"USE CARE IN CHOOSING MARRIAGE COMPANION. This life is short, and eternity is long. When we contemplate that the marriage covenant will endure forever, it is well that it should be given careful consideration. Hasty action in this most important step in life may fill the mortal lives of husband, wife, and children with endless sorrow. The results may and often do reach into eternity and cause irreparable regrets that will endure forever. Marriage, from the viewpoint of the Latter-day Saint, is the one thing in life where it might prove fatal to act in haste with the idea in mind that repentance could come at leisure. The proper advice to our youth is to consider carefully with the view of choosing well a companion with an abiding faith in the gospel. Such a person is more likely to prove true to every vow and covenant. When the young man and the young woman are thoroughly grounded in the divine mission of our Lord and believe the gospel as revealed through Joseph Smith, the Prophet, the chances are all in favor of a happy union that will endure forever." - Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 1-3 p.267
more to be said....
Saturday, April 30, 2011
True Faith
I love Joseph Smith, especially because he is so direct in his teachings. I find his definition of faith to be quite powerful:
I feel I often fall short when it comes to these three elements of faith. I think sometimes I get stuck after step two. At times it seems satisfactory to simply gain knowledge, and somehow the application gets set aside like it isn't quite as important...at least not for now. It's like I keep reading all these gardening magazines on how to plant and care for a tree, but do I every really go out and actually plant the seed myself? Do I experience the difficulty of going through it myself?
Thanks to our Savior, we don't have to pass through everything. However, we all know life is difficult at times, and even in some instance willingness to do something is not enough. We actually must go and do. The great message of the atonement is that he will be there supporting us along the way. He'll be there in the good and the bad. We must never let Satan or anything else cause us to forget that truth. I love what Elder Holland said in a recent general conference:
"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
First, The idea that he actually exists.
Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which [the person] is pursuing, is according to [God's] will.
For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Joseph Smith, Lectures On Faith
I feel I often fall short when it comes to these three elements of faith. I think sometimes I get stuck after step two. At times it seems satisfactory to simply gain knowledge, and somehow the application gets set aside like it isn't quite as important...at least not for now. It's like I keep reading all these gardening magazines on how to plant and care for a tree, but do I every really go out and actually plant the seed myself? Do I experience the difficulty of going through it myself?
Thanks to our Savior, we don't have to pass through everything. However, we all know life is difficult at times, and even in some instance willingness to do something is not enough. We actually must go and do. The great message of the atonement is that he will be there supporting us along the way. He'll be there in the good and the bad. We must never let Satan or anything else cause us to forget that truth. I love what Elder Holland said in a recent general conference:
"Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear." - Jeffery R. Holland, None Were with Him, GC April 2009
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Plan
Well, it is now official. I've signed up to participate in the American Fork Canyon Half Marathon. This is it's first year, so I'm excited to be one of the first to run it. I also think it is fitting since it is my first time running.
The race is June 25th, which gives me only 8 weeks to prepare. I figured I should get a running schedule laid out, so I looked online for some. Turns out most people train for longer than 8 weeks, but I think I should be fine. Anyway, I just found a 12 week plan and modified it for 8 weeks. It all starts next week. Wish me luck!
The race is June 25th, which gives me only 8 weeks to prepare. I figured I should get a running schedule laid out, so I looked online for some. Turns out most people train for longer than 8 weeks, but I think I should be fine. Anyway, I just found a 12 week plan and modified it for 8 weeks. It all starts next week. Wish me luck!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
One Hour
Minutes --- My Thoughts
___________________________
0-10 --- Yeah! I could run around the world
10-20 --- Maybe the world is a bit ambitious, perhaps across the US
20-30 --- ...or maybe just the state of Utah
30-40 --- You know, across Provo is a decent distance
40-50 --- Man, I hope I can just make it around this track
50-60 --- Are my legs still there? cause I don't feel them anymore
Well, that was Tuesday. I didn't run much most of last semester, yet for some reason(probably because I'm crazy), I decided to run for an hour straight. Most people when they run, they listen to music to pump them up.......in this instance I surprisingly fall under the category of most people. Sadly, this time I forgot to bring my headphones, so I spent one hour circling the SFH track with nothing to listen to except my own thoughts. You might be thinking, "Well that sucks" or "That sounds quite boring", but on the contrary, it was great. So great in fact, I decided to run....
A MARATHON!
That is right...
A MARATHON!
But after talking with my Dad, I decided that a marathon may be a bit too much too fast, considering the Utah marathons are in June....not a whole lot of time to prepare. So I'm going to run....
A HALF MARATHON!
So maybe it isn't quite as intense as a full marathon, but I still get a t-shirt, and that's all that matters.
___________________________
0-10 --- Yeah! I could run around the world
10-20 --- Maybe the world is a bit ambitious, perhaps across the US
20-30 --- ...or maybe just the state of Utah
30-40 --- You know, across Provo is a decent distance
40-50 --- Man, I hope I can just make it around this track
50-60 --- Are my legs still there? cause I don't feel them anymore
Well, that was Tuesday. I didn't run much most of last semester, yet for some reason(probably because I'm crazy), I decided to run for an hour straight. Most people when they run, they listen to music to pump them up.......in this instance I surprisingly fall under the category of most people. Sadly, this time I forgot to bring my headphones, so I spent one hour circling the SFH track with nothing to listen to except my own thoughts. You might be thinking, "Well that sucks" or "That sounds quite boring", but on the contrary, it was great. So great in fact, I decided to run....
A MARATHON!
That is right...
A MARATHON!
But after talking with my Dad, I decided that a marathon may be a bit too much too fast, considering the Utah marathons are in June....not a whole lot of time to prepare. So I'm going to run....
A HALF MARATHON!
So maybe it isn't quite as intense as a full marathon, but I still get a t-shirt, and that's all that matters.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
to swing
The sky has darkened and the night has set. I repeatedly gaze up at the moon as if waiting for something...something I do not know or understand. The cool air from the earlier day's rain chills my face as I glide through the air. My legs are pumping systematically; I move through the repeated motion, forward and back, forward and back. At times it almost seems monotonous, but as I gaze up at the moon, I can see the sky is alive. Only wisps of the earlier day's clouds remain, yet I watch as they effortlessly slide across the cool marble sky. I continue to stare upward, waiting, fixing my eyes on the brilliance of the moon, feeling as if it is spotlighting only me. However, my mind begins to wander......wondering.
Is there really something more for me out there? What am I waiting for?
The faint clouds continue to swim across the dark sea of stars. They slowly cover the moon entirely, bathing me in the darkness. I look out ahead and I see nothing. The way is black and unknown. Lost! A quiet fear begins to creep into the blackness that envelops me. The cool air, which before felt so refreshing, now feels harsh as it stings my face. My mind starts to question.
What am I doing here? Where am I going?
The once soothing rhythmic movement, back and forth, back and forth, suddenly feels unsettling. Feeling unsure, I look around to only find shadowed figures.
Where am I? Is this where I want to be?
Hopeless! Uncertain of where I am and unable to see where I am going, I begin to doubt, and my heart fills with sadness.
What changed?
I struggle to understand what is happening, why I feel lost, why I am unable to find peace. Frustration and anger begin knocking at the door of my misunderstanding, but I won't let them enter. Born of my fear, they are merely shallow replacements for the peace I truly seek.
What more can I do?
I lean back in despair, but as my head begins to hang, I notice something. There in the sky above me through the now thick clouds, I can see the dimmed glow of the once brilliant moon. The clouds had cast their shadow, and I had forgotten the beauty that once was there.
How could I have let myself slip?
I keep my gaze fixed on the almost lifeless glow. As my heart reaches for its last glimmer of hope, I slowly begin to recall my purpose for being here. The moon's soft glow warms my soul and even though I am still in the dark and amidst the unknown, I am able to find the strength to not give in. The way still appears black, yet with my hope reborn I continue to swing.
Is there really something more for me out there? What am I waiting for?
The faint clouds continue to swim across the dark sea of stars. They slowly cover the moon entirely, bathing me in the darkness. I look out ahead and I see nothing. The way is black and unknown. Lost! A quiet fear begins to creep into the blackness that envelops me. The cool air, which before felt so refreshing, now feels harsh as it stings my face. My mind starts to question.
What am I doing here? Where am I going?
The once soothing rhythmic movement, back and forth, back and forth, suddenly feels unsettling. Feeling unsure, I look around to only find shadowed figures.
Where am I? Is this where I want to be?
Hopeless! Uncertain of where I am and unable to see where I am going, I begin to doubt, and my heart fills with sadness.
What changed?
I struggle to understand what is happening, why I feel lost, why I am unable to find peace. Frustration and anger begin knocking at the door of my misunderstanding, but I won't let them enter. Born of my fear, they are merely shallow replacements for the peace I truly seek.
What more can I do?
I lean back in despair, but as my head begins to hang, I notice something. There in the sky above me through the now thick clouds, I can see the dimmed glow of the once brilliant moon. The clouds had cast their shadow, and I had forgotten the beauty that once was there.
How could I have let myself slip?
I keep my gaze fixed on the almost lifeless glow. As my heart reaches for its last glimmer of hope, I slowly begin to recall my purpose for being here. The moon's soft glow warms my soul and even though I am still in the dark and amidst the unknown, I am able to find the strength to not give in. The way still appears black, yet with my hope reborn I continue to swing.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Faith and Power
I've been reading the Lectures On Faith and I found the following statement to be quite powerful:
"Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God, who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respecting his character and glory will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face." - Joseph Smith, Lectures On Faith
This statement is so straightforward. Our knowledge of God is dependent upon our "diligence and faithfulness in seeking after [God]." This quest to know God's character and glory continues "until [we] obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face."
-Faith in God, and power with God- It is one of the main purposes of this life, that we may come to know our Father, enough to have faith in him, and power with him, so that one day we can see him face to face.
"Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God, who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respecting his character and glory will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face." - Joseph Smith, Lectures On Faith
This statement is so straightforward. Our knowledge of God is dependent upon our "diligence and faithfulness in seeking after [God]." This quest to know God's character and glory continues "until [we] obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face."
-Faith in God, and power with God- It is one of the main purposes of this life, that we may come to know our Father, enough to have faith in him, and power with him, so that one day we can see him face to face.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Age of Technology
We live in an ever advancing world. Technology has become the cornerstone of our society. If we just take a second to look around, technology is all around us. As a computer science major I am all for these advancements; however, I feel it is important to remember that technology is meant to simplify life, but it seems in our effort to incorporate technology into our lives, we sometimes try a little too hard:
Out of Paper?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Strive 4 More
“If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labor.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.”
“Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. This applies to play as well as work. A day merely survived is no cause for celebration. You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine. No more busy work. No more hiding from success. Leave time, leave space, to grow. Now. Now! Not tomorrow!”
-Og Mandino
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labor.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.”
“Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. This applies to play as well as work. A day merely survived is no cause for celebration. You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine. No more busy work. No more hiding from success. Leave time, leave space, to grow. Now. Now! Not tomorrow!”
-Og Mandino
Certainty
In one of my recent post I quote Marion G Romney speaking of his understanding of the light of Christ. His description of the third phase has hit me with great interest. The idea of receiving striving for and receiving the "second comforter" has cause me to rethink a few things about my approach to life.
I feel as though oftentimes the constant cycle of sinning and repenting causes me to feel as though I'm only continually maintaining. I feel as though progression is at times out of reach, and that I'm merely on a path of highs and lows never truly reaching a goal.
I wonder if I often place my goals to far ahead, so far that I can even see them in front of me. And is a goal really all that effective if you can't even see it? It seems to me to be more like a dream. Something that is there but never clearly seen.
I also wonder if sometimes I let our own weaknesses limit my vision. Elder Eyring when instructing the seminary and institute leaders told them to set their sights higher. Julie Beck in last years general conference said we were doing good, but we could do better. And Elder Uchtdorf in this last conference to the priesthood asked that we analyze ourselves and suggested that we were living below our privileges.
As I said I've been thinking about the "second comforter" and what that really entails. Joseph Smith taught,
Of course I don't believe that everyone will receive this second comforter in this life, but for anyone to make it to the celestial kingdom they will have to receive this comforter, if not in this life, then in the next. So I figure it is something to strive for. Somethings seem impossible, but for me that doesn't change the fact that we should fight for those things. I'm a firm believer that impossibilities don't exist when we are fight alongside Christ. With Christ, the roughest roads can be surpassed, the toughest battles can be won, the darkest doubt can be overcome. With Christ, how could we ever say "I can't."
Christ is our certainty.
And this is the road we must follow.
I feel as though oftentimes the constant cycle of sinning and repenting causes me to feel as though I'm only continually maintaining. I feel as though progression is at times out of reach, and that I'm merely on a path of highs and lows never truly reaching a goal.
I wonder if I often place my goals to far ahead, so far that I can even see them in front of me. And is a goal really all that effective if you can't even see it? It seems to me to be more like a dream. Something that is there but never clearly seen.
I also wonder if sometimes I let our own weaknesses limit my vision. Elder Eyring when instructing the seminary and institute leaders told them to set their sights higher. Julie Beck in last years general conference said we were doing good, but we could do better. And Elder Uchtdorf in this last conference to the priesthood asked that we analyze ourselves and suggested that we were living below our privileges.
As I said I've been thinking about the "second comforter" and what that really entails. Joseph Smith taught,
"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. . ." - Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150-151
Of course I don't believe that everyone will receive this second comforter in this life, but for anyone to make it to the celestial kingdom they will have to receive this comforter, if not in this life, then in the next. So I figure it is something to strive for. Somethings seem impossible, but for me that doesn't change the fact that we should fight for those things. I'm a firm believer that impossibilities don't exist when we are fight alongside Christ. With Christ, the roughest roads can be surpassed, the toughest battles can be won, the darkest doubt can be overcome. With Christ, how could we ever say "I can't."
Christ is our certainty.
And this is the road we must follow.
"After a person has faith in Christ repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thous shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and fins that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter..." - Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150
Thursday, April 14, 2011
small triumph
"Grrrrr....arrrgh....rrrrr!" It is only 8 o'clock and yet my stomach is already grumbling. What's the deal? I suppose that is what I get for spending twelve and half hours straight in the computer labs yesterday. I guess eating was sorta put on the back burner. The good news
WebCrawler is FINISHED!!!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Free French Fries
It is always interesting to me how emotions often tend to mix.
It is definitely that time of the semester for me. My classes are winding down and the final assignments are piling up. My soul is longing for summer, for a break. (although I'll still be working and taking classes) My motivation to finish out strong at times seems to wane.
Yet there is also a subtle sense of accomplishment that begins to stir. A happiness arises as I realize that I've made it through. There is an underlying desire that begins to swell, which tempts me to push myself even further, and rise up and make the next semester so much better.
I find it funny how the semester always seems so much easier to me when looking back. I feel like there is so much more that I could have done. It is one of those times where it is good to get out the goal book and get to writing.
These two emotions seem so opposite. I feel like my backpack is getting heavier with the upcoming finals, yet I feel stronger the desire to stand that much taller.
----------------------
I suppose I should explain why I titled this post "Free French Fries". Well, as I said things are winding down, and I happened to just finish my last New Testament Quiz in the Testing Center...and I did fairly well, so that happy since of accomplishment gave me a cause to celebrate by going to Wendy's. :) I of course realize that for some people fast food doesn't sound like a way to celebrate, but for yours truly, a Frosty and a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger hits the spot. As it turns out, you apparently can't truly celebrate without French Fries. Well as expected the lady at the window made a mistake. She asked me if I'd ordered the combo. I of course told her I hadn't, but then she shrugged and said she'd leave the fries in the bag anyway.
It seems like life is weird that way sometimes. At times things aren't going so well and you hope something will happen to turn it all around, yet that something doesn't always come as swift as you would like. However, there are other times when things are good, you're happy and life seems to be on an up beat, and still for some reason life wishes to lift you even higher with free french fries. Okay, okay, so perhaps I'm taking this thought a bit too far, but I do feel like it is important to take advantage of those little moments when life gives you those friendly lifts. I feel like if I were to spend more of my time focusing on the simple things, the sweet treats that life has to offer, then the more difficult things wouldn't have near the negative effect. Of course, that is always easier to say when life is high, but perhaps by saying it now, then when life hits a low, I'll be more quick to recall that life on occasion offers us free french fries.
It is definitely that time of the semester for me. My classes are winding down and the final assignments are piling up. My soul is longing for summer, for a break. (although I'll still be working and taking classes) My motivation to finish out strong at times seems to wane.
Yet there is also a subtle sense of accomplishment that begins to stir. A happiness arises as I realize that I've made it through. There is an underlying desire that begins to swell, which tempts me to push myself even further, and rise up and make the next semester so much better.
I find it funny how the semester always seems so much easier to me when looking back. I feel like there is so much more that I could have done. It is one of those times where it is good to get out the goal book and get to writing.
These two emotions seem so opposite. I feel like my backpack is getting heavier with the upcoming finals, yet I feel stronger the desire to stand that much taller.
----------------------
I suppose I should explain why I titled this post "Free French Fries". Well, as I said things are winding down, and I happened to just finish my last New Testament Quiz in the Testing Center...and I did fairly well, so that happy since of accomplishment gave me a cause to celebrate by going to Wendy's. :) I of course realize that for some people fast food doesn't sound like a way to celebrate, but for yours truly, a Frosty and a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger hits the spot. As it turns out, you apparently can't truly celebrate without French Fries. Well as expected the lady at the window made a mistake. She asked me if I'd ordered the combo. I of course told her I hadn't, but then she shrugged and said she'd leave the fries in the bag anyway.
It seems like life is weird that way sometimes. At times things aren't going so well and you hope something will happen to turn it all around, yet that something doesn't always come as swift as you would like. However, there are other times when things are good, you're happy and life seems to be on an up beat, and still for some reason life wishes to lift you even higher with free french fries. Okay, okay, so perhaps I'm taking this thought a bit too far, but I do feel like it is important to take advantage of those little moments when life gives you those friendly lifts. I feel like if I were to spend more of my time focusing on the simple things, the sweet treats that life has to offer, then the more difficult things wouldn't have near the negative effect. Of course, that is always easier to say when life is high, but perhaps by saying it now, then when life hits a low, I'll be more quick to recall that life on occasion offers us free french fries.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Light of Christ
The 3 Phases of The Light of Christ
The Light Which Enlighteneth
The Gift Of The Holy Ghost
The More Sure Word Of Prophecy
"the more sure word of prophecy" (D&C 131:5), which is obtained by making one's "calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10), the Prophet Joseph said:
Pres. Marion G. Romney
Ensign, May 1977
"There are three phases of the light of Christ that I want to mention.
-The first one is the light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world;
-The second phase is the gift of the Holy Ghost;
-And the third is the more sure word of prophecy."
The Light Which Enlighteneth
"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil." (Moro. 7:16)
"This Spirit is, no doubt, the source of one's conscience, which Webster defines as a knowledge or feeling of right and wrong with a compulsion to do right."
The Gift Of The Holy Ghost
"The Holy Ghost is a person, a spirit, the third member of the Godhead. He is a messenger and a witness of the Father and the Son. He brings to men testimony, witness, and knowledge of God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the truths of the gospel. He vitalizes truth in the hearts and souls of men."
"The gift of the Holy Ghost confers upon one, as long as he is worthy of the right to receive light and truth."
The More Sure Word Of Prophecy
"the more sure word of prophecy" (D&C 131:5), which is obtained by making one's "calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10), the Prophet Joseph said:
"After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptize for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands) … then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150.)
"As I read the sacred records, I find recorded experiences of men in all dispensations who have had this more sure anchor to their souls, this peace in their hearts."
"I should think that all faithful Latter-day Saints 'would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5:388.)
"And I bear further witness that every such person who, having come this far, will follow the Prophet's admonition to 'continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150), may obtain the more sure word of prophecy."
Pres. Marion G. Romney
Ensign, May 1977
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)