I often enjoy finding scriptures in the Old and New Testaments that reflect my feelings on what we are taught in church. As I reflected further on this University of the Lord concept, I turned to the scriptures and found what I was looking for. Joseph had an Institute teacher that showed that 'mountain' was often a replacement for temple in the scriptures. Sometimes it is important to be able to distinguish between where the Lord is talking about a physical mountain vs a temple. Moses went into the mountains to seek the Lord and found him there, as did Aaron.
Isaiah 2:2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Later in Isaiah (Chp 65 v 9 & 11) "Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it...But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain" In 1993 in a conference address, Pres. Monson stated that when the Salt Lake City Temple was erected it was called, "The Mountain of the Lord's house."
2 Nephi 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand
Micah 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the claw shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A complete Priesthood
Mother's Day in church often brings about outstanding talks and examples of motherhood. This year, however, our meeting was filled slightly differently. The question posed was, "How does honoring your priesthood honor women?" Hmmm, it sparked my interest. Some of the points this particular speaker raised: 1. After the Lord created the woman, the world was complete. 2. To attain the highest level of paradise when we die, it takes a man and a woman. One cannot make it without the other. 3. Responsibilities of womanhood are so high in the scriptures - making their highest priority to enable God's children to return to him. I listened with interest.
When we read in Genesis and again in Moses, we have a full account of the creation of the world. The one in Moses does seem to give a few more details than the Genesis account - I think from re-translating several times over. I had always known the rough procession of things, though it had never really occurred to me, that the Lord was not done until he had given Adam a woman. Not because she was an after-thought, but because his work was not done and Adam's companionship not complete until he had a way to return to live with the Lord. We know the Lord gives no commandments unless he prepares a way for us to accomplish them, so why would this circumstance be any different?
I was speaking with my neighbor several weeks ago and had a discussion similar to this next point. I realized that this is something you only understand through personal study because our church doesn't REALLY teach it. We know there are three degrees of glory in heaven, or rather that based on what level of spiritual progression you have attained here is also what you will stay with on the other side. It makes sense when you consider the Prophets themselves have often said 'the longer they live, and more they study, the more they know less than they thought they knew'. So while I may strive to listen to the Spirit and choose good over evil, should I attain the same level of enlightenment on the other side as those Prophets? I shouldn't - I'm not ready to handle it, really. So what I learned through study is there are three degrees of heaven. And they are ALL good. It will be as heaven to each person as they are ready. Those with lesser light in their life have a degree that be-suits them, and with those that are more ready - a higher light. Also those spirits that just barely gained a body and returned to God were not contaminated here and therefore can have the highest glory. But as we progress toward heaven, we must have a complete priesthood and know all the keys to get there. You cannot know all of that information without having a man with you as a woman, or vice versa for a man. Men must be tempered by women and women strengthened by man. I'll try to readress this if it doesn't make sense, so let me know.
And finally, we learn that women are beloved of God and given the HIGHEST responsibility as caretakers of the home and children. There are several examples that show the mother is the responsible party in the household.
Genesis 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions..."
Genesis 27:13"And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them."
2 Kings 4:19 "And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother."
Alma 56:47-48 "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
I left the meeting with more appreciation in my heart for the responsibility of motherhood and women.
When we read in Genesis and again in Moses, we have a full account of the creation of the world. The one in Moses does seem to give a few more details than the Genesis account - I think from re-translating several times over. I had always known the rough procession of things, though it had never really occurred to me, that the Lord was not done until he had given Adam a woman. Not because she was an after-thought, but because his work was not done and Adam's companionship not complete until he had a way to return to live with the Lord. We know the Lord gives no commandments unless he prepares a way for us to accomplish them, so why would this circumstance be any different?
I was speaking with my neighbor several weeks ago and had a discussion similar to this next point. I realized that this is something you only understand through personal study because our church doesn't REALLY teach it. We know there are three degrees of glory in heaven, or rather that based on what level of spiritual progression you have attained here is also what you will stay with on the other side. It makes sense when you consider the Prophets themselves have often said 'the longer they live, and more they study, the more they know less than they thought they knew'. So while I may strive to listen to the Spirit and choose good over evil, should I attain the same level of enlightenment on the other side as those Prophets? I shouldn't - I'm not ready to handle it, really. So what I learned through study is there are three degrees of heaven. And they are ALL good. It will be as heaven to each person as they are ready. Those with lesser light in their life have a degree that be-suits them, and with those that are more ready - a higher light. Also those spirits that just barely gained a body and returned to God were not contaminated here and therefore can have the highest glory. But as we progress toward heaven, we must have a complete priesthood and know all the keys to get there. You cannot know all of that information without having a man with you as a woman, or vice versa for a man. Men must be tempered by women and women strengthened by man. I'll try to readress this if it doesn't make sense, so let me know.
And finally, we learn that women are beloved of God and given the HIGHEST responsibility as caretakers of the home and children. There are several examples that show the mother is the responsible party in the household.
Genesis 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions..."
Genesis 27:13"And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them."
2 Kings 4:19 "And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother."
Alma 56:47-48 "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
I left the meeting with more appreciation in my heart for the responsibility of motherhood and women.
The Lord's University
Grandpa always said we come to motel Earth to gain a body and be tested. What he never specified is where we get our instruction from. Sure, you can say it comes from the scriptures or church or just life lessons, but I heard from a reliable source, that those are more like elementary, middle, and high school. Good resources, but not really able to give you what you need to have. So that begs the question, where is the Lord's University? Good question. First let's examine the evidence: Moses had access to it, the 12 in Jesus' time had access to it, and we have access to it. Have you figured it out? Its the temple. The analogy is great. Not any old schmuck can get in, you have to be worthy or earned it. There is often one near your house, and you don't get dinged if you don't go, but when you do, you are amply rewarded. And most important and best of all, you can receive information and instruction there that you simply cannot receive anywhere else.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Your Light
I was reading a letter I received from a friend of mine who is serving a mission. It stuck me his remarkable words and testimony. He is tasked with a very, VERY challenging job and I love the way he is sticking to the Lord for aid. I'm going to share some of his letter here.
The Lord has taught me many times through the presence of His Spirit. I learn from notes I take and impressions I receive. This though came from a comparison by Justin Martyr nearly two thousand years ago, his explanation of the relationship between God and Christ, before the doctrine of the Trinity was established in Nicaea.
Each one of us carries a light within us, divinely given for the purpose of illuminating our part of the world. We are as billions of torches, casting light and shadow depending on the direction in which we move. When one torch begins to gutter and fade in a strong wind, a more powerful flame can be brought to it and rescue it, offering help without diminishing the stronger torch's light and heat. The Savior is the ultimate torch: His light is infinite, and illuminates all that we will permit. That said, sometimes we must too be torches, and rescue those around us who fall. We may enlighten and inspire those around us, help to bear their burdens, and generally help them, all without ever weakening ourselves. It requires that we let ourselves shine, and not bear ourselves down with unconfidence or sin. In the end, though, we may help many more than we can imagine, for the other torches that we light can then be used to rescue other guttering flames.
The Lord has taught me many times through the presence of His Spirit. I learn from notes I take and impressions I receive. This though came from a comparison by Justin Martyr nearly two thousand years ago, his explanation of the relationship between God and Christ, before the doctrine of the Trinity was established in Nicaea.
Each one of us carries a light within us, divinely given for the purpose of illuminating our part of the world. We are as billions of torches, casting light and shadow depending on the direction in which we move. When one torch begins to gutter and fade in a strong wind, a more powerful flame can be brought to it and rescue it, offering help without diminishing the stronger torch's light and heat. The Savior is the ultimate torch: His light is infinite, and illuminates all that we will permit. That said, sometimes we must too be torches, and rescue those around us who fall. We may enlighten and inspire those around us, help to bear their burdens, and generally help them, all without ever weakening ourselves. It requires that we let ourselves shine, and not bear ourselves down with unconfidence or sin. In the end, though, we may help many more than we can imagine, for the other torches that we light can then be used to rescue other guttering flames.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Achieving the Impossible
Place a cube of ice in a glass of water. It floats right? K, so now I have another glass. Looks like the same clear liquid. I'm going to add a cube of ice - should float, right? Wrong. It sinks.
It may look the same, but its not. We can look the same to other people, but what is inside and our final destination make the difference. It is impossible to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father and be perfect like him, unless we have something different inside us and use the atonement of Jesus everyday.
What would it mean to have it all? Be happy? Be safe? Be loved? Live with God? Yes, to all of it. "The secret to having it all, is knowing you already do.
We know from the scriptures, that the Lord does not expect us to "run faster than we have strength." And "King Benjamin indicated that “it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either." We just have to realize we already have the power of the atonement within our grasp but we have to reach out and use it.
Also, as we recommit to returning to live with him, we must remember that "by partaking worthily of the sacrament, the commitment we made with our Heavenly Father the moment we entered the waters of baptism and when we received each one of the ordinances of the restored gospel."
It is possible for us to be happy now and forever. We need to fill our glasses with the right substance to achieve the impossible.
It may look the same, but its not. We can look the same to other people, but what is inside and our final destination make the difference. It is impossible to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father and be perfect like him, unless we have something different inside us and use the atonement of Jesus everyday.
What would it mean to have it all? Be happy? Be safe? Be loved? Live with God? Yes, to all of it. "The secret to having it all, is knowing you already do.
We know from the scriptures, that the Lord does not expect us to "run faster than we have strength." And "King Benjamin indicated that “it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either." We just have to realize we already have the power of the atonement within our grasp but we have to reach out and use it.
Also, as we recommit to returning to live with him, we must remember that "by partaking worthily of the sacrament, the commitment we made with our Heavenly Father the moment we entered the waters of baptism and when we received each one of the ordinances of the restored gospel."
It is possible for us to be happy now and forever. We need to fill our glasses with the right substance to achieve the impossible.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Eve Rocks!
In preparation for our lesson today in relief society, I thought I'd learn about Adam and Eve. Being something that I was taught in the temple and is also something that most Christian religions believe, I thought it was kind of a simple lesson, but was really surprised at how well it turned out.
First we wrote out what we know about Adam and Eve. We came up with a few things, and then researched and participated in a discussion to tell me what I didn't know.
We knew: They were the first people on Earth. They had no opportunity for exaltation. They had no need for a Savior and had restricted choices. They were the first parents and Eve is the mother of all living. I found out Adam and Eve were not mortal and were married! (D&C 107:54-56)
We have a fairly descriptive account of the life of Adam and Eve in Moses 3 and 4. This part of scripture was shown to Moses in a vision. It doesn't change any of the facts recorded in the Old Testament, but it does provide clarity.
After Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. How did that change their lives?
1. They had to work for everything. Food, clothes, shelter, survival - everything.
2. They had a mortal body that was subject to illness, heat, cold, death, pain, health, and everything associated with mortality.
3. They now had to deal with sin and opposition.
4. Adam and Eve had the opportunity to experience joy, pain, and other emotions.
5. They now had a need for a Savior and repentance.
6. They had the opportunity for exaltation.
How many of those did you know? Me? Well, I guess I knew all of them, but some just hadn't occurred to me. Like the opportunity for exaltation. Of coarse if we're never tried we can never be exalted, and of coarse they couldn't be tried before they knew good from evil, but I guess it just hadn't hit me.
Then an interesting question was raised in Relief Society. Was Eve wise or naive to partake of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil? Hmmm. There was silence, and then, the discussion ensued. What was ultimately shared was that we don't know how long Adam and Eve were in the Garden before Satan convinced Eve to take the fruit. And yes, Satan did tell Eve a partial lie, but at the same time, Eve could use logic to realize something was missing. While they didn't have worldly knowledge, they did have the limited experience they had gained while they were in the Garden. It was compared as children while they have no real world knowledge, they do have experiences in their limited world. That was what was Eve used to make her choice. As they gained mortal bodies when they were cast out of the Garden, they had not been able to "multiply and replenish the earth" and therefore no matter what they chose or did, were breaking the Lord's commandments in some way.
And where Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, Adam stood by her side even when speaking to the Lord. While Adam was given dominion over his wife, in some ways this makes him and his priesthood responsible for his wife's behavior. Many LDS women resent having a man have "dominion" over them, but in many ways, this does not mean that he can control the woman, but rather that there is responsibility for the things she does and choices she makes that affects people other than herself.
The second Article of Faith states, "We believe man will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression." It doesn't say, 'Adam's sin' but rather his 'transgression.' What is the difference between a "sin" and a "transgression"? The miriam-webster dictionary defines a transgression as: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty. Whereas sin is defined as: an offense against moral law. So we know from the second article of faith that God did not consider partaking of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil a sin, but rather a transgression.
And finally, Why is it important that we learn about the fall of Adam of Eve?
We learn the principle of work and what it will take for man to survive (Moses 4:23-25). The principle of work is an eternal one. Our work will not stop when we die, but will continue for the rest of our existence. But the most important reasons are summarized in Eve's response, written in Moses 5:11.
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had a seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
First we wrote out what we know about Adam and Eve. We came up with a few things, and then researched and participated in a discussion to tell me what I didn't know.
We knew: They were the first people on Earth. They had no opportunity for exaltation. They had no need for a Savior and had restricted choices. They were the first parents and Eve is the mother of all living. I found out Adam and Eve were not mortal and were married! (D&C 107:54-56)
We have a fairly descriptive account of the life of Adam and Eve in Moses 3 and 4. This part of scripture was shown to Moses in a vision. It doesn't change any of the facts recorded in the Old Testament, but it does provide clarity.
After Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. How did that change their lives?
1. They had to work for everything. Food, clothes, shelter, survival - everything.
2. They had a mortal body that was subject to illness, heat, cold, death, pain, health, and everything associated with mortality.
3. They now had to deal with sin and opposition.
4. Adam and Eve had the opportunity to experience joy, pain, and other emotions.
5. They now had a need for a Savior and repentance.
6. They had the opportunity for exaltation.
How many of those did you know? Me? Well, I guess I knew all of them, but some just hadn't occurred to me. Like the opportunity for exaltation. Of coarse if we're never tried we can never be exalted, and of coarse they couldn't be tried before they knew good from evil, but I guess it just hadn't hit me.
Then an interesting question was raised in Relief Society. Was Eve wise or naive to partake of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil? Hmmm. There was silence, and then, the discussion ensued. What was ultimately shared was that we don't know how long Adam and Eve were in the Garden before Satan convinced Eve to take the fruit. And yes, Satan did tell Eve a partial lie, but at the same time, Eve could use logic to realize something was missing. While they didn't have worldly knowledge, they did have the limited experience they had gained while they were in the Garden. It was compared as children while they have no real world knowledge, they do have experiences in their limited world. That was what was Eve used to make her choice. As they gained mortal bodies when they were cast out of the Garden, they had not been able to "multiply and replenish the earth" and therefore no matter what they chose or did, were breaking the Lord's commandments in some way.
And where Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, Adam stood by her side even when speaking to the Lord. While Adam was given dominion over his wife, in some ways this makes him and his priesthood responsible for his wife's behavior. Many LDS women resent having a man have "dominion" over them, but in many ways, this does not mean that he can control the woman, but rather that there is responsibility for the things she does and choices she makes that affects people other than herself.
The second Article of Faith states, "We believe man will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression." It doesn't say, 'Adam's sin' but rather his 'transgression.' What is the difference between a "sin" and a "transgression"? The miriam-webster dictionary defines a transgression as: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty. Whereas sin is defined as: an offense against moral law. So we know from the second article of faith that God did not consider partaking of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil a sin, but rather a transgression.
And finally, Why is it important that we learn about the fall of Adam of Eve?
We learn the principle of work and what it will take for man to survive (Moses 4:23-25). The principle of work is an eternal one. Our work will not stop when we die, but will continue for the rest of our existence. But the most important reasons are summarized in Eve's response, written in Moses 5:11.
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had a seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Womanhood - Such Potential
I have discovered so much the value of womanhood in my years since I got married. Let me suffice it to say my opinion of the values of being a woman was that they were there to attract, tease, and entice men to do what you wanted them to. I didn't value much more than that as a woman. What else did I have to offer? Our lesson in relief society yesterday really taught me the kinds of things women have. Some men have as well, and others they don't. But the point that was made in class, was that they should be things all men want in their lifelong (existence long) companion. The discussion and materials of the lesson were taken from a talk by President James E Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church.
So the 10 values talked about are: faith, honesty, chastity, humility, self-discipline, fairness, moderation, cleanliness, courage, and grace. Some of them I thought to be obvious...honesty? faith? chastity? duh.... But as I reflected on my own appreciation of womanhood and listened to the words said regarding each, I thought maybe I did have some space to grow.
Faith was one that I kinda really thought was a duh virtue. But the last line in this section caught me off guard. "In exercising faith, we become cheerful and optimistic, charitable and courageous, because faith is the moving cause of all of these virtues." This sentence reminds me of James 2:17, D&C 20:14, and 2 Nephi 1:10. All of which talk about how you have to have faith and works together to reach to your highest potential. The verse in 2 Nephi is worth putting on my mirror in my bathroom. What great motivation and reminder of faith.
Honesty - my favorite part was again at the last, that "you cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself." So True! So much of what is important in life relies on an honest representation. And really, until I know what is honest and true, I cannot tell anyone else what that truth is. Whether I'm talking about learning to read, my current weight, or any other reason - honesty is crown and golden.
Chastity - Sometimes I wonder, 'for how long are we going to beat that horse?' Then I think, well, we wouldn't be hearing it so much if we were doing correctly, right? The passage quotes Jacob 2:28, similar to Proverbs, 31:10 - declaring the value chaste women. President Faust continues to say, "Those who engage in physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage are likely to suffer feelings of guilt as well as deep emotional and physical hurt. Intimate relationships between men and women outside the bounds the Lord has set bring great misery, shame, degradation, and unhappiness to those involved." The thought that struck me, is that sometimes those feelings don't come right away. So often it is after choices have been made to return to the Lord that the full reality of all that transpired takes its full effect. Such hard emotions to deal with! I remember those moments of sorrow as I realized how deeply I had offended and saddened my Lord.
Humility - My neice and I talked sunday night about having peace in life and balance in all things. Humility is the same way - keeping balance by being willing to graciously accept a compliment but remain humble and teachable.
Self Discipline - Self discipline to accomplish goals and enhance natural strengths. This discipline also will remain as part of my character for the rest of my life and even rise with me in the Resurrection (D&C 130:18).
Fairness - When raising my children, and often in dealing with my spouse, sometimes that fairness is difficult to achieve. I know that I am to forgive as I have been forgiven and remember the parable in the scriptures about the master who forgave the large debt but the servant who would not return the same fairness to his debtor.
Moderation - For this one, I am going to just copy the first paragraph, "Part of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom is moderation in all things, except those things specifically forbidden by the Lord. It is well to avoid extremes in dress, hairstyles, makeup, conduct, speech, and music. Extremes may attract the attention of some, but they are more likely to turn off those you really want to impress." We discussed some of the things critical moderation like balance and gratitude. So many things all tied up in moderation!
Cleanliness - When I was younger I liked the movie, 'Clueless.' There's a part where the main character says something to the effect of, "The boys roll out of bed, throw on some mismatched clothes, slick back their greasy hair under a backwards baseball cap, and we're supposed to swoon! As if!" This part of the talk reminded me of that. Not only do my clothes need to be clean, but so does my body and spirit.
Courage - I also like the movie, 'Princess Diaries'. "Courage is not an absence of fear, but rather a judgment that something else is more important." The Lord will strengthen me, help me, and cause me to stand. I can tell you this more today than in the last several months. I am not pain free, but I am drug free. Time ran short today and pain ran high and I didn't get out to refill my prescription. The only way I make it up to the bathroom is with the Lord's help.
Grace - In D&C 50:40 we are told to grow in grace. This is one of those traits that I don't think men have much of a chance to obtain. "Grace is a God-given virtue. It is a disposition to be kind and to do good." Grace comes from a feeling of personal dignity and an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. I think it is something we develop over time and it has to be something I constantly work on. I like looking at the wives of prophets and apostles. They seem to have a positive outlook and look about them that makes me want to develop that grace this talks about.
So the 10 values talked about are: faith, honesty, chastity, humility, self-discipline, fairness, moderation, cleanliness, courage, and grace. Some of them I thought to be obvious...honesty? faith? chastity? duh.... But as I reflected on my own appreciation of womanhood and listened to the words said regarding each, I thought maybe I did have some space to grow.
Faith was one that I kinda really thought was a duh virtue. But the last line in this section caught me off guard. "In exercising faith, we become cheerful and optimistic, charitable and courageous, because faith is the moving cause of all of these virtues." This sentence reminds me of James 2:17, D&C 20:14, and 2 Nephi 1:10. All of which talk about how you have to have faith and works together to reach to your highest potential. The verse in 2 Nephi is worth putting on my mirror in my bathroom. What great motivation and reminder of faith.
Honesty - my favorite part was again at the last, that "you cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself." So True! So much of what is important in life relies on an honest representation. And really, until I know what is honest and true, I cannot tell anyone else what that truth is. Whether I'm talking about learning to read, my current weight, or any other reason - honesty is crown and golden.
Chastity - Sometimes I wonder, 'for how long are we going to beat that horse?' Then I think, well, we wouldn't be hearing it so much if we were doing correctly, right? The passage quotes Jacob 2:28, similar to Proverbs, 31:10 - declaring the value chaste women. President Faust continues to say, "Those who engage in physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage are likely to suffer feelings of guilt as well as deep emotional and physical hurt. Intimate relationships between men and women outside the bounds the Lord has set bring great misery, shame, degradation, and unhappiness to those involved." The thought that struck me, is that sometimes those feelings don't come right away. So often it is after choices have been made to return to the Lord that the full reality of all that transpired takes its full effect. Such hard emotions to deal with! I remember those moments of sorrow as I realized how deeply I had offended and saddened my Lord.
Humility - My neice and I talked sunday night about having peace in life and balance in all things. Humility is the same way - keeping balance by being willing to graciously accept a compliment but remain humble and teachable.
Self Discipline - Self discipline to accomplish goals and enhance natural strengths. This discipline also will remain as part of my character for the rest of my life and even rise with me in the Resurrection (D&C 130:18).
Fairness - When raising my children, and often in dealing with my spouse, sometimes that fairness is difficult to achieve. I know that I am to forgive as I have been forgiven and remember the parable in the scriptures about the master who forgave the large debt but the servant who would not return the same fairness to his debtor.
Moderation - For this one, I am going to just copy the first paragraph, "Part of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom is moderation in all things, except those things specifically forbidden by the Lord. It is well to avoid extremes in dress, hairstyles, makeup, conduct, speech, and music. Extremes may attract the attention of some, but they are more likely to turn off those you really want to impress." We discussed some of the things critical moderation like balance and gratitude. So many things all tied up in moderation!
Cleanliness - When I was younger I liked the movie, 'Clueless.' There's a part where the main character says something to the effect of, "The boys roll out of bed, throw on some mismatched clothes, slick back their greasy hair under a backwards baseball cap, and we're supposed to swoon! As if!" This part of the talk reminded me of that. Not only do my clothes need to be clean, but so does my body and spirit.
Courage - I also like the movie, 'Princess Diaries'. "Courage is not an absence of fear, but rather a judgment that something else is more important." The Lord will strengthen me, help me, and cause me to stand. I can tell you this more today than in the last several months. I am not pain free, but I am drug free. Time ran short today and pain ran high and I didn't get out to refill my prescription. The only way I make it up to the bathroom is with the Lord's help.
Grace - In D&C 50:40 we are told to grow in grace. This is one of those traits that I don't think men have much of a chance to obtain. "Grace is a God-given virtue. It is a disposition to be kind and to do good." Grace comes from a feeling of personal dignity and an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. I think it is something we develop over time and it has to be something I constantly work on. I like looking at the wives of prophets and apostles. They seem to have a positive outlook and look about them that makes me want to develop that grace this talks about.
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