Temples

This is me in one of the many temples we visited in Egypt. Temples have been a major edifice of worship for centuries in all different countries and many different religions.

This weekend, Latter Day Saints, especially here in Arizona, are celebrating the dedication of yet another temple. I'm not tech-savvy enough to know how to post a photograph of it. I wish I were. Anyway, the Phoenix, Arizona temple is going to be the 144th (? or so- I can't remember exactly) built by the LDS church in the world. Whatever other temples are used for, LDS temples are not for regular worship meetings and even members of the church are limited in permission to enter. They are not just for priests or people "high up" in the church, either. They are sacred buildings maintained that way by allowing "no unclean thing" to enter. Because they are the "Lord's house" and dedicated as such, we must be trying our best to be obedient to God's commandments (which requires studying for ourselves to KNOW what God's commandments are) and living as followers of Jesus Christ (not just acknowledging Him as our Savior but actually doing our best to follow His example). We are interviewed by church leaders who ask us questions as to our beliefs and actions. If we are genuinely striving to be Christlike, not perfect but headed in that direction, then we receive a "recommend"- a piece of paper we show at the door of the temple to be admitted inside. If anyone is really interested and doesn't know, you can go to www.lds.org and read about what we do in temples. We all dress in white and are reverent. It's quiet and peaceful but very friendly and welcoming, not stiffly formal. The temple is a place where revelation can be expected. It is the Lord's house and, if we sincerely seek Him, He will respond. How that revelation takes place is up to the Lord. Here is a temple story I heard recently:
     The St. George, Utah is one of the church's older temples. As in the case of all buildings, temples require occasional deep cleaning or updating so they get temporarily closed while the work is done. In the St. George temple, the power had been turned off to the upper floors while renovations were taking place. In order to see, workmen had 500 watt bulbs in place. At the end of the work day, the lights were generally turned off. One day, the workmen had neglected to turn the lights off. They passed the guard on the bottom floor and said good night and went home. During the night, one of the workmen suddenly awoke and panicked at the thought that he couldn't remember turning off the lights. Those bulbs would be very hot if left on for long periods. He rushed to the temple and told the guard he needed to go upstairs to check the lights. As they climbed the stairs they could smell smoke which caused them to hurry more. When they got to the room where the lights were, they could make out with their flashlights that the bulbs had burst and the room was full of smoke. They also could see water that had been splashed around. The workman asked the guard if he had come up with a bucket of water to put out the fire. The guard said that as far as he knew, no one had been in the temple nor had anyone been upstairs with water.
     There are many such stories about temples. I remember hearing stories about the Washington, DC temple which opened near the time we joined the LDS church. I am so grateful that we have these "houses of the Lord" and that He watches over and inhabits them.

Expressing concern......

Faith isn't just a belief that God and Jesus Christ exist. It also includes trusting their wisdom and goodness as well as accepting the principles they espouse and teach. What would be the point in claiming a belief in something you didn't live? For example, if you told someone you loved them but never spent time with them to talk or do things and didn't share any interests or experiences, how much value would that person place on your claims of love for them? If you don't love someone enough to devote some of yourself to them, then that love is pretty scanty. If you don't love someone enough to try to please them in even little ways, what does that say about the quality of your love?
Along that line, I heard some good definitions recently: mercy is not getting what you deserve (we all sin and fall short of deserving all the blessings we are given), grace is getting what you don't deserve (because God and His Son love us so much they give us blessings day after day, including and especially the ATONEMENT which allows us, imperfect as we are, to even dream of returning to the presence of our Eternal Father).
I just wish I could tell the world what I know. I love so many people so deeply. I don't know how God can love us so much and not just be an emotional wreck watching us treat each other so badly and constantly make mistakes that could be prevented if we would just not be so stiff-necked and mean! It hurts me just to hear people I care about speak disparagingly of others because they have misinterpreted a word or action. I remember watching my children when they were young, fighting over a toy or the chance to sit on my lap or what tv show to watch. It was hard to imagine them being all grown up and loving each other. Does our Heavenly Father ever wonder if we'll manage to progress enough to be nice to each other all the time? People talk about how sad war is and acknowledge the cost in destroyed lives and property yet they get angry at neighbors and stop speaking to family members over some tiny offense which is simply a microcosm of war. It involves fewer people and isn't usually as expensive, unless a lawsuit occurs. Will human beings ever evolve far enough to know there can be NO PEACE until we are EACH PEACEFUL??!!

What you make of yourself

Some of what I post here will be words I have heard from other people or my thoughts as I heard from other people. The main idea is from a talk by LDS apostle, D. Todd Christofferson, given at a recent broadcast for stake conference throughout Arizona. He was discussing being "internally converted" rather than just externally obedient. He did say that the Lord is pleased with every effort to advance in His direction no matter how tiny a step nor from where we start. He said that resisting temptation is good but when we experience complete conversion temptation is no longer even appealing. He mentioned that it is not necessary or even appropriate to totally eliminate our passions because our feelings allow us empathy, bearing one another's burdens, rejoicing, sharing each other's joys, and all the connections we have with others. On the other hand, allowing free rein to our emotions can cause all kinds of problems and lead us into situations we would do better to avoid. The ideal is to be able to control our passions.
I was thinking about what it's like to deal with a person who is difficult or maybe just very different in standards or goals in life. When I have had to visit or be visited by someone fitting that description, for a few days or longer, it can be exhausting to constantly avoid collisions but delving into discussions that lead to open contention isn't any less wearing! For another example, controlling diet is also a strain- whether in the need to lose weight, to fast for spiritual purposes, or needing to alter eating habits for medical reasons. After having been diligent for awhile then reaching a time when you are weakened by lack of sufficient sleep, or illness (like a cold), or physical pain (like a headache), it's not surprising to reach a point at which you just can't do it anymore, or at least not as well. You lash out with resentful words or give in and eat something you have been so carefully avoiding. This is generally followed by self-incrimination and regret. If we are trying to follow the example of Christ for any reason other than that we truly have a desire to change, our efforts at obedience will end up that same way. We will do something we have been trying to avoid or give up doing something we have been trying to keep doing. These are moments when we are so blessed with the opportunity to repent and to pray for help to be stronger. When we can truly have a change of heart so we're not having to grit our teeth to resist temptation all the time, it's much more pleasant. If our sincere will is to put aside the natural man rather than just wish it wasn't a part of us, we can feel more decisive, in control, and confident in ourselves.
Along this same line, I recently heard a reference to being a peacemaker rather than just a peacekeeper. A peacekeeper is someone who just holds back conflicting forces to avoid all-out war. The inclinations and resentment are still there and when the situation presents itself, the clash will burst out. On the other hand, a peacemaker makes a determined effort to resolve issues in a way that results in good feelings all around, or at least the potential for peace given more time to digest thoughts and conditions.
I have been deeply impressed with what I felt in Israel. I saw the results of "peacekeeping" but there is no peacemaking. There is so much resentment built up and dug in deep that it will take a major miracle to ever have peace in the Middle East. I pray for my family and friends and even acquaintances that they can come to understand the need to desire a change of heart in themselves. I pray that we can all seek a wisdom greater than our own and be humble enough to listen to others to gain insights and understanding. But, lest I be misunderstood, that does not mean to accept any and all standards because when you do that, you essentially disavow the existence of any real standards. There is right and there is wrong. It is our task to find where the standard is and measure where we compare to it. There must be only one right or there is NO right. I don't claim to know the right of every facet of life but I truly believe there is Someone who knows. He wants us to know, too, so we can enjoy peace on earth and have goodwill toward all men.

Pet peeves

I once read a book written by a man I love and respect. It's called "Standing for Something" and has lots of very wise counsel with astute observations in it. I have continued to ponder Gordon B. Hinckley's words about civility and the ofttimes lack of it. I wanted to share just three specific points that mean something to me.

#1 Clothing reflects attitude and therefore I feel it's significant that there should be different choices of clothing for different activities. I don't think people should wear the same clothing at a concert or in church that they might wear to mow the lawn or play volleyball. Recently as we visited an historic site in the Eastern USA there was a family in which all the females wore bathing suits, the younger ones not even adding a pair of shorts or a cover-up. It wasn't on the beach and I found the choice of attire rather awkward and inappropriate. I went to a professional ballet performance and saw among the nicely dressed attendees some who wore flip-flops, jeans, and basic tee shirts. There truly is a time and a place for bathing suits and casual clothes but there are also places that are NOT appropriate and it seems to me it's even disrespectful.

#2 We seem to have gotten sloppy in our self-control, probably due to watching movies in the comfort of out own homes. In concerts, live performances, or even theater movies, it is definitely rude to other members of the audience to walk in and out (go to the bathroom before it starts!) and really rude to talk during the performance. Can't you wait until the applause between numbers or the end of a scene to talk with neighbors? As for electronic devices- they are WAAAAAY over-used and we need some kind of Miss Manners type person to make a far-reaching, adamant statement as to when to have your cell phone screen lighting up your surroundings or making noises.

#3 I love seeing young people in church. I love children. I realize that often children in church need to be spoken to- by way of explanation, answering questions, or disciplining. However, I find endless conversation (unless translating languages) totally unnecessary. I recently sat in front of a mother and son who played thumbsies and carried on a constant conversation throughout nearly the whole church meeting. As for adult-to-adult (or teen-to-teen), I doubt there is ANYTHING really important enough that can't wait until the end of the meeting. If there is something that important to discuss, it would be better to leave rather than disturb all those around you.

Okay, so this will probably never be read by anybody, much less anyone who does any of these pet peeves. But I had to get it off my chest. There.

My friends

I just spent the weekend with a large group of women, most of whom I don't know personally. But there was a definite feeling of hope, love, and support there. It caused me to reflect on the women I do know personally and who mean a lot to me. Here are some of the most important ones.

I hope this helps to understand...

Often when in public places, I look with awe at the number of people I don't know, don't know me, and are all different. I can only see what's on the outside- anything from hair color (which may or may not be natural) to height, skin color, or style of dress.
The outward appearance of our bodies is determined by DNA which is so very specific it can be used to identify individuals by a microscopic sample. We can alter our appearance in ways as simple as hair (cut, perm, dye) or body shape (exercise, diet, even gastric bypass to aid weight loss) to more elaborate like cosmetic surgery, colored contact lenses, or tattoos. But outward features are only what we look like as individuals, not an indication of who we are. They allow other people to identify us. If you have ever looked at a dead person, you realize there is something missing. The physical features are still there but the individual you might have known and could have a connection to is gone.
The mind, located in the physical brain, is the seat of emotions and thoughts that determine actions. DNA has some influence here as well in ways such as a pre-disposition to addiction, mental illness or handicap. More importantly, the mind is where we utilize the God-given agency to choose. It's who you are, not just what you look like. Drugs, recreational or prescription, can influence the electrical patterns and chemical movement to alter thoughts and emotions thereby even altering what is considered personality. However, that is still our choice, unless someone else forcibly injects a drug into our body. Since we are all as different on the inside as we are on the outside, we have differing aspects of our personalities and intellects. Some people are capable of great intellectual understanding but never pursue it. Some people may not have so much a natural ability to learn but decide to keep trying. What may be a weakness (like addition) for one may not even be an issue for another. I know and love some who have addictions or pre-dispositions to addictions. Some have chosen to fight addiction rather than give up their freedom to choose whether or not to partake thereby becoming slaves to a substance from alcohol or tobacco to caffeine or food. Addictions are formed when the choice is made to stimulate the limbic (reward) system in the brain because of a craving for an artificial thrill or calming. This can happen even from sexual stimulation which has always been a contentious issue for society. Since time began there have been questions about what is an appropriate way to engage in sexual relations. We seem to have at least a basic awareness of the sacredness or importance of sex organs because even in very primitive cultures, usually men and women cover their "private parts", if nothing else. From a non-moral standpoint, the stimulation of sex organs is a natural thing and as long as you can avoid feelings of guilt that may interfere or cause long-term issues, any stimulation is acceptable. It can include self-stimulation (masturbation), or stimulation with anyone else regardless of age, gender, or even species.
Most people have, somewhere deep inside, an aversion to to unlimited sexual stimulation. Some might say we are taught or nurtured in our standards as to who or when or under what circumstances to engage in sexual stimulation. Some even try the "as long as it's consenting adults" angle to determine what they feel comfortable with. For me, since I believe in God and recognize that He is wiser than any human being no matter how well educated, I look to Him for what might be the best way to set limits or standards on my behavior/choices.
I grew up in the 60's and tried to follow the "sex, love, dope" mantra of the upcoming society. I am a witness that it was a big mistake! Sex is NOT just a natural function of the body. It has emotional and mental ramifications which impact interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. Love is not appropriately exhibited through unlimited sex. Lust is NOT love. Dope may be temporarily fun but it's a bad idea. The recent changes in legality of marijuana will result in some unwanted consequences that will be seen not too far down the road. As for the constant efforts of people throughout the ages to remove limits from sexual activity, I have come to understand why the Lord has set the bounds He has set. Sex outside marriage causes unwanted pregnancy resulting in unwanted children or abortions which are simply the murder of yet-to-be born children. This amazing power to create life is essential to our survival and therefore destructive when used between those of the same gender, young children or with other species. Most groups of us have finally learned that sex between members of a family is disastrous. It is appropriate and even desirable to love all other people and God has commanded us to do so. It is a good thing to love animals. They are a part of the stewardship given to mankind since we are God's offspring and have been given the earth to take care of. I repeat, love is not lust. Loving someone else does not mean seeking sexual gratification with or from them. Whether or not a heterosexual relationship results in the bearing of children does not take away from its appropriateness. For the survival of the species of humans and for our eternal development, sexual relations are only appropriate between a man and a woman after they are married to each other. It's not that we will be "condemned to hell" or should wear a big scarlet "A" on our chest if we don't accept God's standard. God is a loving father whose greatest work and glory is to bring to pass the eternal life of His children. He wants us to avoid heartache and continue to grow and progress. Developing a marriage type of relationship with a person of the same gender will only cause heartache because it cannot go on forever. It is merely a temporary, temporal attraction. As such, it simply delays or interferes with our progression toward being as wise as our Father. What is referred to as the "natural man" and all associated impulses are the enemy of God and our progression to become like Him. That includes addictions, negative emotions (hatred, greed, envy, resentment, vengeance, lust, etc.), rebellion and pride, and  sloth or unwillingness to act. But the choice is ours. God gave that to us. He's just waiting to see what we choose, Him or the natural man. I say, as Joshua did, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Israel or Israel??

I have been deeply impressed by my recent trip to what is known as the "Holy Land". I was excited for the opportunity to see places I have read about in the scriptures for years- to "walk where Jesus walked". I can't say whether the experience may have been different if I had gone with some kind of religious tour group. I don't think I lacked information enough about the specific sites. Susanne was very knowledgeable, she had a tour book that was informative, and there were sometimes signs or introductory videos to explain things. But I can certainly say that I had very little feeling of being on "holy" ground. Jerusalem was noisy, tense, and- although filled with religious zealots- not at all reverent or worshipful. It was crowded yet lonely, ancient yet worldly. There were pilgrims of all sorts with the deep desire to feel closer to God and/or Jesus Christ. There were residents who feel they are in the best place to be first with the Messiah when He comes (again). There were many different sects of Jews, many faiths of Christians, and different kinds of Muslims. They barely manage to co-exist and often they don't do very well. There were machine-gun toting men and women in uniform in various places, more on specific holidays than other days. Shopkeepers were generally relatively pleasant toward everyone, but they make a living best by not turning away potential customers whoever they may be.
I guess in general, Americans are considered "supportive" of Israel. I wonder exactly what that means. Certainly there is justifiable sympathy for the abuse Jews have suffered over the centuries. It seems like they have been forced out of nearly every country on the planet at one time or another! I have never read anything to indicate Jews as a group/religion have been aggressive or destructive to warrant such treatment in any country they inhabited. They have been fairly cohesive and separatist in their families and neighborhoods. (But as a Mormon, I'm aware of similar treatment for members of my chosen faith over the years and similar circling of the wagons for survival.) But is that a reason to hate them and expel them?
Since Israel was re-established as a separate political entity in 1948, they have gotten lots of flack and some support. I haven't made an exhaustive history study to understand all the treaties and battles. I have a general idea of how the area of "Palestine" was inhabited by tribal peoples, mostly nomadic, but without a centralized government. (much like native American Indians were) Jews had been dispersed and persecuted and were anxious to have a place to live their religion without persecution. (again the parallel to Mormons) Now, due to the high birth rate among Jews as well as other current residents of Israel along with the unending stream of immigrants wanting to live in the "Holy Land", it's getting pretty crowded over there. Palestinians resent being pushed out of their homes, with good reason. Since they are now under the political government of Israel and are not allowed weapons, they use what they have. Hence they make whatever weapons they can, buy whatever they can to smuggle in, or just throw rocks at their "oppressors". To protect themselves to allow citizens to live a relatively peaceful life, Israelis have built walls (physically and politically) and an army. Anxious to grab land when they can, settlements are erected as quickly as possible and squatters move in, even if it requires going against a treaty or agreement that was in place. (From what we saw in Egypt, a similar practice has resulted in many huge "illegal" apartment houses there, too, except I don't think any of them were built by Jews.)
So, I ask myself, what is to be done? Am I "in favor" of Israel? Do I support the sale of so much weaponry to a political entity that has grabbed land from "innocent" natives (Palestinians)? I guess I have to say that being in favor of the children of Israel as the chosen people of God is not the same as being in favor of the current political entity of Israel. I don't know if they are a theocracy today. I doubt they are receiving direct commandments from Elohim or Jehovah to build their armies and walls. I look forward to the day when "the sons of Aaron" again offer sacrifices to the God of Israel. I look forward to the Messiah/Jesus Christ standing on the Mount of Olives as it is split in twain. For now, I just have to shake my head and rue what a mess we have made of things on this beautiful planet our Heavenly Father made for us.