Today as we discussed in church the attributes of our Father in Heaven and pondered how to go about becoming like Him, as we are commanded to do, the foremost thought I had was to pray for wisdom to know limits and boundaries. I'm not really worried about temptations to be some kind of evil person, but I do often wonder when to help others and when to stay back and encourage them to fight their battles. I also want to know how to see myself clearly enough to know what aspects to keep and what I need to change. It's hard to look at ourselves truly objectively. All human beings are constrained by their own experience and knowledge in developing perspective on everything. I can't see things as a young boy in Bolivia would see things because his life experiences are very different from mine. I can't understand what a microbiologist would understand because he/she has very different knowledge from what I have. In the same way, I can only see in myself what I can see. I am where I am from a lifetime of making my own choices from my own perspective. At times I have wondered if I could be a "fly on the wall" to hear a conversation about me, what would I hear? What positive or negative things would be shared? How much weight would I give to them? If I feel someone is narrow in their awareness or tending toward unpleasant characteristics, I wouldn't be as concerned about their opinion of me as I would that of someone I love and respect.
I know God loves me- not just in the scripture-based general sense. I have had my own personal message, more than once, that He loves me. I'm not so worried about whether or how much God loves me. I worry a little about "pleasing" Him but not because I fear being punished. I know He is just and wise and I want to be like He is. As I try to self-analyze, I want to appreciate in myself whatever worthy characteristics I have managed to develop. I also want to recognize anything that is an obstacle to my being like God and my Savior. I am grateful that I have eternity to learn and grow. It's going to take that long but I'm on the right path.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Friday, March 22, 2019
Interesting information.........
The Church, which administers the gospel, and the Saints who have received the gospel, must be independent of all the powers of earth, as they work out their salvation- temporally and spiritually- with fear and trembling before the Lord!
Be it remembered that tribulations lie ahead. Peace has been taken from the earth, the angels of destruction have begun their work, and their swords shall not be sheathed until the prince of Peace comes to destroy the wicked and usher in the great Millennium...
We must maintain our own health, sow our own gardens, store our own food, educate and train ourselves to handle the daily affairs of life. No one else can work out our salvation for us, either temporally or spiritually.
We are here on earth to care for the needs of our family members. Wives have claim on their husbands for their support, children upon their parents, parents upon their children, brothers upon each other, and relatives upon their kin.
It is the aim of the Church to help the Saints to care for themselves and, where need be, to make food and clothing and other necessities available, lest the Saints turn to the doles and evils of Babylon. To help care for the poor among them the Church must operate farms, grow vineyards, run dairies, manage factories, and ten thousand other things- all in such a way as to be independent of the powers of evil in the world.
We do not know when the calamities and troubles of the last days will fall upon any of us as individuals or upon bodies of the Saints. The Lord deliberately withholds from us the day and hour of his coming and of the tribulations which shall precede it- all as part of the testing and probationary experiences of mortality. He simply tells us to watch and be ready.
We can rest assured that if we have done all in our power to prepare for whatever lies ahead, he will then help us with whatever else we need... We do not say that all of the Saints will be spared and saved from the coming day of desolation. But we do say there is no promise of safety and no promise of security except for those who love the Lord and who are seeking to do all that he commands.
Bruce R. McConkie, April 1979
Some of those commandments from recent prophets include spending purposeful time with our families in a weekly family home evening and daily prayers and scripture study; storing as much as a year's supply of food, water, and even fuel; worshiping in the temple and searching out our kindred dead to do ordinances for; serving others and being a "light" to show a better way to live in a determined effort to follow the Savior's example; and listening for further instructions from living prophets and the Holy Ghost. This isn't about doomsday hysteria- quite the opposite. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
Be it remembered that tribulations lie ahead. Peace has been taken from the earth, the angels of destruction have begun their work, and their swords shall not be sheathed until the prince of Peace comes to destroy the wicked and usher in the great Millennium...
We must maintain our own health, sow our own gardens, store our own food, educate and train ourselves to handle the daily affairs of life. No one else can work out our salvation for us, either temporally or spiritually.
We are here on earth to care for the needs of our family members. Wives have claim on their husbands for their support, children upon their parents, parents upon their children, brothers upon each other, and relatives upon their kin.
It is the aim of the Church to help the Saints to care for themselves and, where need be, to make food and clothing and other necessities available, lest the Saints turn to the doles and evils of Babylon. To help care for the poor among them the Church must operate farms, grow vineyards, run dairies, manage factories, and ten thousand other things- all in such a way as to be independent of the powers of evil in the world.
We do not know when the calamities and troubles of the last days will fall upon any of us as individuals or upon bodies of the Saints. The Lord deliberately withholds from us the day and hour of his coming and of the tribulations which shall precede it- all as part of the testing and probationary experiences of mortality. He simply tells us to watch and be ready.
We can rest assured that if we have done all in our power to prepare for whatever lies ahead, he will then help us with whatever else we need... We do not say that all of the Saints will be spared and saved from the coming day of desolation. But we do say there is no promise of safety and no promise of security except for those who love the Lord and who are seeking to do all that he commands.
Bruce R. McConkie, April 1979
Some of those commandments from recent prophets include spending purposeful time with our families in a weekly family home evening and daily prayers and scripture study; storing as much as a year's supply of food, water, and even fuel; worshiping in the temple and searching out our kindred dead to do ordinances for; serving others and being a "light" to show a better way to live in a determined effort to follow the Savior's example; and listening for further instructions from living prophets and the Holy Ghost. This isn't about doomsday hysteria- quite the opposite. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
Thursday, March 21, 2019
New Normal
When we start out in life with no experience or knowledge of the world and other people, everything and everybody is "strange" to us because no one is just like us (the only person we really know and that's limited). Through the years of elementary and even middle school, we come to expect things within limitations of what we know. We are sometimes surprised by aspects of the way life is in homes other than our own. I remember spending the night at a friend's house and for part of Saturday morning I was expected to stay in the house where I watched out the window as my friend had her "fencing" lesson. I had never seen anyone who fenced and it certainly wasn't within the expertise of anyone in my family. My dad had a hunting rifle and had once killed a bear- something my friend's father (a doctor) had never done. Through those years we usually become aware of styles and behaviors, slowly moving away from the way things are in our families and toward our peers. By the time we reach high school, the way we wear our hair, the clothes we choose, the way we speak all become very crucial in our efforts to "fit in". Then as we spread out from our high school life, we further expand our expectations of the way things are done and slowly come to realize, at least most adults, that there are as many opinions as there are people in the world. What is expected for dinner in Sri Lanka is nothing like what is expected in Seattle. Hairstyles in Haiti are pretty different from those in Ireland. Even socially acceptable behavior can be very different in different places. So, what is "normal"?
As I approach the ripe old age of 70, I'm finding that "normal" for me is changing nearly every day. Sometimes it's a little startling, even scary. I try to open a bottle and am surprised to find that the arthritis that is developing in my hands makes it nearly impossible. By 5:00 pm I am surprised to find myself looking forward to going to bed rather than other, more exciting activities that might have attracted me 50 years ago. I have been fairly intelligent- had a college scholarship that I ended up not using but it was awarded to me, and I have continued to pursue education and been fairly adventurous about trying new things and loved going to new places. Yet, I am sometimes stunned when I can't think of a simple word or remember the name of a person I know fairly well. I look in the mirror and identify more with my parents or grandparents than with Mary. My eyes and ears don't work as well as they once did and I'm sure that's only going to continue in that direction. I am at a loss as to what to expect at all! I suppose all this is within the "normal" range for my age. Somehow I guess I thought I would have gained enough wisdom and experience by now to not be so much taken by surprise. I just wake up every day wondering how everything is going to go. I no longer assume the people I love will always be there. I no longer take for granted that I will be able to do whatever I might have planned. I guess nobody really knows exactly what "normal" is because it's different for everybody everywhere throughout their life.
As I approach the ripe old age of 70, I'm finding that "normal" for me is changing nearly every day. Sometimes it's a little startling, even scary. I try to open a bottle and am surprised to find that the arthritis that is developing in my hands makes it nearly impossible. By 5:00 pm I am surprised to find myself looking forward to going to bed rather than other, more exciting activities that might have attracted me 50 years ago. I have been fairly intelligent- had a college scholarship that I ended up not using but it was awarded to me, and I have continued to pursue education and been fairly adventurous about trying new things and loved going to new places. Yet, I am sometimes stunned when I can't think of a simple word or remember the name of a person I know fairly well. I look in the mirror and identify more with my parents or grandparents than with Mary. My eyes and ears don't work as well as they once did and I'm sure that's only going to continue in that direction. I am at a loss as to what to expect at all! I suppose all this is within the "normal" range for my age. Somehow I guess I thought I would have gained enough wisdom and experience by now to not be so much taken by surprise. I just wake up every day wondering how everything is going to go. I no longer assume the people I love will always be there. I no longer take for granted that I will be able to do whatever I might have planned. I guess nobody really knows exactly what "normal" is because it's different for everybody everywhere throughout their life.
Sunday, March 03, 2019
Not as the world giveth........
Today (Sunday) we discussed in church how to have "lasting happiness" and just what that is. One of the elements in my life that brings me "lasting happiness" is being a part of a group of people who have high ideals and strive to achieve them while encouraging the same in those around them. I love being part of "God's Army"! As I ponder what keeps me going, what provides for me a feeling of peace, contentment, and assurance- I realize that it truly is just the opposite of what the world would promote. God's ways are not man's ways; they're higher. As we discussed how things don't always go the way we think they ought or the way the world would identify as successful or pleasant, we made a list of how to achieve lasting happiness. Nowhere on that list is a certain income, a certain house or car, a college degree or occupation, family size, well-toned muscular or slim body. None of those things will bring lasting happiness. They're all temporary and shallow. Jobs can be lost, houses can be burned, bodies can be injured or diseased. Everything the world would use to measure how good your life is- fame, fortune, power- are not sustainable and come to individuals randomly and disproportionately. You can't even really rely on other people to maintain your happiness, especially anyone who does not choose to obey an authority above the flesh. A friend, spouse, child, or other relative can betray and hurt you.
When the mortal Jesus walked the earth, He tried to explain what He had to offer in terms the people could identify with- water, bread, light, and life. Too often they just didn't get it and we still don't get it despite our "advancements" in science and technology. As the saying goes, "We are not mortal beings having a heavenly experience, we are heavenly beings currently having a mortal experience." This experience is not at all about acquiring physical goods, honors of men, or a desirable physical appearance. We are here to experience opposition, which can mean sorrow and joy or pain and pleasure but also whether we want to find fulfillment in power, fame and fortune OR choose to pursue kindness, humility, wisdom, and love; whether to compete to be top dog or strive to share equally so everyone benefits (not just money as in socialism but all aspects of existence). It's more obvious and easily understood to make lots of money and contribute to charities but the more meaningful is to simply do our best to work as hard and honest as we can and share whatever we have (which, by the way, only works when everyone around you is doing the same). Being top dog will not bring lasting happiness because you will ALWAYS be beat out at some point by someone younger, stronger, prettier, and more endowed in some way. Until we understand what Jesus was offering and make the choice to pursue it, any "happiness" will never last. We may have momentary thrills but they can easily be destroyed. The peace that passeth all understanding and lasts eternally can only come from developing the God-like potential within each and every one.
When the mortal Jesus walked the earth, He tried to explain what He had to offer in terms the people could identify with- water, bread, light, and life. Too often they just didn't get it and we still don't get it despite our "advancements" in science and technology. As the saying goes, "We are not mortal beings having a heavenly experience, we are heavenly beings currently having a mortal experience." This experience is not at all about acquiring physical goods, honors of men, or a desirable physical appearance. We are here to experience opposition, which can mean sorrow and joy or pain and pleasure but also whether we want to find fulfillment in power, fame and fortune OR choose to pursue kindness, humility, wisdom, and love; whether to compete to be top dog or strive to share equally so everyone benefits (not just money as in socialism but all aspects of existence). It's more obvious and easily understood to make lots of money and contribute to charities but the more meaningful is to simply do our best to work as hard and honest as we can and share whatever we have (which, by the way, only works when everyone around you is doing the same). Being top dog will not bring lasting happiness because you will ALWAYS be beat out at some point by someone younger, stronger, prettier, and more endowed in some way. Until we understand what Jesus was offering and make the choice to pursue it, any "happiness" will never last. We may have momentary thrills but they can easily be destroyed. The peace that passeth all understanding and lasts eternally can only come from developing the God-like potential within each and every one.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Lemonade out of lemons
Having acid reflux is not very pleasant, however I have come to appreciate the positive aspects of this inconvenience. I have to avoid eating large portions or late in the evening- both of which may not be helping me to lose any weight but it more likely ensures I won't gain anything. Rather than risking gaining weight from holiday or other "splurges", I have to maintain sensible eating. I don't have to strain my will power to avoid overeating and greasy, fatty foods are not even tempting.
When I achieved a relatively large stature at a younger age than other girls, I was sometimes embarrassed or frustrated by being big. Nearly everything about me has been bigger than other females, except perhaps those who are unusually tall or truly obese. I always thought it would be nice to be a petite female- at least more attractive. However, I have realized that my size has enabled me to do lots of things that other females and even some males can't do. I love being able to help people who are moving.I like not needing to get a footstool to reach the upper cupboards. I can work in the yard, which I love, for hours. I can even move my own furniture around if I feel like rearranging.
I love my family members dearly. Growing up I lived near most of my dad's family and saw them regularly. I raised my children for the most part in that same area. Now we are literally spread all over the globe. I miss seeing my aunts and uncles, cousins, and especially my children and grandchildren. I have frequently bemoaned the lack of opportunities to interact with family members. However, it's almost exclusively due to the need to travel to be with family that has given me the rich experience of seeing cities, states, and countries that I have always hope to visit. I love sharing stories of our incredible experiences as we have traveled to many places. It's fun to see or hear about places all over the world and be able to say, "I've been there!" Most of our travels have required only transportation to get to and fro. We have had welcoming places to stay and been fed and made comfortable with little to no effort on our part. We have even had personal tour guides!
I often feel like I'm a "party pooper" because I don't like staying up past about 10 pm. I start getting tired by 8:30 or 9! However, I am wide awake in the morning. I love the early quiet at the beginning of day. I enjoy feeling energized and ready to eagerly face whatever the day presents.
It's a good thing that I'm not always in charge of every single aspect of my life but I can choose the important things that help me to develop what I hope is "good character". I try to be grateful and hopeful and willing to help. I do my best to make lemonade out of lemons.
When I achieved a relatively large stature at a younger age than other girls, I was sometimes embarrassed or frustrated by being big. Nearly everything about me has been bigger than other females, except perhaps those who are unusually tall or truly obese. I always thought it would be nice to be a petite female- at least more attractive. However, I have realized that my size has enabled me to do lots of things that other females and even some males can't do. I love being able to help people who are moving.I like not needing to get a footstool to reach the upper cupboards. I can work in the yard, which I love, for hours. I can even move my own furniture around if I feel like rearranging.
I love my family members dearly. Growing up I lived near most of my dad's family and saw them regularly. I raised my children for the most part in that same area. Now we are literally spread all over the globe. I miss seeing my aunts and uncles, cousins, and especially my children and grandchildren. I have frequently bemoaned the lack of opportunities to interact with family members. However, it's almost exclusively due to the need to travel to be with family that has given me the rich experience of seeing cities, states, and countries that I have always hope to visit. I love sharing stories of our incredible experiences as we have traveled to many places. It's fun to see or hear about places all over the world and be able to say, "I've been there!" Most of our travels have required only transportation to get to and fro. We have had welcoming places to stay and been fed and made comfortable with little to no effort on our part. We have even had personal tour guides!
I often feel like I'm a "party pooper" because I don't like staying up past about 10 pm. I start getting tired by 8:30 or 9! However, I am wide awake in the morning. I love the early quiet at the beginning of day. I enjoy feeling energized and ready to eagerly face whatever the day presents.
It's a good thing that I'm not always in charge of every single aspect of my life but I can choose the important things that help me to develop what I hope is "good character". I try to be grateful and hopeful and willing to help. I do my best to make lemonade out of lemons.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Gender roles, Part 2
There are some generalizations that fit groups of people based on ethnicity, nationality, race, age, and gender- despite what those who are overly concerned with "political correctness" would claim. Younger people, in general, have more energy than older people. Older people are often more dependable than younger people. Asians have shown to be more determined to excel scholastically than Hispanics. Hispanics are often more gregarious than those of traditional Asian descent. Men are more concerned about vehicles and women more concerned about houses. There are ALWAYS exceptions to every generalization so we have to be ready to accept those who "don't fit the mold"- the girl who becomes a great race car driver or mechanic, the 90-year old that runs marathons, the 12 year old that gets accepted into Yale and has had perfect attendance at school. So, is there anything about being human that truly does "fit a mold" without exceptions? Are there people who truly can NEVER do something, no matter how hard they might try? Short people are not usually the best basketball players but there are even short members of the Harlem Globetrotters as well as other professional teams. Men can be really great chefs even though lots of men rarely enter their kitchen at home except to ask their wife when dinner will be ready.
I have been fascinated with what is being learned about the human brain. Our brains are truly where we exist, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, our challenges... There have been a few discoveries about gender differences in the brain. One of the biggest "generalizations" about how male and female brains differ is that men tend to think compartmentally. They focus on one thing at a time. Women tend to have integrated thoughts. They think about whose turn it is to carpool while in the checkout line at the grocery store and figuring out when they need to get dinner started and whose turn it is to do the dishes. Hormones play a significant role in gender characteristics. Estrogen encourages nurturing feelings. Testosterone boosts competitiveness.
We are each unique no matter how many characteristics we may exhibit that are similar to others in our "group" as determined by all of the defining labels we use. But what is "natural" in us is not always inescapable or ideal. Those who suffer Turret's syndrome are certainly not happy with their spontaneous outbursts of obscenities. Those who are addicted to drugs or pornography are often very unhappy and, if not too far gone, have a desire to change. People once called kleptomaniacs or nymphomaniacs or gluttons all suffer from an addiction. I don't know that any one of those somewhat extreme cases could be considered "ideal" for humans to hope to attain. So how do we consider what is "normal" and what is "abnormal". Who do we "treat" and who do we just accept or even enable?
In the subject of gender roles, how do we determine what is acceptable/normal for certain individuals and what should be changed? There is NO valid "competition" between genders- meaning there isn't one that's better than another. Women who do the same quality of work at a comparable job should get paid the same as a man. Men who choose a career long-considered as being for women should get the opportunity to work. As I ponder this issue, I continue to refer back to the One who created us, including our gender.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed and abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.(His words, not mine- Leviticus 20:13 and it doesn't say a man shouldn't love another man, just not have sex with him.)
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord they God. (At least he doesn't say they should be put to death. This is from Deut. 22:5) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves....God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:21-27) Just as our children may whine "Unfair!" about our requests or demands, we may feel that God is being "unfair" to those who "lust after" members of the same gender. Is God unfair? Did He make a "mistake" in those who have these feelings, or the one who has a gender for Parkinson's or alcoholism, or is born with Down's Syndrome? What is a choice and what is unavoidable? Alcoholism can be avoided by choosing never to drink alcohol; drug addictions would be the same.Turrets can seek medical help and, hopefully, manage symptoms enough to not embarrass themselves. Down's Syndrome is thankfully no longer quite the tragic news to new parents that it once was. There is nothing shameful about it and the public awareness is slightly ahead of autism for general acceptance and understanding. (There will always be rude, inconsiderate people no matter how much education is available.) I have known and really loved several people who acted on same-gender attraction. Aids ended early the life of one and I don't know about the other two. I am willing to accept the God-given freedom to choose, as exhibited in others, but I deserve the same. I will never treat someone who does not want to accept their birth gender with derision, but I believe they were created with a specific gender for a purpose. I will also never teach a child that having sex outside of marriage is totally fine, same sex or opposite. I will also never teach a child to pursue desires for sexual relations with a member of the same sex and I will never feel that it's equal in validity to pairing with a member of the opposite sex despite inherent differences. I vividly remember one of the homosexual friends I referred to earlier explaining at a class reunion how he "came out". His words were, "I had never tried anything with a man so I didn't know I would like it." That did not justify to me doing something God has declared "unnatural" or "abomination". I am not God and I don't claim to have the wisdom He has but I do acknowledge that He has more than I do. We should love everyone, just as Jesus does and has commanded us to do. Love and lust are not the same thing. We all have challenges, weaknesses, and sorrow. Giving in to challenges is not going to make things better for us. A glutton will not be happier by eating all they have a desire to eat. God created male and female to be companions to each other, to multiply and replenish the earth. We can seek to understand His wisdom, or defiantly demand to live by our own rules. He has given us that choice.
My last blog on this issue will be concerning gender roles as part of participation in sports activities, for which I have tried to do more "worldly" research because I really don't know how God feels about women football players or wrestlers.
I have been fascinated with what is being learned about the human brain. Our brains are truly where we exist, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, our challenges... There have been a few discoveries about gender differences in the brain. One of the biggest "generalizations" about how male and female brains differ is that men tend to think compartmentally. They focus on one thing at a time. Women tend to have integrated thoughts. They think about whose turn it is to carpool while in the checkout line at the grocery store and figuring out when they need to get dinner started and whose turn it is to do the dishes. Hormones play a significant role in gender characteristics. Estrogen encourages nurturing feelings. Testosterone boosts competitiveness.
We are each unique no matter how many characteristics we may exhibit that are similar to others in our "group" as determined by all of the defining labels we use. But what is "natural" in us is not always inescapable or ideal. Those who suffer Turret's syndrome are certainly not happy with their spontaneous outbursts of obscenities. Those who are addicted to drugs or pornography are often very unhappy and, if not too far gone, have a desire to change. People once called kleptomaniacs or nymphomaniacs or gluttons all suffer from an addiction. I don't know that any one of those somewhat extreme cases could be considered "ideal" for humans to hope to attain. So how do we consider what is "normal" and what is "abnormal". Who do we "treat" and who do we just accept or even enable?
In the subject of gender roles, how do we determine what is acceptable/normal for certain individuals and what should be changed? There is NO valid "competition" between genders- meaning there isn't one that's better than another. Women who do the same quality of work at a comparable job should get paid the same as a man. Men who choose a career long-considered as being for women should get the opportunity to work. As I ponder this issue, I continue to refer back to the One who created us, including our gender.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed and abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.(His words, not mine- Leviticus 20:13 and it doesn't say a man shouldn't love another man, just not have sex with him.)
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord they God. (At least he doesn't say they should be put to death. This is from Deut. 22:5) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves....God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:21-27) Just as our children may whine "Unfair!" about our requests or demands, we may feel that God is being "unfair" to those who "lust after" members of the same gender. Is God unfair? Did He make a "mistake" in those who have these feelings, or the one who has a gender for Parkinson's or alcoholism, or is born with Down's Syndrome? What is a choice and what is unavoidable? Alcoholism can be avoided by choosing never to drink alcohol; drug addictions would be the same.Turrets can seek medical help and, hopefully, manage symptoms enough to not embarrass themselves. Down's Syndrome is thankfully no longer quite the tragic news to new parents that it once was. There is nothing shameful about it and the public awareness is slightly ahead of autism for general acceptance and understanding. (There will always be rude, inconsiderate people no matter how much education is available.) I have known and really loved several people who acted on same-gender attraction. Aids ended early the life of one and I don't know about the other two. I am willing to accept the God-given freedom to choose, as exhibited in others, but I deserve the same. I will never treat someone who does not want to accept their birth gender with derision, but I believe they were created with a specific gender for a purpose. I will also never teach a child that having sex outside of marriage is totally fine, same sex or opposite. I will also never teach a child to pursue desires for sexual relations with a member of the same sex and I will never feel that it's equal in validity to pairing with a member of the opposite sex despite inherent differences. I vividly remember one of the homosexual friends I referred to earlier explaining at a class reunion how he "came out". His words were, "I had never tried anything with a man so I didn't know I would like it." That did not justify to me doing something God has declared "unnatural" or "abomination". I am not God and I don't claim to have the wisdom He has but I do acknowledge that He has more than I do. We should love everyone, just as Jesus does and has commanded us to do. Love and lust are not the same thing. We all have challenges, weaknesses, and sorrow. Giving in to challenges is not going to make things better for us. A glutton will not be happier by eating all they have a desire to eat. God created male and female to be companions to each other, to multiply and replenish the earth. We can seek to understand His wisdom, or defiantly demand to live by our own rules. He has given us that choice.
My last blog on this issue will be concerning gender roles as part of participation in sports activities, for which I have tried to do more "worldly" research because I really don't know how God feels about women football players or wrestlers.
The freedom of ignorance
Somehow I always expected that as I got older, gaining experience and (hopefully) wisdom, I would also gain confidence. Russ and I are finding the opposite to be true for us. We have noticed greater anxiety. Whether it's preparing to travel, or working for someone, or attending a meeting- just about anything we have done all of our life, as we get older we tend to worry more. Maybe our greater experience has educated us about more possibilities for failure. As we witness or experience more disasters or simple glitches, it opens our eyes to more ways things can go wrong hence a greater concern about remembering things to do, watching for potential obstacles, and awareness of people who might cause harm.
We both love babies and young children. They are so genuine, often called innocent meaning unaware of and incapable of duplicity. Despite their self-focus, they do respond quickly to another's laugh, smile, or sorrow. Do we perhaps envy them that the world seems so simple to them? If someone smiles or speaks to them kindly, they have no idea whether that person is a criminal or a saint or an atheist or an anarchist or what color their skin is or what country they're from or what political party they support- none of that matters. The longer we live, the more we realize that you truly can't judge a book by its cover, and that goes both directions. We have personally known very pleasant people who are capable of horrific behavior. We have also known people who, due to birth defects or injury, are not pleasant-looking or may be rough-sounding but have hearts of gold. We have attacked jobs that appeared onerous and turned out to be pretty easy. On the other hand, we have started at what we thought would be a quick, easy task which turned out to be very frustrating with much greater time and expense than anticipated.
So, it seems that lack of experience can really allow more confidence, happiness, and motivation. I look back at earlier periods of my life and it seems I was more "free" then. I didn't have as many reasons to worry because I wasn't yet aware of how great the possibility of tragedy was. Every passing year now means someone I know well, if not myself, will be injured, develop a disease, have a great sorrow in their life, or experience unending depression. It's hard to focus on the many people that I know who are NOT experiencing great trials. I can think of a frustration at the very least in the life of every single person I'm closely acquainted with. The result of all this is that motivation is harder to come by. The fear of disaster is a great deterrent to get up and do anything. It seems easier to find excuses to just stay home where its safe- even wanting sometimes to just stay in bed and not even face another day. Ignorance can actually promote a greater feeling of freedom. Ignorance can truly be considered bliss.
We both love babies and young children. They are so genuine, often called innocent meaning unaware of and incapable of duplicity. Despite their self-focus, they do respond quickly to another's laugh, smile, or sorrow. Do we perhaps envy them that the world seems so simple to them? If someone smiles or speaks to them kindly, they have no idea whether that person is a criminal or a saint or an atheist or an anarchist or what color their skin is or what country they're from or what political party they support- none of that matters. The longer we live, the more we realize that you truly can't judge a book by its cover, and that goes both directions. We have personally known very pleasant people who are capable of horrific behavior. We have also known people who, due to birth defects or injury, are not pleasant-looking or may be rough-sounding but have hearts of gold. We have attacked jobs that appeared onerous and turned out to be pretty easy. On the other hand, we have started at what we thought would be a quick, easy task which turned out to be very frustrating with much greater time and expense than anticipated.
So, it seems that lack of experience can really allow more confidence, happiness, and motivation. I look back at earlier periods of my life and it seems I was more "free" then. I didn't have as many reasons to worry because I wasn't yet aware of how great the possibility of tragedy was. Every passing year now means someone I know well, if not myself, will be injured, develop a disease, have a great sorrow in their life, or experience unending depression. It's hard to focus on the many people that I know who are NOT experiencing great trials. I can think of a frustration at the very least in the life of every single person I'm closely acquainted with. The result of all this is that motivation is harder to come by. The fear of disaster is a great deterrent to get up and do anything. It seems easier to find excuses to just stay home where its safe- even wanting sometimes to just stay in bed and not even face another day. Ignorance can actually promote a greater feeling of freedom. Ignorance can truly be considered bliss.
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