Women

Sitting in my kitchen across from my wife,

she starts talking about her day.

These conversations usually aren't the normal ones

most couples have.

Then again, what conversations are?

My wife is involved with writing news radio shows for her job,

involving her reading the news four hours a day,

and she is an English major and reads literature all day.

Needless to say, she has a lot going through her head.

Which makes these conversations that I love that much more interesting.

She told me about an author who pointed out that most swear words,

are pointed towards women.

Words like slut, whore or skank, would you ever say those towards a man?

There are very few, if any (my knowledge of current swear words is lacking)

that are specific towards men.

Our derogatory words that we call each other are degrading women.

I wish that was the only thing in our society that did such a thing.

It is impossible not to be touched by this way of thinking.

To keep it out of our lives we need to constantly be aware of it,

and combat against it to keep our mind clear.

I couldn't imagine where I would be without the women in my life.

I know God loves them equally also.

Christ spent his whole life surrounded by his disciples,

apostles and others.

Many were women, but when it came to His apostles He only called men.

Therefore, we can assume women didn't have a role in his ministry right?

Absolutely not!

Mary and Martha are the most spoken of disciples, in the bible, that are women.

They had some major parts in His ministry.

Most importantly Mary was the first to witness Christ in His resurrected form.

I love this.

It makes all of us men get of our high horse.

As most of us can agree, behind every great man is a great woman.

We need to be careful to not put women on the back burner of society.

They are essential to everyone becoming the children that God wishes us to be.

Take time and thank the women around you, today.

We wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for them.

Look hard enough, and you'll agree. 

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Christmas

Christmas.

CHRISTmas.

It's the time of year,

when Christ actually is kind of,

the center of our society.

However, as everything in the word,

it has been skewed enough to make it so a person

can go throughout the whole season and not think of Christ once.

Not think of Christ, during CHRISTmas.

Incredible right?

But effort can be made to bring it around to what really matters,

but this has to happen individually.

We know society isn't going to do it,

so we need to do it.

Christ's life, including his birth,

is miraculous.

Christ always aimed towards his Father in Heaven.

Even in death, He forgave those around Him,

and loved them.

When Christ was presented in front of the Jews by Pilate,

Pilate asked who he should set free.

The Jews released Barrabas, a murderer and a thief,

instead of Christ.

Makes you not like Barrabas right?

Well think for a second,

aren't we all Barrabas?

Aren't we set free because Christ stepped in?

This Christmas,

don't just give someone your heart,

give everyone part of the love you have,

in memory of He who gave everyone in the universe love.

Put a smile on,

serve,

and have a truly,

Merry Christmas.

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Pain, and Keepin' it Fresh.

Think of a time you've felt pain.

Could be breaking your arm,

having your heart broken,

falling of your bike,

or being away from home for the first time.

The pain is real.

More real to you, than to anyone else,

because for someone to know the pain,

they have to have felt it too.

But to feel the same pain, they would have to live the same exact life as you,

and live through the same event.

Nobody knows EXACTLY what you're going through.

That's true, with one caveat.

Everyone except Christ.

He led a perfect life, and never felt the pain of sin,

or mistakes.

Then, in the one moment that saves us all spiritually,

He felt every single pain, so He can be our Savior.

This results in YOU,

never being alone.

For most people this isn't news.

However, I feel it's important to keep it fresh in our lives.

The "it" being the news of Christ's sacrifice.

How can we wake up every morning and feel joyous for His

Redeeming Love?

How have you been able to keep it fresh?

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No Unhallowed Hand Will Stop the Work

Man has it been a crazy political climate!

You have people hating each other,

yelling at each other,

and ultimately worsening relationships,

and burning bridges.

This isn't anything a politician is doing,

we're doing it to ourselves.

I think we're doing it,

because we are freaking out and panicking.

I invite you to take a step back and think about your day,

do you still have an apartment?

a bed?

a family?

(insert thing that matters to you here)?

Then take a deep breath and realize that it will be okay.

There's a concept from business, mostly accounting,

that we should all apply to our lives.

When trying to make a decision,

you never consider the sunk costs.

Why?

Because they already happened and there is nothing,

I repeat,

nothing,

you can do about them.

It forces us to look forward and ask,

so what are we going to do about it?

Now, I'm going to get spiritual.

God is still your Heavenly Father,

and Christ is still your Savior.

As He inspired one of His prophets to say,


"No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.

Persecutions may rage...

Mobs may combine...

but the truth of God will go forth boldy and nobly."

It really will, no matter who's president.


Take a step back and recognize what really matters,

and begin to love others again.

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The Last Days: Internally or Externally?

The very descriptive verses in Mathew 24 are pretty terrifying.

"And ye shall hear wars, and rumors of wars."

"Nation shall rise against nation."

"The love of many shall wax cold."

and then we hear this verse, that in comparison,

sticks out like a sore thumb.

"But he that shall endure unto the end,

the same shall be saved."

Wait,

How are we going to be saved from nations rising against nations?

Are we going to have insta-shields

and invisibility cloaks to protect us?


I'm banking on not having those things.

However there's a difference between how the world is going to look,

and how the faithful will feel.

It wont be a frolicking through the daisy fields,

that's for sure.

But we will know that this isn't it.

That knowledge is what will keep the last days happening outside of us,

and not inside.

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The External Storm

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1


Faith is something that happens inside of us,

something that the eyes can't see.

I'm sure you would agree,

that we can have both storms around us,

and storms inside of us.

We need to not let the external storms,

awaken internal storms.


In Mark chapter 4, it gives us a story of when the apostles of the Lord,

allow the external storm to awaken an internal one.


They were on the sea of Galilee and were in a boat with Christ.

As they were making their journey a huge storm hit their boat.

Water was filling the boat!

"the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full." -Mark 4:37

As I think most of us would be doing,

the apostles were panicking!

And what was Christ doing?

Asleep in the boat, which if the boat was filled with water,

I'm sure he was a little wet.

Why didn't Christ wake up?

He knew He was the Savior, and that it wasn't His time to die.

He didn't allow the external storm (literal in this sense),

to awaken the internal one.


The apostle woke up Christ and said this,

"Master, carest thou not that we perish?" -Mark 4:38

Christ's response proves that His internal storm was and always will be,

calm.

"Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" -Mark 4:40

Immediately after, Christ calmed the storms around the apostles.



Christ will not always calm the storm around us.

Most of the time He wont.

But He will give us the strength to keep the internal storm,

calm.

We need to have faith in Him,

rely on His promises,

and be calm in the strength of the Lord,

no  matter what external storm is raging.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Expressions of Faith

Standing at the podium,

the person begins to tear up.

They exclaim their love for the Lord

and how much He means to them.

Many people in the congregation share tears with the speaker.

Turning to their neighbor,

a member of the congregation condescendingly notices,

there eyes were dry.

I wonder why they aren't feeling the spirit of the Lord,

they think.

This isn't an uncommon thought process.

Some grow up wondering why they can't feel the Spirit,

as strong as their neighbor, since they have never cried themselves.

An expression of faith is just as unique as the person expressing it,

and most importantly,

Christ doesn't condemn a person whether they cry when they feel the Spirit.



I have had this thought rattling in my brain for many years,

but could not find an adequate way of expressing it.

My professor explained it in a way that exceeded even what I felt would have been adequate.



The story starts in Luke 10.

Let's start in verse 38.

"[Christ] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house."

It's important to note that the house is referred to as Martha's house,

It would seem that she would be in charge and be hosting Christ.

Verse 39-40

"And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving,"

Up to this point Christ has said nothing to Martha.

If Christ came to my house,

I would be panic cleaning and preparing something for Him to eat.

Let's continue,

"[Martha] came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."

My professor had a great point,

when has Christ ever said after someone was accused,

Oh, you know? you're right. Go ahead and help.

He has never! So He doesn't at this point either.

"Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Why does Christ wait until now to say something?

If Martha was frustrated enough to say something I'm sure she's been laboring for a good time by now.

Christ wasn't condemning what Martha was doing,

but rather condemning Martha judging Mary.


Is Mary more faithful than Martha?

From this story we can't tell.

All we can tell is that they show their faith and express it in different ways.


Later in the book of John, it was written that Jesus loved Martha.

and as Jesus visited after the death of Lazarus,

He spoke with Martha as she was taking care of everyone,

and shared profound points of doctrine.


Mary's way of expressing faith was to kneel before the Lord.

Martha's expression of faith was to work and prepare her house for the Lord.


The Lord did not condemn one action over the other.


This is where it all ties in,

whether you are crying, over-joyous, or logically appreciating the doctrine truth silently in your mind,

the Lord knows your faith.

Don't think you're missing a feeling of the Spirit,

just because your eyes stay dry throughout the church meeting.



Work with the Lord and come to know how the Spirit works with you,

and how you as an individual can express your faith throughout your life.


In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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You Never Know

John the Baptist not only was Christ's cousin,

but he was the forerunner to Christ. 

When John died,

he was in part leading the way for Christ. 

When Christ found out, 

not only would He have mourned the loss of a friend,

but also realized that in a way, He was next. 

Right after Christ finds out, this is what He does:

"When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
-Matthew 14:13

A natural feeling right? 

I'm sure He wanted time to pray to his Heavenly Father,

and also process the news. 

However as He was in His boat He saw many people gathering,

to hear from Him. 

He didn't just keep sailing on,

but stopped the boat and turned toward shore.

He continued to heal the sick and afflicted,

both spiritual and physical.

It's not stated, 

but do you think anyone asked how He was doing?

When we see others,

we need to not only see them as a means to the end,

but as a mean themselves.

I'm not saying I would have asked Christ how He was doing, 

if I was there.

However I can say I don't ask people how they are doing,

often when they are struggling and just praying for support.

When we are checking out at the grocery store,

talk to the cashier.

When we are picking up the car from a mechanic,

don't yell at the person giving you your invoice.

When we are interacting with another person,

assume they are just as important as you feel you are.


Open your eyes and see those around you,

then God can start using you.

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Woman

A Woman: An adult human female,

a female worker or employee,

a wife, girlfriend, or lover. –definition from Google.

A Woman: An adult female person,

a daughter, of God. –definition from LDS scriptures.

Which definition do you prefer?

While reading the New Testament,

I was once again surprised at how Christ refers to his mother,

“Woman, behold thy son!” –John 19:26

If I referred to my mom like that…

Well we wont share what would happen.

Is Christ disrespectful towards women?

The answer is an ecstatic NO!

Christ defended women.

Whether it was his mom or a woman living in adultery,

He referred to them as Woman,

and this is because He saw them as they really are,

daughters of God.

In today’s world being called a woman is offensive,

Because it’s sexist,

Disrespectful,

And rude!

When did this change happen?

Christ knew what the word mean to him,

And we all need to follow His example.

A Woman is not only a lover, coworker, or employee,

but a daughter of God.

Never forget your identity or the identity of the women around you.

Don’t let the world change it into something to be ashamed of.

Woman: a daughter of God.

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Why is God not blessing me when I'm doing what's right?

Joseph and Mary’s story in the New Testament is one of trust and love.

and most importantly it’s about their complete devotion to their Heavenly Father.

Joseph was betrothed to Mary when Mary conceived.

Joseph knew it wasn’t his baby, then who’s?

His wife claimed that it was Heavenly Father’s son,

and that he would be God’s only Begotten Son.

If it wasn’t for Joseph’s spiritual sensitivity,

and devotion to God,

do you think he would have trusted this “excuse.”

Because of the whisperings of the Holy Spirit,

he could trust in his Heavenly Father.

As much of a blessing as it was to Mary to have Joseph on her side,

everyone else didn’t react the same.

The night of Jesus’s birth, Mary found there was no room in the inn.

Sitting through my New Testament class,

I learned something that brought on much more of a meaning to that statement.

The translation for inn came from the Hebrew word Katalyma.

That word is used multiple other times for simply a guest chamber.

We’re talking about an upstairs room in a house.

It wasn’t a hotel that wouldn’t take them, it was their kin and friends.

Mary was despised because of her situation.

Despised by everyone except Joseph.

Mary’s story is a great example of the fact that those who stand with God,

don’t always have everything in this world.

“Mary… a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel.” -Alma 7:10

Even though she was a precious and chosen vessel,

and was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God,

she still didn’t have everything in the world one could wish for.

She didn’t even have a room to give birth in.

We tend to feel forgotten or forsaken by God when things don’t go well.

I would invite you to think to Mary’s example

and realize even the people God describes as a “precious and chosen vessel”

still don’t have the riches of the world.

God knows how we can return to Him,

He knows the best people we can be.

We need to trust Him.

As we go through the trials and tribulations,

it’s important to remember to do as Mary did,

and not forget these events.

But rather,

“[Keep] all these things, and [ponder] them in [your] heart.” –Luke 2:19

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Your Mission, If You Choose to Accept it...

Your mission, if you chose to accept it…

What would your mission be?

My first reaction, taking down a secret organization

that’s about to release a nuclear bomb.

How cool of a party story would that be?

On a more serious note,

We each do have a mission.

Luckily after reading our mission,

the message didn’t burst into flames.

We can study and read our mission all we want:

In the Holy Bible and additional scripture we have received.

Do you know your mission?

Do you know that we already chose to “accept” our mission,

before we even came to earth?

We are to become like Heavenly Father,

and return to him

with as many of our brothers and sisters as we can.

We were in Heaven with our Father

and we saw what an evil world it was.

Yet we still chose to come.

We still accepted our mission.

Heavenly Father does not leave us alone,

take the example of Moses talking to God.

 Put yourself in his shoes.

As God was speaking to Moses he said the following,

“I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name…

And, behold, thou art my son.” –Moses 1:3-4

We are His son.

What do son’s do?

They try to become the best parts of their father.

That is exactly what we are doing, becoming like Him.

All commandments and guidance form the spirit leads towards that simple goal,

becoming like Him.

However it doesn’t end there,

as we do become like him,

we will have a natural inclination to bring our brothers and sisters,

with us.

Look into your own life and begin changing,

then look around and love others,

because that is what He would do.

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