Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Thoughts and Blessings

I was 19 by two days when I got married. Oh I've heard it all: "You'll regret it! I got married at 19 and it was the worst thing I've ever done." "Are you sure? But you're still a baby! You can't know what you're doing!" However I knew that I loved Jordan. I knew that I wanted to spend eternity with him. Would it be hard? Of course! But I wasn't doing it to take the easy way out! I was marrying him because that is what God commanded. 

After two short months of marriage, my husband and I felt very strongly we should start our family. We were terrified! Both of us had two years of school to complete and we had no idea how we would make it. But we couldn't ignore the prompting. Just one month before our first anniversary, our darling Jackson was born. I'm not going to lie and say that it's been easy. But I am going to say that my experiences have strengthened my faith of the importance of marriage and family. This is why I've been sent here! From the first time I laid eyes on our baby, I've had no doubt that I was born to be a mother. That's why we're here! We came to this earth because we wanted to grow to be like our Heavenly Father. There are two parts to that. First, the "Heavenly" part. Yes, we want to be perfect. We hope to someday be Gods and Goddesses! But the second and key part is the "Father" part. We cannot become like God without first becoming a parent.


While I know I have only scratched the surface of wife and motherhood, I have scratched far enough to know that this is what God wants me to be doing. Just as Adam and Eve most likely longed for an easier route to live with God, there are days that I am overwhelmed with everything I have taken on. I see my friends traveling the world, going on adventures, serving missions...they look they're having a blast! At 2 in the morning when I'm changing sheets on a bed and bathing my hungry baby because of a blowout...I start to wish there was another way. However 30 minutes later when Jackson gives me a sleepy grin as I lay him in his clean bed and my husband whispers thank you for letting him sleep because he has an early class...I'm glad that there's no other way. We read in 2 Nephi that in order to feel joy we must experience hardship. I wouldn't realize how happy and grateful I am if I didn't ever struggle.

I echo the words of The Family: A Proclamation to the World: "the family is ordained of God."

Good, Better, Best


Above is a link to a wonderful talk given by Dallin H. Oaks. In today's society, there is never enough time to accomplish what needs to be done. Between our careers, school, children, extended family, homemaking, hobbies, and everything else in between we are always on the run! One thing that is essential to learn for a successful marriage and family is how to prioritize. When we have more things on our list than there are hours in the day, we need to learn how to put the most important things first. Something my Mom used to always say was "first things first." This meant to do the most important things very first in our day. This reminds me of a Sunday School lesson I had years ago. As an object lesson, my teacher brought a Mason jar, a bag of sand, and several large rocks. When we poured the sand into the jar first, it was impossible to fit all of the rocks in and we had to leave some out. However, when we put the rocks in first, all of the sand would settle in around the rocks and we could fit everything in the jar. The jar symbolizes one day. The rocks are the important things we need to do, and the sand represents the small things that aren't vital but that we would like to do. We need to put our rocks into our jars first, and the then the sand will always fit. For me, the rocks are things like scriptures, prayers, family time, and playing with my son. The sand might be cleaning the house, doing laundry (sometimes these things are rocks), checking Facebook, etc. It's okay if the dishes haven't been done when we go to bed. They won't get their feelings hurt if we put them on the back burner. However husbands and children might. We're not on this earth to have a clean, decorated house. We didn't come to dress nice or cook lavish meals. We came this earth to obtain a family in order to become like our Heavenly Father. We have a very limited time to do these things. We cannot forget our purpose. Elder Oaks explains in his talk that sometimes all the things we need to do feel like rocks. Everything is good! However, we must prioritize in order to fit everything into the jar. One thing might be good, but what's better? What's the best thing we could be doing? If we learn how to successfully determine this in our lives, we will always have time for the important things. 


Families Can Be Together Forever


I have a family here on Earth
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them
through all eternity.

Families can be together forever
through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family 
and the Lord can show me how I can.
The Lord can show me how I can.

While I am in my early years
I'll prepare most carefully
So I can marry in God's temple 
for eternity.

Families can be together forever
through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family 
and the Lord can show me how I can.
The Lord can show me how I can.

Click on the title to watch a touching rendition of this beautiful LDS children's song. I know that families can be together forever and I'm so grateful for that. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Was the Same Sex Marriage Supreme Court ruling ethical?

Was the Same Sex Marriage Supreme Court ruling ethical?

            Many people have spoken out about whether the Supreme Court ruling on June 26th, 2015 was unethical and if the Supreme Court stepped out of line on making this ruling. In this article I would like to discover whether the Supreme Court indeed did or did not step outside of its boundaries and use excessive power on behalf of this ruling.
            Let’s first start out by deciphering the responsibilities and duties of the U.S. Supreme Court. According to www.congressforkids.net, “When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution. All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court..” But this only stirs up another question. Does the Constitution say anything about same sex Marriage? It does not. We know from the Judiciary Branch’s website that the only matters that the Supreme Court debates and votes on are those that need to be directly translated from the U.S. Constitution. Thus, since the Constitution says nothing nor relates to anything that deals with same sex marriage for relationships the Supreme Court must have stepped there foot out of bounds at the 40-yard line and should not have scored that touchdown.
            After extensive research I found that the U.S. Constitution says nothing about making or changing laws based on feelings or emotions. There was absolutely nothing that stated that gays, lesbians or bisexuals could not love each other or have commitments with one another. Therefore, individuals with same sex attractions are allowed to be together. However, we should recognize that the Supreme Court has no right to make or change laws based on the fact that somebody was feeling sad that he couldn’t marry his boyfriend. Marriage is a “legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman as partners in a relationship.” (google defintitons) We must also further recognize why a male and female join together in union. Male and female join together in union to procreate and form a family unit. Same sex marriages cannot do such a thing, which makes them exclusively sex partners. This does not benefit society in the least.
            The first line of the Constitution, which states, “We the people…” indeed was completely disregarded on June 26th of 2015. Roughly 2% of the U.S. population is gay, lesbian or bisexual. But somehow this 2% has control over the Supreme Court and the remaining 98% of  “We the people…” the United States. Thus, we can conclude that the squeaky wheel does indeed get the grease and the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court on same sex marriage was unjust and utterly unethical.

            
The Power of Forgiveness
"In a marriage relationship, festering is destructive; forgiving is divine."  

Above is an inspired quote from a talk titled Divorce given by Dallin H. Oaks in 2007. Growing up, my mom used to tell me this little parable:

There once was a small village. An old man lived at the edge of town, way out by the dusty road. One day, he was out sweeping his porch when a young man with a pack on his back came into town.
"Hello old man," the young chap began. "I'm looking to settle down. What are the people like here?"
The old man stopped a minute and thought about the young man's question. "Well," he thought "what were the people like where you came from?"
"Oh they were a lousy lot! All of them selfish and arrogant, only wanting to know you for what you could give them."
The old man nodded and said to the young man, "Son, I'm afraid to tell you that you'll find the people here to be just the same." The young man thanked him for his time and continued onward. A few hours later, the same old man was out on the porch swing smoking his pipe when another young man with a pack on back came into town.
"Hello old man," the young chap began. "I'm looking to settle down. What are the people like here?"
The old man stopped a minute and thought about the young man's question. "Well," he thought "what were the people like where you came from?"
"Oh they were wonderful! All of them thoughtful and kind, I was sad to leave them."
The old man smiled with a twinkle in his eye and said to the young man, "Son, I'm glad to tell you that you'll find the people here to be just the same."

I've always loved this little story. It has taught me that when we look for the bad in people, we'll find it. If we look for the good in people, we'll find that too. This is so important to keep in mind in our marriage relationships. We will always find something wrong with our spouse's character. It's vital that we don't fester on these imperfections. We have to move on and choose to notice the good in them. When we choose to forgive rather than to fester, our love will only grow stronger. 

Saturday, July 11, 2015

A Christ-Centered Home

“I have sometimes seen children of good families rebel, resist, stray, sin, and even actually fight God. In this they bring sorrow to their parents, who have done their best to set in movement a current and to teach and live as examples. But I have repeatedly seen many of these same children, after years of wandering, mellow, realize what they have been missing, repent, and make great contribution to the spiritual life of their community. The reason I believe this can take place is that, despite all the adverse winds to which these people have been subjected, they have been influenced still more, and much more than they realized, by the current of life in the homes in which they were reared. When, in later years, they feel a longing to recreate in their own families the same atmosphere they enjoyed as children, they are likely to turn to the faith that gave meaning to their parents’ lives.”
                                                -President Spencer W. Kimball

“Family study of the scriptures should be the practice in our homes each Sabbath day. Daily devotionals are also a commendable practice, where scripture reading, singing of hymns, and family prayer are a part of our daily routine.
                                                -President Ezra Taft Benson

“The home is what needs reforming. Try today, and tomorrow, to make a change in your home by praying twice a day with your family. … Ask a blessing upon every meal you eat. Spend ten minutes … reading a chapter from the words of the Lord in the [scriptures]. … Let love, peace, and the Spirit of the Lord, kindness, charity, sacrifice for others, abound in your families. Banish harsh words, … and let the Spirit of God take possession of your hearts. Teach to your children these things, in spirit and power. … Not one child in a hundred would go astray, if the home environment, example and training, were in harmony with … the gospel of Christ.”
                                                -President Joseph F. Smith

“Obviously, family values mirror our personal priorities. Given the gravity of current conditions, would parents be willing to give up just one outside thing, giving that time and talent instead to the family? Parents and grandparents, please scrutinize your schedules and priorities in order to ensure that life’s prime relationships get more prime time! Even consecrated and devoted Brigham Young was once told by the Lord, ‘Take especial care of your family’ (D&C 126:3). Sometimes it is the most conscientious who need this message the most!”
                                                -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

“Countless things can be done within the walls of our homes to strengthen the family. May I share a few ideas that may help identify the areas that need strengthening in our own families. I offer them in a spirit of encouragement, knowing that each family—and each family member—is unique.”
                                                -Elder Robert D. Hales

“Hold family home evenings every week without fail. This is a wonderful time to share your testimony with your children…Family home evenings will help create an island of refuge and security within your own home.”
                                                -Elder Joe J. Christensen

“The responsibility for establishing a Christ-centered home lies with both parents and children. Parents are responsible to teach their children in love and righteousness. Parents will be held accountable before the Lord in how they perform their sacred responsibilities. Parents teach their children with words and through example.”
                                                -Elder Richard J. Maynes

“It is difficult to overstate the importance parents have in teaching their children celestial traditions through word and example.”
                                                -Elder Richard J. Maynes

“When parents preside over the family in love and righteousness and teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and through example, and when children love and support their parents by learning and practicing the principles their parents teach, the result will be the establishment of a Christ-centered home. Brothers and sisters, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and belief should inspire us to do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home.”
                                                -Elder Richard J. Maynes

“One of the things we have discovered is that when we bring the Savior’s example and teachings into our family discussions and interactions, they have become much more powerful and purposeful.”
                                                -Darren E. Schmidt

“Another thing we have sought to do to establish a more Christ-centered home is to have pictures of Christ, the temple, and other gospel-related things where they can readily be seen and where our children can know what is truly important to us.”
                                                -Darren E. Schmidt

“Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

“The prophetic counsel to have daily personal and family prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home evening are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott
“Don’t rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles. Remember: little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

“Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes on the Savior.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

“As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel there. Welcome such friends into your home. They will blossom in that Christ-centered environment.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

“We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.”
                                                -Elder Richard G. Scott

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

THE FAMILY

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and can be found at https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng.