A friend of mine just posted the following video which I saw years ago. Following her post a few people mocked it and said President Benson didn't speak for God, wasn't a righteous man, used scare tactics to make people believe Communism was a threat to Americans, and that the Law of Consecration was the greatest form of Socialism according to the scriptures and latter-day prophets. These comments made me livid! I generally stay out of people's mindless discussions, but I just couldn't hold back on such an important topic. I love and respect Ezra Taft Benson and knew he had the light of Christ in him. I know what he said about this topic was true, and I couldn't stand by while people said disparaging things about this great man. This was my response to their unenlightened comments:
President Ezra Taft Benson was an amazing man, full of love and very inspired. He spoke the word of God. He toured Europe following WWII as the Secretary of Agriculture in U. S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s cabinet. He witnessed firsthand the ravages of war brought on by the works of evil men like Hitler and Stalin. He saw what happens when Socialism, Communism, and dictatorship reigns. He didn't use scare tactics but quoted proof of what he had seen through his own eyes, and from the accounts of people he had met. He vowed to spend his entire life trying to ensure that his predecessors wouldn’t have to live under any type of Socialism, Communism, or under the reign of any evil leader, because he had seen how they destroy lives and take away individual freedoms. These forms of government are totally opposite of the Law of Consecration. It is lived only by choice and is a plan where all who participate do so willingly, not by force, and offer all they have for the good of everyone. They can choose to participate or not, where as Socialism and Communism offer no choice. And all those who choose to live the Law of Consecration are required to contribute and earn their keep in order to receive, as opposed to Socialism and Communism where the masses are forced to give all they have to the government so others who aren’t willing to do anything for it can receive. The Law of Consecration is a law of equality for the good of everyone, not something forced on them so that only a few choice people can prosper, hold all the power, and dictate how the majority will live!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Kids are SO Honest
Sunday I taught a lesson at church on Moral Discipline. We may have morals, but the discussion was about whether or not we back them up by our actions. Do we have the courage to do what's moral when others aren't or do we give in to the pressure and leave our values behind when others do?
One girl had a funny story to share. It really was innocent enough, but it gave us all something to think about. She's a single divorced mom with a few kids. Her mother had told her about an activity at church for singles 31 and over, and had encouraged her to attend, probably hoping she would meet a great guy. She agreed to go. When she was leaving she told her kids she was going to a 31 and over singles activity. Her son who is seven said, "Mom, how old are you?" She told him she was 29. He said, "Mom, you know what? You lie a lot. You aren't really 31 and you are going anyway, and you also sneak candy into the movie theater even though there's a big sign on the door that says you can't."
It made us all laugh. The people at the activity wouldn't care if she wasn't really 31, they would just be glad she came. And many of us sneak candy into the theater because they don't sell what we want or it costs twice as much as it's worth. That's my justification, which I know isn't right either.
Her story reminded us all that it's a guarantee that our kids are always watching us and learning by our good or bad examples. The boy made a good point that we all need to think about. Do we do what we're supposed to do and set a good example of honesty and integrity for them? I will probably always feel guilty now if I take treats to the movie! Don't you just love how honest kids are? They put us right in our place!!!
One girl had a funny story to share. It really was innocent enough, but it gave us all something to think about. She's a single divorced mom with a few kids. Her mother had told her about an activity at church for singles 31 and over, and had encouraged her to attend, probably hoping she would meet a great guy. She agreed to go. When she was leaving she told her kids she was going to a 31 and over singles activity. Her son who is seven said, "Mom, how old are you?" She told him she was 29. He said, "Mom, you know what? You lie a lot. You aren't really 31 and you are going anyway, and you also sneak candy into the movie theater even though there's a big sign on the door that says you can't."
It made us all laugh. The people at the activity wouldn't care if she wasn't really 31, they would just be glad she came. And many of us sneak candy into the theater because they don't sell what we want or it costs twice as much as it's worth. That's my justification, which I know isn't right either.
Her story reminded us all that it's a guarantee that our kids are always watching us and learning by our good or bad examples. The boy made a good point that we all need to think about. Do we do what we're supposed to do and set a good example of honesty and integrity for them? I will probably always feel guilty now if I take treats to the movie! Don't you just love how honest kids are? They put us right in our place!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Perks of Exercising
I workout five days a week, and most days I ride an exercise bike for miles (as well as walk, swim, lift, etc). I'm feeling better and stronger with each passing week, and feeling good about myself because I know how hard I'm working. As I pedal the bike I read a book or magazine to help pass the time. This week I have been reading the church magazine, "The Ensign".
Today I realized a fringe benefit of working out. As I multitask I'm not only strengthening my body, but also my spirit!
Just this week I had read articles that have taught me:
The importance of nourishing my Spirit ~ To seek the Lord and draw near to Him ~ To hold on to the Lord during difficult times ~ That we can overcome trials with the Lord's help ~ That the Lord loves and remembers us always ~ How to become more self-reliant ~ To take time to gaze into the heavens at the stars and planets which are evidence of God's majesty ~ To remember that God created all things and has all the wisdom and power ~ That the Savior's grace is sufficient for all and that He atoned for EVERYONE ~ That we must be spiritually prepared to face the difficulties and challenges in our lives ~ To remember that we DO NOT walk alone through life ~ That like the Wise Man who built his house upon the rock, we too must build our lives on the firm foundation of the Lord ~ That we should try to stay out of debt ~ That we can only be redeemed through the precious blood of Christ ~ That Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will NEVER give up on us ~ That it's very important to discipline with love ~ That we MUST put our family before other worldly endeavors ~ And that God's love for us is infinite and eternal!!!!
Even though my Spirit isn't visible, I want it to be just as strong as my body; I want it to be firm and unshakable during the turbulent days that will inevitably be ahead, and I'm thankful for this chance to be strengthened from the inside out!
Today I realized a fringe benefit of working out. As I multitask I'm not only strengthening my body, but also my spirit!
Just this week I had read articles that have taught me:
The importance of nourishing my Spirit ~ To seek the Lord and draw near to Him ~ To hold on to the Lord during difficult times ~ That we can overcome trials with the Lord's help ~ That the Lord loves and remembers us always ~ How to become more self-reliant ~ To take time to gaze into the heavens at the stars and planets which are evidence of God's majesty ~ To remember that God created all things and has all the wisdom and power ~ That the Savior's grace is sufficient for all and that He atoned for EVERYONE ~ That we must be spiritually prepared to face the difficulties and challenges in our lives ~ To remember that we DO NOT walk alone through life ~ That like the Wise Man who built his house upon the rock, we too must build our lives on the firm foundation of the Lord ~ That we should try to stay out of debt ~ That we can only be redeemed through the precious blood of Christ ~ That Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will NEVER give up on us ~ That it's very important to discipline with love ~ That we MUST put our family before other worldly endeavors ~ And that God's love for us is infinite and eternal!!!!
Even though my Spirit isn't visible, I want it to be just as strong as my body; I want it to be firm and unshakable during the turbulent days that will inevitably be ahead, and I'm thankful for this chance to be strengthened from the inside out!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
An Inspirational Experience
Today at church I had an interesting experience. There is a woman who lost her daughter a few years ago in a tragic accident just as she was about to get married. Although she lives just down the road I never knew her. I remember when it happened and my heart was broken for her. I wanted so badly to just stop at her house and tell her how sad I was for her, but I just didn't dare. As a stranger I didn't want to intrude at an emotional moment and hurt her. I have even crossed paths with her in the temple and felt such empathy and sorrow for her, but noticing her sadness just never dared to speak to her.
Just recently our wards merged and now I see her at church. She looks like one of the saddest people I have ever seen. I have desperately been trying to get the courage up to approach her and tell her that I have been thinking of her for years. I have felt a great need to become her friend.
Today I was sitting behind her in Sacrament Meeting and finally decided that it was time to muster up the courage to visit her or approach her at church and tell her what that I have been feeling and to try to befriend her. All through the meeting I was deciding how best to do it.
Later at church in Relief Society meeting I looked at the calendar for the month and noticed her birthday was on it. I decided that would be a great way to break the ice and to visit her for her birthday and then I could get to know her and express my concern for her.
Relief Society was a Visiting Teacher Training and after the meeting the new booklets were handed out which outlined the new beats and companionships. When I looked at the name of my new companion it was the very woman I had been thinking of all day and for a very long time. My eyes welled up with tears. The strong prompting I had been blessed with today had been verified. I knew it was time to get acquainted with her, and the Lord has just issued the call.
I know that He knows what we need in our lives. And He knows who we need in our lives. My testimony of inspiration was strengthen today. I look so forward to getting to know her. I don't know if I have anything to offer to her, but I know I am supposed to get to know her. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father helps paves the way for us meet our worthy goals. I'm so thankful for His love!
Just recently our wards merged and now I see her at church. She looks like one of the saddest people I have ever seen. I have desperately been trying to get the courage up to approach her and tell her that I have been thinking of her for years. I have felt a great need to become her friend.
Today I was sitting behind her in Sacrament Meeting and finally decided that it was time to muster up the courage to visit her or approach her at church and tell her what that I have been feeling and to try to befriend her. All through the meeting I was deciding how best to do it.
Later at church in Relief Society meeting I looked at the calendar for the month and noticed her birthday was on it. I decided that would be a great way to break the ice and to visit her for her birthday and then I could get to know her and express my concern for her.
Relief Society was a Visiting Teacher Training and after the meeting the new booklets were handed out which outlined the new beats and companionships. When I looked at the name of my new companion it was the very woman I had been thinking of all day and for a very long time. My eyes welled up with tears. The strong prompting I had been blessed with today had been verified. I knew it was time to get acquainted with her, and the Lord has just issued the call.
I know that He knows what we need in our lives. And He knows who we need in our lives. My testimony of inspiration was strengthen today. I look so forward to getting to know her. I don't know if I have anything to offer to her, but I know I am supposed to get to know her. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father helps paves the way for us meet our worthy goals. I'm so thankful for His love!
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