Hello Friends!  (Lesson 3)

 I am richly blessed with friends who are willing to share their honest views on issues, though they may differ from mine. I have shared this story time and time again, but my closest friend's (Michelle) husband has long asked, in regards to Michelle's and my friendship "How can the two of you get along so well and believe so differently?" Our answer: "Why not?" Additionally, we have come to find in our twenty years of friendship, that we are not really that different! 

     I openly welcome opportunities to share what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints, thus the birth of this very blog many years ago. I truly appreciate this opportunity to be more educated regarding the rulings of Obergefell v.Hodges,the decision of the Supreme Court to make legal same-sex marriages, which I have never taken the opportunity to read. Having the opportunity to study the reasoning from the majority as well as the wisdom of those who dissented brought up many points which I had considered in the past but had never exactly been able to put words to. For instance, it is typical of friends who believe differently than me concerning same-sex marriage to cite how we are closed-minded or unable to accept that others with a different view of marriage are able to receive health benefits...etc.  

     Most of all, I value Roberts' assessment: "The fundamental right to marry does not include a right to make a state change its definition of marriage." And why, the majority did not see the connection with one of their closing remarks, I do not understand. The majority stated, "Marriage is the foundation of the family and of society, without which there would be neither civilization or progress." This remark could very well be an argument for heterosexual marriages, except for the context in which is is used. 

     In my life, I strive to live as (then) Elder Nelson counseled, "The future of marriage and of countless human lives will be determined by your willingness to bear solemn witness of the Lord and live according to His gospel." THIS I KNOW AND THIS I DO.

With Love,

Katie

References: Nelson, Russell. Disciples of Jesus Christ - Defenders of Marriage.Aug 2014                          BYU Speeeches. 

                    Obergefell v.Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015). Supreme Court of the United States. 

Hello Friends,   (Lesson 2)

    I have embarked upon a new journey! In my last post, way too long ago, I wrote about the Pathway program which I finished in December 2017. I am now in my fourth course of my formal education. My major is Marriage and Family Studies, and the course I am taking this semester is simply titled, "Marriage." One of our responsibilities for class is to post on our blog regarding what we have learned throughout the week in our reading and interactions which are built into the course material. I am happy to have this opportunity to purposefully and regularly blog about the things that mean the most to  me. Thank you for sharing this time here with me; may we each be richly blessed in our MOST treasured relationships: OUR FAMILIES in whatever way they are structured!

     In establishing our own family and in choosing how to parent, I am grateful for my mother who is a transitional character in my life and for the lives that follow. As Carlfred Broderick taught in the May 1987 Liahona, "...God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families." She has done just that. My mom came from generations of alcoholism, and as was such for the time in general, families who did not invest much time in their children. Though my mom suffered much in her life, she knew that her children would be her most precious treasures, and she chose to break the cycle that had truly plagued her family for so long....how grateful I am!

     The National Marriage Project publishes a "State of Our Unions" to regularly assess and advise on marriage in America. The NMP maintains, "Marriage is not merely a private arrangement; it is also a complex social institution. Marriage fosters small cooperative unions - also known as stable families - that enable children to thrive, shore up communities, and help family members to succeed during good times and to weather the bad times." I am thankful for The Family: a Proclamation to the World, a declaration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints regarding families and how much the two go hand in hand. 

     I am thankful that entities and agencies across the nation are taking a good hard look at what is happening in marriage and families, taking the time to study not only current trends but trends of the past as well. I appreciate that many agencies are realizing the importance of positive father figures and look forward to seeing increasing competence in how to integrate husband/father courses as well as marriage courses in general. 

     I have had the advantage of living in mostly conservative communities which value and hold sacred the marriage union and cling to the traditional family. I do see more and more, though, the negativity toward spouses in everyday conversation. Sadly today, I read a Facebook post regarding the music abilities of the children in one of my children's classes as "irritating" and "bothersome." I chose to make a positive comment on the page, saying that I appreciate the school having a music program at all, and how much I loved hearing my son play. I know that each of us can make a difference upon those we touch, whether we know them personally or not!

Sincerely,

Katie

That I Might Have JOY!!!

    Hi Everyone!! 
     Since my last post, I have started an AMAZING new journey in my education. The Pathway program which is offered through BYU-Idaho and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a year long educational program which, after I complete, I will be more prepared to further my higher education. My long term goal is to earn an online Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Studies through BYU-Idaho. I have many passions in relation to this degree; only Heavenly Father knows where all of those will lead me.
     In our reading of the Book of Mormon this week, we get to learn about a scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25: "Adam fell that me might be; and men are, that they might have joy." First off, "men" means, in this instance, men, women and children. In studying about this scripture, I have come to a stronger belief of it's truth and that had Adam not partaken of the "forbidden fruit", none of us would be on the earth. And though I cannot describe it as eloquently as some of the talks I have recently read, essentially, Christ's Atonement could not have happened either, nor would the entire Plan of Salvation which God has made possible for each of us. And since Christ was to come into the world to set a perfect example for us, and since we were all to be here on Earth, and since we need the Atonement (Christ's giving of His life for us, suffering for our sins, understanding our pains, being our ADVOCATE), it was essential for Adam to fall from the presence of God. He did not sin, he transgressed: an often overlooked difference in wording and definitely in meaning.
     I have been wanting to include in my blog the following quote by Russell M. Nelson (and now is a wonderful time to do it): "What will you and I be able to endure as we focus on the joy that is 'set before' us? What repenting will become a strength? What chastening will become a blessing? What disappointments, even tragedies, will turn to our good? And what challenging service to the Lord will we be able to give?"
     That is so POWERFUL!!! I, like most in this world, do not look forward to or welcome disappointments or tragedies. However, as we view enduring, repenting, chastening, service and yes, even tragedy through the lens of our eternal lives and the growth that our merciful God desires for us, we see His plan. We feel His love, we take upon us His strength, we feel blessed, we serve with joy, we know good, and we DO HAVE JOY!!!

May each of you truly be blessed with joy on this day, 
even in great physical or emotional pain,
even in the depths of disappointment or tragedy,

Love,
Katie

Light the World

     First, I want to share a quote I read in a really great Christmas book that I read last night. The book is titled Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury. The quote "CHRISTMAS MIRACLES HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE." I needed that last night. I needed it today. I got a letter in the mail today informing me that I am unqualified for an employment opportunity I had applied for. I was already sad because of some other things. I was also sad because it looked like I was not going to be able to take an educational course I recently registered for due to lack of enrollment, and I truly felt that broadening my education would make it possible for us to be where we need to be to help others. THEN TODAY, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL INFORMING ME THAT THE CLASS WILL BE HELD AFTER ALL!!! THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER FOR GIVING ME WHAT I NEED.
     I also want to record my favorite scripture. It is a new favorite after many years of my favorite being Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46. My new favorite is in the Book of Mormon.   1 Nephi 17:3
"AND NOW WE SEE THAT THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD MUST BE FULFILLED.
 AND IF IT SO BE THAT THE CHILDREN OF MEN KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF  GOD HE DOTH NOURISH THEM, AND STRENGTHEN THEM, AND PROVIDE MEANS               WHEREBY THEY CAN ACCOMPLISH THE THING WHICH HE HAS COMMANDED                     THEM."
     In just now typing that, I realized how very profound it is, particularly considering today's experience.

     I also wanted to post the link to ODE TO JOY, one of my very favorite songs in flashmob form. Beware, it is AMAZING: grab tissues.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbJcQYVtZMo   (be sure to watch for the little girl who climbs the light post).

Merry Christmas
Love,
Katie
ps. I  have no idea how to undo the silly spaces in this post: they do not show in the draft.

       

The purple on purple idea didn't work so well. The last post says:
Some days you need to see something GREAT.
Yesterday was one of those days.
This is what I saw.

Sure needed this yesterday

There are just some days when you need to see something GREAT.
 Yesterday was one of those days. 
Here is what I saw.

Thanks Mom!!

God is so personal!!

Wow: it just took me 20 minutes to sign in: I guess that's the joy of not blogging very often!

I wanted to take  a few moments to testify of the truth that God knows each of us personally and if we are watching, He will send us reminders of His love in very personal ways. I have two quotes illustrating this truth. 
   First, "Our souls should be so deeply rooted in Christ that we will be able to endure any challenge, triumph over any affliction, withstand any attack on our faith, and become like oak trees - firm, immovable, and steadfast. That kind of rootedness transcends time and outlasts every enemy, even the most subtle, invisible and insidious ones." (Elder Clayton Aug 2016 Ensign magazine) What a blessing to know that this is ABSOLUTELY true. As I battle depression, anger and negative self talk, I continue to TAKE ONE MORE STEP everyday. I continue to endure and triumph and withstand. God's goodness to me and my faith in Him truly "outlasts every enemy." That even means the enemy of our souls, he who would destroy us. Some days are much harder to withstand: a blogging day is not one of those days. YEA!! Some days, we do not know how we will take that one more step, but we must. The very next step may bring the light we are seeking: and if not that step, then one more and one more. We will not drown if we keep our head above water! If we can't do it beautifully right now, that is OK. But just do it.
     Second, "If prayer had no other function than to help us concentrate on the deepest concerns of our life - even to reveal ourselves to ourselves - it would be worth doing." (Truman Madsen in the book titled Prayer p 73.) I would like to emphasize: "EVEN TO REVEAL OURSELVES TO OURSELVES". He is so selfless!!! He gives us prayer for US: it's not for Him. Though He does adore us and loves hearing us speak to Him through prayer, He receives no blessing from our prayers. WE DO!!!
     May we take another step today IN PRAYER.
Love,
Katie