Discussing Suffering-aka Adversity

 I searched adversity online.  I broke it down into roots and here is what I’ve come up with.  Ad means to place near or towards something.  Vers meas convertible or reverse.  ity means the state of.  The meaning I gather from this is that one who experiences adversity is in a state that is convertible or reverse In Elder Dallan H. Oaks, a member of the quorum of the twelve apostles of the LDS church, a body of elders that guide and teach members of the church and serve as representatives of Jesus Christ himself on the earth, gave a forum address at Brigham Young University and he discussed adversity. One of my favorite things he said was actually a quote from President Ezra Taft Benson “it is not on the pinnacle of success and ease where men and women grow most.  It is often down in the valley of heartache and disappointment and reverses where men and women grow into strong characters.  every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and make us more strong, more courageous and more godlike”.  By definition a reversal is an unfortunate happening.  This word also means the opposite state. I think we have the power to reverse our reverses.

In D&C 121: 7-8 we read “and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes”   I sometimes want to say “prove it” but he has proven it, over and over agin in the scriptures.

  We often think of those in poverty as suffering.  My mother always says, money just makes you more of what you already are.  Can it be said that adversity makes you more of what you already are? I think it does.  One who relies on the lord will choose to do that more so in their affliction and be strengthened accordingly to become an even more faithful individual.

  Lets talk about the language of responsibility.  Using this language is about taking responsibility for all that happens to us and recognizing that things don’t usually just happen.  We don’t say, I didn’t have time to read my scriptures tonight.  If we use the language of responsibility we instead say, I didn’t make time to read the scriptures tonight because I chose other things above my scripture study.  Bottom line, we have the choice in almost everything that happens to us and granted, hard circumstances will come our way but we must choose to grow from them rather than wallow in our misery. 

In school, Im studying exercise science.  I learn in my major about the principles of weight training and spotting.  The thought came to me, Christ is our spotter.  He lifts our burdens so that we can use the rest of our force and strength to carry what we can.  Then the next time we are stronger and can carry more of our own burden.

 People often ask me what I fear most in this world.  Be it death, loss of loved ones, physical impairments, falling into sin, or scores of other trials.  I say I have no need to fear for the Lord has promised that if you are prepared and faithful, “ye shall not fear”.

Patriarchal Blessings and The Doctrine and Covenants

To compare the Doctrine and Covenants (hereafter referred to as D&C in this post) I think I must first address the purposes of each.  In the introduction to the D&C we read that "Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, the messages, warnings  and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation."  The revelations given in this book are proof that God loves his children so much that he is willing to communicate with them to guide and direct them back to his presence.  These revelations only help to explain the truths found in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which, is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Similarly, patriarchal blessings are revealed by the father to someone with the proper authority and given as guidance to those who receive their blessings.  However, these blessings are promised to individuals and the revelation that a patriarch receives is for that person alone.  These blessings are of a more sacred nature and are not typically broadcasted or published like the blessings and revelations found in the D&C.  Both blessings found in the D&C and those of patriarchal blessings are predicated on each individuals righteousness and the extend to which he or she obeys God's laws.  Individuals who have a desire to receive the fullness of Gods blessings both personal and for his entire kingdom have the opportunity to do so in studying the words of the D&C and their own blessings and adhering to the guidance given therein.

More specifically, the D&C outlines how the Church of Jesus Christ is to be organized and explains the doctrines to teach.  An interesting point about the D&C is that it often references the Bible, both the New and Old Testaments, and offers further insight and in some cases, points out important revelations that were removed or lost through the centuries by scholars, political figures, and scribes.  These modern day revelations are valuable to all religious scholars and further, to all of God's children who have ever lived.

A patriarchal blessing is given by a patriarch whose priesthood authority can be traced back to the Savior himself.  It is incredible to think that these men are in communication with the Lord and are so in tune with God, our Heavenly Father or patriarch, that they can speak for him in regards to his precious children.  God is truly our father and like any loving father on Earth, watches us and longs for us to succeed.  Success in God's eyes is to live like his son, Jesus Christ, and as we follow his guidance we will receive eternal life and become as he is.  In our patriarchal blessings he tells us of the gifts he has given us and challenges us to magnify that which he has already blessed us with.  We may gain a greater understanding of our roll in the gathering of Israel, which is to bring all his children unto him through missionary work and being good Christians.  We are sometimes warned, like in the D&C, about challenges or trials we may encounter and like any good father, He admonishes us to go forward in faith.   

Sometimes I want a little romance. As the semester wraps up, I watch people pairing off.

Savior of the World

I auditioned for Savior of the World last week. I just felt like it was something I needed to do. It turned out to be a beautiful experience. I went to the walk-in audition at BYU on a whim. I went home from my piano class on Thursday, picked a song to audition with, made a cut in the music, got a bit dressed up, and went on my way. I was ever so slightly nervous but, I wasn't really expecting anything. If I made it, fantastic. I would spend the Christmas season performing on a stage telling the story of the life of Jesus Christ. If I didn't make it, I would have other opportunities to perform and another audition experience. I got called in with a group of about 15 people. We all sang for eachother. Some as soloists and some as families. Some sang simple hymns and others sang musical theatre pieces. Our "judge" (though I don't think it is fair to call her that because she wasn't judging anyone...simply listening and evoking emotion from the auditionees) would have most everyone sing twice and have them use the words from their song, no matter what it was, to bear testimony and think of the Savior. I have two favorite moments. First, a family of three stepped forward and sang sweetly and shyly the words "If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do, would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true? Would I follow his example? Would I live more righteously, if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?" It was lovely. I was overwhelmed with how true those simple words are. Then a girl about my age sang "Someone like you" beautifully. Gale asked her to sing it again thinking about that "someone" being the Savior and she asked her to express that feeling seeking and finding the Lord. She began to cry while singing. It was evident that she could not contain those feelings and could barely get through the song but it was far more powerful to hear it sung that way.

Realizations.

Vacation for two weeks at home was bliss. I realized how tired I was after finals and about 11 months of school straight. I loved being at BYU for the spring and summer and even found it hard to just relax and read a book without feeling like I had somewhere to be or something to run off and do. I made myself do it. I spent two days by the pool, guiltless, doing nothing but reading for hours in the sunshine. I missed that feeling...the summer with nothing to do but have fun. Still, I felt it was necessary to accomplish something so, I read a good book. Even in high school, I would sit by the pool and read my text books and do summer reading before classes started. I must always be doing at least two things at once. It was bliss to be home though, like I said. I lathered up the sunblock, which smelled delightful, some sunglasses, a glass of water, with a book in hand and my fluffy terrier-mutt at my side, I relaxed. Whenever my skin began to "glisten", I would just take a dip in the gently sparkling water of the pool, swim a few laps, and get back to reading. It was beautiful.
I did enjoy other things while in California. My first night there, I headed to the Oakland Temple with Mom and Dad, Aunt LuAnn, and the Murray family where Chris went through. I wished I could be there with everyone. I did baptisms and walked around the balcony imagining the beautiful things going on inside. The lights across the city below me, the stars above me, and the peace of being near the house of the Lord made me feel as if I was in heaven. What a lovely experience. I walked down from the balcony only to find the iron gates leading to the courtyard of the temple locked. I felt strange being locked there. I wanted to yell for a guard but didn't feel like disrupting the spirit of the temple. Luckily, the guard was only patrolling the upper level and came down to let me out. A couple from China who had just moved to Oakland was also there with me waiting to be let out. They were just there visiting. I asked them if they liked the temple and they told me it was beautiful. I wanted to share more with them about the temple. They weren't members and wondered what it was but, they left as soon as the guard came. I then waited for everyone inside and read the story of Alma and Amulek in prison where they did not save themselves from the torture they endured until they were filled with righteous indignation and the prison walls crumbled. That story really came to life for me then and I could visualize the scene. Everyone finally came out and it was like a little reunion of family and friends. I love those people.
Saturday, was chill. Mom and I slept in and I showed her some of my sweet dance moves. Trisha came over and we practiced "His Hands" for Chris' "farewell". Then, one of the highlights of the two weeks, nay, my life: I met my niece!!! She is so precious.

Colorado Road Trip

So, Kelsey and I took a fun road trip two weeks ago to see her family. The 5 1/2 hour trip...one way...turned into like 6 1/2 as Kelsey and I got a bit lost. However, I like to think that just allowed us to see more scenic Utah. I was surprised that I didn't fall asleep on the way there or on the way back. Kelsey and I got in some good bonding time talking about everything from family to school to church to reminiscing. It was a good time. I think my favorite part about the ride there, aside from getting lost, was the amazing thunder and lightning storm we hit once it got dark. We planned on leaving in enough time where we would get there before the dark. Kelsey doesn't drive well once it's dark, so she claims...even though it was light when we got lost and I wasn't much of a help. Anyway, it got dark and all that was ahead was deep blue sky and the shadows of the landscape. It was beautiful to see the sky illuminated every couple of minutes and to listen to the rain and thunder. I also enjoyed the segment of the trip with deer warnings. Kelsey and I got a good laugh at the "deer in the headlights" look we kept imagining seeing. She informed me that deer like to give you that look and then jump out all crazy like in front of the car. This kind of attack sometimes sends the deer through the windshield and it lands on the passengers. Freaky story right? So, I'm freaking out the whole time scanning the side of the road kinda half laughing at the scenario and kinda fearing it would happen to us. Then, of course, I look out and see a deer...and it's giving me that look. They seem so innocent but knowing it could dart out in front of the car at any moment caused me to scream "deer". I've never been so frightened to see a deer. Kelsey said, "lets just imagine actually hitting one, and it won't happen." HA...who does that? That was like saying, just imagine that the worst will happen and you'll feel great. Silly Kelsey. But, we attributed the fact that the deer stayed there to the imagining we did earlier. Kelsey would call her family regularly getting directions. They would remind her of where to turn and she would say, "oh yea, I think I can get it from there"...then once we got there, she'd call again. It was quite amusing. So, finally, we got to Kelsey's aunt's house. She lives on the most beautiful land in Cortez. There is nothing blocking her view of the mountains. She had a beautiful patio where we ate breakfast in the morning...oh so peaceful. Wind chimes gently ringing, the cat and dog begging for food, and humming birds paying frequent visits. It was lovely. She fed us well. The night before she pulled random-ness out of the fridge which consisted of: spicy chicken wings, chili, ritz crackers, and tortillas with honey. Kelsey and I slept in a room with the most squeaky doors of all time. The kind where you try to open it slowly so that the squeak goes away and it only lasts longer...so you try to open the door super fast and it gets louder. So, in the morning we headed off to her grandmothers house. It was so quaint and adorable. She had all these garden decorations that gathered solar energy and flashed different colors at night. So, we gathered there early in the day. I got to see here dad who is receiving treatment for cancer near Cortez, her mom, her brother Jared, and his girlfriend. We decided to head out for some adventures at Telluride, this little mountain village that is now home to the rich and famous. It still has a quaint charm to it in some parts but all of the shopping was rediculous. My favorite part was the gondola ride to get there. I guess it's hard to access the city by car so, most people travel in and out by gondola. How sweet is that? The views from the gondolas were exquisite! We were completely surrounded by beautiful green mountains. I loved every second and thought of my mom. She would eat a place like that right up. Jared treated us to lunch in this nice resturant which kinda had a lodge feel to it. I thought of my brother Ted as I walked past a "Free Bin" area of town. There were shelves that lined a wall labeled for mens and womens clothing, children's toys, and home appliances. Anyone could take anything. I was amazed that such a yuppy town was home to so many hippy types. My family would certainly find something there to suit everyone. I wanted to bring them all there. The best view in town could be seen from the main street into some distant mountains where a waterfall plunged from top to bottom. Amazing. Shortly after exploring the shops and realizing they were all ridiculously priced, we made our way back to Cortez to meet up at grandma's house again. There we sat on her little patio and talked about family adventures. I listened to the stories and really enjoyed watching everyone interact. There was love so real and so present I could almost touch it. I felt like this is what life is about. Family and connecting with people...experiencing together. It was beautiful. The next morning, we headed over to grandma's again for breakfast and headed out to Utah again. Kelsey and I passed the time in much the same way. This time we stopped at "Hole in the Rock" and had a little fun at this little po dunk tourist attraction. That is officially on my list of places to go back and visit again. We found a new pass time this go around: watching clouds...bad idea for the driver. 5 1/2 hours later, we were back in Provo. It was a short but fulfilling trip. I decided I like Colorado and the Eiman family.

I'm starting a blog

So, I'm trying this whole blog thing. It's like an online journal meets a scrap book. You write personal things but you want other's to read them and look at your pictures. I like this! I got a letter from a friend the other day. He said that he'd been writing some music in the MTC. He sent me one of his songs. The words are about love found and then lost. I wondered if he wrote from experience and decided that it was probably a bad idea for missionaries to be thinking about girls and writing songs about them. Then I decided that it's ok because song writing, like any true art form, is expressive of life. Song lyrics are like a journal in which you write deeply personal information, feelings, and experiences with the intention of sharing it with others in the future. So, here I've created my online journal. Karlee's sister, Tish, told me I could write in my blog and then have it turned into a scrapbook of sorts. I figured...sweet...I'm on the computer daily and this will be an easy way to document my life experiences and thoughts. My goal is to blog once a week and to not blab on about "i did this and then i did this and then i did this" because that is boring. I'm going to try to make it interesting! Let me know if it is boring.