Sometimes when I consider the assortment of challenges (or problems) I have in my life, then look at the problems I know others have, I can appreciate my own basketful a lot more. Friends and family have problems I would not have to deal with.
Perhaps it's because mine are familiar, almost friends now that I feel this way, but I rather suspect it's because I have the ones I need to help me grow. I have the ones I have as opposed to others because I can deal with them. I have or can acquire the strength and resources for successfully rising above my problems and being a better person as a result.
I finished reading a set of scriptures last night, I read every night at least a chapter. Now I need to decide if I should read through them again or perhaps do a topical study of the words of God through His prophets and other inspired writers. However I do it will be beneficial. I feel closer though God when I read scripture daily.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Monday, September 20, 2004
Discipleship
What does it mean to be a disciple?
A disciple is not just one who follows, but one who studies and learns. A disciple is one who seeks to become like the Master he or she follows. This is much more than lip service to a canon of beliefs or a simple expression of 'I believe'. It means striving every day to become more and more like the one you follow, in this instance Jesus Christ. It means loving the unloveable, even when its yourself. It means banishing anger for real or imagined offenses, for the little things and the big things. It means freely forgiving others regardless of whether they as for forgiveness or not.
Disciples of Christ have been commanded to become perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. It is not a goal that can be attained completely in this life, but we can be working towards it every day of our lives. We can forget the person who cuts us off in traffic. We can be tolerant of the irritating boss. We can treat our family as we would the Savior if He were in our home. Every thing we do to draw nearer to Christ narrows the distance between us.
Today I will be more like Christ by praying to the Lord in the Savior's name. I will read the scripures that teach and testify of Him. I will be kind to those I meet.
Every day, a statement of what I will do to be a disciple of Christ. Every day, a step forward on that path.
A disciple is not just one who follows, but one who studies and learns. A disciple is one who seeks to become like the Master he or she follows. This is much more than lip service to a canon of beliefs or a simple expression of 'I believe'. It means striving every day to become more and more like the one you follow, in this instance Jesus Christ. It means loving the unloveable, even when its yourself. It means banishing anger for real or imagined offenses, for the little things and the big things. It means freely forgiving others regardless of whether they as for forgiveness or not.
Disciples of Christ have been commanded to become perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. It is not a goal that can be attained completely in this life, but we can be working towards it every day of our lives. We can forget the person who cuts us off in traffic. We can be tolerant of the irritating boss. We can treat our family as we would the Savior if He were in our home. Every thing we do to draw nearer to Christ narrows the distance between us.
Today I will be more like Christ by praying to the Lord in the Savior's name. I will read the scripures that teach and testify of Him. I will be kind to those I meet.
Every day, a statement of what I will do to be a disciple of Christ. Every day, a step forward on that path.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
'Me-ishness' and anger
If one wants to become a true disciple of Christ, ther is no room for 'me-ishness' or selfishness in our lives.
For a disciple of Christ there is never a time when anger is justified. This statement was made in our local church conference tonight. I know of a lot of times when I have felt anger, been angry. Many of them are easily identified as inappropriate. Others are much harder to overcome; the anger one feels towards one who harms a child, the anger over senseless slaughter, the anger when the wicked destroy the lives of those who have done no harm. How can we remove these feelings of anger as well?
I believe it is only through understanding the reality of the Atonement of Christ and the reality of His love for every human who has ever lived or will ever live. Each one of us, from the most saintly to the most depraved is beloved of Christ. Even those who abused him most violently when he was mortal received of this love. I find that my anger is much lessened if I can sincerely pray for a change of heart of the wicked, and a softening of my own heart as well.
As disciples can we do less? Can we expect to receive a fullness of what Christ wishes to give us if we do not give away our anger along with everything else that is not of Christ?
For a disciple of Christ there is never a time when anger is justified. This statement was made in our local church conference tonight. I know of a lot of times when I have felt anger, been angry. Many of them are easily identified as inappropriate. Others are much harder to overcome; the anger one feels towards one who harms a child, the anger over senseless slaughter, the anger when the wicked destroy the lives of those who have done no harm. How can we remove these feelings of anger as well?
I believe it is only through understanding the reality of the Atonement of Christ and the reality of His love for every human who has ever lived or will ever live. Each one of us, from the most saintly to the most depraved is beloved of Christ. Even those who abused him most violently when he was mortal received of this love. I find that my anger is much lessened if I can sincerely pray for a change of heart of the wicked, and a softening of my own heart as well.
As disciples can we do less? Can we expect to receive a fullness of what Christ wishes to give us if we do not give away our anger along with everything else that is not of Christ?
Friday, September 17, 2004
Singing the songs that children sing
Two of the songs the choir is singing for our church conference on Sunday are songs from the children's songbook. I guess I shouldn't be surprise at how often pure doctrine is conveyed in those songs. I've written the lyrics to one of them below.
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent His Son a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent His Son to walk with men on earth that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent His Son to die for us. And rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us?
What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like His Son.
Help others on their way.
What does He ask? Live like his son.
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent His Son a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent His Son to walk with men on earth that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent His Son to die for us. And rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us?
What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like His Son.
Help others on their way.
What does He ask? Live like his son.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Grieving
It's been over a year and a half since my mother died unexpectedly. I still miss her even though I hadn't lived close to her for many years, or talked to her regularly. Just knowing my parents were there made a big difference and now there is this gap.
Usually I do ok, but there are still times, like now, when I get teary-eyed. I think some of this has to do with not really having anyone to talk to about her. My husband is rarely around, and even though he probably loved my mother as much or more than his own, he isn't one to grieve publically.
My advice to anyone who loses a loved one, find someone to talk to and do it early on. If you postpone the grieving process, it pops out at you in unexpected moments even years later.
Usually I do ok, but there are still times, like now, when I get teary-eyed. I think some of this has to do with not really having anyone to talk to about her. My husband is rarely around, and even though he probably loved my mother as much or more than his own, he isn't one to grieve publically.
My advice to anyone who loses a loved one, find someone to talk to and do it early on. If you postpone the grieving process, it pops out at you in unexpected moments even years later.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Singing
I'm singing in a women's choir for our church's semi-annual stake conference. The sound of women's voices blending in hymn singing is a joyous thing. Song of prayer, of discipleship, of inspiration all serve to bring a feeling of peace and joy.
The conference is on Saturday and Sunday, we sing for the Sunday session. There are but four rehearsals, last Sunday, tonight, Thursday and Friday nights. When the time is short the focus seems greater, the desire to learn quickly and sing so the angels can sing with us is stronger.
I am thankful for the gift of music and the ability I have to sing.
The conference is on Saturday and Sunday, we sing for the Sunday session. There are but four rehearsals, last Sunday, tonight, Thursday and Friday nights. When the time is short the focus seems greater, the desire to learn quickly and sing so the angels can sing with us is stronger.
I am thankful for the gift of music and the ability I have to sing.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Things of the spirit
Things of the Spirit can only be learned by and through the Spirit. This is a hard idea for those not inclined to spirituality, but it makes a lot of sense.
Rarely would you find someone who could program a computer without first learning the language(s) to do so. You wouldn't find an astronomer or a physicist or a physician competent in their professions without having had the training in those fields.
Gifts of the Spirit, and miracles happen all around us, but so many of them are not recognized for what they are, and are either ignored, or treated with derision. Does prayer work? Absolutely. Do those who haven't taken the time to feel the spirit know that? Probably not. It's like putting on blinders and deliberately choosing never to take them off to see what is offered.
Try prayer. Try the word of God. Train your spiritual muscles.
Rarely would you find someone who could program a computer without first learning the language(s) to do so. You wouldn't find an astronomer or a physicist or a physician competent in their professions without having had the training in those fields.
Gifts of the Spirit, and miracles happen all around us, but so many of them are not recognized for what they are, and are either ignored, or treated with derision. Does prayer work? Absolutely. Do those who haven't taken the time to feel the spirit know that? Probably not. It's like putting on blinders and deliberately choosing never to take them off to see what is offered.
Try prayer. Try the word of God. Train your spiritual muscles.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Scouting.
I work with 11 year old scouts, their first year of scouting. It's a good time to work with them as they are still excited about scouting and learning and accomplishing new things. It's also their first experience (for most of them anyway) in taking leadership roles upon themselves. We try to enable the young men to run everything themselves, to plan meetings and campouts mostly by themselves. They are really amazing actually.
To those of you who sometimes think all teenagers are toublemakers and druggies and such, spend some time with the scouts. You'll see a whole new side of the teenager.
To those of you who sometimes think all teenagers are toublemakers and druggies and such, spend some time with the scouts. You'll see a whole new side of the teenager.
Friday, September 10, 2004
My MUD of choice
My MUD of choice, Evarayn, just underwent an upgrade and a move to a new server. I'm quite fond of the place. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the world of MUDding, most are text-based, interactive, online games where players log in, interact with the world and with each other in vary different and unique ways. Most MUDs are based on any of a number of basic codes and generic areas but Evarayn is unique code, written from scratch, and full of fun.
Feel free to join and play. It's free. evarayn.com port 23, and the website is http://www.evarayn.com/
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Greetings and salutations one and all.
I don't yet know what all this blog will become, initially it will be a place for me to post my thoughts on a variety of subjects, religion, politics, MUDs, friends, family and many more I'm sure.
As this is my first attempt at blogging, I hope for at least a small honeymoon period while I learn the ropes at it were. Patience is a virtue I am learning a lot about these days.
To start off, and end off, I'd like to pose a question. Are there moral imperatives beyond what human society, or individuals establish for themselves?
As this is my first attempt at blogging, I hope for at least a small honeymoon period while I learn the ropes at it were. Patience is a virtue I am learning a lot about these days.
To start off, and end off, I'd like to pose a question. Are there moral imperatives beyond what human society, or individuals establish for themselves?
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