Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Publicans and Sinners
As I was reading the scriptures this morning I was struck with inspiration. This is the passage I was reading.
Matt 9:
10 ¶ And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Now, I don't think it is right that I surround myself with drug-dealers and porn stars, although all of us are sinners at some level. What this passage means to me is that its selfish to constantly surround myself with high-achieving, righteous women although that is a righteous desire. I need to also surround myself with latter-day publicans (the outcast, the elderly, the lonely, the unpopular). They need me as much as I need them.
For instance, while in Jacksonville I have befriended an lonely, elderly lady named Marlene. She lives below me and we have shared a two meals together and many talks. She isn't someone who I who automatically would seek out, but I was led to her and I just love her! We have the best talks and she uplifts me, just as I know she enjoys my company. She is my latter-day publican. When re-joining my current group of [wonderful] friends, I am motivated to also seek out those who Christ would gravitate to.
Matt 9:
10 ¶ And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Now, I don't think it is right that I surround myself with drug-dealers and porn stars, although all of us are sinners at some level. What this passage means to me is that its selfish to constantly surround myself with high-achieving, righteous women although that is a righteous desire. I need to also surround myself with latter-day publicans (the outcast, the elderly, the lonely, the unpopular). They need me as much as I need them.
For instance, while in Jacksonville I have befriended an lonely, elderly lady named Marlene. She lives below me and we have shared a two meals together and many talks. She isn't someone who I who automatically would seek out, but I was led to her and I just love her! We have the best talks and she uplifts me, just as I know she enjoys my company. She is my latter-day publican. When re-joining my current group of [wonderful] friends, I am motivated to also seek out those who Christ would gravitate to.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friendship
I am the Relief Society (organization for women) teacher for our congregation.
This week the lesson's title was: How Glorious are Faithful, Just, and True Friends.
I really like what Joseph Smith had to say of his wife, Emma, after seeing her for the first time in some while:
I wonder if anyone will ever say of me that I was undaunted, firm, and unwavering? At our house this week, my 6-year-old son was discussing football teams and who he would cheer for. He commented that he would cheer for the team that won. "But, Davis," said my husband, "That is not being a good fan. That is being a 'fair-weather-fan.' Once you choose a team to root for, you should stick with them through the good games and the bad games."
Sometimes we hear about a couple who, despite being married for many years, "fell out of love." Last week we rented a popular romantic comedy, "The Proposal," in which the male-lead admits he hated this woman until he kissed her. Really? Really? The notion of falling in and out of love makes it seem like some magical thing that you have no control over.
I would counter that argument with Joseph Smith's comment about his wife. Here is a woman, Emma Smith, who found a man she could love. They were young. They had no wealth. But they loved each other. Regardless of whether or not you actually believe Joseph Smith's testimony and life work, you can not deny he was ridiculed and hated by many. When Emma married him, she had NO idea what a married life to this man might mean for her. Over the years, I expect she had every opportunity to "fall out of love." No one would have blamed her. Her husband wasn't around often, he was jailed on two occassions. He ran a very unsuccessful business. He could not show her the 'golden Bible,' that caused so much controversy. The list of her hardships because of her union with this man go on and on.
But, as Joseph says, she remained, "undaunted, firm, and unwavering." Those words indicate that her friendship to him was derived by HARD WORK. She made a commitment to him and she stuck with him-even in times of great trial. He even goes on to say she was "affectionate." What a legacy for a wife.
There are times that I've felt frustrated by my husband simply because his job requires a lot of time away from home. Sometimes he doesn't come home when he says he will. Sometimes I can't even visit him on a 24 hour shift because he's too busy to accomodate time from me. At these times I feel like complaining. I feel like I didn't sign up for this. I wish I was more appreciated- or at least acknowledged. But, from Joseph and Emma, I should remember that a love that strong didn't poof! magically out of the air. Rather, it was a long, hard process that required sacrifice and commitment to both.
This week the lesson's title was: How Glorious are Faithful, Just, and True Friends.
I really like what Joseph Smith had to say of his wife, Emma, after seeing her for the first time in some while:
What transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night ,my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths and crowned our board. Oh, what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, … undaunted, firm,and unwavering— unchangeable, affectionate Emma!
I wonder if anyone will ever say of me that I was undaunted, firm, and unwavering? At our house this week, my 6-year-old son was discussing football teams and who he would cheer for. He commented that he would cheer for the team that won. "But, Davis," said my husband, "That is not being a good fan. That is being a 'fair-weather-fan.' Once you choose a team to root for, you should stick with them through the good games and the bad games."
Sometimes we hear about a couple who, despite being married for many years, "fell out of love." Last week we rented a popular romantic comedy, "The Proposal," in which the male-lead admits he hated this woman until he kissed her. Really? Really? The notion of falling in and out of love makes it seem like some magical thing that you have no control over.
I would counter that argument with Joseph Smith's comment about his wife. Here is a woman, Emma Smith, who found a man she could love. They were young. They had no wealth. But they loved each other. Regardless of whether or not you actually believe Joseph Smith's testimony and life work, you can not deny he was ridiculed and hated by many. When Emma married him, she had NO idea what a married life to this man might mean for her. Over the years, I expect she had every opportunity to "fall out of love." No one would have blamed her. Her husband wasn't around often, he was jailed on two occassions. He ran a very unsuccessful business. He could not show her the 'golden Bible,' that caused so much controversy. The list of her hardships because of her union with this man go on and on.
But, as Joseph says, she remained, "undaunted, firm, and unwavering." Those words indicate that her friendship to him was derived by HARD WORK. She made a commitment to him and she stuck with him-even in times of great trial. He even goes on to say she was "affectionate." What a legacy for a wife.
There are times that I've felt frustrated by my husband simply because his job requires a lot of time away from home. Sometimes he doesn't come home when he says he will. Sometimes I can't even visit him on a 24 hour shift because he's too busy to accomodate time from me. At these times I feel like complaining. I feel like I didn't sign up for this. I wish I was more appreciated- or at least acknowledged. But, from Joseph and Emma, I should remember that a love that strong didn't poof! magically out of the air. Rather, it was a long, hard process that required sacrifice and commitment to both.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Callings
Well, Spiritual Reflections Every Day hasn't exactly been happening every day.
So, I am recommitting myself. It might just be a little reflection from me, but I'm going to try to post more often. Feel free to join me, or don't. The last thing we need is more stress in our lives.
Callings. Hmmm. In our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) members are asked to perform certain duties within their local or regional congregations. You are not obligated to accept these callings, but are encouraged to do so. The callings range from greeter to Sunday School Teacher, to Activities Committee to Bishop (the head of the local congregation). Some callings take more time than others. Usually, a person doesn't hold a calling for more than 3 or 4 years. Somtimes you get a calling because you have expertise in this area, but often your calling maybe something totally out of your comfort zone.
Once a year, the Primary (Sunday School for Children) is in charge of the Sacrament Meeting Program. The children sing, share short messages and testimonies. It is special. It requires a lot of work and patience from their leaders. Recently, a new Primary Song Leader in our ward was called. She told me she was nervous-she didn't even know how to read music! I also worried a bit about her because she is such a gentle and quiet lady I thought the kids would eat her alive.
I was mistaken. As I watched her yesterday in the Primary Program Practice, I smiled. Here was a woman who by all standards of the world wouldn't have been the natural pick for such a duty. But it was obvious to me that the children loved her. She encouraged them with a smile. She made beautiful and interesting posters to help them remember the words to some difficult songs. In short, she loved the children. I was reminded by watching her that no job is too hard for someone to complete if they are meant for that role and put forth effort to do well. Heart, tenacity, and a desire to succeed are far more important than natural ability with little effort.
So, I am recommitting myself. It might just be a little reflection from me, but I'm going to try to post more often. Feel free to join me, or don't. The last thing we need is more stress in our lives.
Callings. Hmmm. In our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) members are asked to perform certain duties within their local or regional congregations. You are not obligated to accept these callings, but are encouraged to do so. The callings range from greeter to Sunday School Teacher, to Activities Committee to Bishop (the head of the local congregation). Some callings take more time than others. Usually, a person doesn't hold a calling for more than 3 or 4 years. Somtimes you get a calling because you have expertise in this area, but often your calling maybe something totally out of your comfort zone.
Once a year, the Primary (Sunday School for Children) is in charge of the Sacrament Meeting Program. The children sing, share short messages and testimonies. It is special. It requires a lot of work and patience from their leaders. Recently, a new Primary Song Leader in our ward was called. She told me she was nervous-she didn't even know how to read music! I also worried a bit about her because she is such a gentle and quiet lady I thought the kids would eat her alive.
I was mistaken. As I watched her yesterday in the Primary Program Practice, I smiled. Here was a woman who by all standards of the world wouldn't have been the natural pick for such a duty. But it was obvious to me that the children loved her. She encouraged them with a smile. She made beautiful and interesting posters to help them remember the words to some difficult songs. In short, she loved the children. I was reminded by watching her that no job is too hard for someone to complete if they are meant for that role and put forth effort to do well. Heart, tenacity, and a desire to succeed are far more important than natural ability with little effort.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Missionary Experience
I wanted to share my missionary experience this week.
This guy is graduating from Steve's residency program, his name is Mike, and is a true example of Christ. He adopted 4 black kids all a once, which put his family at 5 (they didn't want to separate the siblings). He runs a Bible study group and "let" the Mormon in (Steve) after the group discussed it. He once gave Steve $100 cash because Steve was complaining about some health insurance woes. He truly is a great person.
Tonight we are going to a good by dinner for the graduating residents at the Country Club. Mike is one of the residents that is leaving. I asked the missionaries to bring me a DVD of Finding Faith in Christ. I wrapped it and wrote a letter to Mike about how much I felt that he lived his life as a true disciple of Christ. I gave him a pass along card, the DVD and wrote my testimony. I don't think he will join the church, because he is ultra involved in his church, BUT it may open his eyes about LDS beliefs.
I think everyone is excited to get a free DVD. The movies the church put out are inspiring and beautiful. I think this is an easy,effective way to do missionary work.
This guy is graduating from Steve's residency program, his name is Mike, and is a true example of Christ. He adopted 4 black kids all a once, which put his family at 5 (they didn't want to separate the siblings). He runs a Bible study group and "let" the Mormon in (Steve) after the group discussed it. He once gave Steve $100 cash because Steve was complaining about some health insurance woes. He truly is a great person.
Tonight we are going to a good by dinner for the graduating residents at the Country Club. Mike is one of the residents that is leaving. I asked the missionaries to bring me a DVD of Finding Faith in Christ. I wrapped it and wrote a letter to Mike about how much I felt that he lived his life as a true disciple of Christ. I gave him a pass along card, the DVD and wrote my testimony. I don't think he will join the church, because he is ultra involved in his church, BUT it may open his eyes about LDS beliefs.
I think everyone is excited to get a free DVD. The movies the church put out are inspiring and beautiful. I think this is an easy,effective way to do missionary work.
Monday, April 20, 2009
General Conference Book Club Invitation
Just in case it motivates you, I wanted to invite you to the General Conference Book Club I'm hosting on my blog. We are studying one talk a week from the most recent General Conference and then sharing our insights as a "conversation" in the comment thread. If you're interested, check it out at:
http://diapersanddivinity.com/gcbc/
http://diapersanddivinity.com/gcbc/
God Has a Sense of Humor
Is it coincidence that in the same week I got released from my Primary calling (young children) and got called to be a Relief Society teacher (organization for women), I also found my first gray hair?
I think not.
I think not.
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