This morning I woke up with a distinct impression that I should write my feelings about one of the sacred ordinances we perform in the Temples of our Church. That of Baptisms for the Dead. Now to an outsider looking in, the phrase "doing baptisms for the dead" may sound quite gruesome, but I think once one has the proper perspective and understands what we are trying to accomplish in our Church, the ordinance of doing baptisms for the dead becomes beautiful, sacred, and just one more indication of the great love our Heavenly Father has for EACH of his children.
As far as I'm aware, most Christian faiths or those that claim to follow our Savior Jesus Christ believe that baptism is an essential ordinance in order to be saved enter into the Kingdom of God. It is something that when studying the Bible one can find many references to such as in John 3:5 when Christ is talking to Nicodemus and says, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." We also learn that Baptism is so important that even the perfect Christ was baptized in order to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15). Christ was our perfect example and showed us by example what we too should be baptized.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we too believe Baptism is an essential part of our Heavenly Fathers plan and a requirement to returning home to our Father in Heaven. However, (and this is the beautiful part), we believe that Heavenly Father loves ALL his children, not only those that are lucky enough to learn about Christ during their time on this earth and that he has provided a way that we all may return to him, if we so choose.
There are so many people on this earth, and so many that have gone before that never even had the opportunity to learn of Christ. Or what about the baby or child that may have been born into a Christian family, but slipped silently into the arms of death before a baptism could be performed? Are all these children of our Heavenly Father all doomed to spend their days in an eternal Hell?
In our Church we believe that our Heavenly Father through his prophets has revealed a way that we all may return to live with him, whether or not we were lucky enough to hear about and accept Christ in this life or not. And that is through the revelation of Baptisms through the dead. As a Church we believe that finding our ancestors is crucial, because as we do so, we are able to take the names of those ancestors to the temple and be baptized by proxy for them, as well as receive the holy Ghost for them. And currently our church has the largest free online family history center in the world called FamilySearch.org (link on sidebar) where over 1.2 billion records have been scanned and uploaded to help people (whether in our church or not) find their ancestors. We use this information to find our families and then to find out who in our families has not had this important ordinance work done, so that if needed we can perform the ordinance work for them.
When we go to the temple for the first time we go to perform ordinances for ourselves, and then every time afterwords we go to be baptized or to do other ordinance work for someone else who has died. This work we believe MUST be performed so that those who have gone before at least have the opportunity to accept the ordinance work (like baptism) that has been done for them when they are given the chance to learn of Christ in the hereafter. Along with this we also believe that every person that has lived or ever will, WILL have the opportunity to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and accept it if they so choose.
So to me, baptism for the dead truly is a beautiful and selfless revelation where I can see the love the Lord has for all his children. He has not forgotten about any of us, and wants us all to be able to receive his promised blessings. Currently our Church has over 130 temples in operation all over the world with 8 under construction and 13 recently announced that will also begin construction soon. Members of our Church volunteer their time to go to these temples to perform baptisms and other ordinances for people all over the world. Sometimes for people who have been dead hundreds of years. Just this last month, I went for a woman down my genealogical line that had been dead since the 1600's. As we do this selfless work our hearts are turned to those who have gone before and we find joy in knowing that we are helping to link our families together for eternity so that we all may live in Heavenly Fathers presence together. So to me baptism for the dead is a beautiful indication that we truly do have a Heavenly Father that loves EACH and EVERY one of us, so much that he wants to make sure none of us are left behind.
How grateful I am for Gods love for me. I know he knows me personally. I know he leads my life. I have felt his protection, his comfort, his forgiveness, his love, and his blessings poured out upon me as I've prayed for his help and tried to live his teachings. I know he is real. And I know that each of us are his children and that he loves each of us more perfectly than we can ever understand.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The "Why" Behind Living the Word of Wisdom
Today I received an email from a very nice reader Charly who brought up some good questions about the "why" behind why I personally live the Word of Wisdom. I wanted to post my answer to his/her question here so that others who might also be curious might understand a little more about why the Word of Wisdom law is something I choose to follow. Below is Charly's comment and question. Thank you again Charly for commenting! :-)
"I came across your blog looking for examples of those who abstain from alcohol, yet try to twist the NT (New Testament?) account around their beliefs. I'm something of a teetotaler myself, but I'm only mildly religious, and don't choose my lifestyle because of any particular dogma.
You are free to believe whatever you want, of course, but I just wanted to ask, do you choose to follow the Word of Wisdom because of some kind of naturalist explanation ("it's a good way to live!"), because you think God told you to, or what? You say if "everyone just had one sip/one puff, then it'd be OK." Well, trust me, I've had the occasional cocktail with dinner when I came of age, and I'm not headed to any AA meetings. Do what you want, but don't live your life out of fear! Jesus DID drink booze, as did the founder of your Church, and the Mormon community in the mid-nineteenth century. But I guess if your saccharine sweet blog with your Swedish Jesus pictures makes you happy, have at it, sistah."
Dear Charly,
Thank you so much for your comment on our blog. I really appreciate your question and loved that it made me dig deeper into my own beliefs and where those beliefs come from. I also appreciate you sharing some of your own thoughts about drinking and the Word of Wisdom I enjoy so much learning from others like you and being able to share our different thoughts and experiences in life.
I guess when it comes down to it, I live the word of wisdom for several reasons 1) Because I believe it was revealed by God through his prophet Joseph Smith. Now this may seem really ludicrous to some, but let me try to explain where I am coming from.
As a child I was taught to pray and did so simply because it was what we did in our family. However, as I aged and matured I started to realize how real God was in my life and started to have experiences in prayer where I truly felt that God knew me, that I was his daughter, and that he cared about the ins and outs in my life. I remember one particular time during my teenage years when I had been making some choices I knew were wrong in my life. I felt awful inside and not at peace in my life and sincerely desired to change, but I was terrified that God would be so disappointed in me and therefore my reaction was to want to hide from him because I felt so ashamed of what I had done. However, I had been taught about repentance as a child and knew that I needed to pray and seek the Lords help so that I could have the strength to change.
I can't explain the feelings I experienced but it was almost as if I could feel a warm blanket being wrapped around me, or that God had reached down and held me in a tight hug. I knew then that the atonement of Jesus Christ was real, as in only a matter of minutes of praying I went to feeling heavy and burdened, to feeling happy and light, free from the guilt and burdens I had previously been experiencing. I felt such an outpouring of love that it consumed my whole body. It was an incredible experience and one I have thought back to often and felt over and over again in my life as I've prayed for comfort, guidance and or repented for something I have done wrong.
So prayer and the Atonement of Jesus Christ has become a big part of me and I truly believe God is our father in heaven, and that he loves us as a parent loves a child, only he does so unconditionally and perfectly, and because of the personal experiences I've had with prayer, I believe God will help us through this life. With that said, I also believe that God reveals to us what his truths are so that we may make right choices in our lives, and live our lives in a way that will qualify us to return to live with God someday and inherit all that he has. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us. Christ is a huge part of that plan and our lives have purpose and meaning. And I believe God uses prophets on the earth today to reveal his truths to us. So that we may know the things we should be doing in our lives. The things that will bring us happiness and help us to feel joy, and the things that will help us return to God and eventually inherit all that our Father has.
And THAT is why I believe in the Prophet Joseph Smith. I have read the Book of Mormon which we (Mormons) believe Joseph translated from an ancient record buried for hundreds of years. The Book of Mormon is an account written by prophets of old about another people who were also visited and taught by Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is a 2nd witness to the Bible and helps teach us Christs gospel and Gods plan. However, I just don't believe the Book of Mormon is true simply because I have read it many times. I believe it is true because I have felt in my heart that it is true. I have prayed about it, read from its pages daily, lived its teachings, and felt that same warmth fill my soul witnessing to me that it contains Christs gospel and is from God. I have felt peace in my life, direction, and answers as I've read from its pages and prayed for help understanding the things our Heavenly Father would have me know and do.
If Joseph Smith was a fraud and not the prophet he claimed to be, than the Book of Mormon is also a fraud, and the Church of Jesus Christ which Joseph organized through the power of God is also a fraud.
However, IF Joseph was a prophet and he did indeed translate ancient records written by Gods prophets (The Book of Mormon), and received revelation for us today (the Word of Wisdom) and other laws, than I believe I should obey those revealed truths, because I know that God will bless me for having faith in him and doing that which he has revealed.
So it is because I have felt in my heart that Joseph was a prophet that I choose to live the word of wisdom. It is because I believe each of us can know truth if we sincerely pray for it with an intent to follow that which we seek, that I choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and follow its teachings. I have personally prayed about these things and even though I don't understand everything or have a worldly reasonable explanation for obeying everything taught in our church, I also know that I am happier when I do and that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in our church will continue to help me progress into the person I want to be and can be.
So far in my life, nothing taught in our church has been to my detriment. On the contrary, as I've obeyed the different laws and principles taught I have found more clarity, more purpose, and more happiness in my life. I have had more opportunities to love, to serve, and to become a better person. I have developed better control over myself and the temptations that are before me. I have learned to give more of myself, to be more charitable, to be healthier. I have learned to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, and friend.
The way I figure it, if at the end of my life I find out that everything the Chuch of Jesus Christ has taught me is untrue, then I will still be WAY better off and a better person than if I were to try figuring things out on my own. But luckily for me, I do believe it is true, in fact I know it is for I have felt it over and over and over in my life and experienced more blessings and happiness than I ever imagined from following the laws and principles taught. I'm a much better and happier person because I am trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and I hope only to continue to chip off more rough edges over the course of my life to become the person God would have me be. Its a process, but one I'm committed to endure to the end of.
Thank you Charly for your wonderful question and for sharing your own experiences and thoughts. I appreciate them greatly and would love to hear more about where things look from where you stand. Thanks again for commenting. I hope you will continue with us on our spiritual journey! :-)
Sarah
"I came across your blog looking for examples of those who abstain from alcohol, yet try to twist the NT (New Testament?) account around their beliefs. I'm something of a teetotaler myself, but I'm only mildly religious, and don't choose my lifestyle because of any particular dogma.
You are free to believe whatever you want, of course, but I just wanted to ask, do you choose to follow the Word of Wisdom because of some kind of naturalist explanation ("it's a good way to live!"), because you think God told you to, or what? You say if "everyone just had one sip/one puff, then it'd be OK." Well, trust me, I've had the occasional cocktail with dinner when I came of age, and I'm not headed to any AA meetings. Do what you want, but don't live your life out of fear! Jesus DID drink booze, as did the founder of your Church, and the Mormon community in the mid-nineteenth century. But I guess if your saccharine sweet blog with your Swedish Jesus pictures makes you happy, have at it, sistah."
Dear Charly,
Thank you so much for your comment on our blog. I really appreciate your question and loved that it made me dig deeper into my own beliefs and where those beliefs come from. I also appreciate you sharing some of your own thoughts about drinking and the Word of Wisdom I enjoy so much learning from others like you and being able to share our different thoughts and experiences in life.
I guess when it comes down to it, I live the word of wisdom for several reasons 1) Because I believe it was revealed by God through his prophet Joseph Smith. Now this may seem really ludicrous to some, but let me try to explain where I am coming from.
As a child I was taught to pray and did so simply because it was what we did in our family. However, as I aged and matured I started to realize how real God was in my life and started to have experiences in prayer where I truly felt that God knew me, that I was his daughter, and that he cared about the ins and outs in my life. I remember one particular time during my teenage years when I had been making some choices I knew were wrong in my life. I felt awful inside and not at peace in my life and sincerely desired to change, but I was terrified that God would be so disappointed in me and therefore my reaction was to want to hide from him because I felt so ashamed of what I had done. However, I had been taught about repentance as a child and knew that I needed to pray and seek the Lords help so that I could have the strength to change.
I can't explain the feelings I experienced but it was almost as if I could feel a warm blanket being wrapped around me, or that God had reached down and held me in a tight hug. I knew then that the atonement of Jesus Christ was real, as in only a matter of minutes of praying I went to feeling heavy and burdened, to feeling happy and light, free from the guilt and burdens I had previously been experiencing. I felt such an outpouring of love that it consumed my whole body. It was an incredible experience and one I have thought back to often and felt over and over again in my life as I've prayed for comfort, guidance and or repented for something I have done wrong.
So prayer and the Atonement of Jesus Christ has become a big part of me and I truly believe God is our father in heaven, and that he loves us as a parent loves a child, only he does so unconditionally and perfectly, and because of the personal experiences I've had with prayer, I believe God will help us through this life. With that said, I also believe that God reveals to us what his truths are so that we may make right choices in our lives, and live our lives in a way that will qualify us to return to live with God someday and inherit all that he has. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us. Christ is a huge part of that plan and our lives have purpose and meaning. And I believe God uses prophets on the earth today to reveal his truths to us. So that we may know the things we should be doing in our lives. The things that will bring us happiness and help us to feel joy, and the things that will help us return to God and eventually inherit all that our Father has.
And THAT is why I believe in the Prophet Joseph Smith. I have read the Book of Mormon which we (Mormons) believe Joseph translated from an ancient record buried for hundreds of years. The Book of Mormon is an account written by prophets of old about another people who were also visited and taught by Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is a 2nd witness to the Bible and helps teach us Christs gospel and Gods plan. However, I just don't believe the Book of Mormon is true simply because I have read it many times. I believe it is true because I have felt in my heart that it is true. I have prayed about it, read from its pages daily, lived its teachings, and felt that same warmth fill my soul witnessing to me that it contains Christs gospel and is from God. I have felt peace in my life, direction, and answers as I've read from its pages and prayed for help understanding the things our Heavenly Father would have me know and do.
If Joseph Smith was a fraud and not the prophet he claimed to be, than the Book of Mormon is also a fraud, and the Church of Jesus Christ which Joseph organized through the power of God is also a fraud.
However, IF Joseph was a prophet and he did indeed translate ancient records written by Gods prophets (The Book of Mormon), and received revelation for us today (the Word of Wisdom) and other laws, than I believe I should obey those revealed truths, because I know that God will bless me for having faith in him and doing that which he has revealed.
So it is because I have felt in my heart that Joseph was a prophet that I choose to live the word of wisdom. It is because I believe each of us can know truth if we sincerely pray for it with an intent to follow that which we seek, that I choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and follow its teachings. I have personally prayed about these things and even though I don't understand everything or have a worldly reasonable explanation for obeying everything taught in our church, I also know that I am happier when I do and that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in our church will continue to help me progress into the person I want to be and can be.
So far in my life, nothing taught in our church has been to my detriment. On the contrary, as I've obeyed the different laws and principles taught I have found more clarity, more purpose, and more happiness in my life. I have had more opportunities to love, to serve, and to become a better person. I have developed better control over myself and the temptations that are before me. I have learned to give more of myself, to be more charitable, to be healthier. I have learned to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, and friend.
The way I figure it, if at the end of my life I find out that everything the Chuch of Jesus Christ has taught me is untrue, then I will still be WAY better off and a better person than if I were to try figuring things out on my own. But luckily for me, I do believe it is true, in fact I know it is for I have felt it over and over and over in my life and experienced more blessings and happiness than I ever imagined from following the laws and principles taught. I'm a much better and happier person because I am trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and I hope only to continue to chip off more rough edges over the course of my life to become the person God would have me be. Its a process, but one I'm committed to endure to the end of.
Thank you Charly for your wonderful question and for sharing your own experiences and thoughts. I appreciate them greatly and would love to hear more about where things look from where you stand. Thanks again for commenting. I hope you will continue with us on our spiritual journey! :-)
Sarah
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Singles Wards
Tonight we had the fun opportunity of taking the kids up the canyon for a bonfire and hot dog roast with our singles ward. For those of you not familiar with Mormon lingo, singles wards are basically a congregation of Church going adults typically between the ages of 18-31 that all go to church together. As in, there are usually no kids attending these wards, or married people, or families. its just a bunch of single people that all have similar standards and are trying to do whats right in their lives. The LDS (Mormon) Church has these sorts of wards (congregations) in almost every state in the U.S. And speaking from experience, they are AWESOME!
Although I'm sure that there are many examples of successful couples that are complete opposites, my undergrad work was in Sociology and it was there that I became very aware that the more similar a couple is, the less problems they usually have in their marriage. Especially when hot topics such as religion comes up and ones core beliefs. So in our Church one of the reasons singles wards were created is to help young people meet and marry other young people with similar belief systems and standards. It also is a great place for single people to socialize, and make friends with other people who are experiencing similar things in their lives (School, dating, Careers, etc.)
So you are probably now wondering why in the world we are in a singles ward instead of a ward that has families if we are married with children? Well in every ward in our Church there is always a bishop (sort of like a High Priest) who is called (not paid) to serve as a leader over that ward typically for a period of 3-5 years. Well the bishop is also able to call counselors to help him, and my husband Adam was called as one about 1.5 years ago. So therefore, in an effort to support Adam in his calling the 3 boys and I go to the singles ward every Sunday and also attend many of the singles activities. Tonight being one of them.
As we sat around the fire and sang songs and caught up in life It hit me once again how very inspired these wards are. Its just awesome to me that wherever you go in the world that you can look up our church and find that same family feeling whether you are 10 miles away or 100,000 miles away. I have always loved that about our church and truly consider it a great blessing in my life. Its like you have an instant family wherever you go, and I love being surrounded by people who even though they aren't perfect, they are trying to be more like their Savior and to follow in his ways.
Although I'm sure that there are many examples of successful couples that are complete opposites, my undergrad work was in Sociology and it was there that I became very aware that the more similar a couple is, the less problems they usually have in their marriage. Especially when hot topics such as religion comes up and ones core beliefs. So in our Church one of the reasons singles wards were created is to help young people meet and marry other young people with similar belief systems and standards. It also is a great place for single people to socialize, and make friends with other people who are experiencing similar things in their lives (School, dating, Careers, etc.)
So you are probably now wondering why in the world we are in a singles ward instead of a ward that has families if we are married with children? Well in every ward in our Church there is always a bishop (sort of like a High Priest) who is called (not paid) to serve as a leader over that ward typically for a period of 3-5 years. Well the bishop is also able to call counselors to help him, and my husband Adam was called as one about 1.5 years ago. So therefore, in an effort to support Adam in his calling the 3 boys and I go to the singles ward every Sunday and also attend many of the singles activities. Tonight being one of them.
As we sat around the fire and sang songs and caught up in life It hit me once again how very inspired these wards are. Its just awesome to me that wherever you go in the world that you can look up our church and find that same family feeling whether you are 10 miles away or 100,000 miles away. I have always loved that about our church and truly consider it a great blessing in my life. Its like you have an instant family wherever you go, and I love being surrounded by people who even though they aren't perfect, they are trying to be more like their Savior and to follow in his ways.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
It Just Makes Sense....
Many times over the course of my life as I've thought about some of the Church programs or some of the "peculiar" things the LDS Church asks us as members to do, I've had the thought that "it just makes sense." One of the beliefs I hold personally is that part of my reason for being on this earth is to become the best ME I can be. And as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints are well aware, one of our core beliefs is that our purpose here on earth is to become LIKE Christ, the only perfect man to have ever walked the earth.
So with that in mind I have thought about the many programs and laws the Mormon Church has established as well as those things that other people find "peculiar" about us. (Please note that these are in no particular order).
1) The Word of Wisdom: For those of you unfamiliar with this term it basically means that Mormons don't smoke, don't drink alcohol (and other harmful teas), or take illegal drugs. The word of wisdom also cautions us to get regular exercise and to eat good wholesome foods. However, many people of other faiths don't get this. Whats wrong with one glass of wine a day? Haven't you read how it can actually help you? And besides, Jesus drank wine didn't he? Well the answer to those questions are all, well, yes. However, if everyone only did take one puff, one drink, or one injection we wouldn't have chain smokers, AA groups, or drug addicts would we? Its pretty obvious to me that a church that wanted their people to be the best they could be so that they could be more obedient to following principles taught by Jesus Christ would caution their people to never indulge in any of behaviors that could lead to harmful addictions and take away the ability to think clearly and make wise choices. It just makes sense. By over indulging in these types of behaviors individuals can not only hurt themselves, but their families as well.
2) The Law of Chastity: I think this one is by far the HARDEST for others not of our faith to understand. And frankly, I'm pretty sure its one of the hardest for those of the Mormon Faith to obey! Those hormones can be pretty strong things! :-) I mean how could we possibly NOT have sex before marriage? Its against the laws of nature isn't it? I don't think any member of our church would refute that it is DANG hard to keep this law. However, one of the greatest blessings in my life is that of my family. And you know what, I have NEVER even once had to worry that my husband whom I love dearly would be unfaithful to me. You know why? Because even though it was hard at times for us not to tear each others clothes off when we were dating, my husband and I learned to control our sexual urges. Adam was able to control himself before we were married and I'm confident that if the situation ever arose, and some other woman wanted to tear his clothes off that he would have the ability to control himself once again. It just makes sense that if your goal is to create a strong family unit, that trust and control would be of the utmost importance. I'm not saying that every member of our church is perfect and has not fallen to sexual temptations, but only that this law is there to help us control ourselves in a way that if obeyed will strengthen family relationships and create feelings of trust and confidence. Children are created when two people have sex, and I believe the Church wants those children to be born to parents who actually want them and care for them, and are committed to each other. It just makes sense.
3) Law of Tithing/Fast offering contributions: This is paying 10% of our incomes back to the Church. In addition to giving 10% we are also asked to give a generous Fast Offerings (money to help those who have less than us usually after fasting or going without food for two meals): This makes absolutely perfect sense to me. No questions asked. Here we are living in a world in which our Heavenly Father created for us, (aka everything we have he gave us) and in return he asks that we learn to be unselfish. To give of that which we have to help build up his kingdom and to help those in need. This money goes to build churches in which we can meet and better ourselves by learning about our Savior, (again helping us to become more like him) to build temples where we are able to receive additional instruction, bind ourselves as eternal families, and do ordinance work for those who are unable who also would have chosen to follow Christ had they been given the chance. We are also able to send in help (food, clothing, first aid, blankets, etc.) to other countries that have been hit by hurricanes or tornadoes or other disasters and lend a hand to those in the world who are in need. This is absolutely an incredible law to me and one where I have personally experienced many blessings. I mean how many of us would voluntarily give up that much of our incomes to help those in need? And yet anyone who has read the Bible and who believes in Christ knows that we are told countless times in the scriptures to be charitable, to give of what we have, to take care of the needy and the sick. But how many of us fail miserably in doing so? I love that the law of tithing and fast offerings helps us to do that which the Lord has asked us to do....to love and serve one another giving of what we have. Again...it just makes sense!
I could go on and on, but I think I'll save more of my "it just makes sense" feelings for another post! In any regard, thanks for reading and please feel free to leave a comment or question!
So with that in mind I have thought about the many programs and laws the Mormon Church has established as well as those things that other people find "peculiar" about us. (Please note that these are in no particular order).
1) The Word of Wisdom: For those of you unfamiliar with this term it basically means that Mormons don't smoke, don't drink alcohol (and other harmful teas), or take illegal drugs. The word of wisdom also cautions us to get regular exercise and to eat good wholesome foods. However, many people of other faiths don't get this. Whats wrong with one glass of wine a day? Haven't you read how it can actually help you? And besides, Jesus drank wine didn't he? Well the answer to those questions are all, well, yes. However, if everyone only did take one puff, one drink, or one injection we wouldn't have chain smokers, AA groups, or drug addicts would we? Its pretty obvious to me that a church that wanted their people to be the best they could be so that they could be more obedient to following principles taught by Jesus Christ would caution their people to never indulge in any of behaviors that could lead to harmful addictions and take away the ability to think clearly and make wise choices. It just makes sense. By over indulging in these types of behaviors individuals can not only hurt themselves, but their families as well.
2) The Law of Chastity: I think this one is by far the HARDEST for others not of our faith to understand. And frankly, I'm pretty sure its one of the hardest for those of the Mormon Faith to obey! Those hormones can be pretty strong things! :-) I mean how could we possibly NOT have sex before marriage? Its against the laws of nature isn't it? I don't think any member of our church would refute that it is DANG hard to keep this law. However, one of the greatest blessings in my life is that of my family. And you know what, I have NEVER even once had to worry that my husband whom I love dearly would be unfaithful to me. You know why? Because even though it was hard at times for us not to tear each others clothes off when we were dating, my husband and I learned to control our sexual urges. Adam was able to control himself before we were married and I'm confident that if the situation ever arose, and some other woman wanted to tear his clothes off that he would have the ability to control himself once again. It just makes sense that if your goal is to create a strong family unit, that trust and control would be of the utmost importance. I'm not saying that every member of our church is perfect and has not fallen to sexual temptations, but only that this law is there to help us control ourselves in a way that if obeyed will strengthen family relationships and create feelings of trust and confidence. Children are created when two people have sex, and I believe the Church wants those children to be born to parents who actually want them and care for them, and are committed to each other. It just makes sense.
3) Law of Tithing/Fast offering contributions: This is paying 10% of our incomes back to the Church. In addition to giving 10% we are also asked to give a generous Fast Offerings (money to help those who have less than us usually after fasting or going without food for two meals): This makes absolutely perfect sense to me. No questions asked. Here we are living in a world in which our Heavenly Father created for us, (aka everything we have he gave us) and in return he asks that we learn to be unselfish. To give of that which we have to help build up his kingdom and to help those in need. This money goes to build churches in which we can meet and better ourselves by learning about our Savior, (again helping us to become more like him) to build temples where we are able to receive additional instruction, bind ourselves as eternal families, and do ordinance work for those who are unable who also would have chosen to follow Christ had they been given the chance. We are also able to send in help (food, clothing, first aid, blankets, etc.) to other countries that have been hit by hurricanes or tornadoes or other disasters and lend a hand to those in the world who are in need. This is absolutely an incredible law to me and one where I have personally experienced many blessings. I mean how many of us would voluntarily give up that much of our incomes to help those in need? And yet anyone who has read the Bible and who believes in Christ knows that we are told countless times in the scriptures to be charitable, to give of what we have, to take care of the needy and the sick. But how many of us fail miserably in doing so? I love that the law of tithing and fast offerings helps us to do that which the Lord has asked us to do....to love and serve one another giving of what we have. Again...it just makes sense!
I could go on and on, but I think I'll save more of my "it just makes sense" feelings for another post! In any regard, thanks for reading and please feel free to leave a comment or question!
Welcome to our Blog!
Well here I am starting out with my very first online spiritual journal! Whoa! Go me! :-) I'm not exactly sure where to start since I have so many thoughts racing through my head...BUT as is customary in my hand written journals I suppose I should introduce myself and our little family. My name is Sarah and I have been married to my very best friend and the man of my dreams for over 7 years. In those 7 years my husband Adam and I have supported each other in completing our educational goals, moved 6 or 7 times, cried and laughed, and been able to expand our family by three!! ALL boys! :-) We are very happy and feel very blessed in our lives. Not that life is always perfect, or that we have it all together, but as a wise person once said, "Together we have it all!" (Author unknown).
The purpose of this blog is for us to share some of our thoughts, feelings, and experiences we've had being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in an effort to help others gain a sneak peak into what its like to be a Mormon and why we do the things we do. We welcome your comments and questions and will do our best to answer them in a reasonable manner. We understand that every religion has truth and goodness in it, and therefore we are not out to refute what you believe or try to sway you otherwise. We are only out to share our own experiences with Faith and possibly add to the truth you have found. Feel free to join us on this spiritual journey! We welcome you!
The purpose of this blog is for us to share some of our thoughts, feelings, and experiences we've had being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in an effort to help others gain a sneak peak into what its like to be a Mormon and why we do the things we do. We welcome your comments and questions and will do our best to answer them in a reasonable manner. We understand that every religion has truth and goodness in it, and therefore we are not out to refute what you believe or try to sway you otherwise. We are only out to share our own experiences with Faith and possibly add to the truth you have found. Feel free to join us on this spiritual journey! We welcome you!
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