Images Worshipped

The images men worship are not just of stone and clay;
They make idols of their own success and walk their way
Day by day they wander with hearts set on the world;
Their pride and greed replace the need to trust the Lord

But we could have faith, we would be strong
If He was the power we relied upon
He's the only one with power to save,
So we pledge today that we will walk His way
Beginning now, we vow to walk His way.

He is the path we follow, He's the only one we serve;
We find happiness in His success and trust His word.
He is our loving Father, with strength and power to save,
With all our soul we choose this day to walk His way.

And as we have faith we will be strong,
For He is the power we rely upon
He's the only one with power to save,
So we pledge today that we will walk His way
Beginning now we vow to walk His way.
(Walk His Way by S. Jones)

Victoria Anderson said it a different way in the March 2006 Ensign with an article entitled, "Filling the Void." The basic premise of her discussion was that we all have a void in our lives which our relationship with our Father in Heaven filled in the pre-mortal realms. Here on earth, however, we often draw away from Him and then attempt to fill the void we feel with worldly ideas or habits. I ask myself, then, how do I fill my void, or, what idols do I worship?

-my intelligence
-my ignorance (it seems silly, but somehow I hold fast to my lack of knowledge about certain areas when I should really just ask and not be afraid to get an answer; God giveth liberally to those who seek in humility)
-my "comfort zone"
-pride
-FEAR

And others, of course, but that is a daunting enough list as it is. I think I've learned over the last few years, however that one can't simply root out weaknesses. I can't just will myself to make the "idols" go away or to stop worshipping them. I have the first cram the void so full of good things that when I pull out some of the false worship, I have something in that spot so the emptiness doesn't get filled with more idol worship. That means the Sunday School pat answers. Yep, pray and read your scriptures. I keep trying to regain that close relationship with my Heavenly Father; without it, the pride and fear just seem to consume me. I'm still far from perfect, but I'm trying to live so that I can say, HE is the one I worship, He's the ONLY one I serve.

All Blessings to Impart

Happy Easter everyone.

I wish first to share one of my very favorite scriptures: "Listen to Him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him--Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou was will pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life" (D&C 45:3-5)

I declare with all the energy of my soul that I know Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior and Redeemer. It was He who in the councils of heaven stood and answered the call of the Father for a Savior, One who would leave His thrones above, descend below all men, and fulfill the will of the Father in ALL things. He had so perfected Himself as to rise to the level of godhood in the premortal realm, and He loved the Father and us so much as to sacrifice all to become the Savior of man. He was the Jehovah of the Old Testament, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He led His people Israel out of bondage in Egypt to a land of promise. He too was the God of Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Alma, and the Book of Mormon peoples.

He came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth. I testify that He who was the first-born son of Mary was and is the literal Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh. From His mother he inherited mortality, the ability to feel the pains, temptations, and afflictions of mankind, and the ability to die. From His father He inherited power over the elements, even death. He lived among men in Jerusalem and Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing. He called followers and gave them power to be apostles, to carry on His work after His death. He loved and served. At the end of His mortal ministry He suffered, bled and died for the salvation of mankind. I cannot fathom the anguish that caused Him, "even God, the greatest of all, to tremble becasue of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that [He] might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink" (D&C 19:18). But "glory be to the Father" He did, He suffered and He died, and He lived again. He became the Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. I praise and honor Him and will ALWAYS remember Him for His glorious sacrifice on my behalf.

After His death and resurrection, He appeared first to His apostles and others of His disciples in Jerusalem, then to the Nephites on the American continent. He has again returned in these latter-days to the boy prophet Joseph Smith to usher in this the dispensation of the fullness of times. He speaks today through living prophets to the people of His church and to the whole world.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ. He lived, died, and lives today. This truth I surely know. He stands at the head of His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is my Savior and Redeemer. To Him I give my whole heart, might, mind and strength. I will never forget what He has done for me. I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!

Men and Marriage

As is not uncommon in the community in which I reside, I have been recently surrounded by couples, specifically engaged couples. I am extremely happy for the vast majority of them, and wish each couple the very best in their future lives together. With the recent General Conference address by Elder Nelson on the sanctity of marriage and the abundance of soon-to-be-married couples in the area, I have been encouraged to think on my idea of what marriage should be, and if it were possible, come up with an idea of my "ideal man". Oh boy.

I am thoroughly loyal to the extreme, once my loyalty is bestowed. To the man I will call my husband I would give everything. My life, my body, my desires, my personal comforts, my hopes and dreams for the future, and my complete love and devotion. I will obey and honor and serve him. I will bear and raise his children amid physical, mental, and emotional pain and anguish (plenty of joy too though). I will put my plans on hold to follow him where school or work takes us. I will cook and clean and decorate and garden and work day in and day out to create for him a home worthy of a king. I will support him in his church callings and encourage him to honorably serve with the Priesthood. I will listen to his worries and complaints about his job and support and encourage him in all his educational/carreer endeavors. I will work by his side and then stand back when he needs to shine. I will cheer and applaud his efforts to serve the Lord, lead his family in love and righteousness, and serve in the community. I will make myself beautiful and desireable to him. All this I will do and try to fulfill my own callings and broaden my mind and cultivate my talents. I will defer to him as Patriarch in our home; I will counsel with him on important family decisions, but the final say will be his. I will support him in such and teach our children to do the same. All this I will do and more - I will literally give my entire life - for the man I marry.

All I ask is one thing in return: I ask that he be my master.

He must first be willing to allow me to give him everything; he must be the man who will be the patriarch in our home. But there is a second part of being a master, and it is this that he must carefully fulfill. Jesus said, "And whoesoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." I would ask of my husband that he preside in the way the Lord has prescribed (indeed, the way He has shown). "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). I find it singularly interesting that the marriage relationship is the one most often used to provide an analogy for the relationship of Christ to the Church. (Christ is repeatedly called the Bridegroom throughout the New Testament and in other scripture.) It is interesting to make the comparison from marriage to Christ, but perhaps equally enlightening is to consider the things Jesus has done for his people and compare that back to how marriage can and ought to work. Jesus Christ lived and died, and lives today, in service to mankind, most especially the saints, those who would allow Him to be their Lord and Master. He is the clear Head of the church. He commands and expects obedience from His people. Despite His obvious authority, all is done in love and in the best interest of mankind rather than for an selfish motives whatsoever.

Perhaps my favorite story dealing with this matter is found in St John 13:3-14. "Jesus...riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded...So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord" and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you...If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." I want a depiction of this sacred act hanging in a prominent place in my home as a reminder. If my husband will stoop down to help me put my shoes on take out the garbage or gently brush my hair...if he will bring me flowers (even dandylions or morning glory) and hold my hand and tell me I'm beautiful...if he will lead with determination but try ever so diligently to be gentle...if he will hold me when I cry and say "I'm sorry" whether he caused the pain or not...if he will do all these things and lead in love and righteousness, constantly seeking the Lord's guidance through prayer, then I will be the luckiest woman alive.

I want a man who will allow me to be tender, a man who will appreciate my natural ability to be nurturing and kind, a man who will face the harsh realities of the world and fight the battles of society, doing his best to protect me and our children and provide for us a safe home. In return I will love and serve him second only to the Lord; I will praise him in his abilities and defend him against any who may be inclined to find fault with him; I will love and serve his children and teach them to walk in the ways of truth; I will create of the house he provides a home, a haven, a safe place that is apart from the world. Neither of us will be perfect, but we shouldn't expect that of ourselves or each other. President Packer believes (from personal experience) that a couple can live together happily for more than forty years without a single major argument. I believe it too, and hope and will work for it. That is what I want.

President Hinckley said: "The family is divine. It was institued by our Heavenly Father. It encompasses the most sacred of all relationships. Only through its organization can the purposes of the Lord be fulfilled...I believe in the family where there is a husband who regards his companion as his greatest asset and treats her accordingly; where there is a wife who looks upon her husband as her anchor and strength, her comfort and security; where there are children who look to mother and father with respect and gratitude; where there are parents who look upon those children as blessings and find a great and serious and wonderful challenge in their nurture and rearing."

Yes, I too believe in marriage and family. I too know that they are insituted by God, the Eternal Father, who delights in our happiness and seeks our eternal exaltation. In His divine plan, families play a vital role. Let me never forget their divine purpose and seek to prepare myself for the great covenant of marriage.

Because I Have Been Given Much

Indeed I have:

Food, and lots of it -- those who have seen under my bed are amazed; those who haven't would be if they could see it. Suffice it to say that I won't starve ever! At least not for a year or so. And it's good food too, most of it even rather tasty.
Awesome roommates, enough said. They are great and I truly do love them both, but particularly my actual room-mate. She is a hoot, and we agree on everything important.
A healty sense of humor, and the most superior ability to snort just like a pig.
My name, let's face it -- life would be a whole lot worse if I had dimwitted parents who named me something ridiculous like Apple, Happiness, or Nancy Ann Seahancey (say it aloud).
Job, not only can I work, but I have wonderful co-workers. I complain often about my job, but in reality I am so grateful for the continual blessing it is in my life. I make enough money to support myself, save for future needs, and far beyond. My boss is a sweetheart, the work I do is more than tolerable, and the atmosphere is one of mutual support and encouragement. Everyone wants me to succeed, and they go out of their way to help it happen.
I know who I am, not only do I know that I am a daughter of God, but I truly know what it means to be so. I have never (not ONCE in my life) had to question what my stand is on moral issues. I understand the sacred nature of gender and the power of procreation. I am confident that I have the ability to be beautiful and wonderful. In a world of ever-shifting (read falling) moral values, I am realizing what a rare and precious gift this is. I repeat, I know that I am a daughter of God, and I know the joys of being a virtuous woman.
My apartment, while there are so many who live in cardboard boxes or less (or junky college apartments with nasty management), I have a beautiful place close to campus in a nice neighborhood, with a wonderful landlord. I can truly call it home (thanks in large part of course to my roommates). It is warm on cold days and pleasant in hot weather. I have running water (hot or cold), electricity, even a washer and dryer and a dishwasher. It's beautiful.
Clothes, I did laundry last week after five weeks of not -- would you believe I have enough outfits to go more than a month without doing any wash? That's just sick.
Family, I love them. I have been told repeatedly by many sources, some more authoritative than others, that I have been born of very goodly parents; guess what, it's true! And I love have four sisters, they are all great. Plus my brothers are each a blessing to me as well. I was taught in my youth to keep the commandments of God; we all were, and we have not departed from it. Yep, I love them and feel blessed beyond measure that they are all as wonderful and supportive of me as they are.
School, I miss it, but I'm glad to still be in the atmosphere of college studying. It's such a delight to hear and learn from such knowledgable professors in an environment conducive to academic and spiritual growth. We are truly blessed that the Church continues to sponsor such a highly respected university.
Friends, I have more than I can count. And enough really dear ones to sustain me through anything. You guys are great!! You visit me at work, invite me to lunch, give me happy phone calls and emails, and always have a hug. I love you too.
Freedom, I was born in the greatest country on the face of the earth (I think). My patriotism is as much a blessing to me as it is a duty. I love the freedom to think, believe, worship, and learn. I don't live in fear of bombs and gunfire or rape and beatings. I don't really even know what the word oppression means. I can say what I want and support others in doing the same.
Spring and flowers, the Lord's creations are truly magnificent!
Health, I can't even begin to think about all the health problems I DON'T have. It's such a blessing to be able to sleep at night and wake up the next morning. I can hike the stairs to work, and up and down them several times a day during work. I can breathe, and I can laugh. I am blessed!
Prayer, the privilege of addressing my Father in Heaven. It is a supremely divine gift.
Intelligence, My mind is sharp and I learn quickly. What's more, I am surrounded by opportunities to learn and grow. I have the privilege of university studies (and a wonderful university it is too) as well as academic freedom. There are books, articles, and essays at every turn. So much to see, do, hear, and know, and so much of it uplifting and inspiring.
Laughter, and lots of it.
Temples, one so close and many others around the world. Regular attendance blesses my life so richly and the whole world is elevated by temple worship in their presence. Therein I am reminded of the eternal picture, especially who I am, and Who God is.
Little Red, my wagon - it's so perfect for walking to the grocery store and carrying my stuff home in. It even has all-terrain wheel. Cool.
My Piano, what a blessing. Thanks Dad. Music helps make my house a home, and indeed it has done just that and blessed me so much.
Scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. Daily study brings blessings beyond measure and light and truth as well.

Above all else, My Testimony of Jesus Christ. I know beyond any doubt that He is MY Savior and MY Redeemer, and he is yours. He loves me, and He will always love me. If I lose or I win, I will always love Him. For I know He will bless me, but if not, I will still trust Him. For it is in loving and trusting Him that I find true happiness. I do not doubt that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. Because I know Who He is, and who I am, I am indeed more blessed than nearly all of His other children. It is because I have been given THAT much, that I want to go forth with faith to serve Him and proclaim His word, so that all people everywhere may know as I know.