Daily Reflection

So I got this great little book for Christmas....
A Lamp Unto My Feet: a Daily Reflection on the old testament by Lloyd D Newell and Robert L Millet.

So I opened it up for today's reflection and this is what I found:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Zechariah 9.9
President Gordon B Hinckley Said; "Put on they beautiful garments, O Daughters of Zion. Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, Children with a divine birthrights. Walk in the sun with your heads high. Know that you are loved and honored, that you are part of His kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others" (Ensign, November 1983, 84). It is gospel light that gives us comfort and direction, peace and contentment in this life. An abiding testimony of the Father's great plan of happiness for us, his children, empowers us to climb the mountains of morality with courage and steadfastness. Yes, we'll have our sorrows and setbacks, and we'll have our joys and triumphs. Surely the Lord will strengthen us as we rise to the divinity within us.

If found this to be incredibly fitting. I totally expected a reflection on Isaiah or something of the sort to do with Christmas, but you know this was exactly what i needed to share today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints we fully believe that we are the literal children of our Heavenly Father. We believe that when the bible tells us we were known before we were born we really were. We believe that our spirits were created by Heavenly Father and therefore he is our Father. He loves each of us and he provided a way for all of his children to return home. We believe that we lived with our Father in Heaven before this earth life and that we made a decision to follow him and to come to earth to receive bodies and be tested. We believe that as his children we are entitled to a divine inheritance and that if we do everything we can in this life then through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that all will be saved and that we will return to our home in heaven.

I have been reading another wonderful book all about Eve in the Garden. And even she had a diving purpose that only she could fulfill. Just like her each of us have our own purpose here on earth. We have not inherited some horrible sin of Eve's just because we are women. Eve may have transgressed but it was not a Sin. She had been told that she needed to multiply and replenish the earth. In her wisdom she knew that to remain in the garden in a pure state would not allow her to fulfill her commandment from Heavenly Father. She chose to enter mortality that all of us might be. Just like her we have our own choices and ability to think for ourself. We have the ability to understand the consequences of all actions good or bad and we are Daughters of a Diving Heavenly Father and As long as we remember that we are divine we will succeed.

Jesus Christ

On this marvelous and holy day I want to take a minute to share a link with you. The following excerpts are from the linked page...
http://www.mormon.org/jesus-christ/

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.”

MATTHEW 1:21

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and healing the people of the Holy Land. He also organized His Church and gave His apostles "power and authority" (Luke 9:1) to assist in His work.

But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world? The Redeemer? Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer. In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever.

This is a divine season and while the birth of Christ did not actually happen in December (historically the information we have available indicates he was born in the spring) it is still important to remember that Because of the Birth of Christ the Atonement of all mankind is possible. Christ died and was ressurected for every man, women and child to ever live...before or after him. He suffered for all mankind, Is the savior of all even those who do not know or recognize him. He fulfilled prophesy and he gave the greatest gift to the world, His life. So this Holiday season don't just dwell on his miraculous birth remember the gift he give all mankind freely and that is the ability to overcome death and return home. Every one gets it and none will be forbidden. 

There is a Children's song sung in our church and It is the most beautiful of songs....

HE SENT HIS SON

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask? Live like his Son.

Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910

Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941
© 1982 by Mabel Jones Gabbott and Michael Finlinson Moody. Arr. © 1989 IRI

I leave this with you and that Is I know He lives, I know he loves each of everyone of us, and most important he knows what is in our life and he will help if we only ask. This holiday season and the months to come are a time to reflect and remember a glorious and amazing life. The life of one who would give everything for everyone even if they never know his name. I bare this witness that I Know he loves us and that he truly will take our burdens if we just have faith and as for his help.

I type these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Tis the season

This is a great message about giving this holiday season for a wonderful man of God.

Enjoy this wonderful song of the Season.

Some FAQ's on Baptism

the following FAQ's are borrowed from Mormon.org

I had a feeling that this needed to be posted....

What does Mormonism teach regarding baptism?

“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). Baptism in water is an ordinance essential to our salvation. By being baptized, we show God that we are willing to be obedient to His commandments. Jesus set the example for us by being baptized, even though He was without sin (seeMatthew 3:13-17). When we are baptized, we enter into a covenant, a two-way promise, with God. We promise to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to keep His commandments, and to serve Him to the end, and He covenants that we may always have His Spirit (Holy Ghost) to be with us (See Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). The Savior revealed the proper method of baptism to the Prophet Joseph Smith, making clear that the ordinance must be performed by one having priesthood authority and that it be done by immersion (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:72-74).

Immersion is symbolic of the death of a person’s sinful life and the rebirth into a spiritual life, dedicated to the service of God and His children. It is also symbolic of death and resurrection. (See Romans 6:3-6) Little children are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ. They are “alive in Christ” and cannot sin. They do not need baptism until they understand the difference between right and wrong. The Lord has revealed that children should be baptized at eight years of age. (See Book of Mormon, Moroni 8:8-24; Doctrine and Covenants 29:46-47,68:27

Why do Mormons baptize their new members?

Jesus Christ taught that we must be baptized by immersion (Mark 16:16; 3 Nephi 11:21-26). He set the example Himself by being baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).

We are baptized by someone who has God’s priesthood authority for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16). We are also baptized to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Through the ordinance of baptism, we make a promise, called a covenant, with God. We promise to accept Christ, to become His followers, and to keep His commandments to the end of our lives. In return, our Heavenly Father promises to forgive our sins and let us return to live with Him, provided we keep our covenants.

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Jesus Himself, though without sin, was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to show the way for all mankind (seeMatthew 3:13-17; 2 Nephi 31:5-12). Thus, baptism is essential for salvation in the kingdom of God. We learn in the New Testament that baptisms for the dead were done during the Apostle Paul’s time (see 1 Corinthians 15:29). This practice has been restored with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith first taught about the ordinance of baptism for the dead during a funeral sermon in August 1840. He read much of 1 Corinthians 15, including verse 29, and announced that the Lord would permit Church members to be baptized in behalf of their friends and relatives who had departed this life. He told them “the plan of salvation was calculated to save all who were willing to obey the requirements of the law of God” (Journal History of the Church, 15 Aug. 1840).

Because all who have lived on the earth have not had the opportunity to be baptized by proper authority during life on earth, baptisms may be performed by proxy, meaning a living person may be baptized in behalf of a deceased person. Baptisms for the dead are performed by Church members in temples throughout the world. People have occasionally wondered if the mortal remains of the deceased are somehow disturbed in this process; they are not. The person acting as a proxy uses only the name of the deceased. To prevent duplication the Church keeps a record of the deceased persons who have been baptized. Some have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed the names of deceased persons are being added to the membership records of the Church. This is not the case.

Why do Mormons perform proxy baptisms in their temples?

Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (seeJohn3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. These individuals in the next life can then choose to accept or decline what has been done in their behalf.

Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

Throughout time, God has given His servants, the prophets, the authority to act in His name. This authority is called the priesthood. Jesus Christ gave the priesthood to His original Twelve Apostles by ordination (see John 15:16), and they directed the work of His Church after Jesus ascended to heaven. But after the Apostles were killed, the priesthood gradually disappeared from the earth.

In 1829 Joseph Smith received the priesthood authority to organize Christ’s Church from Heavenly Messengers who had held this authority anciently including the prophet John the Baptist and apostles Peter, James, and John. In 1830 the same Church of Jesus Christ that existed centuries ago was organized and restored to the earth.

The priesthood has two divisions. The lesser priesthood is called the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron in the Old Testament. It includes the authority to preach the gospel of repentance and to baptize. The greater priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood, named after Melchizedek in the Old Testament. It includes the authority to preside over the Church and to perform all ordinances, including giving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

There are more personal answers available at Mormon.org many of which are personal experiences of individual people. 

"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."


This is the 13th article of faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We use this as a guide for our everyday lives. The only person who would tell us that something is not good and that is law is the President of the church and at this time his name is Thomas S Monson. We believe that all things should be sought out prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost (also known as the Holy Spirit) We believe that things that encourage knowledge and learning are very important and that Stories of Good Triumphing over evil at all costs are very valuable. We have no problems with Sci-Fiction or Fantasy, We have no problems with books that have Magical elements, and we think that each person has the right to discover what is right for themselves. We teach that all should prayerfully search out the lord daily and that personal scripture study is very important to our spiritual wellbeing. We are encouraged to read our scriptures daily and that if we do that as well as seek the Lord in prayer we will find the guidance we need. We believe that things like Magic and other magical creatures are mythological, The religions that teach spells and magic are real are welcoming Satan in to their lives but that everything that is good is also twisted into evil by him. 


I personally have a rant and I have touched on it several times in the last few days. This happens and comes up every time a Harry Potter movie comes out. Harry Potter is not teaching your children Magic and Witchcraft. It is no more evil and demonic than Star Wars or any coming of age story that emphasizes that good conquers all. The story of Harry Potter shows Harry over coming all things that are evil through his diligence and moral values. He sticks to his values of Choosing the Right and not falling to evil when it is bombarding him from every angle. In today's society is not the means to overcome evil when you are surrounded by it at every turn a good value to teach your children. So many Christians close their minds and choose to judge when they refuse to look into it for themselves. Example my mom was unsure if Harry Potter was appropriate for my Baby Sister because she has delay issues and is scarred easily. So my mom got the books on tape and Listened to them first and she watches every movie first. So as a parent why would you not read something that your kids want to read before them. That is just common sense. More importantly why would you blindly burn a book you know nothing about?


I believe along with my Church that Families are the key to keeping faithful and pure in a changing society. We believe that the foundations for good moral choices are made in the home. If you just tell your kid no and never give a reason or you give a reason that is ludicrous and un-rational they will chose to defy you. If you take the time to seek out the truth for your self and share openly what you have learned with your kids they will follow what they are taught. It may take a while but they will always come back to the truths you helped them learn. 


So the summary today...Don't judge a book by it's cover. Whether it be a book a person or a religion. take the time to study out and prayerfully seek the lord in your study he will tell you the truth of all things. 




We Seek After These Things: Understanding the Young Women Values

Fantasy, Sci-Fiction and other genre books

Okay so this one fits in religion instead of on my book blog but I will be posting this as a back up on that site as well. A comment was made to my husband regarding the Harry Potter books, right on Facebook in response to taking a silly quiz...So here is the rant I want to share. MOST FANTASY and SCI-FICTION is written by Christians. You stand on your high horse and judge because you have not spent the time to learn or study for your self and you just blindly follow what you are told from a pulpit. I am taught to study and seek out in prayer the things I am taught. I am taught to seek after things of virtue and of good works. I am taught to recognize the Holy Ghost and to trust in the lord in all things. So if I am reading Harry Potter then maybe it is not demonic and evil. You have been told that by many and you are wrong. Books like Harry Potter teach children that Light and Purity will stand against all odds in the face of evil. They learn that by being virtuous and living up to their believes that they can stand against the tide of an evil world. What is demonic and un-Christlike in that? Well nothing really. You say well there is magic in the books and that is evil? well The magic is a story element nothing more. The books don't teach your kids magic they don't tell them to do magic it is just a story element.

So why the post...The following list is of Christian Authors, you would be surprised by some of them. The ones who write Sci-Fi/Fantasy are in Bold.

• Glenn Beck, a popular political commentator, has written a bestselling fiction book based on his childhood, The Christmas Sweater and a political thriller, The Overton Window (2010).
• Orson Scott Card, the popular mainstream science fiction author of the Ender's Game series. Card wrote the Women of Genesis series, based on people in the Old Testament. 
• Brandon Sanderson is the author of Elantris and the Mistborn series, as well as the final books of The Wheel of Time Series.
• Richard Paul Evans, an author most famous for his story The Christmas Box 
• Jerry Borrowman, writes co-authored biography and historical fiction. His first non-military book One Last Chance is set in the Great Depression. Life and Death at Hoover Dam is historical fiction meticulously researched to convey the drama of building the dam from 1931-1935.
• Betsy Brannon Green writes mystery and love stories set in a fictional Georgia community.
• Shannon Hale writes young adult fiction. She won the Newbery Honor award for Princess Academy in 2006, and the Utah State Book Award for Goose Girl in 2003.
• Jennie Hansen has received numerous writing awards and was the 1997 third place winner of the URWA Heart of the West Writers Contest for Some Sweet Day.
• Tracy Hickman is a best-selling fantasy author, best known for his work on Dragonlance as a game designer and co-author with Margaret Weis, while he worked for TSR. They also wrote the Darksword trilogy, the Death Gate Cycle, and the Sovereign Stone trilogy. 
• Chris Heimerdinger has authored over a dozen books, most of which are considered young adult novels.
• Joni Hilton is the author of fifteen books
• Dean Hughes . His Children of Promise and Hearts of the Children series take place during World War II and the 1960s forward, respectively.
• Stephenie Meyer, author of the incredibly popular Twilight Saga.
• Brandon Mull authored the book Fablehaven and its sequels Rise of the Evening Star and The Grip of the Shadow Plague. He has also written The Candy Shop War.
• Lee Nelson was a public relations and advertising copywriter before his first book was published in 1979. Lee is best known for his Storm Testament series of historical novels (nine volumes), and his Beyond the Veil series (four volumes). Lee is well known for his authentic research, which includes killing a buffalo from the back of a galloping horse with a bow and arrow, crossing the Green River many times on horseback, and riding with Mongolian nomads while gathering research for an upcoming book.^{[citation needed]}
• Anita Stansfield is a relatively edgy In some of her 25 books published since 1994 are themes like coping with cancer, domestic violence, rape, and adoption. .
• Rick Walton writes picture books, with many books focused on fun with the English language. He has been writing since 1987 ^]
• Robison Wells is a humorist whose novels have met with great critical praise. His most recent works combine suspense and humor.
• Linda Paulson Adams writes novels set in a futuristic world nearing the Second Coming. She won an AML Award for her short story, "First," Cornerstone Publishing's Fiction Book of the Year 2000 ^[6], and several honorable mentions for her poetry.
• Jack Weyland authored Charly, an early LDS fiction published in 1980. 
• Blaine M. Yorgason has written over seventy published works.

Now I know you saw a few authors you know and recognize...SO not only are they Christian, and they write things with some Christian themes...here is the shocker...are you ready...Every author above is LDS. yet that is write your favorite authors like Orson Scott Card and Stephanie Meyer are Mormon.

So next time you are against a book that you have never even researched keep in mind that not all books are evil just because they are fantasy or Sci-fiction and have magic or other aspects in it.