I recently posted about the sad epidemic of AIDS. And now I have something more to express on the matter: Unlike some Christian perspectives, I do not believe that AIDS is evidence of God’s anger or wrath upon those who do not observe the law of chastity. I wholeheartedly believe that God gave us the law of chastity to keep us from the terrible affliction of AIDS!
He gave us that commandment for that reason, but for other reasons, of course… 🙂
At times, I view the LDS Church as the source of the most complete and authentic truth on the earth today. Other times, I view it as one of many denominations that celebrate Christ and goodness. It all depends on the context.
And I like that graphic representation of all the different denominations, but they are missing one that I quite fancy!
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
When my blog was approximately 10 days old, I asked a veteran blogger to take a look and give me some constructive feedback. He told me in no uncertain terms that while my blog was a cute thing for me to do for myself, it wouldn’t go anywhere. Now I have more views in more countries in 4 months than he does in 5 years. I hold no ill feelings toward this person, but I’m definitely having the last laugh on this one…
A week or so ago, I had an cyber stranger who informed me that he didn’t like that the Quorum of the 12 of the LDS Church was comprised of all white males. I respectfully told him that the United States wouldn’t have a Constitution if it weren’t for some smart white guys.
And all the girlies [and boyies!] say they’re pretty fly
As a general rule, Black Friday brings out the worst in human nature: Greed, violence, consumerism (NOT capitalism), lust, wastefulness, lack of sleep (but who am I to talk at this obscene hour? 🙂 ), excessive and pointless competition, and a bunch of other bad stuff. Pride is the root of all of it I think.
“Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.”
Alrighty folks, it’s waaaaay too late (or too early!). But in my defense, sometimes good (?) writers have to work a graveyard, right (click here for a full explanation) ? 🙂
Might be time for a sedative (click here for a full explanation). But they’re prescribed, and I use them wisely!
I don’t ever let anyone insult me for a minute. Not one minute. I’m all for people respectfully, intelligently, and even passionately disagreeing with me or challenging something I’ve written. Along these same lines, I appreciate those who help keep me in check during a debate. But people who would ever dare think to insult me? Don’t waste your time. And CERTAINLY not mine.
I don’t mean that to be self-righteous or judgmental at all. There are sooooo many benefits: health, peace of mind, safety, being in total control of myself, no chance of becoming addicted, and saving money, to name just a few. Oh, and not gaining weight from it!
Click here for a brief overview of the spiritual/health code
On this Thanksgiving day, it is customary for people to write positive and encouraging messages of gratitude. Allow me to take a more austere, harsh (but still awesome!) approach:
“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things…”
Let’s not pat ourselves on the back too much for saying thanks.
We can a little, but let’s try not to over-do it…
*oh, and in case you didn’t know my title is taken from Natasha’s song “Unwritten.” All except the “Thanksgiving” part, of course. Didja really expect anything different?
Friends, please know that when I reference scripture, it is not to be self-righteous or condescending. My goal is to not make myself look smart or try to silence any who disagree and call them heretics. Nope. Just wanna cite God’s word to illustrate my point. Or maybe it’s actually that (sometimes) I’m illustrating HIS point.
It would not have been wise for Mitt Romney to speak publicly about his Mormon faith (duh). I’m grateful that I do not have that same limitation, and I can speak about it all I want!
And I just compared myself to Mitt Romney. Thunderbolt of blasphemy for sure.
Oh, also there are TON of other differences between Mitt and myself. Like he makes millions, to name just one example.
He absolutely has played some raunchy roles in some filthy films.
He absolutely is attractive (at times).
He absolutely is a dirt-bag.
Go ahead and call me judgmental, I don’t care; I call a spade a spade (except he’s no ace) and just tell it like it is.
And to prove my point that I acknowledge and appreciate (some of) his artistry, I will include this video, which is probably the best song he’s ever done by the way.
I know this might not sit well with some people, so let me just express that I know “hell” is perhaps too harsh of a term to describe The Affordable Care Act and its corresponding effects on our country (though I’m not completely convinced it is). And I KNOW that some have benefited from Obamacare. Still, the point is good enough that I decided to take the risk.
And I AM gonna write my full thoughts on the ACA (been working on it already!). Just need some more time to sleep, clean my bedroom, and eat turkey!
I recently came across an article that claimed (with credible evidence) that Planned Parenthood makes approximately 1/3 of its revenue from abortion “services,” (including government funded) or as is euphemistically termed “termination of pregnancy.” And let’s not forget that this is a multimillion dollar company, with CEOs’ standard earnings easily being 6 digits. That is absolutely disgusting. I hate abortion even more than I did before.
It’s Thanksgiving, right? So lemme express and explain to ya one specific thing that I am SUPER grateful for:
Today, when (I feel) our government is wildly reckless with our hard-earned money, I have never been more grateful that I can unreservedly trust giving 10% of my income to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the form of tithing.
I am completely confident that our funds are being wisely allocated.
Desire is an essential part of our experience. It is what we long for, what we yearn for, what we wish for, what we dream of. Desire(s) can be ungodly, go too far and be to our detriment, but it needn’t be this way, as desire(s) can also give us hope, purpose, and direction, and inspire us to sacrifice and work diligently for what we want. This is what our leaders often refer to as “righteous desires.”
The scriptures teach that we will even be divinely judged “according to thedesire[s] of [our] hearts” (D&C 137:9). So we better make ’em good, huh?! Like, desiring for things that will bring lasting happiness to ourselves, others, and God. And guess what? The Bible tells us that “the desire[s] of the righteous shall be granted” (Proverbs 10:24). Score!
So let’s explore the idea of desire just a bit more, shall we?
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf
this version is super cool and subtle…music starts at 1:50ish
…and the harmonica is rocking!
(and now to return to the LDS apostles)
Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming.
-Dallin H. Oaks
And me personally? I desire a TON of stuff. Like, a ton. I could write a whole separate blog on what I desire. (Heck, I probably will someday!) But for now, let me express just one thing:
There are some real trolls on the Internet, I’m finding. And their mothers would be ashamed if they knew the kinds of things they were saying, especially to a lady like me! Sadly for them, they can’t get to me at all. They can’t make me engage in their games, either.
Before he was famous, John Mayer expressed that he was his own biggest advocate. This maxim has served him extremely well and has led him to his magnificent career; as it pushed him to work tirelessly to polish his skills and achieve musical excellence, stand up for himself when others might have disagreed/disapproved, and fight for what he wanted, artistically and otherwise. Inspired by John (as I usually am), I have adopted this philosophy for my own life and likewise declare that I am my own biggest advocate.
Joseph Smith is the ultimate example of research (my favorite word!). He had questions and did everything in his power to find answers, including talking to teachers and ministers, asking his parents, reading sacred (and informative!) texts, and then finally going to the source of all truth for the most complete answer. And aren’t we glad he did?! 🙂
Adam Levine is a D. Not attractive (a few strategic tats can be sexy, but his whole body is inked. Eww!), a weird voice, completely arrogant, and makes almost all of his stuff blatantly sexual and tacky.
Talented, yes.
Some good songs? Sure, I guess.
But overall as a person/artist, definitely not hot. Dislike.
is NOT that Joseph had a vision, that the heavens are open, that families can be together for eternity, that there are prophets and apostles on earth today, that Jesus Christ performed the Atonement, that modern revelation is real, that the Book of Mormon is scripture comparable to the Bible, or that the Church/gospel has been restored in its fullness.
Concerning the issue of HIV/ AIDS: “We, with others, hope that discoveries will make possible both prevention and healing from this dread affliction. But regardless of such discoveries, the observance of one clearly understandable and divinely given rule would do more than all else to check this epidemic. That is chastity before marriage and total fidelity [in] marriage.” -Gordon Hinckley (said in 1987).
“Having said this, I desire now to say with emphasis that our concern for the bitter fruit of sin is coupled with Christlike sympathy for its victims, innocent or culpable… We should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and assisting them with their problems.”
-Gordon B Hinckley (LDS Church President/Prophet 1995-2008).
2) President U is a shepherd (he leads people to truth).
3) President U is a German Shepherd!
4) Gotta be soooo very careful making jokes like this. I think I’m okay in this case.
5) I like dogs a lot.
6) I like wordplay just as much.
7) Doing black & white videos of yourself makes you look artsy.
8) Shepherd’s pie is a little too heavy for me.
President Uchtdorf
is a German Shepherd!
And yes, I know that’s not a German shepherd, so don’t give me any crap, please. I considered doing some research to see if I could find one to take a picture with it, but I figured this picture does what I need it to….
In the late 1890s, the Mormon Church was deeply in debt. Lorenzo Snow, the then-president of the faith, prayed for help and inspiration. Thus, came the revelation of the modern tithe, as announced in 1899 in St. George, Utah. Within a few short years, the Church was out of debt. And we NEVER will be in debt again. Never. Not to brag or sound worldly, but the cash flow of the LDS church has been surging ever since (hint: We. Are. Rich.But we use the money well and none of our leaders are paid!)
Though I know this is probably impossible, I sure wish our modern government would take SOME sort of look at how we (Latter-day Saints/Mormons) do things. Cuz we know how to get things done, be efficient, be responsible stewards with our money and properties. And there is no one in his/her right mind who can say the same about the United States. Trillions of dollars in the hole doesn’t just go away…
I believe in having high academic expectations, but the Common Core (one of the newest controversies concerning standardized testing) is taking that waaaaay too far, and is completely alienating students from actual learning. This blog post (I didn’t write it!) does an excellent job of explaining and illustrating why it is so very destructive:
We’re talking (good) kids contemplating suicide over the stress and anxiety they feel because of a test. That’s wrong.
The Constitution guarantees freedom OF religion. But some people believe (covertly or overtly) that we should have “freedom” FROM religion. Ah, ah, ah. Don’t anyone go changing the ever important prepositions now. No way, Jose.
Joseph Smith said we “allow all men the privilege of worshiping… how, where, or what they may” (Article of Faith #11). This of course includes people who choose not to practice or believe anything at all. BUT, don’t you dare try to infringe on the freedoms of people of faith.
The Mormon Church recently launched an awesome website about religious freedom and protection. Check it stat!
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the 12 of the LDS Church is one of the Mormon apostles most known for supporting and advocating religious freedoms and similar patriotic causes.
Quentin Cook (yet ANOTHER one of the 12), a Stanford educated attorney, said the following:
“We also find the majority of people are still respectful of basic moral values. But make no mistake: there are also people who are determined to both destroy faith and reject any religious influence in society.”
So I am just looooving this chance that I have to write. To express myself and to say things that are valuable and can speak to others. It’s a gift to have the means, the skills, and the freedom to create as I do. Often times during the day I am inspired and think of things to write about! I have to keep it tucked in my mind (or in my notebook) til I can finally get to it. And I do get to it 🙂 So yes, I love the opportunity to write.
But it takes its toll, too! Inspiration is often inconvenient. Like often the best ideas come at really inopportune times (like in the middle of the night). It’s something many artists deal with. John Mayer, Natasha Bedingfield, and Taylor Swift to drop some big names. And it takes energy. Mental, emotional, physical energy. Don’t get me wrong, I ain’t complaining! Not in the least. Just expressing that truly committing oneself to one’s chosen art form can be pretty tiring.
Um, can I just say how much I LOVE this quote?! It’s only one sentence in the whole document, but it’s spectacular. I love how it is bold, but not overbearing (Alma 38:12). No matter our choices or circumstances, we are all children of God who deserve love and respect from our fellow human beings. That being said, children STILL deserve to be born to parents who are faithfully married. It is our job to do everything possible to make this a reality. And, despite what anyone may say or think, chastity is NOT a thing of the past. It’s not a dead commandment. And choosing to obey it makes lasting happiness in families all the more possible. I know this is true.
I “studied” this book in a British Lit class at BYU
Embarrassed to admit that I didn’t read it a whole bunch (Sparknotes 😦 )
High Times!
Hard Times!
Friends, we truly are living in hard times. Perilous, even. And there is no single answer to solve our personal/ individual troubles, let alone our world’s problems. But may I suggest just a few:
1) Be kind to other people
2) Do your best to get your finances in order and be a wise steward over your things.
3) Sacrifice what you need to to obey the laws of God even more exactly
…They will take away your powers of reason. They will enslave you in a vicious and terrible way. They will destroy your mind and your body. They will build within you such cravings that you will do anything to satisfy them.”