Hello my faithful followers!
So I don't actually have a lot to say tonight. I'm mostly just bored and trying to do a little something to make me un-bored. It may or may not work, and I may transfer my bored-ness on to you, my faithful followers. For that I would like to apologize in advance.
I have decided, and since I am writing it here it shall be in the records of the Keepers of the Internets forever, that I am going to start running every day for 30 minutes. I've decided this because I basically hate being out of shape, which I am very much a subject of now. So I'm thinking that 180 minutes of running each week should be plenty of exercise to get back into at least a pseudo-in-shape condition. This training should also help me with my back problems and my boredom problems. At least for a bit. And when the Ecuador kids ask me to play soccer or whatever, I won't be horribly embarrassed by wheezing and panting the whole time.
More good news!! I got my temple recommend tonight! It's not quite final, because I still have to visit with the stake president, but it's still very exciting! It's definitely quite a big event for me. I cannot wait until I can actually go to the temple. I'm really looking forward to the peace that there is in the temple. I'm hoping to go at least once a week until my mission (thank you wonderful Girlfriend for the suggestion). That way I will be good and spiritual when I get to the MTC.
I hope all of you had an awesome Thanksgiving, and that your turkey comas didn't hit you too terribly hard. I'll try to make my next post much more exciting, but I don't promise anything.
Ciao!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Old Habits Die Hard
Today I had the opportunity to spend most of a day with the elders while they went to their various appointments, and even got to join them while they went tracting a bit. Our first stop was at the home of a member who had recently moved into one of the wards here in Monument. The member (we'll call her Sally) and her mother (we'll call her Betty) were in attendance. Betty is a devout Catholic, but she is investigating the LDS church. Betty has the utmost respect for us Mormons, and she agrees with many of our beliefs. However, Betty has been raised Catholic, and has practiced Catholicism all of her life. Because she has been raised with these beliefs her entire life, she has some troubles with some ideologies that we teach, even though we have many of the same beliefs as Catholics.
One thing that Betty was having trouble with was the idea of three degrees of Heaven. We eventually were able to explain this idea sufficiently for Betty, but one question that she still had kinda struck me. Her question was, "If all of this is already in the Bible, why have I never been taught this before?"
Why have I never been taught this before. It's such a simple question. My first reaction was to explain about how the Bible has been translated by men without the help of divine power. Men are prone to mistakes, prone to corruption, and always will be. That's just how our race is, and that cannot be changed. The Bible was translated from original transcripts to Greek, then to Latin for the Catholic church. Along the way the monks who were translating each page lost pieces and mistranslated other pieces. Over the course of the time, clergymen selected specific passages to base their teachings off of, relating all questions and answers back to those passages. Additionally, most people who were taught from the Bible could not understand the Bible because it was written in Latin, and most people during the time (1300s-ish and on) could not read Latin. They were forced to completely rely on what their priests and clergymen were teaching, and many priests left out information that they decided that they didn't want the general population to know. The Catholic church realized that they could better control the thoughts of the people if they left the Bible in a language that the commoners could not understand. And now that you've been bored with this little history lesson, let me get back to my point.
I just find it incredibly interesting how all the questions we could ever want to any question can be found in the complete collection of God's words, but because man has decided to take his own path and to achieve his own goals, many of us will never know the fullness of the gospel in this life. This also makes me incredibly sad. The gospel is so incredible. God's words can provide comfort and guidance to even the most downtrodden and outcast people. If I was able to, I would teach every person the gospel. I feel like if only people could hear the goodness that is in the gospel they would be so much happier.
It was also fascinating to see how hard it is for someone to accept new ideas. Betty has been taught by the Catholic church her entire life. She went to Catholic school and attends church most, if not all, Sundays. While she eventually was able to understand our teachings, it took a considerable amount of proof from the scriptures to convince her that what we were teaching was true. It's hard for me to understand why someone would not want to accept these ideas right off the bat, but that's because I have a firm, unshakable testimony in the truthfulness of the gospel. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that all the teachings in the Bible are true to the extent that they have been translated correctly, and that the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ. Because of this testimony, I can't quite understand why someone wouldn't want to completely accept what is being taught to them. It's just so true! Ah!! Anyway, I just hope that those who are exposed to the gospel will realize that it is true, and that they will want to learn more. I basically cannot wait to get out on my mission (if you haven't guessed that already).
Ciao!
P.S.- These historical "facts" are factual as far as my mind can remember them, and I apologize for any mistakes that have been made.
One thing that Betty was having trouble with was the idea of three degrees of Heaven. We eventually were able to explain this idea sufficiently for Betty, but one question that she still had kinda struck me. Her question was, "If all of this is already in the Bible, why have I never been taught this before?"
Why have I never been taught this before. It's such a simple question. My first reaction was to explain about how the Bible has been translated by men without the help of divine power. Men are prone to mistakes, prone to corruption, and always will be. That's just how our race is, and that cannot be changed. The Bible was translated from original transcripts to Greek, then to Latin for the Catholic church. Along the way the monks who were translating each page lost pieces and mistranslated other pieces. Over the course of the time, clergymen selected specific passages to base their teachings off of, relating all questions and answers back to those passages. Additionally, most people who were taught from the Bible could not understand the Bible because it was written in Latin, and most people during the time (1300s-ish and on) could not read Latin. They were forced to completely rely on what their priests and clergymen were teaching, and many priests left out information that they decided that they didn't want the general population to know. The Catholic church realized that they could better control the thoughts of the people if they left the Bible in a language that the commoners could not understand. And now that you've been bored with this little history lesson, let me get back to my point.
I just find it incredibly interesting how all the questions we could ever want to any question can be found in the complete collection of God's words, but because man has decided to take his own path and to achieve his own goals, many of us will never know the fullness of the gospel in this life. This also makes me incredibly sad. The gospel is so incredible. God's words can provide comfort and guidance to even the most downtrodden and outcast people. If I was able to, I would teach every person the gospel. I feel like if only people could hear the goodness that is in the gospel they would be so much happier.
It was also fascinating to see how hard it is for someone to accept new ideas. Betty has been taught by the Catholic church her entire life. She went to Catholic school and attends church most, if not all, Sundays. While she eventually was able to understand our teachings, it took a considerable amount of proof from the scriptures to convince her that what we were teaching was true. It's hard for me to understand why someone would not want to accept these ideas right off the bat, but that's because I have a firm, unshakable testimony in the truthfulness of the gospel. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that all the teachings in the Bible are true to the extent that they have been translated correctly, and that the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ. Because of this testimony, I can't quite understand why someone wouldn't want to completely accept what is being taught to them. It's just so true! Ah!! Anyway, I just hope that those who are exposed to the gospel will realize that it is true, and that they will want to learn more. I basically cannot wait to get out on my mission (if you haven't guessed that already).
Ciao!
P.S.- These historical "facts" are factual as far as my mind can remember them, and I apologize for any mistakes that have been made.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Hark! a Solution!
During my times of media perusing, I have noticed that there seem to be some trends with most problems that I see. Most problems I see revolve around a couple of different things; alcohol, drugs, premarital sex, and pornography. However, I believe I have discovered a solution to each of these problems! I'll give you some problems and the appropriate solutions for them.
Situation 1: In a web comic that I saw in passing, two of the main characters got into an argument, and are possibly breaking up, because the female character looked at the male character's porn collection, which he had specifically asked her not to do. Feelings were hurt on both sides, and what was once a wonderful relationship is now crumbling down around the characters.
Solution 1: Just don't do it! This whole problem could have been avoided had the characters decided to not look at porn. Porn is always more hurtful than not, so just not looking at it in the first place will save many people an enormous amount of heartache and trouble.
Situation 2: A man or woman decide to go to a bar and have a few drinks. A few turns into several, and before that person knows it, he/she is roaring drunk, and all personal restraint has gone out the window. The person wakes up the next morning with a raging headache, wearing clothes that don't belong to him/her, and in a foreign place. Or perhaps this person wakes up in his/her best friend's bed, and the female in the situation calls the guy a bit later to inform him that she's now pregnant. In the following months, this couple must now determine what to do with the child, how to raise it, or if they want to give it up for adoption. There can be child support claims filed, loss of trust and respect, and a loss of respect for one's self. The child will also have a much lower chance of being raised in a nurturing environment (okay, I know, there were a couple of situations there, but they're similar and lead to a similar solution).
Solution 2: Just don't do it! If this person had decided to not drink alcohol in the first place, it is highly likely that none of these situations would have happened. Perhaps that person would have just had some laughs as his/her friends got drunk. Perhaps that person would have gone home, gotten a good night sleep in a familiar bed, and scored well on that o-chem midterm he/she had in the morning. In my opinion the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh any short-term fun that is to be had.
Situation 3: Now this situation most of you will recognize if you watch TV. A person goes out with his friends with no intent of doing anything wrong or out of the ordinary. A friend compels this person to partake in a drug. This person accepts, thinking it'll just be one time. Before this person has any idea that an addiction is forming, he is selling his grandma's engagement ring (which she gave to him "just in case that special person happens to walk by") to buy more drugs. His entire life now revolves around drugs, and he has forsaken his family and his friends in the pursuit of his next high.
Solution 3: Can anyone guess it? That's right! Just don't do it! If this person had just said, "No thanks bro," he would still have friends, a job (most likely...hopefully...), his family, and his grandma's engagement ring, which might even be on the finger of some lucky girl. The chance of getting addicted to drugs is way too high for doing them even once to be a good idea. Those D.A.R.E people actually knew what they were talking about, folks.
Guys, just don't do it. Any of the aforementioned things. It just isn't worth it in my opinion. The heartbreak, suffering, and pain that is inherit with these actions is never worth the momentary gratification. I find it amazing that 177 years ago there was already a proclamation warning people of the dangers of what I have talked about. In February of 1833, revelation from God was given through Joseph Smith warning of the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, long before the harmful physical side-effects of these substances was known to professionals. This proclamation is known as the Word of Wisdom. Additionally, in the 10 Commandments, given through Moses from God to the world, it is stated that "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which includes premarital sex. Having tried my hardest to follow the Word of Wisdom and the 10 Commandments, and having failed at times, I have a firm and unshakable testimony of the truthfulness of these words. I know that if we follow the words that God has given to us that we will be able to lead lives that are not more restrictive, but rather more liberating and happier than any life we could live without His words. I know His words are true, and I intend to follow them to the best of my abilities.
Ciao!
Situation 1: In a web comic that I saw in passing, two of the main characters got into an argument, and are possibly breaking up, because the female character looked at the male character's porn collection, which he had specifically asked her not to do. Feelings were hurt on both sides, and what was once a wonderful relationship is now crumbling down around the characters.
Solution 1: Just don't do it! This whole problem could have been avoided had the characters decided to not look at porn. Porn is always more hurtful than not, so just not looking at it in the first place will save many people an enormous amount of heartache and trouble.
Situation 2: A man or woman decide to go to a bar and have a few drinks. A few turns into several, and before that person knows it, he/she is roaring drunk, and all personal restraint has gone out the window. The person wakes up the next morning with a raging headache, wearing clothes that don't belong to him/her, and in a foreign place. Or perhaps this person wakes up in his/her best friend's bed, and the female in the situation calls the guy a bit later to inform him that she's now pregnant. In the following months, this couple must now determine what to do with the child, how to raise it, or if they want to give it up for adoption. There can be child support claims filed, loss of trust and respect, and a loss of respect for one's self. The child will also have a much lower chance of being raised in a nurturing environment (okay, I know, there were a couple of situations there, but they're similar and lead to a similar solution).
Solution 2: Just don't do it! If this person had decided to not drink alcohol in the first place, it is highly likely that none of these situations would have happened. Perhaps that person would have just had some laughs as his/her friends got drunk. Perhaps that person would have gone home, gotten a good night sleep in a familiar bed, and scored well on that o-chem midterm he/she had in the morning. In my opinion the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh any short-term fun that is to be had.
Situation 3: Now this situation most of you will recognize if you watch TV. A person goes out with his friends with no intent of doing anything wrong or out of the ordinary. A friend compels this person to partake in a drug. This person accepts, thinking it'll just be one time. Before this person has any idea that an addiction is forming, he is selling his grandma's engagement ring (which she gave to him "just in case that special person happens to walk by") to buy more drugs. His entire life now revolves around drugs, and he has forsaken his family and his friends in the pursuit of his next high.
Solution 3: Can anyone guess it? That's right! Just don't do it! If this person had just said, "No thanks bro," he would still have friends, a job (most likely...hopefully...), his family, and his grandma's engagement ring, which might even be on the finger of some lucky girl. The chance of getting addicted to drugs is way too high for doing them even once to be a good idea. Those D.A.R.E people actually knew what they were talking about, folks.
Guys, just don't do it. Any of the aforementioned things. It just isn't worth it in my opinion. The heartbreak, suffering, and pain that is inherit with these actions is never worth the momentary gratification. I find it amazing that 177 years ago there was already a proclamation warning people of the dangers of what I have talked about. In February of 1833, revelation from God was given through Joseph Smith warning of the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, long before the harmful physical side-effects of these substances was known to professionals. This proclamation is known as the Word of Wisdom. Additionally, in the 10 Commandments, given through Moses from God to the world, it is stated that "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which includes premarital sex. Having tried my hardest to follow the Word of Wisdom and the 10 Commandments, and having failed at times, I have a firm and unshakable testimony of the truthfulness of these words. I know that if we follow the words that God has given to us that we will be able to lead lives that are not more restrictive, but rather more liberating and happier than any life we could live without His words. I know His words are true, and I intend to follow them to the best of my abilities.
Ciao!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hello to all y'all!!
Hey guys!
So, I don't quite know what I'm doing here. I guess if I had to give you a preview of what will be here I'd say it's going to basically just be random thoughts that I have. Posts will most likely be fairly short, and you'll probably see a trend in topics, but hey, it'll be about who I am and what I think about. You should also know that on January 26, 2011, my beloved madre will be taking over for me while I serve a church mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Quito, Ecuador, for two years. I am fairly super excited for that, and, seeing as I've actually had a mission call since July of this year, I cannot wait to get out there. It's definitely going to be the best time of my life thus far.
If you want to learn more about me and what makes me tick, check out the about me part, though most of you will probably know me, so this shouldn't be too much of a shocker. Anyway, that's about all I know for now. Check back semi-often and see what I'm up to, if you care to.
Ciao!
So, I don't quite know what I'm doing here. I guess if I had to give you a preview of what will be here I'd say it's going to basically just be random thoughts that I have. Posts will most likely be fairly short, and you'll probably see a trend in topics, but hey, it'll be about who I am and what I think about. You should also know that on January 26, 2011, my beloved madre will be taking over for me while I serve a church mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Quito, Ecuador, for two years. I am fairly super excited for that, and, seeing as I've actually had a mission call since July of this year, I cannot wait to get out there. It's definitely going to be the best time of my life thus far.
If you want to learn more about me and what makes me tick, check out the about me part, though most of you will probably know me, so this shouldn't be too much of a shocker. Anyway, that's about all I know for now. Check back semi-often and see what I'm up to, if you care to.
Ciao!
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