The Natural Man is an Enemy to God

As I was working today I had a insightful, delightful experience of edification brought to my by my principal at Bingham Seminary. We were going through the teaching schedule for this upcoming school year, as I was giving input, we stopped on the Plan of Salvation, or Plan of Happiness. He asked me questions I hadn't really reflected on a while and I acknowledge I will be forever grateful for the time he took from his busy schedule to teach me this afternoon.

What he asked was powerful and may best be pondered upon: 1) What is the overarching purpose of the plan-the end result? 2) What are the most important items rarely discussed or briefly brushed over as the plan is taught to others, or explained by others and my question to him 3) Do men really come into the world with a natural disposition to do evil?

The overarching purpose of the plan is to enable us with knowledge and an ability to set our sites on steps in proving ourselves worthy to going back to live with God, living in such a way we become like Him and then ultimately gain everything He already has. The key here is becoming like him. Moroni teaches, "But ^acharity is the pure ^blove of Christ, and it endureth^cforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ^apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true ^bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall ^cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be ^dpurified even as he is pure." We should live together in love in our hearts that through our actions our hearts become pure. It is then we will know and understand Him, since we have transpired into a being of such caliber.

The items in the plan either not discussed of in briefness brushed over are: 1) The Atonement of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ 2) Agency 3) The Fall 4)Principles and Ordinances and 5) The Creation. Where would we be without these doctrines taking an active part in our lives? The plan couldn't be fulfilled without each of these integrally working together for our individual and collective good. I can't imagine teaching the Great Plan of Happiness minus these pivotal points of doctrine.

After talking about the plan I had a question that has been brewing in my mind since placed there in June...Are we all really born carnal and devilish? There is a two part answer to this question: Yes-our bodies have a great disposition to do evil. King Benjamin taught, "For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyieldsto the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnaturalman and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." This is one of my favorite verses of scripture, for it gives us all of the keys to fulfill our divine birthright as future kings and queens, priests and priestesses and children of a Heavenly King and being we have the privilege to call Father. The mortal body we were given is corrupt and mortal, it will invite and entice us to go with the ways of the world and take us from Christ and all His plan has to offer-even eternal life. The flip side of the coin is we have our spirit that have now united with our physical bodies. Depending on who we were in the pre-existence and how we are choosing to currently in our lives, we are given power, strength, and direction to not be enticed by that which cannot satisfy. It is all a choice in if we place our bodies in control of our spirits or if we place our spirits in governance over our bodies. Who are you enlisting to obey-I know as for me and my house, or temple, we will serve the Lord.

I look forward to the day of His appearing and hope previous to His coming I may purify my heart, be filled with His love, that I may recognize Him inasmuch as I have become like Him.

Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself! FDR

I wonder how many have researched out the background and source of this quote. I have seen it used by many, but I think it would mean more to us if we researched the context from whence it came. It was from Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural speech into the presidency of this great nation. It came at a time when many in the country began losing hope they would ever see through the time known as the great depression. It was 1932, in 1933 the bottom fell out and and most of the country began to despair.

I had this thought cross my mind this morning as I thought how my father fashioned a road bike to and from work. It was he that insisted on me finding a love in the great sport of biking. I love mountain biking and down hilling, but there is something many of you, if not all of you don't know. The summer between my 5th and 6th grade year I had was in a biking accident and I'll be the first to admit it scarred me something horrific. Every time I straddle a bike, push on the pedal-I feel it. The fear in the pit of my stomach and I force it out with every pedal I push. My brother got me into mountain biking a few years ago and I was able find a love for trails, however in going to Moab two years ago on a biking trip the slick rock freaked me out enough that I left the group and went off by myself-I just didn't want to slow them down.

I've lived with friends who had road bikes, but until this summer haven't been around so many people with such passion for road biking. My first time going was week before last and as scary as it seemed, when all was said and done I found therein happiness, for "It lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort (also FDR)." I didn't have to go by myself, I had another friend who'd never gone and we had other friends who let us borrow their bikes so we could go.

However, more importantly it's what gotten me to the point of purchasing my first vintage Schwinn road bike this morning. She's a blue beauty, in fact this is what I've named her. Beauty comes in life as we embrace the hard things, not only to learn from them, but change in the face of them. So I will work backwards-Alaina thanks for riding your bike the other night, it made me recognize I didn't need a new bike. My weekend will be reserved for climbing and lovely rides with you.

Cameron, Andi, Dan and James-it's your outward enthusiasm about biking that makes me have a desire to rise to the occasion. I may never be able to go on your extravagant rides and trips, especially after I've seen how jacked up you all come back afterwards. I get enough scrapes and scratches from climbing. :o) Thank you for always inviting me, one of these days I will surprise you and say indeed! Dan do it-my bike was a steal of a deal and you only live once.

Brent and Tiegs thanks for being such an example of what a great family activity it is to be on bikes! Then letting me experience multiple kinds of riding. :o) It reminded me of why I began biking in the first place, as a child I was the kid that rode my tricycle for as long as physically possible-I remember having the seat heightened to the max and my knee caps hitting the handle bars because I didn't want to give up the safety of the three wheels. It kept me grounded and for some reason I didn't care all of my friends were on bikes!

Ian thanks for explaining me enough logistics behind road biking it peaked my curiosity to begin asking questions. It is all about asking questions and obtaining knowledge.

Molly I will be taking you up on your teaching offer in the near future, preferably before you move to Texas! It's so horribly humid there-not nice biking weather.

Overall the purchase I made this morning made me reflect when we are surrounded by those who will uplift, teach, and edify we can then have the courage to place ourselves in scary situations realizing if we fall there are others around us to help catch us, brush us off and help us hop back into life!! Thanks for your love and friendship-I look forward to a fall of fun-filled cycling adventures!

The gifts and talents we are given...

The other day a sister from my previous ward made some FB comment about not knowing what to do with her studies and formal education. I've had a few years to ponder on this question and only in the past few months solidified I've had the answer all along-well ever since I came home from the mission.

We are given so many talents, righteous desires, hobbies we adore, etc. What do we do with them? Here is an example: one who relates well to children, but in particular children who are extra special. Kids that have received labels in life: those with Asperger's, Autism, Down's Syndrome, and the list is endless. They seem to love me as much as all of the others. I can't help, but feel the reason for this is because I treat them no different. I don't baby or caudal, talk down to, or think myself better than them. They merely learn differently than I do or have different capacities than the "norm" of the population. Who defines normal anyway or wants to be normal?

I work with a darling young man I will call Hen. He has Asperger's syndrome and is one of the most brilliant peeps I have the privilege of associating. He has been the highlight of my summer and brings fulfillment and joy into everything we do together. We've read two books, worked on social interactions, mathematics, and lots of reinforcement through recreational therapy. Today he had a bit of a validated melt-down this evening. Hen had worked all afternoon at a crafts camp, which is mentally taxing on the creative end of the spectrum. He was tired and ready to jet when I came to collect him. It was obvious to me he was thirsty, lonely, and sad. After purchasing a notebook, we started in on fractions. I should have seen it coming-it's amazing how I've had the educational background and work experience to deescalate such a situation that could have gotten out of control very fast.

It was all thanks to the still small whisperings of practices I've been taught academically and seen in action previously. He wanted to shut down, scream, fight, throw things, and lose it. I got very quite versus aggressive and started whispering. Immediately he calmed and within 5 minutes we talked through his frustration of showing his work in math problems, gained an understanding of why it's important, and found real life application and problems to his predicament. It was a great teaching opportunity. Further we talked through self control and why it may be important how others perceive our actions and why communication is key in all the relationships we have with others.

We caught the movie Mr. Popper's Penguins, which we both found to be absolutely delightful! Much better than the "grown-up" movies I've seen as of late. It was a warm and fuzzy movie-we laughed and giggled, he asked question (always feels like a touchdown when this happens!), and we even talked about acronyms for texting; he's a pretty hip bloke! All in all it was rewarding because he wasn't a lump in the theater-it was interactive reinforcement and the conversation is always so intellectual and invigorating-I wish I could say as much for most of my cohorts. Hen and I both have a deep love for animals and in this case birds. We went to Fairmont Park and enticed ourselves to come back and feed the ducks before they fly south for the winter.

I enjoy spending my time with him so very much-it almost seems absurd I will get paid to spend time with him. I guess this is how you know you are in the right spot-when you love what you do so much it feels like you should be paying someone because you enjoy doing what you do so much. It becomes you, it defines you, it allows/encourages you to be the best you!

Neither cold nor hot

In the Book of Revelations the saints of the church are being rebuked for being lukewarm. Are there times in our lives when we are spiritually lukewarm? How can we increase our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained, " Those destined to inherit the terrestrial kingdom are those who are lukewarm members of the church and who have testimonies, but who are not true and faithful in all things" (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 1985, 146).

In retrospect of a conversation I had last week I am rarely if ever lukewarm-I am always one extreme or another. Unless in an exception I am worried in my decision making process, when I feel one thing, but talk myself into another or not following through on my initial desires place within me by Him whom knows me best. Are you getting hotter or colder?

I began reading the Book of Mormon at the beginning of the summer and am a few chapters away from finishing it cover to cover. In my study I have been pondering and noting actions and the motivators in the peoples lives and conversion. More than anything I have noted it is all about the hearts of the people(159 references in the B of M). If the people's hearts are in the right place-goodness prevails. If their minds or lips are in filled with knowledge that's how far it stops-the front door of the mind or the mouth. When our hearts are involved in our personal conversion process and that of others, it penetrates to the deepest chasms of our soul. Our minds can be a part of this process with our heart, but our minds must be faith filled and ready to believe. Faith casts out fear or doubt which surrounds us in the world in which we now live, there are absorbent amounts of the philosophies of men mingled with truth. We must follow our heart that our minds may resist the logic and craftiness of men (D&C 52:14-20).

May I be as a child of Helaman and apply his words into my heart, "I desire that ye should deny the ^ajustice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his ^bmercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in^chumility." May I neither be cold or warm, but filled with His love that all may have a desire to come unto Him.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

'Tis true I have been reading the Tale of Two Cities-the soul filled classic about the French Revolution. As in countries when political issues are strewn about in a mess and people that reside therein are in turmoil to settle; we too can be in personal unrest within our own countries or even more intimate, within our very souls.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way (part of the first paragraph, A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens)."

How often do we feel like this in our own personal lives? I know when a trial comes to us or an opportunity for growth comes, I initially see how unfair it may seem and then cause I can't stand misery strive to find the joy in the journey I am embarking upon. What lessons am I to learn from this experience? Are there things I could have done to endured in a way more pleasing? How to apply the lessons, moving forward that I may not need to endure a similar experience or obtain the humility that I am open to passing through it again. I see the great wisdom and love for life in the above quotation. Dickens is striving to open our eyes to the sometimes harsh realities of the soul.

Heavenly Father delivers the righteous desires of our hearts with counterparts to allow for balance and humility, that we may obtain the attributes He has and likewise desires for us. I've been reflecting on my summer and how I can easily see things as Dickens-the good amongst the bad and then live every day with a broader perspective and keep an open mind that I love as my Master loves others, regardless of the ultimate outcome.

I was really struggling about a month ago, I'd been given a job I had been working toward for the past two years. It should have been ridiculously thrilled and overjoyed at the opportunity that lie before me to teach high schoolers who they are and give them a glimpse of whom they can choose to become! Instead I allowed myself to be distracted, and in all honesty I was having the best time of my life. I hadn't laughed or smiled that much since I was a missionary. I was allowed the chance to feel like this because I took all form of judgement and through it out the window. I paid no attention to seemingly red flags and what others in this world may have thought or said about my circumstance. Until I found myself speaking to another about it. I allowed the ignorant judgements of this man to stomp out my heart and many acquisitions of the Christ-like characteristics I'd been working toward.

I acted impulsively upon his requests and despite the mantic impressions I'd already noted, I went forward with his direction and began the experiment invited me to perform. Now I've been in countless labs for both biology, chemistry, and psychology. By far this was the biggest failure and most toxic I've ever conducted-all because people and more importantly their hearts were involved. I met back with him and reviewed the flaws in his experiment. He had been given more information at this time from his family, gotten to know my strength in spirit, and stood corrected on the altered his stance on some council given. Now it is seemingly to late. The experiment an absolute flop, people left off worse than before, and irreversible damage done.

In the meantime, I was given the opportunity to make new friends, broaden my horizons even more of the ignorance that surrounds me, receive and accept an offer in a second job at the Choir School of the Madeline, and accept a call to work with activation within our young single adult ward as a 1st councilor in the Relief Society. It's either feast or famine in life. God knows I do best when I'm broken that He may take me by the hand and give me answers to my prayers. We cannot become who we are meant to be while focussing inward. We must look outward and be anxiously engaged in serving that hands that hang down. It is the best of times, it is the worst or times when we set our focus as such!

Faith-The Choice is Yours

You don't lose at life until you quit.

A facebook friend had this as a comment the other morning when I woke up on my news feed. I thought, "true statement," and went on with my day hoping he is doing better. The comment made me think, his attitude was in the right place-90% of life is attitude and 10% is what happens to you in life.

This made me think of many other coined phrases I believe to be true and run along the same line, "It isn't over until it's over," "Life is what you make of it," and "When there's a will there is a way!" I had a few habits in high school I desperately tried kicking, when I would ask my friends for their support and encouragement I remember many of them would tell me, "Quitters never win," or they would just tell me it was hopeless to try and change anything. Now almost ten years later I have altered my life in such a way I am who I've always wanted to be, working towards my dreams, and recognizing nothing will stop me or hold me back except those I give the power to do so.

I thought about how I've been able to keep a positive attitude through my trials and test of my faith and integrity. I haven't always been lil miss sunshine (however, it was a childhood nickname.) My freshman year I remember walking home from Chem Lab with my partner and him stopping me in the street and saying don't you ever have anything positive to say? It blew my mind and I instantly recognized Brock's comment as being reality. I could be such a downer and it was my choice. After that year I moved off campus, attended a different ward, hung out with a more mature crowd, and started preparing to serve a full-time mission. My heart began to change and I started seeing how we can sometimes be a victim of circumstance, but we never need to be a victim of attitude. My perspective went from being dealt a hand to making my hand, being given lemons and making lemonade, or my personal favorite, " Seeing the glass half full.

There is a brand of hippie-wear I fell in love with in the last area of my mission, "Life is Good." I became such a big fan because the little slogans are true and happy symbols of positivity paired with a fun picture. Some of my favorites are, "Not all who wander are lost (with a pair of sandals)," or "Breakfast in Bed (a sleeping bag, a skillet, and campfire). More than anything, I bought into the ideal that no matter what, when all is said and done, Life really is Good!

What are 5 good things in your life? What are 5 things you can do to make someone else's life better? Why is it important to remember Life really is Good?

I took my lil HenHen bowling last week after he worked on summer schoolwork for 2 hours. Poor guy, my heart was hurting for him! He was such a trooper and kept pulling though in his journalling. Regardless, Hen has a hard time letting others win at games, not being upset about winning, and then when things don't completely go his way he wants to "throw in the towel" and be done. Well if I let him go on in such a way, he will have a less productive school year, won't make as many friends, and life will seem a little more dark and gloomy than his Asperger's already presents it to be at times. I won't have that-life is already challenging!

I pre-cursed bowling by telling him I would most likely beat him at bowling. I gave him the advantage/choice of bumpers, a lighter ball, and even first go. During the game we focused on sportsmanship and how even if he didn't knock down any pins we could still give each other high-fives, have a good attitude, and keep moving forward in the game. He did better than I thought he would at losing. He loathes losing and seemed to brush it off quite well, we talked about our actual scores after each frame and in the first three frames he was winning, but I knew once I felt the spin come into my throw, it was over. I was overwhelmingly impressed with how well Hen went with going with the flow (as he calls it). Not only did he embrace his loss, but he was able to find joy in the journey, and said within seconds of leaving the parking lot, "That was a really fun game, thanks for taking me!"

How often do we thank our creator for the incredible ride we call life and His assistance in our ability to keep a proper outlook and eternal perspective? I hope to be more like Henry and an aforementioned other's opinions on the span of life and find the gratitude in remembering taking it one day at a time and making it can be refreshingly invigorating!

I found my Christmas pickle shattered to smithereens this evening and felt quite dismal as I thought about how that was one of my prized tangible possessions from my mission. I don't normally get sad about things, but this had memories attached, my first Christmas in the mission field, Leavenworth's amazingness, and time with Tiff Brown. Then a few hours later instead of thinking on the dismal I thought of taking Fall break and talking my darling companion into going back to the mission for a trip for-it made the pickle busting not seem so bad after all! Plus proves my theory, you can find something positive in anything...that's right anything! It's called the glad game-thanks Polly!

Bridle your passions- a scripture study

o this blog in case you haven't noticed is about thoughts I've had during the day either inspired by my scripture study or just real life situations that turn me to doctrines I've studied. Last night I was swimming with at a buff man's pool and I would like to dedicate this post to him (I've never dedicated a post Wils, just so you're aware how special you are!!). For it was teasing by him that made me come up with the topic for yesterday's doctrine and it's application to life. Thanks for the inspiration and place of peace you provide when you invite us over to swim!! You have no idea how much I love being in water-it's a passion of mine!

I am a very passionate person for those of you who are new friends of mine and maybe not quite gotten to spend enough time with me. My largest passion by far in people-if I can do anything with people, I'm 100% in! I love people-it was a passion I developed as a missionary and it' sone that may even get me into trouble at times. I would much rather spend my time with people that doing anything else; with a close second of anything athletic or outdoors. A few of these passions are: snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, swimming(Thanks for helping feed the monster Wils!), camping, soccer, sailing, ultimate, softball, volleyball, the list could pretty much go on forever...

This brings me to moments of reflection in my life when I've been driven by passion and pleased the Lord or others whom I love. Alma 38:12 We are blessed in our desires and even our passions that we may build His kingdom and establish Zion-this is where the passion for me fellowman comes from. The prophet Joseph taught, "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." I love God and hence He's filled me with this passion to love His children and want to take an active involvement in each of their lives. James 5:17 We are all subject to passions-it all about what we do with them, if we use them for good like Elias or if we allow them to be detrimental to our progression. What are you doing with your passions? How can you use them to build the kingdom?

Despite popular conversations I don't read my scriptures all day, just for part of it and even then there is a balance or a bridle. I may be a nerd for it, but I love what I love because I have a desire and innate ability/talent to "devour" the scriptures and then assist others in finding the same love for them I have acquired through their study. Where are you in your personal scripture study and what can you do to make them more effective, spiritual, and a blessing to your day? Figure it out and make it a little bit better than yesterday!