Sometimes it can be tough deciding when and how to defend your beliefs. It's not easy to say or do something that might offend close friends or the people you associate with even though it's the right thing to do.
Carrie Prejean is Miss California, a graduate of Vista High School here in San Diego County and currently a student at San Diego Christian College. She was a finalist in the recent Miss USA pageant. During the interview question portion of the competition, she was asked how she felt about legalizing gay marriage. She responded, "In my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
She wasn't chosen to be Miss USA and some believe that her response was the reason she lost the crown. All over the internet, radio, and TV people are criticizing her for her comments and beliefs. Does she regret how she answered the question? Not at all. At a church in San Diego today, she was quoted as saying the following:
“I don't take back what I said. No way I wasn't going to stand up for what I believe in"
“This is how I was bought up to believe. We have to be strong and true to our faith and our beliefs.”
“Are you going to stand up for what you believe or are you going to compromise to win Miss USA.”
(SD Union Tribune article)
Miss Prejean is not a Mormon, but she certainly is a great example of standing up for what you believe to be right even in the face of strong opposition.
It can be very discouraging when the people around us don't support our beliefs or values. We should keep in mind though that whenever we feel alone and in despair, we can turn to the Lord for help and courage to lift us up.
I love my children very much. I want them to hold firmly onto the true principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope they can stand up for what's right like Miss California did. I believe it's the only way to be truly happy in this difficult world.
.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Celebrating on Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday. Some celebrate this day with egg hunts, candy, toys, or fancy dinners. I would rather have my family try to remember that this is a day to celebrate the Atonement and Resurrection of the Saviour. There has been no greater gift offered to every human being than that of repentance and a hope of eternal life through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What a truly wonderful message this is!
The tomb where the body of Jesus Christ is believed to have been laid.
© 2009 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2009 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).In the following video, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland describes the Savior’s solitary journey to overcome sin and death and testifies of the resulting blessings to all mankind.
Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend.
The First Presidency of the Church (President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
"He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory."
("199: He Is Risen!,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 199)
I invite you to think about these things, to pray about them and allow the Holy Ghost to bear witness that these messages are true. I have done so and testify that they are.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 2009 General Conference
This was General Conference weekend. There were many wonderful messages from the general authorities of the church. I don't have anything to add other than to invite you to go to the archives to review and study their words, especially the words of our living prophet, President Monson.
http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html
I'm so grateful for the technology that makes it possible to go back and experience the spirit of General Conference. What a wonderful blessing it is.
http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html
I'm so grateful for the technology that makes it possible to go back and experience the spirit of General Conference. What a wonderful blessing it is.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A Peculiar People
In the 1960s there was a show about a very odd group of people known as the Addams Family. Over the years, it has been recreated in cartoons, comics, movies, TV reunions and revivals. I still prefer, though, the original black and white version. The opening to the show is a classic.
Despite their unusual appearance, the family was rather quite conventional. The parents, Gomez and Morticia, loved their two children, Wednesday and Pugsley, and would do anything to ensure they were well cared for. Grandmama and Uncle Fester were extended members of the family who also helped to take care of family matters. Lurch was the menacingly tall butler with a soft heart. Visitors to the Addams mansion were always warmly welcomed. Gomez was quite generous with his abundant wealth and gladly gave huge amounts of money to friends and worthy causes.
On the other hand, there aren't too many families who blow up model trains, light up light bulbs by sticking one in their mouth, have a lion as a pet, or include a torture rack in their rec room. To the outside world, the Addams household was weird and unusual. They were not like everyone else.
It seems to me that in some ways, we as members of the Church, are often viewed as though we are also just as strange. Our standards, values, and morals don't always go along with those of society at large. And, as the years go by and society's standards stray farther from those we hold dear we may find ourselves appearing more and more odd. For example, our views on same-sex marriage, chastity, alcohol, Sabbath day activities have already put us at odds with various groups of people.
It shouldn't matter to us, however, what other people think or say about us. What matters is what the Lord has said to us:
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
(New Testament, 1 Peter 2:9 - 10)
Paul suffered greatly and was persecuted for his beliefs. That didn't stop him from believing.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
(New Testament, Romans 1:16)
And, if we are ridiculed or unpopular because of what we believe to be true the Lord has promised us his blessings and protection.
"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 6:34)
Try not to be discouraged by what friends or people may say about you because of who you are and what you believe. The Addams family was a happy bunch of people and they didn't care what anybody thought about them either. The Lord will bless you for your faithfulness. I believe that with all my heart.
Despite their unusual appearance, the family was rather quite conventional. The parents, Gomez and Morticia, loved their two children, Wednesday and Pugsley, and would do anything to ensure they were well cared for. Grandmama and Uncle Fester were extended members of the family who also helped to take care of family matters. Lurch was the menacingly tall butler with a soft heart. Visitors to the Addams mansion were always warmly welcomed. Gomez was quite generous with his abundant wealth and gladly gave huge amounts of money to friends and worthy causes.
On the other hand, there aren't too many families who blow up model trains, light up light bulbs by sticking one in their mouth, have a lion as a pet, or include a torture rack in their rec room. To the outside world, the Addams household was weird and unusual. They were not like everyone else.
It seems to me that in some ways, we as members of the Church, are often viewed as though we are also just as strange. Our standards, values, and morals don't always go along with those of society at large. And, as the years go by and society's standards stray farther from those we hold dear we may find ourselves appearing more and more odd. For example, our views on same-sex marriage, chastity, alcohol, Sabbath day activities have already put us at odds with various groups of people.
It shouldn't matter to us, however, what other people think or say about us. What matters is what the Lord has said to us:
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
(New Testament, 1 Peter 2:9 - 10)
Paul suffered greatly and was persecuted for his beliefs. That didn't stop him from believing.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
(New Testament, Romans 1:16)
And, if we are ridiculed or unpopular because of what we believe to be true the Lord has promised us his blessings and protection.
"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 6:34)
Try not to be discouraged by what friends or people may say about you because of who you are and what you believe. The Addams family was a happy bunch of people and they didn't care what anybody thought about them either. The Lord will bless you for your faithfulness. I believe that with all my heart.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Inside and Outside
Palpatine. Benevolent and well-meaning on the outside, dark and cunning on the inside.
Throughout most of the Star Wars saga, we see how this character uses deceptions and lies to gain ultimate power over an entire galaxy. The character of Palpatine is so evil, that it may seem hard to believe how anyone can actually be like that. Well, in the time of the Savior, there were some people who acted like Palpatine. The Savior is quoted in the New Testament in this manner:
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."
(New Testament, Matthew 23:27 - 28)
Eventually, Palpatine's inner darkness took over his appearance on the outside. Perhaps we're not evil like he was, or as hypocritical like the scribes and Pharisees, but is there a message that we can learn from their bad examples?
Do we ever pretend that we didn't do anything wrong, when on the inside we know we made a mistake? Do we blame someone or something else when the responsible person is actually us? Do we get mad instead of apologizing when something is really our own fault?
Alma asked similar questions:
"I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?"
(Book of Mormon, Alma 5:16 - 17)
We not only have to be careful about how we behave on the outside, our actions, but also how we think and feel on the inside. Luke Skywalker was often tempted by the Dark Side, by hatred and anger. But in the end, we see that he let go of those feelings and so Palpatine was defeated and destroyed.
Alma asked similar questions:
"I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?"
(Book of Mormon, Alma 5:16 - 17)
We not only have to be careful about how we behave on the outside, our actions, but also how we think and feel on the inside. Luke Skywalker was often tempted by the Dark Side, by hatred and anger. But in the end, we see that he let go of those feelings and so Palpatine was defeated and destroyed.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"
(New Testament, Matthew 5:16)
(New Testament, Matthew 5:16)
The Savior was the perfect example of having the proper attitude when doing what His Father asked of Him. Even when it was something undesirable and hard as in the Garden of Gethsamane and on the cross.
I hope that we'll always strive to choose the good, both on the inside and outside, how we feel as well as how we act. That's how the Spririt can be with us always to comfort us and guide us when we need and desire it. I believe that to be true.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Looking Fierce!
One of my daughters is in her school's colorguard. The preparation for competition day usually starts early in the morning. She has to wear a uniform, fix her a hair a certain way, and apply a special makeup. There is a particular way of describing her appearance. She refers to it as "looking fierce." I think that's rather a cool way to think about it.
There were some pretty fierce looking characters in Japanese history too. Most people are familiar with the feudal samurai period of Japan. Those warriors not only looked fierce, they also fought that way. Part of their preparation for battle involved wearing some serious armor. Not only was it protective but it also had a formidable appearance.
Kikuchi Takemitsu (1319-1373), general during the Nanbokucho era, fought in the Kyushu region for the Emperor with his army of samurai warriors. This scene depicts a decisive battle in the Chikugo river. (Painted by Ebine Shundo)
It would have been really foolish for a warrior of that period to go out to battle without his sword or having forgotten his helmet or other important parts of his armor. The result would have been disastrous.
Well, we go out to battle every day too. When we step out the door, we are fighting to make the right choices and making sure that the adversary doesn't harm us with temptations, distractions, and sin. Do we go out with all of our armor, or do we leave some of it behind thinking we won't really need it? In other words, have we prayed for Heavenly Father's guidance and protection for the day ahead? Have we made the decision to be obedient to the commandments? Are we going to obey and respect parents, church leaders, teachers in school, and other people in authority? Have we read the scriptures and kept the words in our hearts and minds so that they can lift us up and help answer questions in times of need?
"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 27:15)
Just as my daughter prepares herself to "look fierce" for colorguard competitions, likewise I think we could each prepare ourselves to "look fierce" on a daily basis in the struggle to maintain ourselves clean and righteous. I really believe it's important to do that if we're going to win this battle we call life. And, if we do our best every day, I know we will win.
There were some pretty fierce looking characters in Japanese history too. Most people are familiar with the feudal samurai period of Japan. Those warriors not only looked fierce, they also fought that way. Part of their preparation for battle involved wearing some serious armor. Not only was it protective but it also had a formidable appearance.
Kikuchi Takemitsu (1319-1373), general during the Nanbokucho era, fought in the Kyushu region for the Emperor with his army of samurai warriors. This scene depicts a decisive battle in the Chikugo river. (Painted by Ebine Shundo)It would have been really foolish for a warrior of that period to go out to battle without his sword or having forgotten his helmet or other important parts of his armor. The result would have been disastrous.
Well, we go out to battle every day too. When we step out the door, we are fighting to make the right choices and making sure that the adversary doesn't harm us with temptations, distractions, and sin. Do we go out with all of our armor, or do we leave some of it behind thinking we won't really need it? In other words, have we prayed for Heavenly Father's guidance and protection for the day ahead? Have we made the decision to be obedient to the commandments? Are we going to obey and respect parents, church leaders, teachers in school, and other people in authority? Have we read the scriptures and kept the words in our hearts and minds so that they can lift us up and help answer questions in times of need?
"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 27:15)
Just as my daughter prepares herself to "look fierce" for colorguard competitions, likewise I think we could each prepare ourselves to "look fierce" on a daily basis in the struggle to maintain ourselves clean and righteous. I really believe it's important to do that if we're going to win this battle we call life. And, if we do our best every day, I know we will win.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Footprints
The Spy Kids series of movies are fun to watch. In Spy Kids 3D: Game Over, much of the story takes place in a virtual reality game world. Young Juni's mission is to play through all the levels of the game in order to find and rescue his sister. Each level of gameplay is filled with dangers, challenges, and opposition. At one point, Juni is offered the opportunity to invite someone from his family to assist him through the game. He chooses his grandfather. Juni still has to face all the challenges on his own, but whenever it seems that all is lost, Grandpa comes in to lend a helping hand.
This reminds me of a poem that's been around for many decades. It's found on greeting cards, calendars, bookmarks, and a variety of other places. It is titled, "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson. I can appreciate the author's good intentions, but I disagree somewhat with the message of the poem. Here are the final few lines:
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
Official "Footprints in the Sand" Website
While it is comforting to believe that the Lord will carry us in our greatest times of need, I don't think that is a true concept. I've been through some very trying times in my life: the loss of loved ones, financial distress, heart-ache, and illness among other things. I have never felt that I've been carried through any of those trials. It seems rather that if I were to look back at the footprints in the sand of my life I would see a single set of prints during the less troubling times, but a second set in my times of most desperate need. The Lord doesn't carry us but he does love us enough to walk with us during our trials; lifting us, assisting us, but never doing the walking for us. We have to take each step of the way with our own two feet.
Alma describes the succor of the Lord in this manner:
"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."
(Book of Mormon, Alma 36:27)
The Lord himself has also promised us peace in troubling times:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(New Testament, John 14:27)
It would be great to have someone like Juni's Grandpa just pop in whenever we most need him. On the other hand, it is wonderful to know that we can rely on a loving Heavenly Father to give us aid, comfort, and direction when we most need it. All we have to do is ask. I truly believe that.
.
This reminds me of a poem that's been around for many decades. It's found on greeting cards, calendars, bookmarks, and a variety of other places. It is titled, "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson. I can appreciate the author's good intentions, but I disagree somewhat with the message of the poem. Here are the final few lines:But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
Official "Footprints in the Sand" Website
While it is comforting to believe that the Lord will carry us in our greatest times of need, I don't think that is a true concept. I've been through some very trying times in my life: the loss of loved ones, financial distress, heart-ache, and illness among other things. I have never felt that I've been carried through any of those trials. It seems rather that if I were to look back at the footprints in the sand of my life I would see a single set of prints during the less troubling times, but a second set in my times of most desperate need. The Lord doesn't carry us but he does love us enough to walk with us during our trials; lifting us, assisting us, but never doing the walking for us. We have to take each step of the way with our own two feet.
Alma describes the succor of the Lord in this manner:
"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."
(Book of Mormon, Alma 36:27)
The Lord himself has also promised us peace in troubling times:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(New Testament, John 14:27)
It would be great to have someone like Juni's Grandpa just pop in whenever we most need him. On the other hand, it is wonderful to know that we can rely on a loving Heavenly Father to give us aid, comfort, and direction when we most need it. All we have to do is ask. I truly believe that..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
