~*~Life as Me~*~

13 Articles of Faith

Taken from About

In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote 13 brief statements summarizing some of the basic doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then delivered the statements to Mr. John Wentworth, publisher of the Chicago Democrat, for publication. However, the statements were never published in the Chicago Democrat. They were instead published in the March edition of the Church newspaper, Times and Seasons.

Then, in 1851, the articles were published in the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price and became official doctrine of the Church in 1880 when the Pearl of Great Price was cannonized.

While the Articles of Faith provide an excellent summary of the basic doctrines of the Church, they are not meant to be comprehensive. Speaking on this Bruce R. McConkie stated:

These articles, of course, do not attempt to summarize all of the basic doctrines of the gospel. For example, the Articles of Faith are silent on such things as celestiral marriage, salvation for the dead, temple work in all its phases, the resurrection, and degrees of glory in the eternal worlds.

The Articles of Faith are as follows:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

~*~Debs~*~

October 2009 General Conference

This weekend is the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I am so looking forward to it! Not only do we get direction and inspiration from our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S Monson but we get to hear from many great church leaders on a vast range of subjects. Contrary to popular belief we are not told what to do or how to live, we are  being guided and urged to raise ourselves up to the standard that God knows we each have. We are inspired to keep going, love and help one another, pull in from the worldly ways that damage us and draw in our families. We are shown love, kindness, respect and a great leadership from those who are prepared by the Lord to lead and guide us.  I know I for one am so humbled and thankful that I have the resources to listen, think and pray about what I am being told, direction of this kind is so much better than any roadmap, than any ad-hoc attempt to get through life. General Conference is a time to take a good look at where we are, how we are doing, what we stand for and more.....come joins us?

Conference is the time to forget the worldly ways for a few hours, forget that the washing up isn't done (unless your super organised!) and forget about racing round all weekend taking the kids from one place to another. Another wonderful thing about the conference is the many ways we can watch/listen to it. There is the most popular Stake Centre where each session is broadcasted at specific times (with reasonable breaks in between), there is the internet and if you are one of the very lucky 'few' then there is being at the conference centre in Salt Lake City (oh how I wish I could experience that!).

What a truly amazing sight?

On the whole most Lds people will go to their Stake meeting house and all gather to watch via satellite. This is a super special spiritual feeling when sitting with other likeminded people. The interaction is phenominal and its always a plus to catch up with friends/family in other wards. It's even known as a great place to meet new friends too!

My family though, prefer to sit and watch it at home. Not because we are antisocial but because we can do this in our pj's, we can discuss various points without disturbing others around us and I dont have to stress to get everyone ready and out the door before the battle for a decent parking space within 10 miles of the church!! Yes there is part of us that misses the whole interaction thing but for now, this is what works for us, we get so much more out of it than we feel we would sat with hundreds of other people. Charley being just 5 means his attention span comes and goes, he is happy to lay on the floor (or bed) and play with a couple of toys or do some drawing while listening and asking questions. Kirsten doesn't have to leave her beloved dog behind and I have the perfect excuse to not get dressed!!

Wherever you are in the world, whatever method you choose to listen/watch the General Conference, I hope you find something in it for you, your family and your life. No, I take that back, I know you will find something!!: )  To watch or listen to the conference you can click HERE and it will take you right there. 

If you are not Lds (Mormon) and would like to take part anyway, please feel free to do so, you dont sign up to anything, you dont give out your email address and heck, they dont even track your ip address!! Lol Seriously, if you are open minded, want to learn about God and Jesus Christ, the direction we're given to make this life as best we can or  any other reason, come join us...and feel free to comment back any thoughts, questions or queries.

So.....

What do you do during General Conference? Do you sit, listen and absorb or do you take notes? Do you take your children or do they go into the primary room and listen over the loud speaker? What works for you at these super duper times we get to listen to our Prophet?


~*~Debs~*~

Today I am grateful for:

1. My testimony in Jesus Christ

2. The knowledge that Joseph Smith was the chosen Prophet of God to bring the Book of Mormon to this earth to restore His true church

3. The wonderful ways we get to hear what our loving Heavenly Father needs/wants us to do as His ambassadors

4. My pj's and popcorn

5. The sure knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me

In Perspective

Today hasn't been a good day for me, regardless of listening to some uplifting music, inspirational talks and attempting to ignore the nagging negativeness inside. I don't often feel like this so I'm not too sure what is going on. Before our move to Utah, I have set about putting as much in order as I can, leave things on a positive rather than a negative kinda thing. However there are some things that cant be put right and thats mostly down to other peoples choices, and thats ok, they have their choices too. But it still leaves me wondering and feeling a bit low but then I remember the atonement and think back to all that the Lord endured and I dont quite feel so bad!

My stats tell me who's been on this blog, as i've mentioned many times my stats are very in depth but there's one person in particular who is still intent on visiting here rather than doing what 'they' know is the right thing to do. Using different ways to get here doesnt eliminate the information my stats show, and that makes me chuckle at the mind game they are obviously trying to play. Well I hope they are having fun, cos while they are doing all this I am chuckling and wondering what the facination really is! ;)

I dont like thinking or feeling negative or down, its not really who I am or what I want to be. So i've decided to sit back for ten minutes and really give thought to the positive things in my life right now, today. In doing this I am sure my thoughts will return to normal and I will regain the battery power I am missing!

1. I woke up alive (go figure)
2. My kids are pretty cool
3. The dog left half of the cereal I was eating before I answered the door (he had the other half!)
4. Jd and I are doing just great, he is a great strength and inspiration to me
5. I've made a new friend who makes me laugh at the small things
6. I have many good friends who aren't afraid to tell me to buck up and quit feeling sorry for myself!
7. Only 13 days left till I see the knee surgeon
8. I have buyers for my furniture left right and centre
9. My favourite scripture keeps shouting out at me: Ether 12:27 - And if men come unto me I will show unto them their ^aweakness. I ^bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^cgrace is sufficient for all men that ^dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^eweak things become strong unto them.
10. I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and doesn't roll His eyes and shake His head when i'm on a bad day!
11. I didn't burn dinner yesterday
12. Charley has the ability to make me laugh at the small things
13. I have binned more than i'm storing
14. I have a new bird friend who sits on my bedroom window and watches me, not going to approach it yet but I may do soon
15. Currant bread is the best thing since Jaffa Cakes
16. Mary Ellen Edmunds makes me laugh just by hearing her laugh
17. President Monson really IS the prophet of God and that is just so awesome
18. I am weeks away from my temple recommend and that is going to be life changing for me
19. Swimming in the imaginary pool in my living room is the best excercise i've had all year
20. Star, Car, Airplane and Tractor shaped sandwiches taste better than any other
21. Silly teen humour is never tiring
22. Kids hang out in my front garden cos they know they will get 2 for 1 - Kirsten as their friend and me as the humour!
23. Ice cream. It is the answer for everything!!
24. Twilight is STILL a good movie even though I read the books first and i've seen it more than 12 times
25. Having the gospel in my life reminds me of who I am, why i'm here and what my divine role is, with this reminder it is easier to get back on track and start again.
26. I really am grateful for the small things in life. With care over those the bigger things seem to fall into place easier.

Ok, not too bad there for a ten minute run off the brain! Yeah I did set a timer on myself too!! Now i'm going to go work on some requests for sites that would like to be featured here. Feel a little popular now!! ;)

What ways do you have to help you pick yourself up on a bad day? Do you even have bad days? (jokin there!)

~*~Debs~*~

Setting the record straight with Prop 8

Since the news on Prop 8 came through from California I have received snidey comments through my twitter dm and email (haven't checked anywhere else) as its no secret that I am a Mormon. I am rather fed up of this narrow minded attitude and wish to set MY record straight.

I do not care if you are straight or gay. I do not care if you are married or living in sin. I do not care if you are a parent or dont like children. I do not care if you are a street cleaner or a brain surgeon. I do not care if you love Mormons or hate them. I do not care what religion you are or if you are an athiest.

Get it?

Ok WHY do I not care?

Well because I believe in the free agency that the Lds church encourages us to take. I believe that we all have our own thoughts, beliefs, likes and dislikes. I try not to make judgement on anyone because I am not perfect and I am also trying to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes I fail but I put it right and move on trying to get it better next time. I believe that Jesus loves each and every one of us regardless of who we are, though I do believe He hates many of our sins, mine included but not us as people. I believe we all have to live through our own consciences and standards. I do not assume mine are better than someone elses, I simply do what I believe is right for me and mine.

I also believe that one day we will all be judged for our words, actions, thoughts, feelings and opinions therefore I can only be responsible for myself and take care in educating my children to be the best they can be and not take on prejudices and judgement based on society. When the time comes for our own judgement THAT will be the time to worry.

Nothing and noone can deny the fact that the world was intended for one man and one woman to be in wedlock. However, along the way homosexuality has showed up and it has caused a stir for years. I am not denouncing my faith or Jesus Christ for ANYONE, but I will not make judgement on anyone that is not hetrosexual, I simply do NOT believe that is my call.

I can understand how frustrating the LGBT community is right now but what I do not and will never condone is what comes from their actions and their mouths because they haven't worked out how to deal with something. Now its probably easy for me to say cos i'm not gay or anything but then I dont agree with many of our laws here but i'm not causing trouble, being abusive and hitting out at any one set of people for it. Nor am I portraying myself in a way of disrespect to the Lord or other fellow Lds people, my family, friends or anyone else associated to me. I could always go into politics or get involved in the areas that I strongly feel opposed to, I can vote and do my part as a CIVIL being. My choices are as valid and available as those who are hurt and upset by the Prop 8 decision.

For the record, I am not homophobic, I grew up with lesbian friends of my mums who were a big part of my childhood and teen years, my cousin is gay and I do not deny her and neither do I treat her any different. When I see my cousin I am with her partner too, I will hug them both and treat them as human beings that they are. I love my cousin to bits and am glad I have her in my life. She is a good person, a police officer, a qualified solicitor and comes from a good family. Am I to judge her and push her out of my life? No way!

So, now i've set the record straight I trust that anyone who wants to shoot me down for being Lds now will do so with a little more respect, without name calling and threats and with some explanations to back up your comments. Other than that, you need to really ask yourself if the result wasn't justified.

~*~Debs~*~

Becky Thomas: Let Love Transcend Logic

I regularly read Mormon Times and love the bloggers who share the fantastic inspirational messages of anything from funny things in their lives to inspirational experiences and more. I have just had this message bought to my attention by the lovely Janis over on my Facebook friends list and decided it was well worth sharing. If we took this small piece of adver from the bloggers own mother the works we could do would be phenominal! Enjoy...

 

Let love transcend logic

Sunday, May. 24, 2009

Read all of Becky's past columns here

My dad was raised Christian Scientist before my parents converted to the LDS faith in their twenties. He did not celebrate holidays in his youth; therefore it doesn't even cross his mind to buy gifts on Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Mothers Day, Christmas, etc. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, but he rarely enters a store, and frankly has not a materialistic bone in his body.

My mom discovered this soon after they got married when he seemed to totally forget her birthday. Moments before they went to bed that night, he said, "Oh Happy Birthday Jan, I was going to get you a card, but I thought we could use the 25 cents." Naturally this did not feel good at all, and in fact was devastating to her as a 19-year-old bride.

This did not make logical sense to my mom; it was her birthday, and certainly he could sacrifice and spend the 25 cents. Nor did it make logical sense to my dad to splurge and spend money for someone's birthday, as they were on a tight budget and birthdays were obviously not a priority.

This has been an interesting phenomenon for me to watch over the years.

My mom has often reminded me, "Becky, always let love transcend logic."

So throughout my life, I have watched my mom open up beautifully wrapped packages on Christmas, Mothers Day, and her birthday. It has been so fun to watch her get excited, as she would run over to my dad, hug and kiss him, and thank him profusely for the wonderful gift. She was so good, that there were even times when he started to think that he was the one that actually bought the gift for her.

Then, on occasion, going against all logic and upbringing, my dad would actually go out and buy my mom a gift.

I will never forget the time that my dad had gone to the jewelry store and bought my mom a necklace. I asked my mom if she liked it; she said, "It doesn't matter if I like it, dad bought it, and I will wear it."

My mom just had her 72nd birthday. She was so excited to tell me that dad had gone down to the corner drug store and bought her some artificial tulips.

It has been wonderful as I have seen them both "let love transcend logic" over the years.

In contrast, I have a friend who will return every item her husband buys for her. It doesn't make logical sense for her to keep them since it isn't what she would wear, or use.

I remember my mom telling me how grandma wanted a new stove, but my grandpa didn't want to buy her one. Money was not the issue, but grandma was in the sunset of her life, and her days of cooking were mostly a thing of the past. It did not make any logical sense to my grandpa to buy her a new stove. My mom would tell him, "Dad, buy mom a stove, you need to let love transcend logic."

I remember my mom giving this advice on several occasions. She would say, "It may not make logical sense to you, to fill the car with gas if it is still half full, but if your spouse stresses out because the gas tank is half empty, then fill the tank with gas. Let love transcend logic."

I have thought often of this advice, and tried to connect the dots in my own life, as well as notice what motivates others in theirs.

I know of families with young children who chase the Spirit out of the chapel each Sunday, not to mention making it almost impossible to hear the speakers. It may not make logical sense to go to sacrament meeting until their children are old enough to sit still. It certainly doesn't make logical sense to attend church during the 1 p.m. block, as that is right in the middle of nap time.

I know of those who feel awkward week after week, sitting alone in church; it doesn't make logical sense to return each week to such feelings of loneliness.

For those who have yet to see or believe the Signs of the Times, it may not make logical sense to store up on so much food and water.

Just recently my mom told me that the stake president asked the members in her ward to forego attending stake conference (broadcasted) in their own building five minutes away to attend with a ward that is 45 minutes away in the foothills; to give encouragement and support to them. I said, "Mom, that doesn't make sense for you to drive so far when your building is so close, those members will be just fine watching it by themselves." Of course they drove to the mountains to support those saints.

It didn't make logical sense for the pioneers to travel west in the snow and cold, knowing the high risk of losing lives; or for the brethren in the early days to leave their families to serve a mission without a savings account or a food supply in reserve.

It doesn't make logical sense to postpone your education or go without seeing your grandchildren to serve a mission.

Sometimes it doesn't make logical sense to serve, nurture and forgive people who continue to hurt you.

To some it doesn't make logical sense to carry and deliver a child whom the doctors had forewarned you is unhealthy and may be disabled.

To many it didn't make logical sense to fight for Prop 8 representing traditional marriage, in CA.

For some it doesn't make logical sense to pay 10% of your income to tithing and fast offerings when you have bills to pay.

There are situations in life that just don't make logical sense to some people. Those who have chosen to follow the Savior are asked to "Let Love Transcend Logic." Love for our Heavenly Father, love for our Savior, and love for one another.

This is well illustrated in the story of the prodigal son. He took his inheritance, and squelched it. He was careless, prideful, and self-indulgent. There are details to the story that we simply do not know; but what we do know is that he returned home to a father who lovingly welcomed him and even celebrated his return. As one who believes in natural consequences, that hasn't always made logical sense to me. What a great example of letting love transcend logic.

I have heard it said, "Logic is an unfaithful master." If logic is what rules any of us, we will be betrayed in the end.

It is love that enables us do the hard things; it is love that enables us to do the right things; it is love for our Heavenly Father, our Savior and one another; that is why we do what we do.

So the next time we begin to lean in the direction of logic, it just might be a good time to "Let love transcend logic."

I know there is so much we can change with this one little bit of advice, so I suggest that we put away or pride, put away our self gratification and try things out the Lords intended way!

~*~Debs~*~

Lds Quiz

As it says on the title, Lds Quiz, if you wanna play along anyone is welcome. All you have to do is answer the questions, leave a comment to tell me where you answered them and nominate 5 other people to play along!

1. Without looking, how many books are in the Book of Mormon?
2. What is the word of wisdom?
3. Do Latter Day Saints believe in Polygamy?
4. Who wrote the Book of Mormon?
5. What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
6. Name 3 principles Jesus taught
7. Name the prophets in order since Joseph Smith
8. Who are the 12 apostles?
9. What is the 3rd Article of Faith?
10. How did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon?
11. Quote a scripture giving a promise?
12. Who is Mormon?
13. Who is the current General RS President?
14. In 100 words or less, what is the difference between Christian and Lds?
15. Who appeared to Joseph to counsel him about the brass plates?
16. What is the Mountain Meadow Massacre?
17. Who were the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon?
18. Which of Joseph Smiths brothers did he see in a vision?
19. In the Book of Ruth, who was Ruth's mother in law?
20. When was the Book of Mormon first published?

Dont forget, you have to tell me where you are so I can come along and see your answers!! :)

I'll do my answers when I finished researching and writing them out!!! Well, I didn't say I KNEW them all did i???!!!

~*~Debs~*~

The Way - Elder Lawrence Corbridge

This is an awesome talk shared with me by my cool friend Josie. Anyone that has any interest or better still, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will thoroughly enjoy this talk. It is in 3 parts but well worth the time listening to it!

Let me know what your thoughts are?

~*~Debs~*~

Articles of Faith

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have a set of guidelines that we members try to live by the best we can. It is also a means of reminding us who we are, where we come from and why we are here. In remembering some key elements of our faith we are more able to live more pleasingly to our Heavenly Father and show respect and reverence to Him and the Lord Jesus Christ. Most churches have their 'ways' and this is ours. It is something that is so uplifting and encouraging when things might feel like they are crumbling around us. I love the Articles of Faith because they are a great and simplified way of sharing the gospel. I have some credit card sized ones printed off that now and again I will post out to someone who I believe (through conversations) will enjoy reading them. Thankfully as yet they have been gratefully received!

I made a book for Charley earlier last year, something that would be alternated in his Sunday bag for when we are in Sacrament meeting. This book has become a hit with him and Kirsten, where each Article of Faith will be read, memorised and talked about in a variety of ways. Made into a book with one of the squares (below) on each page. I cant show it cos Charley has taken it to nursery to show his friends.

However, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of what our children (and us adults) are being taught. The standards, the hope, the faith and the guidelines that will (hopefully) build their characters and help them through lifes trials and challenges.

The sizing up didnt come out too good but its still barely readable. I think any person that chooses good standards and morals to live by is onto a good track and I truly believe that the Lds church is the true church here on this earth.

One of the fun ways my kids like to remember gospel principles is through creating something that they can browse or use on a daily basis. As we are still working on our move to Utah we are giving most of our 'creations' away to other children who might enjoy them. Later on we will make them all over again, which of course I would never say no to!!

I didn't design these cards, I got them from a free lds site that I cant remember now. So credits go to the lady who originally made them and offered them to her readers.

~*~Debs~*~