Protecting our rights

I posted the following on my Facebook wall after seeing the movie mentioned:

The movie "Gentleman's Agreement" is a fantastic movie teaching all sorts of lessons. One being the importance of and right to freedom of religion--for people to believe and practice how they believe. If Prop 8 (and the other states with similar propositions) is not passed, freedom of religion will be taken away. Don't let the government take away our rights to believe and practice our religion of choice!

Cherish Every Moment

Remember that one of the main purposes of traditional marriage is to bring life into this world. Only a mother and father could truly know what these parents have felt. 

[from my online journal]:

Saw this on my sister-in-law's blog. You may have been misty-eyed, Me., but I broke right down into lots tears. Of course, I always was a crier--among family and in non-public settings. Thanks for sharing it. I had to do so, too! So much we can gain from it.

Be Informed

Know what Prop 8 supporters are really supporting, and how the results will affect everyone.

(The following videos and much more may be found at the LDS website supporting Proposition 8.
What's the Harm?

Does Prop 8 take away existing rights of sane-sex couples?

Don't same-sex couples deserve happiness?

Didn't we already vote on this?

Do other people support Prop 8?

Tired of Intolerance?

Elder Bednar's Q&A about Prop 8

LDS leaders' call to us to take action

Stand Up, Speak Out

"We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote these measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society" 

(The Family: A Proclamation to the World, paragraph 9)

Not 10 years ago:

"We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar....Such is the case in California, where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanction marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God.

"Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others question our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out.

"Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.

I commend those of our membership who have voluntarily joined with other like-minded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. As part of a coalition that embraces those of other faiths, you are giving substantially of your means. The money being raised in California has been donated to the coalition by individual members of the Church. You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct but nevertheless lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Why We Do the Things We Do"

And today:

In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people. On November 4, 2 008, Californians will vote on a proposed amendment to the California state constitution that will now restore the March 2000 definition of marriage approved by the voters.

The Church’s teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage.

A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.

We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.

-The First Presidency, June 29, 2008.

A Prophet Speaks

[from the New Testament Institute manual, section entitled (39-5) Romans 1:26, 27. How Serious Is the Sin of Homosexuality?] 

“Of the adverse social effects of homosexuality none is more significant than the effect on marriage and home. The normal, God-given sexual relationship is the procreative act between man and woman in honorable marriage. . . . 

“. . . where stands the perversion of homosexuality? Clearly it is hostile to God’s purpose in that it negates his first and great commandment to ‘multiply and replenish the earth.’ If the abominable practice became universal it would depopulate the earth in a single generation. It would nullify God’s great program for his spirit children in that it would leave countless unembodied spirits in the heavenly world without the chance for the opportunities of mortality and would deny to all the participants in the practice the eternal life God makes available to us all. 

“Because of the seriousness of this sin it carries a heavy penalty for the unrepentant. The offender may realize that disfellowshipment or excommunication is the penalty for heavy petting, adultery, fornication and comparable sins if there is not adequate repentance, yet he often supposes that because his acts have not been committed with the opposite sex he is not in sin. Let it therefore be clearly stated that the seriousness of the sin of homosexuality is equal to or greater than that of fornication or adultery; and that the Lord’s Church will as readily take action to disfellowship or excommunicate the unrepentant practicing homosexual as it will the unrepentant fornicator or adulterer. . . . 

“After consideration of the evil aspects, the ugliness and prevalence of the evil of homosexuality, the glorious thing to remember is that it is curable and forgivable. The Lord has promised that all sins can be forgiven except certain ones enumerated, and this evil was not among those named. Thus it is forgivable if totally abandoned and if the repentance is sincere and absolute. Certainly it can be overcome, for there are numerous happy people who were once involved in its clutches and who have since completely transformed their lives. Therefore to those who say that this practice or any other evil is incurable, I respond: ‘How can you say the door cannot be opened until your knuckles are bloody, till your head is bruised, till your muscles are sore? It can be done.’ 

“. . . Many have been misinformed that they are powerless in the matter, not responsible for the tendency, and that ‘God made them that way.’ This is as untrue as any other of the diabolical lies Satan has concocted. It is blasphemy. Man is made in the image of God. Does the pervert think God to be ‘that way’? . . . 

“Sometimes not heavenly but earthly parents get the blame. Granted that certain conditions make it easier for one to become a pervert, the second Article of Faith teaches that a man will be punished for his own sins. He can, if normal, rise above the frustrations of childhood and stand on his own feet. . . . 

“A man may rationalize and excuse himself till the groove is so deep he cannot get out without great difficulty. But temptations come to all people. The difference between the reprobate and the worthy person is generally that one yielded and the other resisted. And if the yielding person continues to give way he may finally reach the point of ‘no return.’ The Spirit will ‘not always strive with man.’ (D&C 1:33.)” 

-President Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 80–86. 

Happy Anniversary to Me!

[from today's entry in my online journal]:

Yes indeed! It has been 18 wonderfully fantastic years since I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since I took upon me the name of Christ and covenanted to stand as a witness of God in all the places and doings of my life. I know I have faltered many times, in many ways, and in many things. And I know I have much improvement to make. But I know that my Redeemer is there reaching toward me to help me along and reach the potential that He makes possible for me to reach. I hope I continually strive to live up to the expectations Heavenly Father has of me, and that I never shame or dishonor the name of my beloved Savior. 

Do not hesitate to tell the world

This sin cannot be recognized by mocking the sacred form of marriage and calling this outright abomination before God a marriage. He will--he already is!--punishing the world for such actions.

“The unholy transgression of homosexuality is either rapidly growing or tolerance is giving it wider publicity. If one has such desires and tendencies, he overcomes them the same as if he had the urge toward petting or fornication or adultery. The Lord condemns and forbids this practice with a vigor equal to his condemnation of adultery and other such sex acts. And the Church will excommunicate as readily any unrepentant addict.

“Again, contrary to the belief and statement of many people, this sin, like fornication, is overcomable and forgivable, but again, only upon a deep and abiding repentance, which means total abandonment and complete transformation of thought and act. The fact that some governments and some churches and numerous corrupted individuals have tried to reduce such behavior from criminal offense to personal privilege does not change the nature nor the seriousness of the practice. Good men, wise men, God-fearing men everywhere still denounce the practice as being unworthy of sons of God; and Christ's church denounces it and condemns it so long as men have bodies which can be defiled.

“Homosexuality is an ugly sin. There is today a strong clamor to make such practices legal by passing legislation. Some would also legislate to legalize prostitution. They have legalized abortion, seeking to remove from this heinous crime the stigma of sin.

“We do not hesitate to tell the world that the cure for these evils is not in surrender.”

-The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982].

In Memory of a True, God-Sanctioned, and God-Blessed Marriage

[today's entry from my online journal]:

So in the last couple of days, I have mourned my loss for Granddad, not his death. I mourned the one grandfather I had known who not only had complete control of his faculties but also was firm in the faith of Christ. As a young teenager I made the effort to form a stronger relationship with this grandparent. I treasure the letters that we wrote to each other--the only grandparent that I was able to establish such a relationship with. 

I mourned the "If Only's" and "Why Didn't I's" in the last two days, remembering how I had told myself to write just one more letter before his passing, as I had not written in so many years. I had longed to visit, but could never find the time off or the financial means. Last year's attempt was thwarted by something, and I suppose deep down--though I did not want to admit it--I knew it had been my last chance. Still, hearing on Saturday that he was gone hurt me to know I would never again see him in this life. I would never be able to introduce him to the man who would marry me. He would never hold any of my children. I could never tell him how much it meant to me throughout my life to have him as one of the few members of the Church on my father's side of the family. What a marvelous and amazing example he had always been to me. How much his smile is embedded into the happiest recesses of my soul.

But, somehow, I do believe he knows.

Well, since Granddad Thomas' death, I have been wondering why Grandma Thomas wasn't the one to go first. She had been in poor health for so long and it surprised me how long she had been holding out. What was worse was to know that when Granddad died, she was in the hospital with a broken leg and pneumonia and probably incoherent in processing his death. My thoughts had been along the lines of "Why is she still here? What is there for her to do? Even in her more healthy days she was so limited and couldn't do anything and was just...there. At least she had Granddad to be with, though most of the time I don't think she was aware of that. If she were to heal from these current ailments, what has she to go back to? The kindest thing would be to finally free her from her pain and let her join the husband she has been sealed to who is now on the other side waiting for her."

As I thought on these things, I did not think it would hurt to pray for her to pass on, to go where loved ones were waiting and finally be free from the years of pain and inability to serve others. Our Heavenly Father is a kind and loving Father. He does not let His children suffer needlessly. I suppose I wasn't the only one thinking these things. I know for a fact that Mom was also praying for the same thing I was. And Heavenly Father listened. Grandma Thomas joined Granddad this morning.

Her death is not as much of a shock to me as his was. It is a peaceful relief, considering all the worry and concern I've felt for her in the last 7 or 8 years. And it seems right that Granddad be the first to go. He was the one who was baptized first. And set the example for so many, many years which Grandma eventually followed. And though I had such a good relationship with Granddad, that does not mean there was not one with Grandma. Those two were inseparable. Even in death, apparently. Whatever I told Granddad, he passed on to Grandma. The reason she did not write is because she had trouble doing so in her advanced years. But Granddad always conveyed her actions and sentiments. The only disconnect comes from the fact that Grandma started "going" around the years that I was old enough to form more meaningful relationships with adults.

That does not mean I do not have my fair share of memories with her, or things that I will always attribute to her. Joseph's gray eyes come from her. My niece E.'s beautiful red hair had its contribution through her maternal side from Grandma Thomas. My much loved and treasured curly hair is a blessing from Heavenly Father through the genes from Grandma Thomas. My old, tattered "Butterscotch Quilt" was a present from Grandma the time K. and I spent a few days with them at their CA home because for some reason I fell in love with it. My beautiful afghan I believe was mostly her workmanship. 

Though not a shock, I am still mourning. Again it is my loss, and not her death. It is calm happiness thinking on my memories of her, and gratitude to and for her that cause the tears I cannot help shed even as I write these few words to her honor. I love them both. I am sorry I was not able to introduce them to their 4th generation of posterity through me. But I know someday on the other side I will have my chance to do so. To know and have a solid testimony about temple sealings and eternal families is one of the most comforting and happy things this life can bring. And I assure you, it certainly is with me.

I love you both, Grandma and Granddad Thomas! Your legacy of love and faith and devotion and strength will live on. Memories of you shall endure. Your long, worthy, wonderful lives will be shared with your continuing posterity. 

What a true family can be

“When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. ‘The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions’ (Quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt. 

“Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one’s best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it’s the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 65 (emphasis added)

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

[from the LDS Church's article entitled "The Divine Institution of Marriage]:

"The Church has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a husband and a wife united in the bonds of matrimony.  

"The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect Church members’ Christian obligations of love, kindness and humanity toward all people."

I Support Proposition 8

To show my support for Proposition 8 (occurring in California and other such measures also taking place elsewhere in the U.S.), for the next while I am going to write entries concerning my belief in, support of, and fight for true marriage--between a man and a woman. It is ordained of God and I take my stand where I need to in this.

If you are interested in knowing where my church and religion stand, here is an official website they have put forth. It supports Proposition 8.

If you are interested in knowing where I stand, I will tell you that I am not only in favor of Proposition 8, I am completely and whole-heartedly in favor of marriage being only between a man and a woman. That the family is the basic unit of society and without the proper support of 2-gender parenting, a family will stumble, falter, and very possibly fail.

One of the main purposes of marriage is procreation. In other words, creating life. Not just supporting it or sustaining it. Creating it. It is biologically impossible for two people of the same gender to create life. It is absurd and was never meant to be. Personally, I also think it's rather disgusting. Gleaning what I could from a then-popular movie I saw 10 years ago (which I would never watch again, mind you), Meg Ryan's character even said, "We were made to fit together." With electricity, two male connectors together or two female connectors together do not conduct or convey a power that leads to production. So, too, in humans. If you cannot create life in your marriage (infertility obviously excluded), then what you have is not and should never be considered a marriage.

I don't state my beliefs and feelings as well as others. And I am very supportive with how "right on" our Church leaders state things. Here is an article/talk that Elder David Bednar (a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles) gave about marriage. Fantastic. I highly recommend.

AWESOME!

Check out this site my Institute teacher referred me to, for more insights to help with my scripture study and preparations for Institute. Totally, totally incredible!!! My word, how am I to get rid of my Internet connection now?! This is priceless and so convenient! I'll be sure to make great use of it when I can though!

The Power of God's Love

"When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us."

John H. Groberg, "The Power of God's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2004

I think this is self-explanatory enough!

Pressing On

[from today's entry in my online journal]:

I don't like the days when I'm emotional and haven't a clue what the cause is. I guess there really isn't one cause. More like a whole lot of little things all together. And maybe a here or there big thing, too. But the reason I am beginning to think is it's just one of those times that I once wrote about almost 2 years ago:

Elder Oaks' talk also had a part that helped me realize that sometimes we are brought to these trials simply to feel the spirit more strongly and gain strength because of the weak condition that we are in.

Whatever it all is, I know of a surety that the Savior understands all I am going through. And I never feel left alone for His Spirit is constantly with me. As it will be in my race in 6 days, this is just a matter of pressing forward until this particular Whatever has passed. I'm so grateful that I have the comforting reassurance that has come in and through the answers to my prayers, as well as my blessing from last week that I can draw much from.

In other news, I just learned that my grandmother's sister passed away over a week ago. This leaves Grandma--the youngest of 24--the last of James Madison Flake's 24 children alive on earth today. It is something that puts awe in my heart as those generations are passing, and yet knowing Grandma already has 3 generations of posterity following after her. And, most importantly, following the Savior's teachings. The Plan of Salvation and the doctrine of Eternal Families bring me such happiness. They truly make death but a simple passing from the arms of loved ones on earth to the arms of loved ones on the other side of the veil. I will not be too sorrowful when Grandma excitedly rejoins her 23 siblings as well as her very dear best friend and husband. But I will still cherish what time she has left on earth with the rest of us.

Teaching in our Homes

"The final desire of the Prophet Joseph Smith was to build a community of spiritual Saints. This begins in the home. The most important instruction our children will ever receive will be that which parents give to them in their own home, if parents diligently teach their children the way our Father in Heaven would like them to follow. One instruction our leaders have given us is to hold regular family home evenings where we can meet together weekly, learn gospel principles, and build family unity. Here we can counsel together, read the scriptures, pray together, and play together. Our greatest goal is to become an eternal family. We build a community of Saints one family at a time."

L. Tom Perry, "Building a Community of Saints," Ensign, May 2001

Absolutely Amen!

Happy Happy News!

[today's entry in my online journal]:

The location of the Philly Temple has been announced! On N. Broad Street between Noble and Hamilton streets. It will probably be like the Manhattan and Hong Kong temples since that is still right in the middle of the city. This location is smack in the middle between the Historic Philly sites and my graduate school Drexel University. Here is the full article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the announcement today. And I don't know if the picture caption will still be up, but take a look at this Typo:
"Mormon church president Thomas S. Monsoon addresses a general conference in Salt Lake City. The church plans to build four other temples worldwide."

Ooops!

That's probably not a first, though. Just think: if I were still living in DE, I would have a temple only 45 minutes away! It's so wonderful and amazing and fantastic!!! The work of the Lord moves forth!

One Reason Why I Want to be a Mother

My friend just posted this on her blog. I was raised to believe and view this of motherhood. It is why it's the second greatest desire I have in my life. I try so hard not to ask "When will it be my turn?" and worry that this great blessing will never be part of my life. But I know all is according to the Lord's will.

I had to share the quote:

"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into its soul to see its possibilities, could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the developments of its life, and for its destiny, - she would see that in all God's world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no other hands the sacred and holy trust given to her."

-J.R. Miller, Home-Making (orig. pub. 1882)

Being Selfless to Build the Family

Always good to keep this in mind whenever making decisions that affect ourselves, our future, and our family.

"Periodically one might well ask, 'If I continue to travel the road I am currently following, where will it lead me and what will happen to my family?' Are we establishing the foundation for an eternal family, or are we focusing more on the pride of personal accomplishments and a collection of temporal trophies that are taking precedence over the things that should really matter most? Regardless of our age and stage in life, daily obedience to gospel principles is the only sure way to eternal happiness."

--Elder Donald L Staheli, Life’s Great Challenge, May 1998 Ensign pg 81

How to Reach Beyond Ourselves

"We must strive to manifest the love of Christ, who always sought to please His Father by doing His will. . . . We must make every effort to follow His supreme example--to demonstrate such love through our thoughts, our speech, our actions--in all the things we do and are. We must not allow pride or vanity, selfishness or personal agendas to displace our reaching out to others in love. Quite simply and profoundly, we must first allow ourselves to be encircled by God's love. We do this best by embracing the Savior's eternal Atonement. Then we can expand that circle to include our family and all others. Such a circle is indeed heaven."

Bonnie D. Parkin, Eternally Encircled in His Love, Ensign, Nov. 2006, 109-10

Amazing Grace Indeed

[today's entry in my online journal]:

Not much time to write. But I couldn't miss making a comment about General Conference. It was better than I'd hoped for. It always is! And there were so many talks that were all meant for me!...and 14 million others. :-) I had prayed for uplifting, rejuvenating, and inspiring. That's what I got and then some. After the things that have been occurring in my life, Conference was a much-needed event. But I did not realize that the weekend had not been complete until last night, when I received a most wonderful and amazing blessing that I cannot enough express my gratitude for. This weekend has lifted me up and given me the push I needed to start on my way again.

The Lord and His Gospel and all that that encompasses are the most magnificent parts of my life. I know He is ever mindful of me. And in His mind I am not so much an idiot as I am simply human and weak and silly. I am not the inadequate, unattractive, stupid, immature, unprogressive person that I have been feeling. I am a daughter of God, who really does love me. And the Savior loves me. And knows me. And is always there for me. I cannot fail with Him at my side. 

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

P.S. Two definitions of grace: a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. b.

the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.

Believe

"The Lord has promised us that as we 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing, . . . all things [will] work together for [our] good' (D&C 90:24). That doesn't mean that everything will be perfect or that we will not have any trials, but it does mean that everything will be okay if we just 'hang in there.' Ours is the opportunity to 'be . . . an example of the believers' (1 Tim. 4:12), and the Savior has promised that 'all things are possible to him that believeth' (Mark 9:23). So believe in yourselves. Believe that you are never alone. Believe that you will always be guided."

Elaine S Dalton, "Believe!" Ensign, May 2004, 110

I love inspirational quotes like these.