose to give. Just give.
Jeff Lindsay also recently commented in this topic. He believes in what he refers to as social gambling. "Some are going to waste it. Some are going to lose it. But for some, that gamble you took could turn into a jackpot that could make a huge difference for that day, that week, of even for a life -- the difference, perhaps, between hope and despair." Even if your money only helps a small fraction of those you give it to it would be worth it if it can make a real difference in that person's life.
Basically, when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how you choose to give. Just give.
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