Without it, we are nothing...

Did you know that Anne Frank wrote: “It's difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” I just recently read that and wondered to myself whether she felt the same way after she went into the concentration camp. I hope so.

I've written a post about faith and hope, so now I thought I'd throw in some thoughts about charity. A prophet in the Book of Mormon defines charity as the "pure love of Christ" (Moroni 7:47). And then in his great discourse on charity in 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul explains that he realizes he can have a number of noteworthy character traits and attributes--but "if [he has] not charity, [he] is nothing." So apparently having this pure, Christ-like love for others is important. And as I have reflected on my life, I realize that the moments in my life that I remember most vividly and clearly, the moments that have changed me and the way I have seen myself and others and changed the way I acted, are moments when people showed me sincere, Christ-like love and mercy and kindness even though I didn't deserve it.

A couple of examples: While working at a restaurant one summer, an elderly couple ordered a cherry pie on an especially busy Friday night. As I was supposed to do, I went back to the kitchen, asked them to heat up a cherry pie, and then forgot all about it in the rush of everything else. When I passed the couple again, they asked about the pie and I apologized and hurried back to the kitchen. Another waitress had already taken my pie out to a different table. So I ordered a pie again and again forgot about it. This happened a couple of times before I finally got that pie out to the couple, 30 minutes later. By that time, they were understandably extremely agitated and all I could do was apologize, pay for the pie out of my own pocket, and apologize again. Naturally, tears welled up in my eyes while I apologized, and though the old man and woman wanted to be very angry at me and probably disparage me to my manager and leave the restaurant in a huff, they instead, saw my tears and visibly softened and felt bad for me, the harried, exhausted waitress rather than rightfully putting me in my place. I have never forgotten it. 

The second experience was in college. I was taking an 8 am class (never a good idea for me) and was often a few minutes late to it. It was an English class and it was pretty small, no more than 15 or 20 people in it, and I was thoroughly enjoying the material and I really liked the professor. I just had a hard time getting up and getting to class before the bell rang. Much to my surprise, one morning after class, my professor stopped me on my way out and said something to the effect of "I have noticed that you have been late the last few days." I probably noticeably cringed, expecting a lecture on how the professor's time was important or something to that effect (I have heard professors say it to a classroom of people before....) What he said next floored me. He said, "Is anything wrong? Is there anything I can do to help you get here on time?" And he sincerely meant it. I was shocked. He probably was well aware that I was just one of those lazy people who didn't get out of bed when the alarm went off, but instead of lecturing me, he showed concern and kindness. And you know what?  I was on time to that class the rest of the semester. Strange what a big of goodness and kindness can do for a person.

I recently re-watched one of my favorite movies in the world, Ramona and Beezus. And I cried at three different spots in the movie. I cried because they were moments where people were just being good and kind and it made me happy....and I cried because I am hormonal.  At the end of the movie, Aunt Bea leans out the window, takes Ramona's face in her hands and says, "Ramona, you are extraordinary" and she meant it. And I started crying, because if you've watched the whole movie like I had, you knew that it was just what Ramona needed to hear. It is just what we all need to hear now and then. And yes, I know that if we are all extraordinary then doesn't that mean that none of us are extraordinary. Maybe so. But instead of looking at it that way, let's look at it as none of us are always extraordinary, so let's admire it in people in the moments where they are. Let's make those moments count and it will carry us all through the non-extraordinary moments.

I believe that people are extraordinary. I believe we are endowed with charity at times and in those moments, we feel pure and unselfish love towards people, even when they are having non-extraordinary moments. It is the kind of love that changes us and it changes them. It is love that comes from God and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ and that if we pray for it with "all energy of heart," He will give us more (Moroni 7:48). 

- Elin

Who really likes this song by Nickel Creek.

"Becometh as a child"

Every Sunday during Sacrament meeting, our worship service, we listen as 2 or 3 people in our congregation speak on an assigned topic. Last Sunday the first speaker was a 12 year old girl who talked about hope and faith. It was a short, simple talk that left me pondering her words all day. The meeting continued and I was watching a little 3 year old girl sitting one row in front of us. She was using stickers and crayons to quietly create her masterpiece. Once she finished, she quietly walk over to an adjacent pew and gave her picture to another little girl and then quietly returned to her seat. The little girls was so excited to get this picture and spent several minutes touching the stickers and looking at all the drawings. She then grabbed her crayons and returned the favor.

As we watched this interchange take place over about an half hour, Ben and I were both touched. Ben leaned over and whispered in my ear, “This is my favorite part today.” I agreed and thought about why it was so touching to us.

Little children are so full of love. I could give example after example of this. They are kind, innocent, and loving. I think it is because of this that we are counseled to become as little children so often in the scriptures. Here are a few: 3 Nephi 11:37, Matthew 18:3, and Mosiah 3:19 which says,

“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”

I hope that I can apply this to my own life and be quicker to show acts of kindness and love with humility. I’m glad we are reminded so often in the scriptures because I need frequent reminders.

-Ryanne

Who received this card last Easter from a very thoughtful niece…

Ok, this one is to Ben but mine was similar

"ben Somebunny love you"

It Me! Love Devynn

Upon This Rock

Yesterday our normal Sunday church meetings were exchanged for Stake Conference, which is held semi-annually. This Stake Conference was unique in some ways, because a new stake was formed during the conference. That is to say, a certain number of wards were pulled away from other stakes to create a new stake (click on the link above for explanation of wards and stakes). New wards and stakes are created when there are too many members of the Church in one ward or stake to be adequately taken care of, both spiritually and physically. Leaders were called for the new stake, and they in turn will be calling others to help in various service roles. So how were these leaders chosen? It wasn't by popular vote, or by resume; not by any sort of contest. They were called through revelation from God.

In a conversation with His disciples, Jesus Christ asked them a question regarding Himself:

 5 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the rock that Christ refers to in this passage is the rock of revelation. Christ tells Peter that his knowledge of who Christ is comes from God. Knowledge from God is revelation.

As God revealed to Simon who Jesus truly was, He reveals similar truths to us today. As Christ pronounced that His Church would be built upon the rock of revelation, it is established today. When the new leaders of our Stake were called yesterday, they were called through the process of revelation. Men with authority (see verse 19, same chapter) to act on God's behalf called these leaders because it had been revealed to them that such was God's will. And so Christ's Church continues to be established, "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Forrest

--who doesn't know as much about rocks as he should

A Review of Meet the Mormons - kind of...

So is there anyone else out there that looks on the Rotten Tomatoes website to look at critics' reviews before they go see a movie? I do. I'm not even sure why I do anymore because a lot of the time, I don't see eye to eye with them on whether a movie is worth seeing or not...or whether a movie is especially great or especially bad. But usually, there are at least one or two critics listed with reviews that I agree with. And that makes sense. We are all different. We all see things differently. We all go to movies, read books, listen to music for different reasons and bringing different life experiences and expectations to the table. It makes sense.

So when I decided to go see the movie Meet the Mormons a few days ago, I went to the Rotten Tomatoes website to see what the critics thought. And this is what they thought: 0% recommended it. I have to admit, I thought that was kind of funny. I have never gone to look at reviews for a movie and seen a 0% of the "tomatometer." Most of the critics thought the people's stories were optimistic but felt the film was merely PR stunt done by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the critics didn't like that it didn't address some of the "controversial" issues that the church doesn't agree with the media on. Things like same-sex marriage. Granted there were only 8 reviews by critics so not very many critics have seen or made any comment on the film.

What is strange to me about those 8 critics' issues with the film is the following:

1. The Church did make this movie basically to be a PR thing. And it really professes to be nothing else. The movie website says:

"Meet the Mormons examines the very diverse lives of six devout Mormons. Filmed on location and across the globe, Meet the Mormons takes viewers on a journey into the day-to-day realities of individuals living in the U.S., Costa Rica, Nepal and beyond. From their individual passions to their daily struggles, each story paints a picture as rich and unique as the next while challenging the stereotypes that surround the Mormon faith." 

The only thing the movie claims to be is the story of six diverse, devout Mormons. And it hopes to challenge stereotypes (like Mormons have lots of wives and Mormons aren't Christian) that surround the Church, not to delve into controversial beliefs.

2. The Church is not trying to hide its fundamental beliefs. Delving into Mormon doctrine wasn't the purpose of this film, according to the movie description above. However, anyone interested in knowing about the Church's beliefs about marriage, Jesus Christ, and the roles of men and women in the family and in the church can find it on the Church's websites: like this one and this one and this one. Also, in recent years, PBS and others have produced documentaries (the kind of documentaries that I assume the critics wanted this movie to be) about Mormons. One of them is called "The Mormons" and was produced by people who are not members of the Church. It talks about the history and beliefs of Mormonism and tries to show things from a non-Mormon, ex-Mormon, and devout Mormon perspective. So that kind of documentary already exists and can be viewed on the PBS website.

That being said, what did I think of the film? Well, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So the people portrayed in this film shared my religious beliefs. So am I biased? Absolutely. Did I like the film? I did. I thought the life stories shared in the film were vibrant and inspiring. Their stories made me want to be a better person because they were people that got up off of their chairs and did a lot of good--they accomplish things in their lives that I am too lazy or selfish or scared to do in my own life and I want to be better because of them. (I know people who aren't members of this Church who live similar lives and inspire me to be better. The people in this film happen to be members of my Church.) It was also filmed beautifully. I loved the gorgeous glimpses of Costa Rica and Nepal and even Atlanta, GA that I got as I watched. I didn't know that I wanted to visit Nepal until now.

Should you go see it? Sure! If you have no desire to know anything more about Mormons but you want to just see people doing good things and want to leave feeling a little happier yourself, then this is worth your time. (And all proceeds to the Red Cross.) If you are looking for a documentary that delves into the doctrine and history of the Church and addresses the beliefs and controversial issues from several different perspectives, then this film will probably frustrate you as it did the critics.
If you want to know more about Mormons, this is a positive look at the cream of the crop...I'm certainly not even close to as wonderful as the people in this film...but the best place to find out about Mormons is by checking out your local Mormon church. Attend a worship service there. Meet the Mormons in your community. You can find a church building in your area at this website.

Elin
- Who really wants to go to Nepal.....

Meaningful Relationships

Last weekend was fabulous; it was uplifting. We were able to spend several hours listening to the Prophets and Apostles speak. We call it General Conference and it occurs every six months. When conference is over I always feel spiritually nourished. On Saturday Ben and I watched two 2-hour sessions together. There was a two hour break between the two sessions and, somehow, we have started a tradition of going on a run together during that break.

We jogged to a beautiful park and began running the trails. There are huge trees along the paved path that shadow it completely. I have very weak joints so I was running off the pavement trying to strengthen those joints so I can do an off road course. Moments after I stepped off the path I tripped on a tree root. I fell pretty hard and there was quite a bit of pain. Ben reached me quickly, pulling me up out of the dirt and hugged me to give me time to compose myself.

There was no way I would be running anymore that day. Ben has been training for an upcoming race and so I told him to go on ahead and run. I was in pain but I could make it on my own just fine. When I told him to go ahead he looked at me as if I was a crazy person then put his arm around me. He took my hand and stated very clearly that he was going to stay by my side. We made our way to some bleachers where I could stretch and rest. When I felt a little better we slowly walked home side by side. He pretty much had to carry me up the stairs to our 3^rd floor apartment.  We got back just in time to start the next session of conference.

That night I couldn’t sleep so I took some time to review the day in my journal. I contemplated my relationship with Ben mostly but also my close relationships with family and friends. It is inevitable- a time will come when, due to physical, spiritual, or emotional weakness, you or someone close to you will fall. My hope is that someone will be there to help you, as Ben was there for me this day. When the Savior was on Earth, He gave two great commandments in Mark 12:29-31:

And Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater.

I don’t think there is much that brings our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ more joy than when we reach out and help one another. Service is a great way to show our love for Him. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband and family that I can lean on when I need extra support. Having meaningful relationships gives us opportunities to carry those who need help and also loving support for those times we find ourselves down in the dirt and looking for a hand to grab. 

Mosiah 2:17:

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

-Ryanne
Who is going on the town with her husband right... now 

Through Faith on His Name

Today I want to just include some verses from The Book of Mormon that I read this morning, and let you ponder it yourself. For context, this is a king making his final address to his people, and takes place close to 100 BC in the ancient Americas. Mosiah 3:5-9:

5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

 6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

 7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

 8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

 9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name;

Forrest
--Who needs more faith (and the weekend)

Hope Remained

Cerulean Warbler, Photograph by Wil Hershberge,
Nationalgeographic.com

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

Emily Dickinson, The Poems of Emily Dickinson Edited by R. W. Franklin (Harvard University Press, 1999)

 To Emily Dickinson, hope was like a bird that "perches" within us and keeps us warm despite the problems and "storms" all around us. In Greek mythology, hope was the last thing Pandora (the first human woman, created by the gods) found in the jar (or what we think of now as a box) that was given to her as a wedding present. She was instructed not to open the jar, but naturally opened it anyway subsequently unleashing all evil which spread throughout the earth. But there at the bottom of the jar, hope remained.

I think it is safe to say that hope is a universal concept--something everyone has felt at some point in their lives; but it is a concept that has always been hard for me to wrap my brain around, especially the times in my life when I have felt hopelessness or despair. But writers and cultures and scripture promise that hope is something that is always there if we reach out for it. And that if we have hope, we will be happy (Proverbs 10:28) and when our hope is grounded in the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it will be an anchor (Ether 12:4) and protection (1 Thes. 5:8) to us--and a motivation for us to keep doing what Heavenly Father asks, even when it doesn't always make sense in the moment. (like Abraham who "against hope believed in hope" as explained in Romans 4:18-21.)

I didn't really understand how hope could play such a vital role in our lives until I had an experience in a class while I was working at a University. I had already completed my Bachelor's degree and was working full-time for the University, but I decided to take a few classes related to some of my current interests. After reviewing the work I did for one of my classes, the professor took me aside and told me something like "I think you have a talent for this, Elin" and he told me I should apply to a graduate program related to the subject we were studying. That is all he said, but for some reason, it changed my entire perspective about myself and my capabilities and my future. I had faith in the professor's opinion because he had been studying and teaching the subject for years...it was a huge part of his life. And so those few words that he said to me gave me more hope in my own abilities and work beyond what merely believing in myself could do. (Don't get me wrong...Belief in self is absolutely necessary too!)

That experience opened up to me the kind of hope that faith in God and his messages to His children can do for me and I can see how that kind of hope can move a person forward, even in the darkest times. (For more on hope, this talk is wonderful.)

-Elin

Who really wants to eat an entire jar of candy corn at this very moment....disgusting, right?