Friday, October 14, 2011
Things as The Really Are
With my new found affinity for my "smart" phone, I was struck by this message in a new way today. I have an assignment to speak to our Young Women leaders at a leadership training meeting, and my topic is "Seeing things are they really are". I am to speak to them about calling things as they see them, to speak boldly about topics their YW will encounter in this increasingly evil world, and to call repentance to one and all who might need the gentle call to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk.
As leaders, we cannot teach principles and doctrines we ourselves are unwilling to live. The YW are smarter than that, They know when we are not being honest or when we are not leading with integrity. Hypocrisy in leaders is, in my opinion, a larger fault than ignorance.
While Elder Bednar is speaking of reality vs. virtual reality in this piece, I believe we each need to search our souls for the humility it requires to make righteous changes BEFORE we lead others. It is difficult to call ourselves out on issues we struggle with, but our YW deserve better. They require better. And we should be better than that.
And here, of course, I speak to myself, as much as anyone else. Like always.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Learning Curve
Yesterday, Genius Golfer upgraded our entire family to new phones. He and I ended up with "smart" phones. The kids just got new ones that are all included (read: unlimited texting and talk) in our new family plan.
Now, if you will recall, I drug my feet about getting cell phone, but I had lovely girlfriends who pulled me kicking and screaming into the 21st century by getting me a little phone for my 40th birthday. After having that for two years, I wonder how I got along without it.
Now, after paying 20 cents each minute or text I sent OR received, I am really looking forward to having a phone that works for me, rather than the other way around,. But this phone might be too smart for this user. There is a lot to learn. Of course, the kids get my phone without even seeing it before. Intuitively they just get this kind of technology. How is that?!
So I am learning, but the curve is steep. At least I have my new ring tone--the Pink Panther theme, by Henry Mancini--so I can recognize when my phone rings. One step down...many, many more to go.
Now, if you will recall, I drug my feet about getting cell phone, but I had lovely girlfriends who pulled me kicking and screaming into the 21st century by getting me a little phone for my 40th birthday. After having that for two years, I wonder how I got along without it.
Now, after paying 20 cents each minute or text I sent OR received, I am really looking forward to having a phone that works for me, rather than the other way around,. But this phone might be too smart for this user. There is a lot to learn. Of course, the kids get my phone without even seeing it before. Intuitively they just get this kind of technology. How is that?!
So I am learning, but the curve is steep. At least I have my new ring tone--the Pink Panther theme, by Henry Mancini--so I can recognize when my phone rings. One step down...many, many more to go.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Ingenuity = Boredom + Spare Parts
This is what I found when I walked out the front door the other day:
Give The Boy a little bit of time, some PVC pipe and a good, end-of-season reason to improve his kicking skills and you have yourself a homemade "break your neighbor's window" potential that is off the charts. Plus a long afternoon of keeping him and the neighbor kids busy playing outside.
I had a good book in progress, and a quiet house. All I could say is "Ahhhhh." Well, that and "Please don't dent Becky's van."
Give The Boy a little bit of time, some PVC pipe and a good, end-of-season reason to improve his kicking skills and you have yourself a homemade "break your neighbor's window" potential that is off the charts. Plus a long afternoon of keeping him and the neighbor kids busy playing outside.
I had a good book in progress, and a quiet house. All I could say is "Ahhhhh." Well, that and "Please don't dent Becky's van."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Do Your Homework Before You Shoot Off Your Mouth
Recently a friend posted this essay on Facebook. I liked it well enough that I would like to share it with you. I agree with her. I just wish those in the media's spotlight would do their homework before they mouth off about something that is hurtful to many and wrong above all. This essay is from Heather Pack:
It seems that every time a Mormon runs for public office, the question as to whether the LDS faith is cult arises. I thought that before I quickly say, "Of course we're not a cult." I'd do some looking to find out what a cult actually is defined to be. A quick Google search of "define cult" yields too many definitions to list here. So I thought I'd use the most common ones as my criteria for determining whether I'm a member of a cult. These are my own opinions and do not represent the official views of my Church.
1. In religious cults the leader is the central focus of belief. In mainstream religions, God is the central focus. The head of our church is Jesus Christ, that's why the official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Cult recruitment includes deception and concealment of identity and requirements of affiliation. Mainstream groups use no deception and new members are fully aware of the teachings and expectations before they make a commitment. Official missionaries have black tags that identify both their legal name and the name of our church. When proselytizing they are required to have these tags in plain view. In order to be baptized, a new member must answer a series of questions so that it is clear they understand the teachings of our Church.
3. Cults use mind-control techniques and forms of hypnosis to indoctrinate followers. Emotional needs are exploited and people are held psychological hostages through peer pressure, guilt, and fear. Mainstream groups do not resort to unethical means to persuade members. I have never been under hypnosis or had mind-control techniques used on me. I learned the doctrine by reading scriptures and modern-day revelation. I have never felt peer pressure, guilt or fear to join or to continue my membership in the Church.
4. Leaders of cults make their own rules and laws which are often contrary to the rules and laws of society. They often reframe criminal acts (cheating, lying, stealing, even murder) as the will of God. Mainstream groups uphold and value the laws of society. One of our Articles of Faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
5. Cults separate and alienate people from family, friends, and society. Mainstream groups value healthy involvement with family, friends and society. Our religion teaches the opposite of this. Our view on the family and society is best outlined in a document titled, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" Which can be read here: http://lds.org/languages/proclamations/Proclamation_35602_000.pdf
6. Cults are self-serving, often amassing financial fortunes for the leaders at the expense of the followers. In mainstream groups, leaders serve the people and contribute to the welfare of society in general. My church is well-known for its worldwide humanitarian efforts. The leaders of our church may be independently wealthy, but no leader has become wealthy from serving in the Church.
7. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. As of October 2010, 13.8 million people in the world were members of the LDS Church--13.3 million are Jews. So relatively we are not a small group of people. Our religion is well-respected by other religions and people around the world. Being accused of being a cult is definitely the exception, not the rule.
It seems that every time a Mormon runs for public office, the question as to whether the LDS faith is cult arises. I thought that before I quickly say, "Of course we're not a cult." I'd do some looking to find out what a cult actually is defined to be. A quick Google search of "define cult" yields too many definitions to list here. So I thought I'd use the most common ones as my criteria for determining whether I'm a member of a cult. These are my own opinions and do not represent the official views of my Church.
1. In religious cults the leader is the central focus of belief. In mainstream religions, God is the central focus. The head of our church is Jesus Christ, that's why the official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Cult recruitment includes deception and concealment of identity and requirements of affiliation. Mainstream groups use no deception and new members are fully aware of the teachings and expectations before they make a commitment. Official missionaries have black tags that identify both their legal name and the name of our church. When proselytizing they are required to have these tags in plain view. In order to be baptized, a new member must answer a series of questions so that it is clear they understand the teachings of our Church.
3. Cults use mind-control techniques and forms of hypnosis to indoctrinate followers. Emotional needs are exploited and people are held psychological hostages through peer pressure, guilt, and fear. Mainstream groups do not resort to unethical means to persuade members. I have never been under hypnosis or had mind-control techniques used on me. I learned the doctrine by reading scriptures and modern-day revelation. I have never felt peer pressure, guilt or fear to join or to continue my membership in the Church.
4. Leaders of cults make their own rules and laws which are often contrary to the rules and laws of society. They often reframe criminal acts (cheating, lying, stealing, even murder) as the will of God. Mainstream groups uphold and value the laws of society. One of our Articles of Faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
5. Cults separate and alienate people from family, friends, and society. Mainstream groups value healthy involvement with family, friends and society. Our religion teaches the opposite of this. Our view on the family and society is best outlined in a document titled, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" Which can be read here: http://lds.org/languages/proclamations/Proclamation_35602_000.pdf
6. Cults are self-serving, often amassing financial fortunes for the leaders at the expense of the followers. In mainstream groups, leaders serve the people and contribute to the welfare of society in general. My church is well-known for its worldwide humanitarian efforts. The leaders of our church may be independently wealthy, but no leader has become wealthy from serving in the Church.
7. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. As of October 2010, 13.8 million people in the world were members of the LDS Church--13.3 million are Jews. So relatively we are not a small group of people. Our religion is well-respected by other religions and people around the world. Being accused of being a cult is definitely the exception, not the rule.
Monday, October 10, 2011
It is WHAT?!
Today is Monday.
Today is early out day for the kids.
Today was a PTA meeting at the High School.
Today I tried to get The Boy to take a test for his online Financial Lit class.
Today his Financial Lit test hadn't been reset yet, and their office to do that was closed.
Today the mail didn't come.
Today the bank was closed.
Today is Columbus Day.
Apparently, it is a holiday. Did you know that? I guess it is only a holiday for bankers, mailmen, and online test re-seters.
Today is early out day for the kids.
Today was a PTA meeting at the High School.
Today I tried to get The Boy to take a test for his online Financial Lit class.
Today his Financial Lit test hadn't been reset yet, and their office to do that was closed.
Today the mail didn't come.
Today the bank was closed.
Today is Columbus Day.
Apparently, it is a holiday. Did you know that? I guess it is only a holiday for bankers, mailmen, and online test re-seters.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
