Things on my mind

For a while now I've wanted to use my blog as a place where I can write my thoughts down. All thoughts. But mostly, for the Spiritual insights that I've had. I've felt that I need to do my part to let my light shine, since I don't have much of a social life with 5.5 little ones that keep me busy in the home.

So, that's what I'll be doing. I started a it once before, but it tapered off. Hopefully, this won't.

Last night, Steve and I were able to go to the Adult Session of Stake Conference. It was a wonderful experience for many reasons. 

First, we've just been getting over stomach flu and didn't feel so great. But while there, we were not bothered by our bodies and were able to relax and feel the Spirit that was there.

Second, it was amazing to be so in tune with what was being said. Throughout this last month, Steve and I have had many conversations about what was talked about last night, from our nightly scripture study, or run in with friends.

One thing that has been on my mind lately is the state of the world. I have seen a lot of friends fall away from the church, or can see them starting to, because of the state world. We live in a day when evil is called good and good evil.

There is so much pressure from the world to change and to be "tolerant" of what the world says is ok. But the world's definition and what that word means, and what we actually should be doing, are two very different things.

Christ was the definition of tolarance. He loved everyone. EVERYONE! Even the sinner. But, taught that sin or the allowance of sin in our lives was not ok. Didn't He tell the sinners, to go and sin no more?

Now, I am not an eloquent writer or speaker. That is not my gift. I will attempt to try and say what was said by one of our Stake Presidency. I'm sorry if it isn't as good.

He stated that to be tolerant, we need to love, respect and be kind to those that have different beliefs, thoughts and opinions from ours. But we should not accept, make excuses, be indifferent, or allow for their sins to influence our lives or be ok with their choices when they try and force it on us. But also, to not start fights. There is a way to do that. I'll need to work on how to say things that don't come off in the wrong way. But he was saying exactly what I've been feeling for a long time.

Example. Jake just started Cub Scouts. He loves it! And I love that there is another program out there that has high standards and is teaching him to be a respectful citizen of the world. 

And yet, I have a few friends that don't want their child in scouts because of the BSA's stance on homosexualilty. Now, I understand that that will probably change in a few days, but for now, the BSA will not allow any openly gay scouts or leaders into the program.

I was baffled to learn this of my friends. Scouts is a great program! They teach young men to how to be outstanding, respectful and kind men. Just like the church can do. But because of this stance, they don't like the BSA and seem to have hard feelings towards them. And are not sure if they would serve in that calling or allow their children to be apart of that program.

All I could think was they had let the worlds view on this, the "tolerance" of the world, that says we need to allow all people to do whatever they feel is right because to them it's right. But that isn't tolerance. That's giving into Satan's corruption. That's allowing things to be seen as good, when they are evil.

Now, before you get your panties in a twist, I am not anti-gay. Need I remind you that I had and loved very deeply a gay brother. I loved him for the person he was, but that doesn't mean that I thought living that lifestyle was ok. And I know that he was ok with that. As long as he knew that I loved him for him, it was all good.

We all have trials in our lives that are different. Just because you have same-sex tendency doesn't mean you are exempt from living a chaste life! I am happily married woman. And I still find other men that catch my fancy every once in a while. If I lived with the mentality that it was ok to act on those attractions, wouldn't I be called an adulteress? Wouldn't I be a sinner? Evil? YES!

Now is the time to look to the Lord and know, believe and ACT the way He did. He loved all of us. Even the sinner. But what did he say to the adulteress? Go and sin no more! He was very clear on His stance of sin. He loved all, but bade them to sin no more.

We too, need to do as the Savior did. Love everyone, but do not allow sin to influence us or say that it is ok. It is not. We need to not let the worlds definition of tolerance to creep into our ways. That is how we slowly let go of the iron rod. We need to hold firmly to the iron rod. With both hands. Never letting go.

What is the iron rod? It's the word of God! Read the scriptures. For they tell of what is right and wrong. And just as the scriptures were written by prophets, today, we have a living prophet that leads and guides us today. 

We can't pick and choose the things we will follow. We should follow everything. Yes, it takes time to build a testimony of those things we should do. But we need to take it one thing at a time. Line upon line, right?

I hope this all makes sense. Like I said, I'm not good with the words. I'm not trying to pick any fights, and I am truly sorry if I have offended anyone. But I couldn't believe my ears when a member of the stake presidency started talking about exactly what I've been feeling for the last month or so.

We, me need to stand for what is right! Don't let the world influence our beleifs. Don't let the world relax our grip on what we know to be true and right. There are so many different views out there, but there is only one that should count, and that's God's!