1 Cor. 13

Paul extols the high status of charity—Charity, a pure love, excels and exceeds almost all else.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not ^acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of ^aprophecy, and understand all ^bmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the ^apoor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 ^aCharity ^bsuffereth long, and is ^ckind; charity ^denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself ^aunseemly, seeketh not her ^bown, is not easily ^cprovoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in ^ainiquity, but rejoiceth in the ^btruth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never ^afaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a ^aglass, ^bdarkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth ^afaith, ^bhope, ^ccharity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

My mission president asked us to memorize this chapter in 1 Corinthians quarterly. I believe at the time I understood it in part. But the more I learn about the gospel and the people around me, the more I begin to understand what Paul was talking about.

We can have every good gift in the world, and it will profit us nothing if we don't have charity. It is the ever important Christlike attribute that completes the necessary three. So many times in the scriptures you will find faith, hope and charity together. Paul tells us that the most important one is charity.

Tonight I learned something interesting. I was speaking with my bishop and we were talking about how often we don't see clearly. That's when verses 11 & 12 came to my mind. So often we are so childlike about things and our perspective won't change until we "grow" (spiritually or physically); and often our view is obscured by dark glass when later we see "face to face."

I don't know that I can explain what I was taught other than that we need to constantly be growing and stretching, and putting away childish things. These could include things like our attitudes, pride, and a whole host of other things. Paul teaches that only when those things are put out of our lives that faith, hope and charity will be able to abide in our lives. For "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

Technopoly, Dating, Relationships, and Marriage

Neil Postman passed away in 2003, three years before the advent of facebook, blogs, MySpace, and the super rise of social media. The critic, communication theorist, and former chair of the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences at NYU wrote 17 books, among them one entitled Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. I read the book as part of one of my classes this last year. The professor seemed hellbent to prove that technology was evil and that it would destroy us all socially.

In the beginning I really wanted to fight against his thought process. But ruminations a year later lead me to believe that he was pushing us to see beyond the accepted. Is technology really our friend? Will it inhibit our ability to memorize? To communicate face-to-face effectively? I am not sure Postman was totally against technology, however he was warning us about its effects. He warns about becoming "tools of our tools."

While many would agree that one of the most universal and significant tools for the transfer of knowledge is writing (of many kinds), argument over the usefulness of the written word exists however, with some scholars skeptical of its impact on societies. Postman demonstrates the argument against the use of writing through an excerpt from Plato's work Phaedrus. In this excerpt the scholar Socrates recounts the story of Thamus, the Egyptian king and Theuth the inventor of the written word. In this story, Theuth presents his new invention "writing" to King Thamus, telling Thamus that his new invention "will improve both the wisdom and memory of the Egyptians." King Thamus is skeptical of this new invention and rejects it as a tool of recollection rather than retained knowledge. He argues that the written word will infect the Egyptian people with fake knowledge as they will be able to attain facts and stories from an external source and will no longer be forced to mentally retain large quantities of knowledge themselves.

I think of novelists such as Austin, Twain, London, Salinger, Mitchell, and many others; and their infinite vocabulary. They "knew" what they were writing. Today, our vocabulary is so mundane, repetitive and awful. I watch this generation coming up and they can barely spell let alone write a coherent sentence. By no means do I place myself aside from this, for I have so much yet to learn.

Then I watch this curse sneak into our everyday lives. The advent of texting, IMing, online dating, social media and other forms of computer mediated communication has further driven FtF out the door. People hide behind a wall of CMC in order not to be embarrassed, to flame, and/or exchange messages they would never exchange in person.

Recently a friend vowed he was no longer going to communicate with girls via texting because it took emotion and other things out of the conversation. I am not sure how that is going for him. But I worry that we place so much emphasis on CMC that without it, we believe the other person to be indifferent to our feelings.

There is also another person in my life that will pick a fight via text rather than say anything to me. This person is part of the younger generation and it bothers me that they are OK with this kind of communication. CMC has inhibited our ability to properly resolve issues in through FtF. Our ability to communicate our feelings has been detached through the use of technology.

Recently I have watched as people use Facebook as a form of communication to let the world know of their relationships, lack thereof, martial issues, happiness & unhappiness with the world and everything in it, and a host of other things. What has the world come to?

George Bernard Shaw wrote that the average person today is about as credulous as was the average person in the Middle Ages. Postman writes, "In the Middle Ages, people believed in the authority of their religion, no matter what. Today, we believe in the authority of our science, no matter what... We believe because there is not reason no to believe... Technopoly deprives us of the social, political, historical, metaphysical, logical, or spiritual bases for knowing what is beyond belief."

Studies have been done that people believe more of what they read on the internet than anything else. Communication travels so fast that stories about our relations can be twisted and incorrect in a matter of minutes. We can publish "our side" and get people's opinions, thereby adding a dimension of defamation to the other party.

Elder Russell M. Nelson recounts this story:

"As we Brethren travel about the world, sometimes we see worrisome scenes. On a recent flight, I sat behind a husband and wife. She obviously loved her husband. As she stroked the back of his neck I could see her wedding ring. She would nestle close to him and rest her head upon his shoulder, seeking his companionship.

"In contrast, he seemed totally oblivious to her presence. He was focused solely upon an electronic game player. During the entire flight, his attention was riveted upon that device. Not once did he look at her, speak to her, or acknowledge her yearning for affection.

"His inattention made me feel like shouting: “Open your eyes, man! Can’t you see? Pay attention! Your wife loves you! She needs you!”"

He goes on to say that he could have totally misread the situation, however, perhaps not. The perception to others seemed that he was oblivious and that his gaming machine was more important to him than potentially valuable one-on-one time with his wife. How sad.

Then he states, "But these things I do know: I know “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” 1 I know that the earth was created and that the Lord’s Church was restored so that families could be sealed and exalted as eternal entities. 2 And I know that one of Satan’s cunning methods of undermining the work of the Lord is to attack the sacred institutions of marriage and the family."

I firmly believe that Satan is using something so beautiful to destroy. The rise of pornography, false information online, and other garbage has shown how quickly something good can turn to something bad. Satan wants to ensure we are unhappy in life, "happily" single, unmarried, and that if we make it through the gauntlet and get married, that that too is destroyed.

I love what Elder Nelson gives as a help and guide to make things better in our lives. Whether we are married or not, I believe they will help in any situation in our life.

"My suggestions use three action verbs: to appreciate, to communicate, and to contemplate.

"To appreciate—to say “I love you” and “thank you”—is not difficult. But these expressions of love and appreciation do more than acknowledge a kind thought or deed. They are signs of sweet civility. As grateful partners look for the good in each other and sincerely pay compliments to one another, wives and husbands will strive to become the persons described in those compliments.

"Suggestion number two—to communicate well with your spouse—is also important. Good communication includes taking time to plan together. Couples need private time to observe, to talk, and really listen to each other. They need to cooperate—helping each other as equal partners. They need to nurture their spiritual as well as physical intimacy. They should strive to elevate and motivate each other. Marital unity is sustained when goals are mutually understood. Good communication is also enhanced by prayer. To pray with specific mention of a spouse’s good deed (or need) nurtures a marriage.

"My third suggestion is to contemplate. This word has deep meaning. It comes from Latin roots: con, meaning “with,” and templum, meaning “a space or place to meditate.” It is the root from which the word temple comes. If couples contemplate often—with each other in the temple—sacred covenants will be better remembered and kept. Frequent participation in temple service and regular family scripture study nourish a marriage and strengthen faith within a family. Contemplation allows one to anticipate and to resonate (or be in tune) with each other and with the Lord. Contemplation will nurture both a marriage and God’s kingdom. The Master said, “Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” 17"

Like I wrote earlier, these are directed at married people but I believe they can be applied very literally to our everyday lives. Technology is a wonderful thing, but it is perhaps one of the most destructive things in the shortest amount of time. The most important measure is not to become "tools of our tools" as we move forward and work to build relationships with others around us, especially those relationships that have eternal potential.

Envisages

I love quotes. Especially those that are inspirational and dealing with art. Although, probably higher on the list are quotes about communication and leadership. The following are a few I have come across ...

Vincent Van Gogh on Talent: "the art trade brings with it certain prejudices ... particularly ideas that painting is a gift — well yes, a gift, but not as they make it appear; one must reach out and take it (and that taking is a difficult thing), not wait until it manifests itself of its own accord. ... one learns by doing. One becomes a painter by painting. If one wants to become a painter, if one has passion, if one feels what you feel, then one can do it, but this can go hand in hand with difficulty, worries, disappointments, times of melancholy, of powerlessness and all that."
Letter by Van Gogh to his brother Theo, 16 October 1883

"I am doubtful of any talent, so whatever I choose to be, will be accomplished only by long study and work" – Jackson Pollock, Abstract Expressionist

“Creation is the artist's true function. But it would be a mistake to ascribe creative power to an inborn talent. Creation begins with vision. The artist has to look at everything as though seeing it for the first time." -- Henri Matisse, French Fauvist

"What they call talent is nothing but the capacity for doing continuous work in the right way.” -- Winslow Homer, American artist

"Talent is so loaded a word, so full to the brim with meanings, that an artist might be wise to forget about it altogether and just keep on working.” –- Eric Maisel, creativity coach

“Talent is long patience, and originality an effort of will and of intense observation” – Gustav Flaubert, French novelist

"Self-discipline without talent can often achieve astounding results, whereas talent without self-discipline inevitably dooms itself to failure." -- Sydney Harris, American journalist

"Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found.” -- James Russell Lowell, American poet and critic

“Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.” –- Edward de Bono, creativity writer

“The misperception that creativity is a natural talent and cannot be taught actually very convenient because it relieves everybody of the need to do anything about fostering creativity. If it is only available as a natural talent then there is no point in seeking to do anything about creativity.” -- Edward de Bono, creativity writer

”That some people are naturally creative does not mean than such people would not be even more creative with some training and techniques. Nor does it mean than other people can never become creative.” -- Edward de Bono, creativity writer

“Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck -- but, most of all, endurance.” James Baldwin, American novelist

“Art is not about thinking something up. It is the opposite -- getting something down.” – Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -- Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert cartoons

"Like everything else, some people will be better at it than others. However, doing something creative is a most rewarding activity, and will result in a great sense of satisfaction, no matter how good or bad the artist may be." -- British artist and TV presenter Tony Hart, "Tony Hart Reveals His Drawing Secrets" in The Times newspaper, 30 September 2008

"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” -- Rabindranath Tagore

"When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art.” -- Marc Chagall

”What distinguishes a great artist from a weak one is first their sensibility and tenderness; second, their imagination, and third, their industry.” -- John Ruskin

”Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -- Picasso

”An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision.” -- James MacNeill Whistler

”Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.” -- Henry Ward Beecher

”Happy are the painters, for they shall not be lonely. Light and colour, peace and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day." -- Winston Churchill

”Beginning with audacity is a very great part of the art of painting.” -- Winston Churchill

”Never leave a painting mediocre; it's better to take a chance with it.” -- Guy Corriero

”I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them.” -- Picasso

”I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.” -- Picasso

”The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.” -- Picasso

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget that errand." -- Woodrow Wilson

"I never finish a painting -- I just stop working on it for a while." -- Arshile Gorky

"Real painters understand with a brush in their hand ... what does anyone do with rules? Nothing worthwhile." -- Berthe Moriset

"Do not worry about your originality. You could not get rid of it even if you wanted to." -- Robert Henri

”No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." -- John Donne

”An artist's early work is inevitably made up of a mixture of tendencies and interests, some of which are compatible and some of which are in conflict. As the artist picks his way along, rejecting and accepting as he goes, certain patterns of enquiry emerge. His failures are as valuable as his successes: by misjudging one thing he conforms something else, even if at the time he does not know what that something else is.” -- Bridget Riley

”Even at best talent remains a constant, and those who rely upon that gift alone, without developing further, peak quickly and soon fade to obscurity.” -- David Bayles and Ted Orland

”The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. Such imperfections (or mistakes, if you’re feeling particularly depressed about them today) are your guides -- valuable, reliable, objective, non-judgemental guides -- to matters you need to reconsider or develop further.” -- David Bayles and Ted Orland

”A painting in a museum probably hears more foolish remarks than anything else in the world.” -- Edmond and Jules De Goncourt

Torture

A year ago today my life fell apart ...

Life was going well and I thought I had pretty much all I could have ever wanted. I spent some time in Southern Utah and was rushing home to shoot a bridal I had mis-scheduled. Upon my arrival and rush to the location, I crashed my car.

That crash became a turning point. It was that day I felt I lost it all. My car was on the verge of being totaled and that special person in my life was nowhere to be found. I didn't hear from him for days and I wondered what I did wrong. Then the next thing I know I am single again.

The year before I lost a wonderful job, my best friend and further made an idiot of myself ... The year before that I had a rise and fall. Gaining a wonderful job and losing a very important person in my life. And the year before that I was upside down in some other garbage with school.

As much as I love Christmas, I usually tend to destroy things around this time of year; and it usually involves important people of the male gender in my life. And sometimes, it involves my professional life ... It seems to be my RM curse ...

Last night I got lost in thinking "what if" and the past. It sent me into a tail-spin and it was all I could do to pull out the sewing machine and make a scarf, and then I moved on to make some rings. Before I knew it 1 a.m. rolled around and I was exhausted. But my mind was still racing.

Today, I had to teach and I felt the spirit but was still struggling to feel the spirit. We had some wonderful talks and I felt I spoke what I was supposed to in my lesson. But something needs to change. Stress and other garbage are inhibiting my ability to feel the Spirit on a consistent basis.

Yesterday as I was driving home I needed something more than the tunes on my phone, so I started listing to past CES talks. One of my favs is Lessons from Liberty Jail by Jeffery R. Holland. There were some things in there that I needed to hear again and I was grateful in that moment for technology.

"So in what sense could Liberty Jail be called a “temple,” and what does such a title tell us about God’s love and teachings, including where and when that love and those teachings are made manifest? In precisely this sense: that you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in any situation you are in. Indeed, you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in the most miserable experiences of your life—in the worst settings, while enduring the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced.

"In one way or another, great or small, dramatic or incidental, every one of us is going to spend a little time in Liberty Jail—spiritually speaking. We will face things we do not want to face for reasons that may not be our fault. Indeed, we may face difficult circumstances for reasons that were absolutely right and proper, reasons that came because we were trying to keep the commandments of the Lord. We may face persecution, we may endure heartache and separation from loved ones, we may be hungry and cold and forlorn. Yes, before our lives are over we may all be given a little taste of what the prophets faced often in their lives.

"But the lessons of the winter of 1838–39 teach us that every experience can become a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through it. These difficult lessons teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity, and if we will be humble and faithful, if we will be believing and not curse God for our problems, He can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples—or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation, divine companionship and peace.

... "The first lesson from Liberty Jail is inherent in what I’ve already mentioned—that everyone, including, and perhaps especially, the righteous, will be called upon to face trying times. When that happens we can sometimes fear that God has abandoned us, and we might be left, at least for a time, to wonder when our troubles will ever end. As individuals, as families, as communities, and as nations, probably everyone has had or will have an occasion to feel as Joseph Smith felt when he cried from the depth and discouragement of his confinement: “O God, where art thou? … How long shall thy hand be stayed … ? Yea, O Lord, how long shall [thy people] suffer … before … thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?” (D&C 121:1–3)."

We will all have Liberty Jail experiences. The challenge is how we will deal with it ...

For me, I usually come out of it. I figure it out and I move on. But like Joseph during his time in jail, we must go through a small moment of suffering before the Lord will liberate us. Like Elder Holland said, God "can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples."

Perhaps next year I'll take the class for "credit" ;)

It just doesn't feel like Christmas

It has been a weird time of year for me. Normally this is my favorite. It's not for the gifts, the romance (which is a rarity), or any of the other material things. I love this time of year because people turn from a selfish focus (mostly) to a focus of others and service.

But this year something was different.

My tree was up before Thanksgiving and I loved to sit in my living room at night with just the glow of the tree. I didn't purchase any gifts (just like I haven't for several years). But I struggled to figure out what I was going to "give". People asked me what I wanted and I couldn't think of anything, nor did I worry if I received anything. Oddly enough, I didn't even really feel the Spirit of Christmas like I normally do.

I struggled to know why this was. A few key indicators point to why (extra stress, a new job, lack of my other one, focus on things that are trivial, etc.). I asked to feel, to experience something ... Nothing for a few days ... I didn't even feel like doing anything (my calling, preparing my lesson, serving, etc.).

Still struggling ... ugh! ... Then it came ...

In the quiet of the temple on a night when a friend was taking out his endowments and preparing for a mission. I stood in the Celestial Room apart from the crowd. My heart marveled at the reception of friends and family. I love watching this occurrence any time I get the privilege. It takes my mind to a place where this happens daily in the presence of loved ones who have passed on, who great those who are taking that next step to move on.

Is this what the reception is like in the Spirit World? Will this be what it is like one day for us?

There are always tears (usually from mom), hugs, and lots of smiles. Everyone gathers round together, and for a moment Heaven connects with Earth as the eternal bonds of family are strengthened. In those brief moments God smiles down upon His children with joy.

Then, perhaps my lesson for the evening ...

In our party were two future missionaries. The second one was a little more unassuming and quiet than Cameron. However, I watched as he slowly pulled away from his party with tears in his eyes. He found a chair, sat down, and bowed his head. When he looked up, it was as if he was trying to hide those tears ... But it was all he could do to keep them wiped away.

My heart swelled for this young man. Somehow I believe he understood something more than most people do when the enter the House of the Lord for the first time (even if it was just a small portion). Perhaps it was an inkling of his understanding of God's love and desires for him.

Then it came to me so softly ... "Christmas isn't about the hustle and bustle, gifts, food, or anything material for that matter ... It's about a little boy of no means who became a Savior, who went about doing good continually, and gave us the Ultimate gift; then giving that gift in return by using His gift as an example."

In that moment I felt peace and a moment of Christmas. Once I left the walls of the temple though I felt the weight of the world come back down on me. But for the past week I have held on to that small moment and cherished it. It may not be like Christmases past, but it was at least peaceful and without too much drama ...

in⋅trigue

/v. ɪnˈtrig; n. ɪnˈtrig, ˈɪntrig/ Show Spelled Pronunciatio[v. in-treeg; n. in-treeg, in-treeg] Show IPA verb, -trigued, -tri⋅guing, noun
–verb (used with object)

1.	to arouse the curiosity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities; appeal strongly to; captivate: The plan intrigues me, but I wonder if it will work.

2.	to achieve or earn by appealing to another's curiosity, fancy, or interest: to intrigue one's way into another's notice.

3.	to draw or capture: Her interest was intrigued by the strange symbol.

4.	to accomplish or force by crafty plotting or underhand machinations.

5.	Obsolete. to entangle.

6.	Obsolete. to trick or cheat.

Interesting; Dangerous; Entangling; Drawing; Captivating

Whenever I am intrigued by something it ends one of two ways: good or bad. Most often it is the latter. It is like a firefly drawn to the lantern. I hover around it, inspect it, but upon closer acquaintance something happens and I get zapped.

The zap can be a snap back to reality, understanding something isn't as interesting as it looked, or pain. Intrigue never ends well for me. Although, most of the time I find myself drawn to certain people (especially persons of interest) because of shared experiences. We can communicate in a way others can't because we have trodden the road. But in the end, there is something that pushes us apart.

I experience ADD in this department. If something doesn't happen in the time frame I want, I drop it and move on to the next point of interest. Is that a good thing? Probably not. There is potentially a lesson to be learned, and I might miss it. But I am in this to find someone, not to play around. And this scares many.

Do I tell people I am interested in them? No. I dislike rejection to the nth degree. Sure, I tell people, "What's the worst they can say? No?" But I don't listen to my own words very well ;) I would rather climb a ladder and play on a roof than tell a boy I am interested. I will find any way to avoid it, but at the same time work to help them understand (but that is a less-effective method).

So, intrigue ends in putting myself in the "friend zone." A safe place where I ineffectively divert attention from myself to other people. So, I become an Emma in a sense and I have gotten pretty good at it. Someday maybe I'll meet my match and he'll challenge me. Until then, I observe him from afar with intrigue.

The High

Today I did something epic. I ran 7.5 miles! Never in my life have I run that far, or thought to run that far. I always joked, made excuses, or said I couldn't because of an injury.

Perhaps teaching has taught me more about myself than I think. I see students everyday joking about their education, making excuses, and saying they can't because of something lame. There were, and are, times in my life when I did that. But I am tired of being mediocre, of not doing those things that I really can do.

This morning was a total mind game with myself. When I started running, I told myself I was going to run to a certain place and then back. Upon arrival, I felt good and told myself I was going to the next point of interest. When I got there, I didn't want to go back the same way so I routed myself back to the house via a different trail.

Each time I was only going to go so far, but I continued to push myself. There was a high that came with pushing myself and realizing I was doing something huge. My pace continued to be steady the whole time as I ran up and down hills, and around turns. It was amazing!

The scenery was beautiful. It was so much more running outside than it is running on the track in circles, or on the treadmill. I am beginning to understand why people run. It's rough on my body because I am still not where I would like to be with weight, but I am, and will, be getting there.

There are many things in my life that I am discovering / doing for the first time. Often, I have asked why I waited so long. But looking back with regret doesn't matter as much as moving forward with accomplishment. We can always look back and wonder, but it is literally water under the bridge. It has come and gone, and there is nothing more we can do about it. The most important question is: What will you do with your present and your future?

While I worry about my present and future, I am secure in knowing that I can still make things right. I am learning important lessons and I am looking forward to the day of freedom. It will require more discipline than I have had and / or placed in my plan. Things will be tighter, but they will be better.

Rules form my life. While I push against them, they define who I am. The Gospel and it's principles define who I am spiritually, and hopefully who I am temporally as I learn and grow. Many things are black and white for me, and I believe that is how life will become increasingly in the future.

Things are evolving in life and causing me to reflect on potential things for the future. While I say that I am prepared, I am far from it. Somehow, I believe Heavenly Father is waiting for me to turn my life right-side-up before He will help me on to my next step. I must continue on my path to find out what else Heavenly Father needs me to do before the desires of my heart can be realized.

Pleasure vs. Joy

I have frequently pondered on the word "desire." So much so that it is one of three words I seek out to highlight in my scriptures. My mission president often talked about it and how important it is / was in our daily work. Desire, good or bad, can lead to consequences, good or bad.

On Sunday we had some excellent talks, one highlighted Nephi's encounter with an angel. One of the first questions the angel asks is, "What desirest thou?"

Pleasure is the thought of when we feel like giving up and settling for something less because it will make us happy right now.

Joy is waiting on the timing of the Lord with patience because we know it will not be fleeting, but everlasting.

I have pondered this for a while because I watch my students each day fill daily pleasures. They don't want to go to class, so they sluff (pleasure) and eventually loose their attendance credit. Somewhere they end up spending more time in community service and make up homework to redeem their choice. Most of them get so far in the hole that they cannot graduate or do so by the hair of their chinny-chin-chin. They have no sight of the joy that will come from being in class and not having to backtrack to salvage their grade.

We do the same thing every day. Choices are made because they make us happy right now. We are hindered in our ability to step back and take in the big picture to find out what will bring us the most joy.

Perhaps this is the reason why it is so important to keep God in our lives each day. He will never lead us astray, and he will help us to keep perspective. The Master is ever watchful of us and longs to help us fulfill our righteous desires.

So, the question remains, "What desirest thou?"

Lessons from teaching

Over the past few weeks I have learned some interesting things as I have taught. Often, people say they learn more when they teach. I think my learning comes through my own words as I am teaching, and not necessarily when I am studying.

In teaching the back portion of the D&C, there are many lessons about the Saints' afflictions and blessings because of their endurance. In Section 101 we learn why the Saints passed through trials.

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I ^alove I also chasten that their sins may be ^bforgiven, for with the ^cchastisement I prepare a way for their ^ddeliverance in all things out of ^etemptation, and I have loved you—" (D&C 95:1)

- How does it show the Lord's love? How does it help learn obedience and remember Him?

"And thus we see that except the Lord doth ^achasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with ^bdeath and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not ^cremember him" (Hel. 12:3).

- Why do we forget God in times of peace? How can we be better?

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the ^asin which doth so easily ^bbeset us, and let us run with ^cpatience the race that is set before us" (Heb 12:1).

- How can we keep our lives in perspective?

"And all they who suffer ^apersecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my ^bsake yet shall they partake of all this glory.

"Wherefore, ^afear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your ^bjoy is full.

"Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the ^asoul, and for the life of the soul.

"And ^aseek the face of the Lord always, that in ^bpatience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life" (D&C 101:35-38).

With all the chastisement, the Lord has promised comfort. Never will the Lord leave us to flounder. We may feel like it sometimes, but He is closer than we think. Of course, sin causes the spirit to withdraw. So, we feel alone because we are in a sense. But not as much as we may think / feel. Because the Lord loves each of us, there is this promise:

"Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with ^acompassion towards them. I will not utterly ^bcast them off; and in the day of ^cwrath I will remember mercy.

"I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the ^asword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass.

"Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is ^afull.

"And in that day all who are found upon the ^awatch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved.

"And they that have been scattered shall be ^agathered.

"And all they who have ^amourned shall be comforted.

" And all they who have given their ^alives for my name shall be crowned.

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine ^ahands; be still and ^bknow that I am God.

" ^aZion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.

"They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their ^ainheritances, they and their children, with ^bsongs of everlasting joy, to ^cbuild up the waste places of Zion—

"And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled" (D&C 101:9-19).

I think back to the Saints when they were driven out. The sent a petition to Governor Dunklin seeking help in restoring their lands and giving them protection. The Governor told them he would do so if the Saints provided their own men. In February 1834, Joseph Smith organized a group of 207 men to march more than 1,000 miles.

The men of Zion's Camp marched and suffered much. In the end, they returned before they could even reach the suffering saints and offer aid. Many miraculous things happened, and also many hard trials happened. When Brigham Young returned to Kirtland after Zion’s Camp, he was asked, “What have you gained by this journey?” He replied, “Just what we went for; … I would not exchange the knowledge I have received this season for the whole of [this] County” (in Journal of Discourses, 2:10).

While some people thought Zion’s Camp was a failure, the accomplishment of these purposes was of great importance to the Church. Zion’s Camp is an example of how God’s purposes can be accomplished in ways that we may not understand at the time. In February 1835, five months after the camp was disbanded, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Quorum of the Seventy were organized. Nine of the Twelve Apostles and all 70 members of the Quorum of the Seventy had served in Zion’s Camp. Speaking of how the camp helped prepare these leaders, Joseph Smith said:

“Brethren, some of you are angry with me, because you did not fight in Missouri; but let me tell you, God did not want you to fight. He could not organize His kingdom with twelve men to open the Gospel door to the nations of the earth, and with seventy men under their direction to follow in their tracks, unless He took them from a body of men who had offered their lives, and who had made as great a sacrifice as did Abraham” (History of the Church, 2:182).

The experience of George A. Smith demonstrates how Zion’s Camp prepared men for future leadership in the Church. At age 16, he was the youngest man in the camp, inexperienced and lacking confidence. Despite personal discomfort and the complaints of many men about the poor conditions, George willingly followed all of Joseph Smith’s instructions. George slept in the Prophet’s tent and was able to hear much of his counsel and instructions. By closely associating with the Prophet, George learned leadership skills and developed strength that prepared him for a lifetime of leadership. Less than five years after Zion’s Camp, George A. Smith was ordained an Apostle. He later served with Brigham Young as a member of the First Presidency.

Redemption of the Saints is promised according to obedience. Ancient Israel was denied the Land of Promise because of disobedience (Num. 14) and modern-day Israel would have to "wait for a little season" for the redemption of Zion because of their disobedience and dissension (D&C105: 9, 13). The manner in which Zion will be redeemed is laid out in D&C 105:

"But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not ^aimpart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;

"And are not ^aunited according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;

"And ^aZion cannot be built up ^bunless it is by the ^cprinciples of the ^dlaw of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.

"That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be ^ataught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their ^bduty, and the things which I require at their hands.

"And this cannot be brought to pass until mine ^aelders are ^bendowed with power from on high.

"For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be ^apoured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me" (D&C 105: 3-5, 10-12).

Pondering on these scriptures, I think to our mission of saving and when Zion will be redeemed. Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim. The tribes' duty is to gather the House of Israel. When I think of the standards for the redemption of Zion, I think to the statement made by Cain before the face of the Lord, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Let us for a moment join Captain Edward Martin and the handcart company he led. While we will not feel the pangs of hunger which they felt or experience the bitter cold that penetrated their weary bodies, we will emerge from our visit with a better appreciation of hardship borne, courage demonstrated, and faith fulfilled. We will witness with tear-filled eyes a dramatic answer to the question ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’

“ ‘The handcarts moved on November 3 and reached the [Sweetwater] river, filled with floating ice. To cross would require more courage and fortitude, it seemed, than human nature could muster. Women shrank back and men wept. Some pushed through, but others were unequal to the ordeal.

“ ‘Three eighteen-year-old boys belonging to the relief party came to the rescue; and to the astonishment of all who saw, carried nearly every member of that ill-fated handcart company across the snow-bound stream. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure so great, that in later years all the boys died from the effects of it. When President Brigham Young heard of this heroic act, he wept like a child, and later declared publicly, “That act alone will ensure C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, and David P. Kimball an everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, worlds without end” ’ (LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, Handcarts to Zion [Glendale, California: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1960], pp. 132–33).

“Our service to others may not be so dramatic, but we can bolster human spirits, clothe cold bodies, feed hungry people, comfort grieving hearts, and lift to new heights precious souls” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 61–62; or Ensign, May 1990, 46–47).

Perhaps our service isn't so literal, but more symbolic. There are people who are perishing in the frost of indifference and faithlessness. There are many who are kept from the safety of the valley only because they know not where to find it (D&C 123:14). In order to redeem Zion, we mst seek them out. Again, President Hinckley said:

“There are so many who are hungry and destitute across this world who need help. … Ours is a great and solemn duty to reach out and help them, to lift them, to feed them if they are hungry, to nurture their spirits if they thirst for truth and righteousness.

“There are so many young people who wander aimlessly and walk the tragic trail of drugs, gangs, immorality, and the whole brood of ills that accompany these things. There are widows who long for friendly voices and that spirit of anxious concern which speaks of love. There are those who were once warm in the faith, but whose faith has grown cold. Many of them wish to come back but do not know quite how to do it. They need friendly hands reaching out to them. With a little effort, many of them can be brought back to feast again at the table of the Lord.

“My brethren and sisters, I would hope, I would pray that each of us … would resolve to seek those who need help, who are in desperate and difficult circumstances, and lift them in the spirit of love into the embrace of the Church, where strong hands and loving hearts will warm them, comfort them, sustain them, and put them on the way of happy and productive lives” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 118; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 86).

We are our brother's keeper, end of story. We will be responsible for those around us, just as we are responsible for sharing the gospel with everyone we meet. The promise is that it will not / does not take much effort to bring the lambs back to the fold. Sheep know when they are being called by their master and they return without hesitation. We are the same. There is something inside of us that longs to be with the Savior, in His presence. It is not up to us to give up! That is not our decision because the Savior gave so much that we might repent and return to the presence of God. Alma said it this way:

"And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be ^aborn again; yea, ^bborn of God, ^cchanged from their carnal and ^dfallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his ^esons and daughters;

"And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in ^anowise inherit the kingdom of God.

"I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.

"Nevertheless, after ^awading through much ^btribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an ^ceverlasting burning, and I am born of God.

"My soul hath been ^aredeemed from the gall of bitterness and ^bbonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was ^cracked with eternal torment; but I am ^dsnatched, and my soul is ^epained no more" (Mosiah 27: 25-29).

In the veneral words of Brigham Young, "Go bring them in from the plains!" It is not up to us to give up!

You made me love you

It's all your fault you know.

You made me love you.

The rugged life you live everyday stirs something inside of me that nothing else does. There is a sort of spiritual connection I have felt with you for so long. We can be together for hours, not say a single word, and it's OK. There are no arguments. We respect and enjoy each others company.

On a summer day you cradle me as the sun smiles down upon us. The wind flows like fingers through my hair. I am happy and at peace when I am with you.

It's all your fault you know ...

You made me love you ...

Art

I was talking with a colleague the other day about art, and the creation of art. We were talking about how we were grateful for down days and for demonstrations. The reason we are grateful is because we get to create. Teachers often get so busy doing administrative stuff and do not get to work on their own art.

We talked about how the lack of creation brings a type of depression. Artists are meant to create. Teaching is meant to demonstrate a higher level of skill. Maintenance and improvement of skill is difficult to do when focus is put on other duties. Another dynamic that is added is plates we have spinning outside of our jobs.

He looks forward to sketch days, and I look forward to demonstrations and quiet time in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day. It is in this time we come to be in our element. All of the garbage washes away. The only two things in the room are ourselves and whatever we are creating. We become one with our art, and we leave a piece of ourselves in it.

Another thought from recent experiences:
In every artists life there appear moments. We are copied, criticized, or a host of other things. At that time, we need to decide how we are going to handle it. Will we lash out? Will we cower? Will we put our frustration into our work?

One day I had someone say, "I can't be you! I can't compare to you!" Um, duh! We will never compare to those around us, because we, like art, are unique. No two people are made the same.

It is flattering someone would want to emulate our personal work of art. But they will never accomplish it because there is no recipe. We are not meant to be copies of one another because that would be boring. We may be able to do a VanGogh paint by numbers, but it will never be his Sunflower painting.

We, like art, will not be like another person. Our unique features make us valuable. No matter how much effort is exuded into replication, it will not happen. So, it's best to accept yourself for the work of art you are, imperfections and all.

Renewed committments

If I were to be asked the proverbial pick-up line, "Are you tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day!" I would promptly respond that I was, and I am now going to sit down on my bench and catch my breath.

Truth is, I'm tired of running; I'm tired of seeking; I'm just plain tired. I'm going to sit down on my bench, open up my books, and read. There are places I have to be, goals I have to meet, and things that are keeping me from them. Those things hindering me are no longer a priority in my life, and I have other ways to run.

If someone wants to catch me, then let them run. They can come find me. But for now I am on a mission for something else. After this week I will have just five classes left until I complete my master's degree. In between all of that I have my project to plan and execute. I am excited for it! And I hope it all works out :D

On top of everything, it certainly has been an interesting few weeks. I spent some time away where God and I had a chat. Ok, so it wasn't a chat... It was an, "If Elder Well's can give you a list, then I can too... Here's what I want..." I am not sure how my apparent demands are going to work out, but I know something will come of sacrifice.

Sitting here, I think about sacrifice and what an opportunity/blessing it is. We are asked to give up something good for something better. I am not sure I entirely understand what it is to sacrifice. There are things I have done in my life, but I am not sure they define "sacrifice." I am a person who gets distracted easily, and perhaps my challenge in this life is to learn to master my distractions.

This last weekend I learned some things, and I know there are many areas I need to improve on. Over the next eight weeks I am going to need to learn to master discipline. The class I am taking it quite rigorous, I have to take my Art Praxis exam in two weeks, I need to start planning for my project, and who knows what else is going to come my way.

I know in the midst of it all, Heavenly Father will bless me as long as I stay faithful and on the path. God is no respecter of persons and he will never give me more than I can handle. I just need to keep reminding myself of this. The next two months are going to be challenging, and I look forward to it!

A new commitment

So, I am adding to my list. I was sitting in the temple yesterday thinking about my life and things I have and haven't done. One of the things I have never done is read the Standard Words all the way through. I feel in this I am lacking as far as my scriptural knowledge goes. So, I am setting a new goal. I am going to read the Standard Works before the end of the calendar year. I calculated it today and it's going to be 26pgs/day from today. There is a covenant that is going with this goal, but I am not going to write it here.

It is a lofty goal, but I know it is possible and will put me in a place where I need to be. The experience I know will lift me to a higher plane where I need to be. It will also help me be a better teacher. It scares the crap out of me, but I know it is possible and that the Lord will help me in my endeavor.

A reminder...

Finances:
Create a budget and live by it (I have yet to create a formal budget, but I'm doing pretty good)
Put extra money toward paying down debt
Avoid future debt by paying cash for any and all items
Start creating a savings and build it up, along with my IRA
Purchasing fast of one year on clothing, shoes, jewelry, movies, and other items (Started 7/20/09)
Avoid all other purchases unless they are an absolute need

Personal:
Idleness - Movies, computer, phone, sleeping hours
Thoughts - Unkind, the praise of man, and ought
More family time
Healthier eating - create a menu to avoid overshopping, junk, and sugars; and eat out max one time a week
Unhealthy relationships
Be obedient to the laws of the land - speeding
Drink more water and attend the gym 3x/week, or another physical activity
Maintain a clean house

Spiritual:
Read and study scriptures daily
Say prayers with meaning
Attend with earnest church meetings and classes
Seek for daily revelation and missionary experiences

Sealed ... for Time & all Eternity

What an amazing day! Elder Robert E. Wells, emeritus member of the 70, came to speak in our ward today and it was such a powerful message. It was interesting because we must have been riding the same spiritual wave. His talk was practically everything I had prepared for my lesson! So, I improvised a little and the Spirit brought it all together :)

My lesson today was "Sealed ... for Time & all Eternity". I can't say that I was most excited to teach. In fact I struggled for many days as I pulled material together, temptations from Satan, not feeling right about much, and experiencing this big dark cloud. It was not a fun experience. Because of all that opposition, I began to understand how important the lesson was.

I began the lesson with photos of temples posted up on a board. Then I asked, mostly the girls, what they planned for their weddings when they were growing up. I began to cover the temples with worldly things and pretty soon you could not see the temples at all. Knowing what we do as Latter-day Saints, what would be wrong with that picture?

Where is our focus? Are we focused on the temples? Or are we focused on all the other fan fair? Are we willing to settle for "Till death do you part"? In D&C 132, the Lord said:

7 And verily I say unto you, that the ^aconditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, ^boaths, ^cvows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and ^dsealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is ^eanointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by ^frevelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this ^gpower (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this ^hpower in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the ⁱkeys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.
15 Therefore, if a ^aman marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.

16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in ^amarriage; but are appointed angels in ^bheaven, which angels are ministering ^cservants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.

17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are ^aangels of God forever and ever.

18 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that ^acovenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.

If your marriage is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, it is null and void when you die. There is only one place where the key and authority to bind on earth and in heaven exist. God has restored them to the living prophet today to bless our lives and take us back to His presence.

I have often said that I don't want a reception. My focus is on the temple and the special promises I will make there with my future eternal companion. I don't want the headache and unnecessary expense. I will have an open house when I come home. But I am not letting other events take away form the Spirit of a day I will have waited so long for.

Go back to the Old Testament with me. In Genesis 24 Abraham sends his servant back to his country, back to the land of his fathers to find Isaac a wife. Abraham is at a loss, so his servant covenants that he will not return until he has found a wife for Isaac. The only requirement that is recorded in scripture is that she needs to be a woman from the land of his fathers, a woman of covenant lineage. There were no requirements on age, appearance, hair, complexion, weight, etc. Just a woman of covenant lineage.

The servant is at a loss. He goes to the well where the women go to draw water (odds are pretty good here, right?) He prays to God, "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast ^aappointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master"

Elder Richard G. Scott said, " There is more to a foundation of eternal marriage than a pretty face or an attractive figure. There is more to consider than popularity or charisma. As you seek an eternal companion, look for someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness: a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others, and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home.

“An essential priority of a prospective wife is the desire to be a wife and mother. She should be developing the sacred qualities that God has given His daughters to excel as a wife and mother: patience, kindliness, a love of children, and a desire to care for them rather than seeking professional pursuits. She should be acquiring a good education to prepare for the demands of motherhood.

“A prospective husband should also honor his priesthood and use it in service to others. Seek a man who accepts his role as provider of the necessities of life, has the capacity to do it, and is making concerted efforts to prepare himself to fulfill those responsibilities”

The most important part of marriage is the covenant! Rebekha was pretty, kind, and I am sure an all around amazing woman, but without the covenant nothing else matters when the portal of the grave slams shut. It won't matter if you had the trophy wife or not. It only matters where you chose to marry her.

President Spencer W. Kimball said, "Are you willing to jeopardize your eternities, your great continuing happiness, your privilege to see God and dwell in his presence? For the want of investigation and study and contemplation; because of prejudice, misunderstanding, or lack of knowledge, are you willing to forego these great blessings and privileges? Are you willing to make yourself a widow for eternity or a widower for endless ages-a single, separate individual to live alone and serve others? Are you willing to give up your children when they die or when you expire, and make them orphans? Are you willing to go through eternity alone and solitary when all of the greatest joys you have ever experienced in life could be "added upon" and accentuated, multiplied, and eternalized? Are you willing, with the Sadducees, to ignore and reject these great truths? I sincerely pray you stop today and weigh and measure and then prayerfully proceed to make your happy marriage an eternal one. Our friends, please do not ignore this call. I beg of you, open your eyes and see; unstop your ears and hear.

"An eternal marriage plus a worthy continuing consecrated life will bring limitless happiness and exaltation."

If you think you are the exception, think again. Only 1 in 7 people are baptized into the Church after marriage, and those numbers are 30 years old. Even then, it is a rocky and risky road. I lived as a child of a mixed-faith family for 16 years. It was not pleasant. I would not recommend it. Do it right the first time. Sacrifice whatever you need to sacrifice to live worthy of a companion who will love you and respect you enough to take you to His Holy House.

When a man and woman are married in the temple for time and all eternity, what are the blessings they will receive if they are true to their covenants? God extends more promises to us through the scriptures in D&C 131 and 132.

1 In the ^acelestial glory there are three ^bheavens or degrees;

2 And in order to obtain the ^ahighest, a man must enter into this ^border of the ^cpriesthood [meaning the new and ^deverlasting covenant of ^emarriage];

3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an ^aincrease.(D&C131)

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man ^amarry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and ^beverlasting covenant, and it is ^csealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of ^dpromise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the ^ekeys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit ^fthrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s ^gBook of Life, that he shall commit no ^hmurder whereby to shed innocent ⁱblood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their ^jexaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the ^kseeds forever and ever.

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from ^aeverlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be ^bgods, because they have ^call power, and the angels are subject unto them.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my ^alaw ye cannot attain to this glory.

22 For ^astrait is the gate, and narrow the ^bway that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the ^clives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that ^awhere I am ye shall be also.

24 This is ^aeternal lives—to ^bknow the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath ^csent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.
30 ^aAbraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose ^bloins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph—which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed, out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the ^cstars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.

31 This promise is yours also, because ye are of ^aAbraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself. (D&C 132).

How amazing is all of that?!?! If I found someone I loved with all of my heart and they loved me, and we had a family who we also loved, I don't know that I could think of the eternities without them. President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “Marriage, as understood by Latter-day Saints, is a covenant ordained to be everlasting. It is the foundation for eternal exaltation, for without it there could be no eternal progress in the kingdom of God”

So... Here we are. Single. Now what? We fall in with 1/3 of the Church membership who are single. Some people are dating, some may have forgotten what it's like to go out on a date, some are on the verge of taking that next big step in their lives and making those sacred covenants with one another.

President Spencer W. Kimball said, "To you we say this: You are making a great contribution to the world as you serve your families and the Church and the world. You must remember that the Lord loves you and the Church loves you. To you women, we can only say we have no control over the heartbeats or the affections of men, but pray that you may find fulfillment. And in the meantime, we promise you that insofar as eternity is concerned, no soul will be deprived of rich and high and eternal blessings for anything which that person could not help, that the Lord never fails in his promises, and that every righteous person will receive eventually all to which the person is entitled and which he or she has not forfeited through any fault of his or her own. We encourage both men and women to keep themselves well-groomed, well-dressed, abreast of the times, attractive mentally, spiritually, physically, and especially morally, and then they can lean heavily upon the Lord’s promises for these heavenly blessings... Every person should want and plan to be married because that is what God in heaven planned for us."

I once dated a kid and we were driving down the road and he asked me where I saw myself in five and ten years. My list always had my school and career first, then family. We didn't date long after that. I always struggled with why that was so. But I learned that he was looking for someone who was planning for their life, but had their priorities straight. People now ask me what I am going to do with my master's degree. I tell them I am going to be a mom. My life will go on, but I need to make sure I have my priorities in line.

Is it scary? Heck yeah! But I know that is where my promised blessings are. I can have all the promises in the world of an eternal companion, but it won't do me any good unless I am living for those promises every day. In the General Relief Society meeting we were reminded of priorities. Are our lives so full that we don't have time for the eternal essentials of life?

"Behold, mine is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion ... in order to obtain the highest [glory], a man (and woman) must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]."