Praise to the Man

You know those days where you wake up inexplicably filled with joy? I'm having an abundance of them as of late. I find myself brimming with gratitude and happiness as I reflect on the blessings and tender mercies the gospel has brought me. Today especially I reflect on the prophet Joseph Smith as the 27th of June is the anniversary of his death in Carthage. So much has been said and written, shared and debated, but I just want to add my testimony of his prophetic role in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I remember being 14 years old and getting the chance to attend my first youth conference, which happened to be a trip to Palmyra NY with my stake. We had a myriad of activities planned, including attending the Hill Cumorah pageant and visiting various historical sites, but the most anticipated stop for me was the Sacred Grove. My testimony had been growing steadily for years and just a few months before I had received my Young Women's Medallion, so I was looking forward for my own chance to pray in the Sacred Grove. I didn't expect angels or a light from heaven, but I would be lying if I said I didn't expect something.

It was a beautiful summer morning as we entered the grove, hushed by the reverence that filled the sacred spot. Going in separate directions, many of us found private spots to pray and meditate. I don't remember the words I prayed, just the desire I had to receive any answer confirming the truth. Surrounded by the stillness, I waited anxiously. Nothing came. Disappointed in myself, I wondered if I had somehow done it wrong, because even in my limited faith at the time I knew God answered prayers.

The answer didn't come to me while I was in the grove. Nor did it come as we visited the Hill Cumorah or the Palmyra temple. But as we drove home- buses full of teenagers traveling overnight- I prayed again just asking to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet. An overwhelming peace came over me and the thought in my mind- 'you already know it's true'. What a lesson for a fourteen year old to know that I already knew, that God answers in his own time, and that I must diligently seek and ask!

As a young girl I also loved to read history and stories about the early Latter-day Saints and pioneers. I was especially enchanted with the character of the prophet Joseph Smith- his humility and willingness to learn from the Lord, his strength and faith, and the weaknesses he had that make him feel approachable. I can almost hear his laugh in my head when I read of him playing with his children; I can see his joy as he received revelation from on high, and I can relate as he passed through the trials and tribulations, pleading to know the will of  the Lord.

Every time I watch the Restoration video depicting the First Vision, I feel the thrill go through me. As a missionary, every single time I recounted the account of the First Vision I could feel tears come to my eyes out of joy, each time engraving my testimony of the prophet and his role in the Restoration just a little deeper into my soul.

In Elder Holland's powerful talk, Safety for the Soul, he speaks about the testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. I love where he said, "Now, I did not sail with the brother of Jared in crossing an ocean, settling in a new world. I did not hear King Benjamin speak his angelically delivered sermon. I did not proselyte with Alma and Amulek nor witness the fiery death of innocent believers. I was not among the Nephite crowd who touched the wounds of the resurrected Lord, nor did I weep with Mormon and Moroni over the destruction of an entire civilization. But my testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as binding and unequivocal as was theirs. Like them, “[I] give [my name] unto the world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I] lie not, God bearing witness of it."

And I feel the same. I was not at his side when the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph in the spring of 1820. But I know without a shadow a doubt that they did. I was not there a few years later as he knelt in prayer again and was visited by the angel Moroni. I was not there when he received the gold plates and began the translation of that wonderful book of scripture, but I hold it in my hands every day and know it is true. I was not on the banks of the Susquehanna river as John the Baptism conferred the priesthood upon him and instructed them to be baptized, but I know that we once again can be baptized by proper authority. I was not there when he was visited by many other heavenly messengers, including the Savior in Kirtland Ohio, when they dedicated the first temples, when he taught in the School of Prophets. But I didn't need to be there in order to know for myself. I love the prophet Joseph Smith. I know he was called of the Lord to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fulness in our day. Through his teachings, I have learned more about my Heavenly Father and Savior, than virtually any other source. Because of him, I know how to worship my Heavenly Father and how to apply the Atonement of the Savior.

Every year on the 27th of June, I take a moment to reflect on this great man and find myself better because of all he did.

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.

(Praise to the Man, Hymn #27)

Spiritual Traction

When my uncle died in May of 2008, my mom flew out and the rest of us drove out in Dad's truck. I switched off driving with my Dad and I was driving as we hit a snowstorm in Vale Pass in Colorado. The beautiful mountains were barely visible through the snow and the roads quickly became slick and treacherous. I was not familiar with driving the truck and my Dad instructed me to switch between gears and do various adjustments to maximize traction. After we made it through the storm, he carefully explained tips for creating traction and the physics behind all of it. Knowing how to create traction in the face of the storm saved our lives that day.

We are in a storm today spiritually. Sometimes it is difficult to maintain an eternal perspective when the world is crowding our view with so many things. Sometimes we feel inexperienced and unprepared to handle some challenges thrown our way. While I was physically driving through the storm, my father did not have me stop to switch drivers. Instead he coached and guided me through so I could learn how to do it myself. Heavenly Father knows we need these experiences, especially the ones where we can't see everything and we must learn to trust Him. The Lord guides us through the Holy Ghost, the gospel, and prophets to name a few. He is teaching us how to gain traction in our journey back to Him.

Elder Bednar spoke on this subject this past conference and he says it so perfectly that I wanted to share several paragraphs.

"Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: “Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?”

Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most.

The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promise the Savior will help us to bear up our burdens with ease (seeMosiah 24:15). As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We also will pray for the strength to learn from, change, or accept our circumstances rather than praying relentlessly for God to change our circumstances according to our will. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14). We will be blessed with spiritual traction."

So what is this spiritual traction exactly? Is it faith? Is it the Atonement? Is it perseverance or humility? Yes. I think all of those are part of it. In looking at the definition of the word 'traction', I had some additional thoughts about what this might be.

#1. the adhesive friction of a body on some surface, as a wheel on a rail or a tire on a road. As a missionary I often looked at having a companion through a chemical analogy. When trying to purify a solution or compound down to it's purest form, often another agent is used to do so. In the reaction between the two, both can be purified. In the interaction between a companion there is definitely a purifying element. Sometimes as there is friction and we rub against something (be it a person, a trial, a personal weakness), we slowly are reshaped and purified. Ok. So a purifying process that allows us to move forward? Repentance.

#2. the action of drawing or pulling and #3 : the power that is used to pull something
When the tire meets the road and has traction we can move forward. If not, we slip and slide or just spin our wheels. Spiritual traction is created both by the force that pushes or pulls us forward and the nature of the relationship the vehicle has with the surface. (Any great physics people out there- please let me know if I am explaining this all wrong). There are numerous sources of power in the gospel of Jesus Christ- ones that impel us forward and ones that draw us toward them. Hope pushes me forward as does faith. The Savior promises that he will "draw all men unto" himself through the power of the Atonement (3 Nephi 27:15). We receive power through the scriptures, our covenants, the temple, and the priesthood. But it is only as we allow these sources of power to change our relationship with the mortal journey/the natural man that we can move forward. Maybe you've heard the phrase- "The question is not whether or not you have 'been through' the temple, but is rather 'have you allowed the temple to go through you?' " Or that the sacrament is of limited worth if we do not pick it up off the tray and partake. Are we allowing these incredible sources of power to change our very perspective on this life, our relationship with our Heavenly Father and Savior, and to develop a Christ-like character? Spiritual traction is the application of power to change our nature.

#4.Medical . the deliberate and prolonged pulling of a muscle, organ, or the like, as by weights, to correct dislocation, relieve pressure, etc. I really loved this definition from the medical perspective. Another saying I love is that the soul is like a violin string- it only makes music when stretched. This life is a probationary state, a time of testing and challenges. Not merely for the sake of having a test but for the purpose of our progression and growth. The very afflictions and trials that form part of the burdens we carry also help create traction to correct ourselves, relieve guilt, fear, and doubt, and develop spiritual strength. I spoke of this more last month in another post.

Looking back over that analysis, I think I can summarize that perhaps spiritual traction is change- change of heart, purification, overcoming the natural man and becoming more like the Savior. Elder Bednar asked the question,"Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?" And so I must ask: Is the load changing me?

Eternity

 

 "Eternity [is] our covering and our rock and our salvation..."

- Abraham 2:16

 

 

When the mere thought of the future maintains my sanity in the present,

 

when the warmth of sunshine reminds me of your love,

 

when missing you gets swallowed up the hope of eternity,

 

when faith triumphs over despair,

 

and when love erases the doubt,

 

every moment is our eternity.

Connections Part III

 

And what does all that connection do, all the warm fuzzies and happy relationships, all that learning and growth, if we are not connected to the one true source of power and joy? Our connection to our loving Heavenly Father and Savior is what gives all other connections meaning and purpose. After all, if we only see relationships are fleeting and temporal instead of as eternal and enduring then these connections seem less vital. And if what we learn and achieve here dies with us, then why did we need to learn and connect in the first place?

The very foundation of our lives is the spiritual connection we have with deity. From this connection we derive our sense of self, our strength, our purpose, as well as peace, joy, and love. We are not independent battery packs in this life, with only our own strength to rely on. No! We are connected to the true and living Son, whose power and sacrifice allows  mercy and miracles to be possible daily. Grand spiritual experiences are not enough- a large jolt of power only lasts so long when our demand for spiritual strength and power is constant. Can we create reservoirs or generators? Absolutely. However, those still are only filled through tapping into our power source on a daily basis.

How do we connect daily to God? Literature on that very question has filled libraries, bookstores, and hearts all over the world for generations. So I can only offer my humble opinion that it is through the simple yet profound ways that a lasting connection is forged. Prayer. Daily, fervent conversations with a loving Father in heaven who knows and loves us. I love the explanation given in the Bible Dictionary that reads : " As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings."

Scripture Study. Seeking, searching, and pondering the words of the scriptures is one way we receive personal revelation in response to our questions. Words of wisdom and guidance given to Joshua to be strong and courageous apply to all of us today. Counsel on how to grow faith given by Alma and Amulek to the Zoramites still is how we build faith in our generation. Not only does scripture study connect us to Heavenly Father, it connects us to generations of faith and perseverance.

Gratitude. Perhaps it's a small thing. Yet, with all the blessings and tender mercies from God, a thankful heart will bind us even closer to Him. President Uchtdorf so eloquently spoke on this subject this past April saying, "When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace. We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain? Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind."

In these and many other simple, yet profound ways we connect to our creator. As we do so, all our other connections are strengthened. Connecting to the light and life of the world brings balance, joy, and enlightenment in all other areas of our lives- financial, physical, relationships, etc. And then, as a great friend pointed out, as the other areas are balanced we have more time to continue to strengthen and renew the connection that ultimately matters the most.

Connections Part II

Building off educational connections, none of those will matter in the future if we are not connected to each other. And I mean really connected. With all the benefits of technology these days, we have Facebook friends who live all over the world, Twitter followers we don't even know, and we follow blogs and Pinterest boards of friends and family- but does that mean we are connected? I remember when I first got a Facebook profile...six years ago and I was so excited for this other medium of communication. I had just started college and found myself 1600 miles away from my parents and siblings. Now I could see pictures from prom and camping trips. And I didn't feel so far away because I could see what they were doing, even if they didn't call. Maybe we've grown so accustomed to it now, but I don't feel as truly connected anymore.

In the last seven, almost eight months, since I returned from my mission, many friends and family members have experienced challenging trials. I don't know about you, but when my heart is breaking I don't post it all over Facebook. Sometimes later I share or work through it on my blog. But I still consider myself a private person. The same idea applies to these friends. Sometimes I find out they are struggling weeks or even months afterwards. I can send encouraging messages, but it just doesn't feel like it's enough. Of my five hundred or so Facebook friends, only a handful actually wrote me on my mission. I'm not blaming anyone- maybe they didn't get my address or they were just really busy. I get that. It's okay. And it goes both ways- of all those "friends", I only text and call a handful of them every week. But I am saying that we aren't connected. At least not in the way I really want to be connected. I want to be there for others when they are struggling. I want to celebrate their triumphs and share in their adventures.

Drew Barrymore's character, Mary, from He's Just Not That Into You said: "I had this guy leave me a voice mail at work so I called him at home and then he e-mailed me to my Blackberry and so I texted to his cell and then he e-mailed me to my home account and the whole thing just got out of control. And I miss the days when you had one phone number and one answering machine and that one answering machine has one cassette tape and that one cassette tape either had a message from a guy or it didn't. And now you just have to go around checking all these different portals just to get rejected by seven different technologies. It's exhausting."

I agree- it is exhausting to have so many modes of communication and still feel disconnected. Maybe we think because we are connected to the Internet that we are automatically connected to each other. Just because I can send an email or Facebook message doesn't mean I can comfort, console, or counsel to the degree that we really need. Now, I fully recognize that distance doesn't have to be a deterrent anymore-- it is possible to truly be connected these days no matter how far apart we are. But I wonder if we are.

Are we really in touch with those that matter to us? Or do we settle for stalking all their cute pictures and eagerly awaiting their next blog post? Are we sharing the important moments of our lives? This has been on my mind for weeks now as I've tried to figure out ways I can better connect. I know I'm not doing enough. I have the ability to pick up the phone, to send a text, or to write a letter. The ways in which we truly connect will vary- what makes a real connection for one person may not be sufficient for another. However it looks for you or for me, we need to connect. We need to feel that we have people we can talk to and trust. We need to be the kind of person with whom others want to connect.

How can we do this?

Connections Part I

Seated near the back of the theatre to the left, I let the music wash over me. The melody and harmony intertwined to create a whole, the brass, percussion, wind and string sections in perfect balance, while the vocalist added the perfect finish. And somewhere between "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The Circle of Life" performances, everything slowed down and became really clear. Parts of my life and goals I have just connected. Thoughts, plans, unfinished blog posts from over the past several weeks all solidified in my mind. It all comes back to connection.

Just one thought sparked the realization- "I wish I could help students feel this joy when they listen to an orchestra." Sitting in the theatre, feelings of happiness, joy, and excitement ran through me- not the typical reaction of the majority of students I've worked with. In reality, the wish is much more substantial that just music. I desire with all my heart for students of all ages to experience joy when learning- to connect the learning and discovery process with accomplishing goals and becoming who they want to be. In keeping with the music theme, as a young violinist I practiced but I didn't have the perspective of how developing that talent could potentially bring me joy and fulfillment. I chose to focus on science education in getting my degree partially because I love science, but a huge factor in my decision is how easily I feel we can connect to science to our daily lives. I struggled for months to narrow down a specialty field, because I'm fascinated by history, I'm enchanted by literature, I'm excited with linguistics, and I'm challenged by mathematics. But more than anything, I want to teach connections.

 

I want to teach students how to connect all of their classes and subject not just to each other, but to themselves personally. As a teacher, I want to help a student to enjoy Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and see how that connects to the progression of scientific discovery. Then to see how that has been hindered and helped in various political environments over the centuries--that content and context both matter. And then I want to guide them as they examine their own thoughts and opinions on scientific advancements and implementation. For this very reason, I have found myself drawn to the Montessori theory and curriculum. Focused on a "hands-on" approach and personal application, one school phrased it like this:

"The integrated curriculum encourages children to make connections between topics—such as scientific discovery and historical context—and to put their educational skills to use. For example, a child working on a science experiment understands the discovery of penicillin in a fungal mold. Taking her learning a step further, with the teacher’s guidance, she then explores penicillin’s possible impact on World War II when it was first widely used to treat soldiers wounded on D-Day. In the process, the child engages language, arts, and communications skills to document and share her findings."

Just like a holistic approach to medicine, it's an all-encompassing approach for learning and discovery. It's about connection. Connecting a textbook to our lives. Connecting a high school class with a potentially lifelong passion. Connecting student to student and student to teacher. It's about figuring out how your math or science class relates to your dreams of being a fashion designer. When we stop considering all of these areas as separate entities, and instead as part of one whole, I truly believe we will start to achieve great things and live up to our true potential.

Let's truly feel the music.

Men and Money

Right now I'm reading two books (have we established I love literature?), well actually three (but the swimming book can be another post), but I am amazed at the strong correlation between the two books. The first is, Financial Peace, by Dave Ramsey and the second is You Lost Him At Hello, by Jess McCann. I started the first one after a friend recommended it when I mentioned I've been taking an online personal finance class. The second one emerged from a frustrated late night conversation with a group of girlfriends as we attempted to analyze what we are doing wrong in dating. One girl mentioned that at one point she even got a dating coach and all our ears perked up. What?! Tell us! So the book is by that dating coach and we are reading it for our Relief Society book club. Two separate subjects, but various fundamental principles in common. Principles that apparently I need to master in order to manage both of these trouble areas in my life.

I hate money. I feel like I need to explain before I talk about principles. I really hate talking about money. My stomach gets sick and I literally lose my appetite. Talking about money, debt, and finances stresses me out and I hate it. But what I hate even more is the feeling that the money controls me and not the other way around, so in the past six months I've been working on a plan to change that. I started taking an independent study personal finance class. Then my friend mentioned Dave Ramsey, who I'm sure many of you are familiar with as well as his books, radio show, and financial program. So I'm starting with the book and then I'll move onto the DVD/program because I truly want to understand finances so I can be in control. And dating is hard. I lose my appetite and never feel like I'm in control, so I guess I can see a correlation,

Three fundamentals stood out from both books ( I'm only halfway through so there might be more):

1. Don't Do Anything Until You Understand!

I'm not saying you need to have an MBA before you can confidently make wise financial choices, but I'm learning you can't sign up for or sign the line on anything until you understand it! I wish I had understood some things before starting college like how loans really work and interest, etc, etc. I'm learning that you don't make a deal or sign up for a mutual fund without understanding the fine print- not just accepting everything a banker or realtor tells you! A little knowledge, education, and understanding will save me a lot in the long run. Also understanding my goals and motivation behind the money puts me in control.

You might be wondering how this applies to dating since women and men might not truly understand the opposite gender until the next life. But McCann's first point is that when you date, the product is yourself. And you can't "sell" a product you don't know and love. You have to know who you are and love it before you can be part of a meaningful relationship. I'm at a point now where I do feel like I know who I am and what I need/want. I am finally comfortable in my own skin and I'm loving it! And I'm starting to see the difference in my dating life.

2. KISS!

Not your realtor or banker though. K.I.S.S. stands for "keep it simple, stupid!" This beautiful concept of simplicity has changed many things in my life as I've realized how to apply it. Right after I understand what I'm signing up for, I have to make sure I am making a choice that fits within my budget, within my financial plans and goals. They say that the best way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket or, in other words, SAVE $. Or another one- the best way to get rich quick is not to get rich quick. Simple money saving tricks, simple saving plans, simple and clear budgets. Keep it simple.

In dating, this principle can be applied in oh so many ways. But specifically, she was referring to the tendency women have to over-share and over-talk before that is really okay. Her advice? Keep it simple- listen. Listen more than you talk. Don't go so far so that you don't talk or only talk about him- you still need to express opinions and share who you are, but listen more. Anyone can just talk, but someone who truly listens is a rare gem.

3. Discipline

It requires a fair amount of discipline to get out of debt and achieve financial goals. It requires discipline to talk myself out of ice cream and remind myself that I'm saving so I can stick to my budget. It's possible that it requires a bit more discipline as a young single adult because I'm just learning some of these financial guidelines and I also don't have a built-in other person to whom I am accountable. It's a good thing to have a parent, friend, CPA, etc help me be accountable, but in the end it's all up to me.

And if I thought it was hard to talk myself out of treating myself to ice cream, it is much harder to avoid eagerly responding when a man I'm interested in calls or texts. I promise this isn't a game, but waiting to respond allows me to process, keep it simple, and not come across as needy or desperate. Even if I was waiting by the phone all evening. It takes discipline when I really connect with someone not to spill my heart out and tell him I want marriage, a dozen kids, a German shepherd puppy, and a vegetable garden. It takes discipline to say no to someone I'm really starting to like when I discover that we don't share some very important goals. Wow, dating takes a lot of self-discipline.

I'm sure there are many other parallels. What have you seen?