modesty

I listened to a podcast about modesty with Julie B. Beck. She talked about it perfectly! 

So many great messages and thoughts I got from it. Here is a recap. 

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A lady asked a question about what do we wear to the Temple, is okay to wear this or that, or what do we say to people who are dressed a certain way for the Temple? What do we say? 

"Welcome to the Temple!" - Julie B. Beck

Many sisters are wearing pants to church these days? What do we say or do we leave that to the Relief Society President? What about flip-flops or sandals? What can we do to encourage better dress all around? 

"In the church we do not have dress police! We do not have the dress code police in the church. That's it. We are not responsible for policing each others behavior. Our behavior is between us and the Lord and the Bishop and he is the one we declare our worthiness to. That's the measure. We are expected to be a self correcting people!"  

"We can lead by example, we can love, we can teach principles, and we can be kind. We don't reproach. We're all in a different place in our covenant keeping."

"I have met sisters who come to the Temple with plastic bags on their feet. Why? Because they don't own shoes. They want to come to the Temple in a respectful way. It's that attitude the Lord is looking for."

"The rule of thumb which I have for myself is that where ordinances are taking place and covenants are being made, the standard of dress is higher. That's a sign that we understand the importance of an ordinance and a covenant and we're willing to reflect that in the way we dress." 

"I think in our culture that has become so casual in general we think that all events have the same important informality but they don't. We have formal places to carry on the Lord's work where we make covenants."

How can we accept people that are on different parts of the spectrum?

"We are all not in the same place. A lot of the time we learn from the new ones. There is much we can learn from each other."

She shared a story about a women who was sitting in the Temple in Paraguay in a beautiful white sleeveless dress. She went up to her and talked to her. She had been a member for 3 months and she's waiting for the day she can go in and make covenants. Sister Beck asked her, "Why are you at the Temple?" She said, "I love to sit in the Temple." Sister Beck asked her about her beautiful white dress. She said, "I knew that people wear white in the Temple so I bought it so that I could wear it here to read my scriptures."

"Here's a new member who doesn't know we wear sleeves in the Temple but by the time she receives her own endowments, she will. It was her heart that was beautiful." 

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I love learning, pondering, and listening to principles about the gospel. I love strengthening my own understanding about why I do the things I do and why it's important. It's not because I was just told to do it, it's because it's important to the Lord. It's because it's an outward expression of my inner commitment to Him. It does show how committed you are to the gospel. 

So when we look at others we shouldn't look at them in a judging way, think less of them, or think I'm better. Our actions are a reflection of our testimony. Instead, we should think how can I help strengthen their testimony? How can I be a good example?

What do your actions say about your testimony and commitment to the Savior?
What does your dress and appearance say about your testimony?

Modesty is one way we can show the Lord that we follow Him.

Thanks for reading!

www.mormon.org

#UseTheInternetForGood 

should Christian women wear bikinis?

What do you think?

The other day I was looking through my news feed and saw this video posted by my cousin who is male. He said: "This is really well said. Great research that proves 'modest is hottest."

I love research! Especially information like this, maybe that's why I'm majoring in Psychology. 

I loved this. It shows what a man's brain does when they view women in modest and immodest clothing. Do we really understand what it does? Do we care? 

I loved his point that if a boy were to walk into a girls locker room and they were just in their underwear and bra, girls would scream and grab a towel to cover up. But at the beach they wear the exact same amount of clothing and it's fine. They may be comfortable but the male's brain stays the same.

What do you think? Should women wear bikinis?

Thanks for reading!

www.mormon.org

#UseTheInternetForGood

the important thing about yelling

Something else I will probably blog about is... parenting! Weird? Probably. But I love it! I'm majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development and I've discovered a love for parenting. I've been interested in behavior for a while now but just recently realized how into parenting I am. That's what I want to do with my degree. Whether it's teach parenting classes, helping parents with behavior plans, etc. Something to that effect.

But that's kind of intimidating all at the same time. Because if I'm going to go into parenting you think I would have perfect children right. Well I just might... ;) Jk! We'll be far from perfect... but that's what helps interest me more because I want to learn, learn, learn everything I can about it and it just might help me when our time comes.

I read this article today and loved it!

Little did I know that the actual blog is amazing!

"My moment of painful awareness that propelled me on a Hands Free journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really mattered." 

"With a lighten load, I was able to react to my children’s mistakes and wrongdoings in a more calm, compassionate, and reasonable manner."

"Just imagine if you let all areas of life just BE instead of trying to create the end result that you want or that you imagine."

Reminds me of a song... "I just wanna feel this moment..."

I love how she talks about learning to just enjoy life and not miss it because of daily distractions. That's something I've definitely learned and am still learning. Those of you who know me, know that everything in my house has a place. When I first got married I said something about our house being a mess and my husband said, "Yeah, we live here."

I realized then that, yeah we do live here and sometimes things are going to be out of place and messy and that's okay.

It's fun reading blogs and knowing you're not the only one ;)

So back to the original article... 

Perfect parenting advice. I absolutely love it and have seen it in my own life with my siblings. Story...

It was Sunday and my 8 year old sister and I were getting ready for church. We were just stepping into the car when I hear a loud pop sound and dark liquid exploded everywhere. When she got into the car there was a fountain drink in the cup holder in the door. She accidentally stepped on it getting into the car causing Coke to go everywhere! 

"Oops looks like we need to go get some towels!" 

I don't remember exactly what I said but I remember seeing my sister almost get upset but then realizing it wasn't a big deal. Accidents happen and sometimes we spill Coke. There's nothing you can do about it. It's already done and getting mad, upset, angry over spilled Coke will do nothing.

This is something that will happen time and time again being a parent... The thing we need to master is how we react to it...

Great reminder of letting things go and grasping what really matters.

Al Fox

I love this girl!

I found out about her from Facebook I believe. LDS Living did an article about her. You can read it here!

Her name is Al Fox. She grew up in New York and is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her story is incredible. Her faith is incredible. You can read her blog here! She's a lot better at telling her story then I am. Then come back and finish reading...

She is the one that uses #UseTheInternetForGood & she inspired me to start this public blog.

She now goes around and does a ton of speaking! I love her message. It's about not judging but more importantly not getting offended and letting others ruin our eternal salvation. It's about choosing God, every second of every day. Not letting our past or what we've done get in our way. Christ is always there for us.

I hope for those of us that are Mormon will learn from her story to not judge and love, only love! We all have different paths. We all learn things and gain or strengthen our own testimonies at different times. We all have to go through different things in order to learn. Who cares if someone has a tattoo, who cares if someone is wearing jeans at church, the list goes on... Our job is to love and be Christlike. I hope we can do that. If so, the world would definitely be a better place!

So please read her blog, Facebook, watch her YouTube videos, be inspired and help #UseTheInternetForGood!

Thanks for reading!
www.mormon.org
#UseTheInternetForGood

testimony

Friday, May 17, 2013

I went out with the Sister missionaries! I went with them to visit a less-active member earlier today and then to another lesson tonight at the church. Oh how it takes me right back and makes me miss every second of my mission. If I could I think I would be a missionary for the rest of my life! Oh wait I already am... but I mean a full-time missionary! I absolutely loved my mission. Every since I can remember I wanted to serve. Doing the most important work in the world. It brings you a new perspective on what really matters in life. It reminds me where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going. It reminds me why I'm really here... to prepare to meet God! Everything I do here or happens to me here is to prepare me to meet God! That's it. That's my purpose here. 

I so love the gospel. It means everything to me. I've always known it was true. I'm so grateful for my faith and testimony in my Savior and His gospel and plan for me. I would really be a mess without it.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know He wants us to be happy and He has a plan for each one of us. I know as I trust in Him more fully I find lasting peace and happiness. I know that as I turn to Him, He turns my weaknesses into strengths and boy am I grateful for that! He helps me see a new and different perspective on life. He helps me want to treat everyone with love and kindness. He helps me want to serve others. He helps me want to be better every single day, for Him. 

I know that He established His church while he was on the earth and I also know that it fell apart and became lost... There were parts still here but it became changed and corrupted over time. I know that He restored His church back to the earth through a Prophet, like He always does. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. He saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. What an amazing experience. And what a life Joseph Smith had because of this. He lived and died for the cause. He was persecuted and mocked tremendously. Never once did he deny what he saw. He said, "I knew it, I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it." And neither can I. It is so true. So true! 

I wish everyone in the world could feel what I feel. I wish everyone in the world could have the knowledge that I have. We have a loving Heavenly Father and He has a plan for us. 

Going out with the Sisters brings all of this to mind and I'm so grateful.

I absolutely love the gospel and my Savior. 

I hope you do too!  

Thanks for reading!

www.mormon.org

#UseTheInternetForGood

ordain Mormon women

I've recently came across an Ordain Women website, where Mormon women are coming together for gender equality and ordination of the Priesthood. I first came across Mormon feminists from the event "Wear Pants to Church Day". 

I think it's all so interesting and it's something that I don't understand. Maybe it's because I'm pretty confident and have never felt unequal or less of a person, and I've especially never felt unequal to men. I've always learned of my role and potential as a Daughter of God and my role as a wife and mother, the most sacred calling on the earth! Do people miss that part? 

After all, we're Relief Society Presidents, Young Women Presidents, Primary Presidents, etc. We have a huge role in the church. Joseph Smith even stated the church wasn't fully organized until the Relief Society was. 

I personally don't want the Priesthood. I don't want to pass the sacrament, sit on the stand, go to meeting after meeting, give blessings, etc... All the while being a mom, taking care of my children, taking care of my home, etc. I would have multiple breakdowns and panic attacks for sure! 

I truly believe that if God wanted women to hold the Priesthood that would have happened from the beginning of time. I don't believe that is something that would change with the times. Women have never held it and then all the sudden? Gender is an essential part of who we are and I think our roles are also essential. I feel like it's set up the way it is for a reason, we're not meant to be "equal" in this sense. Shouldn't we have different roles in the family? 

The Proclamation to the Family is a beautiful document that explains it so well...

THE FAMILY

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A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It stated it beautifully, "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their familes. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nuture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

By divine design...

Those are some of my thoughts. I try to be and feel like I'm a really open minded person so feel free to comment and share your thoughts if you have any.

Thanks for reading!

www.mormon.org

#UseTheInternetForGood

praise to the man

...who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
- Praise to the Man

Today marks the 168th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I watched this clip...

...and reflected on; my testimony, how much Emma and Joseph sacrificed, watching her watch her husband ride away knowing he wouldn't come back broke my heart... I can't imagine....I thought about what it means to me to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

I'm forever grateful that a young man with a lot of questions did as James directs in the Bible and he asked of God. I'm forever grateful that Christ restored His church back to the Earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Giving us that proper authority to perform saving ordinances. He was riducled, beat, and hated.... still is. But he went on. He never once denied anything. Neither did the witnesses. He lived and died for truth! I'm forever grateful for his sacrifice that would bring millions the peace and happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings.

I know he was a true Prophet of God and because of that I have more tools to bring me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. More scriptures to read, the fullness of the gospel, the Priesthood of God in my home, the plan of salvation, and so much more...

The gospel of Jesus Christ has given me so much peace, happiness, faith, hope, and assurance in my life. Life changes, a lot sometimes, but the gospel never does... it's always been there for me! My Savior's always been there for me! It fills my heart and soul with joy. It makes me want to be a better person. It makes me want to love as Christ loves and forgive as Christ forgives. It makes me want to live life to the fullest. It makes me want to learn new things and grow. It makes me want to travel the world and see all different walks of life and serve. It makes me want to be successful. It makes me want to have a beautiful family that knows and loves the Lord.

Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us a Savior, an example and friend. Thank you for restoring His gospel and giving us all the tools we need to live a happy and successful life. Thank you for paving the way so that I can return to You.

Thank you Facebook for reminding me of this anniversary and giving me the chance to reflect and fill my heart with the spirit, joy, and gratitude.

See, Facebook is good! :)

Thanks for reading!

www.mormon.org

#UseTheInternetForGood