Mormon Political Neutrality

I remember at a young age someone reading over the church pulpit a letter from the first presidency asking us to participate on voting in current elections. There was never a stance on which party to vote for in these letters. But I do recall when Proposition 22 in California first came through to ban gay marriage, we were asked to support this matter. Then later with Proposition 8 over 2 years ago we were asked again to support this matter. I was on my mission at this time and I remember receiving so much grief from people on the streets and with less actives or former members - I did serve in Seattle after all. It was very confusing at times because we weren't on top of the news as missionaries. I remember when I came back from my mission, I was listening to a talk radio host an he said, "Unless you've been living underneath a rock, you should know all about..." and then he said name. I had no clue what he was talking about, must have lived under a rock. But I do remember what I heard in the wards I was a missionary over and know that it was no different than when it was for Proposition 22. We were standing up for the sanctity of the family and I believe in doing so.

It does not matter what politicians we support in the church. I know some very good Democrats and some very bad Republicans that are members and I believe the church is really for everyone.

Here is a link to a list of Latter-day Saint politicians http://famousmormons.net/pol.html

I received the following from my Political Science teacher here at BYU that used to be the Utah Democratic Party president -

_____________________________________________________

The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.

The Church does not:

• Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
• Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
• Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

The Church does:

• Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
• Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
• Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
• Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.

In the United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live, it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.

Relationships With Government

Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.

Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134

Political Party Participation of Presiding Church Officers

In addition, the First Presidency letter issued on 16 June 2011 is a re-statement and further clarification of the Church’s position on political neutrality at the start of another political season. It applies to all full-time General Authorities, general auxiliary leaders, mission presidents and temple presidents. The policy is not directed to full-time Church employees.

"General Authorities and general officers of the Church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full-time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions.

"Since they are not full-time officers of the Church, Area Seventies, stake presidents and bishops are free to contribute, serve on campaign committees and otherwise support candidates of their choice with the understanding they:

• Are acting solely as individual citizens in the democratic process and that they do not imply, or allow others to infer, that their actions or support in any way represent the church.
• Will not use Church stationery, Church-generated address lists or email systems or Church buildings for political promotional purposes.
• Will not engage in fundraising or other types of campaigning focused on fellow Church members under their ecclesiastical supervision."

My Brothers' Keeper

I want to thank my family for everything, but particularly my five brothers.

I have grown up in a wonderful family where my parents equally raised and taught six sons about principles of the restored gospel, happiness and life lessons. I am grateful for them and the immense amount of love that they have shown equally to each of us. I am number four of six boys. No girls (my mom wanted a daughter, that's probably why there are six of us). There is a 14 year gap between the oldest and youngest.

My brothers and I have had many years together now and have definitely had our ups and downs while we were young but now things are always good, always supportive and looking out for each other. Not that we were bitter enemies or never appreciated each other, we just had I think the typical brotherly fights. I often was the last to jump in a dogpile and at the end always the one on the bottom. Growing up as number four of six boys has been a reward and blessing but I didn't see it that way. I loved my brothers but I never fully appreciated them and understood what it meant for me to be their brother and them to be my brother.

It was a few years ago while I was at the beginning of my BYU studies that I began to realize what is meant to truly love and appreciate my family, particularly my brothers which I didn't always get along with. It was during a time that one of my older brothers who was particularly having a tough time and I was in Utah while he was in California. I was thinking a lot about him and one Sunday during church we sang the song, "Lord, I would Follow Thee," a classic song in the LDS hymnbook. The song speaks of following the Lord by helping others. The last two versus' struck out to me that had never before.

I would be my brother's keeper;

I would learn the healer's art.

To the wounded and the weary

I would show a gentle heart.

I would be my brother's keeper-

Lord, I would follow thee.

Savior, may I love my brother

As I know thou lovest me,

Find in thee my strength, my beacon, 

For thy servant I would be.

Savior, may I love my brother-

Lord, I would follow thee

As I sang these versus I began to cry realizing that yes, this song was referring to all of God's children to as "my brother" but this was much more personal, I am actually my brothers' keeper. I am to help them and ask for help to love them just as my Savior loves me. My brothers, at that moment, became not people I just grew up with, that I just so happen to share the same parents with but that these were my brothers, my family that I am sealed to for all eternity. I instantly gained a greater sense of love for my brothers and it changed my perspective on eternity, family, and happiness.

I would like to mention a little bit about what I appreciate for each of them.

Brian: My oldest brother, the righteous example to all of us younger in the family. He is solid in the gospel and firm with his knowledge of his purpose in life. Great father and husband to his family and great support to me for whenever I have random questions. He is very well rounded and uses his talents to bless others. I will always be grateful for the eldest child in a family because of his example.

Eric: My second oldest brother, the example of integrity and always having fun while doing it. He is I guess you can say the comic relief, that taught us all to have comic relief even during the darkest time. Even though he may be a bit goofy, he takes his purpose and calling in life serious. His family means everything to him and  I appreciate that example of what they mean to him. I will always be appreciative of his joy in life. 

Keith: My third oldest brother, the brother right above me and probably the one I have mot memories of doing things with. He is particularly strong with the adversary, he shows what true faith means. His example of integrity and do whatever it takes to get it done always inspires me. His love for his family and those around him are respectable. I can't express how grateful I am for his kindness to me from as early as I can remember. He is always the one to include in all activities when I am home, even if it means late nights playing the Wii. 

Kyle: My first younger brother, the Man among men. He has a humble and reverent heart. Always knowing what right from wrong is and following what is right. He was a young boy that I have seen to turn into a wonderful, faithful young man. He doesn't know it, but I have always looked up to him. I am grateful for his expressed excitement to spend time with me and to be excited for me to come home. 

Matt: My youngest brother, the hardworking and missionary spirited young brother. I am so grateful for his amazing ability to keep life simple and full of his joys. I admire his love to read. He has turned into a wonderful young boy that had great love for others into sharing the love for others through his missionary efforts as of recently. He inspires me to do more than what I thought I couldn't do. 

All of my brothers have been examples of being a missionary, working hard, putting on the good fight when it is tough, loving their parents, loving their wives and family, being sealed in the temple, and many many other things. I am grateful for their love and I pray that I would be their keeper, that I may love them as the Savior loves me. I am grateful to call them each my brother and I hope to be my brothers' keeper as I follow my Savior in keeping his commandments and serving His children. 

Pornography Harms

About a month ago in our ward's Elders Quorum we taught a lesson on Pornography. It was I guess you can say your normal "Pornography" lesson at church--why we need to abstain from it, the effects it has on you now and with a future spouse. All of which are very good reasons why we should not. A member of the stake presidency told me that probably at least 3/10's of priesthood holders are addicted to pornography in one way or another. That is just too much. So I thought I'd share two things I shared with the quorum.
1) Elder Holland's Mormon Message, "Watch Your Step"
2) Quotes from the sisters from the ward's relief society. I sent out a mass email to the sisters of the ward asking for their opinions and feelings about pornography that will help the elders to do be strong or stronger with this area of temptation. They are anonymous entrees. These quotes seemed to help the elders realize that there are sisters in their own ward that care about them and are encouraging them to be strong, valiant faithful priesthood holders of which they should be.

I know that anyone can overcome the addiction of pornography through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We do all that we can and ask the Lord to help us the rest of the way.

Quotes From The Sisters On Pornography

1. Advice is to set goals and resolve not to allow yourself to view pornography. Also, keep a picture of the Savior or the temple, or something like that by your computer. It really does help! If it pops up on the computer--turn it off. Run! Don't hesitate. If you are into pornography. think about your future. Think about the possible outcomes. Talk to a priesthood leader. It is hard, but the prize is worth it.

2. Pornography, to me is more than addiction. It is a vile disease that will eat you up. It is one of Satan's strongest tactics because it truly disintegrates the family and that is the biggest strength we can have. It takes away agency and leaves one alone--never satisfied and a skewed sense of relationships.

3. One of my very best friends back home has been hurt so much because her dad got into pornography which eventually caused her parents to get their temple sealing cancelled. It had been going on for years, and had only gotten worse because he hadn't gotten any help in overcoming it. He has since cleaned up his act somewhat and is now married to another woman, but the HARDEST thing in the world for me has been seeing how her trust for men just disappeared. Her own father, who is supposed to be a worthy priesthood holder, betrayed the trust that she had inherently put in him for as long as she knew. Dating has even been difficult because she's afraid to trust even the people who truly love her and won't hurt her. She has a little brother approaching Deacon age. He desperately needs a good example and I hope he will be able to learn from his grandpa, faithful home teachers, and other church leaders. But he should be able to learn that from his own father.

Most of all, I want her to know that someday when she gets married, there WILL be a wonderful man that will love and respect her, someone who she can trust with all of her heart. I want her to know that not all men are like that, even though the person who was supposed to be an example decided to give in to an extremely selfish desire -- one that cost him his family and left them trying to rebuild from the ashes.

4. Please, think of your future families. It affects so many more people than just you. They need to be able to TRUST you. And if pornography will hurt them, it will definitely hurt you too. There are way too many wonderful, righteous desires we can pursue in our lives to get hung up on something as stupid and selfish as pornography. Do not tolerate ANYTHING like unto it. Get away from it if you ever encounter it. Get help if you need it -- the sooner you take care of it, the less it will hurt, and remember the power of the Savior's atonement to help you become clean.

5. To those of you who have the COURAGE to turn off a movie or song, who walk out of the theater -- or better yet, not go in the first place -- you have my greatest thanks and admiration. That's what REAL strength is. Thank you. Please help your friends to do the same, and keep up the good work. I pray God will bless you in staying clean from the stains of the world. You CAN do it, and the Lord will always help you.

6. I would advise against pornography because it ruins your life and your ability to have a normal relationship.  It's one of those things that gets in your head and never leaves.  It's like a drug, just once is too much.

7.  I know a girl from home who is twice divorced because her husbands both had issues with pornography.  She is a wonderful person who deserves to be loved for who she is and it saddens me to see such a disgusting thing get in the way and ruin a sacred temple marriage. As women we want to be loved for who we are and not what we are. No one deserves to be treated as an object. If you want to be truly happy for the rest of eternity, stay away from nasty pornography and stick with good wholesome worthy temple marriage. You'll be glad you did.

8. Well, this is a pretty intense topic and I know it seems like we hear about it a lot, but the more of the world that I have seen, the more I understand how important it is to continually talk about this.  In short, pornography is one of the easiest tools for Satan to use because it seems so harmless at first.  It just seems like one picture, but that can become so addicting and can lead to worse things.  It would be hard to believe that such a horrible thing such as abuse or an affair could start with a pornography addiction.  It is a real danger and something that is threatening families everywhere.

9. I remember that we had a lesson one time in Relief Society about pornography and how it affects so many men in our society.  They told us that we need to be careful and we need to know about these problems if our boyfriends or husbands have had them in the past.  They told us to ask the people that we are dating if they have had issues with this in the past so that we can be there to help them if they have another problem.  I really went home and asked my boyfriend if he had ever had a problem with it in his life.  It may seem extreme, but I just feel like it is easier to tell your girlfriend about a potential problem that tries to work through the problems it has caused in your relationship later.  I know that it is something that ruins families and I do not want it to ruin mine so I will do what I have to in order to avoid it, meaning that I will offer all the love and support I can.

10. I've learned a lot about pornography within the last month or so because of people I know of who have admitted to struggling with an addiction for years. I think it's so important for the boys to know that if they do have an addiction they need psychological help. I've learned that it changes the chemicals within the brain making it almost impossible to get completely over it without psychological help. There's an awesome support group that I believe the church hosts that meets once a week at different places all over the valley. There's one just off campus that I know of. Moms, Dads, girlfriends, siblings, friends, etc can totally go with them as support too and learn for themselves about what a serious problem this is. Building a support group makes such a difference!

11. The boys need to realize that this does not make them lesser men. I think that those of them that may be struggling with an addiction would be shocked to find out how many others are struggling alongside them. I love my boys, especially those who are struggling and seeking help. It breaks my heart that you guys have to face this sort of thing. I strongly believe that having this addiction and overcoming it will only create better and stronger men for the future. They will become better church leaders, fathers, and patriarchs. This was definitely more than a sentence, but I feel very strongly about this subject. One last thing - everyone takes the attack from a "scare" approach. What I mean is that teachers use "scare tactics" by telling guys that if they look at pornography THEN they'll become rapists, sex addicts, drug addicts, etc. So what about the good guys who are struggling with this addiction? What hope do they have if they think people will only think of them as scum? We don't think of them as scum. We love them and want to help support them.

12.  I think the biggest thing for guys stuck in this situation- between being addicted and being free- is for them to realize that they aren't worthless and disgusting. It was so hard for me to see him berating himself and being so angry at himself that he didn't love himself at all- he felt like the scum of the earth. Sure, pornography is a horrible addiction, but it does NOT deprive anyone from the Savior's love. There is always a chance to pivot- to do a complete 180, stopping the bad direction, and pursuing the righteous path.

13. Guys know how girls are- we cry when we're happy, and we cry when we're sad. Some of us are pretty insecure, and small things can drop our opinion of ourselves. Well, picture a situation in which you have to tell your girlfriend or wife that you are addicted to pornography. To a woman, she will feel like you love the pornography more than her; that you think it is more beautiful than she is. (And I say "it" because pornography is not "real people," if you get my meaning. Pornography is a sick way to destroy the pure love and unity of man and wife.) When you find your woman and get married, you want to see only her, and God, in the relationship. There is no tangent line to the triangle. Don't let pornography be a tangent. It destroys, and never builds. Repentance is possible, and though it may not be easy, it's worth it. Heavenly Father sent us here and only gave us trials we can handle. With God, nothing is impossible.

14. Anyone struggling with that addiction just has to decide before hand to get whatever is tempting them out of the picture completely! Maybe that even means that every time they use their laptop, if they know that they might be tempted, if they are by themselves, then go into a room with people in it that will not be so private. They can find something to replace the lustful thoughts. Maybe they can find websites that are a good substitute for turning off the addiction. Maybe every time they get the urge to view, they can turn to mormon.org instead, or lds.org...and just get re-focused. Doing these things over time, consistently and diligently will dampen and ultimately bury those addictions. Of course, all the while praying without ceasing for help to conquer the addiction at hand.

15. Obviously pornography is bad. Can you imagine looking at it with your mother in the room? Christ? Anyone? Even if Satan was in there watching with you, you would be embarrassed because you gave in to his will and lowered your standards.

16. My grandfather viewed pornography. Although it may seem harmless, it eventually led him to drinking, participating in other behavior and he became an alcoholic. I never knew my grandpa sober- and even as a little girl I could see the disrespectful way he treated my grandmother. My grandmother could no longer take the abuse so at age 75, she separated from her husband of many years. My grandpa did not see the effects his selfish behavior had on anyone else because he was to busy with his own pleasures, it finally took him losing everything he had to come back to his senses, and now he is full of sorrow and regrets, wishing he could take back 50 years of his life. My mom, and aunts were also affected by his selfishness even us grandchildren. I was not important to my grandpa, until recently. Please please, stay away from this evil addiction as no good whatsoever will come of it. Families will be ruined.
Why it is bad, the effects

17. To continue with the thought of being fulfilled, I learned from my marriage prep teacher that sex is not a need, but a means to an end. The need we all have is to feel love and belonging. Pornography may seem a suitable medication at the time, but it will not ever fulfill that need. Trapping yourself in this addiction prevents you and whomever you decided to marry from having a fully healthy sexual relationship until you undo the unhealthy conditioning you have towards this media. I do feel that freedom IS possible though, through the Atonement and hard work in absence of denial.

If you have gotten into this heartbreaking pattern, recognize that it does NOT make you evil. If you pray to God and ask Him if He loves you, He WILL answer! He is there even when you pull away. He will help you.

18. Pornography breaks hearts, your own and the hearts of those you love. If you think that you aren't hurting anyone else, that is denial. But the reason these people hurt is because they love you. They want to you to succeed and feel fulfilled. I hope that you would pray about who in your life needs to know about your struggle so that they can be God's angels to help you. I am sure the Bishop will be just one of those.

For further information on it, look at my friends blog, she has made two specific posts on the subject. They are very good. 
Yes, I said it. Pornography
Porn Addiction: Let's Get Real About It

"God is the Gardner" Selection - Hugh B. Brown

Selection from Hugh B. Brown's "God is the Gardner"

Sixty odd years ago I was on a farm in Canada. I had purchased this from another who had been somewhat careless in keeping it up. And I went out one morning and found a currant bush at least six feet high. I knew that it was going all to wood. There was no sign of blossom or fruit. I had had some experience in pruning trees before we left Salt Lake to go to Canada, as my father had a fruit farm. I got my pruning sheers and went to work on that currant bush. And I clipped it, and cut it, and cut it down, until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps.

As I looked at them, I yielded to an impulse which I often have, to talk with inanimate things, and have them talk to me. It’s a ridiculous habit, but one I can’t overcome. As I looked at this little clump of stumps, there seemed to be a tear on each one. And I said, “What’s the matter, currant bush? What are you crying about?” And I thought I heard that currant bush speak. It seemed to say, “How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as large as the fruit tree and the shade tree. And now you’ve cut me down. And all in the garden will look upon me with contempt and pity. How could you do it? I thought you were the gardener here?”

I thought I heard that from the currant bush. I thought it so much that I answered it. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here. And I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you want to go, you’ll never amount to anything. But someday, when you’re laden with fruit, you’re going to think back and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down; for loving me enough to hurt me.’”

Ten years passed and I found myself in Europe. I had made some progress in the First World War in the Canadian Army, in fact I was a field officer. There was only one man between me and the rank of General, which I cherished in my heart for years. And then he became a casualty. And the day after I received a telegraph from London from General Turner in charge of all Canadian officers. He said, “Be in my office tomorrow morning at ten o’clock.” I puffed up. I called my special servant, they call them batmen over there. I said, “Polish my boots and my buttons. Make me look like a General, because I’m going up tomorrow to be appointed. He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went to London.

I walked into the office of the General, I saluted him smartly, and he replied to my salute as higher officers usually do to juniors, sort of a ‘get out of the way, worm.’ Then he said, “Sit down, Brown.” I was deflated. I sat down. And he said, “Brown, you’re entitled to this promotion, but I cannot make it. You have qualified, passed the regulations, you have had the experience. You’re entitled to it in every way but I can’t make this appointment.” Just then he went in to the other room to answer a phone call and I did what most every officer or man in the army would do under those circumstances: I looked over on his desk to see what my personal history sheet showed. And I saw on the bottom of that history sheet in large capital letters, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” Now at that time we were hated heartily in Britain. And I knew why he couldn’t make the appointment. Finally he came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him less heartily than before and went out.

On my way back to Shorncliff 120 miles away, I thought every turn of the wheel or crack across the rails was saying, “You’re a failure. You must go home and be called a coward by those who do not understand.” And bitterness rose in my heart until when I arrived finally in my tent, I threw rather vigorously my cap on the cot together with my Sam Brown belt. I clenched my fist and I shook it at heaven. And I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything that I knew how to do to hold the standards of the Church. I was making such wonderful growth, and now you’ve cut me down. How could you do it?”

Then I heard a voice. It sounded like my own voice. And the voice said, “I’m the Gardener here. I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you want to go you’ll never amount to anything. And someday, when you are ripened in life, you’re going to shout back across time and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down; for loving me enough to hurt me.’”

With those words which I recognized now as my words to the currant bush, which had become God’s word to me, I fell to my knees and prayed for forgiveness for my arrogance and my ambition. As I was praying there, I heard some Mormon boys in an adjoining tent singing the closing number of an MIA session, which I usually attended with them. And I recognized these words which all of you have memorized:

It may not be at the mountain peeks

Or over the storming sea,

It may not be at the battle front

That my Lord will have need of me.

But trusting my all in thy tender care,

And knowing thou lovest me

I’ll do thy will with a heart sincere.

I’ll be what you want me to be.

            My young friends and brothers and sisters, will you remember that little experience which changed my whole life? Where the Gardner took control and did for me what was best for me. For if I had gone the way I wanted to go I would have returned to Canada as the senior commanding officer of western Canada. I would have raised my family in a barracks. My six daughters would have had little chance to marry in the Church. I myself would probably have gone down and down. I do not know what might have happened. But this I know, and this I say to you, and to him in your presence: looking back over sixty years, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down.”

What Is Deep Practice?

As I was cleaning my cluttered desk off so I could write some checks for my enormous bills, I found this marvelous hand written list from my Euphonium coach that he gave me years ago. I strongly believe in the principles and their ability to be applied to all aspects. As I study Arabic, I wish there were an easier way. I think this list may make it easier as I apply these principles.


What Is Deep Practice?
1. It's designed to specifically improve a person's own performance. Usually a teacher or coach is involved.

2. It can be repeated over and over but not sloppily or mindlessly

3. It must be scheduled into the day and planned out ahead of time (no "spur of the moment" or "I'll do it when I feel like it" stuff!).

4. There's feedback on how you're doing - lesson, video or audio record yourself  practicing.

5. It is highly mentally and/or physically demanding. It's not for "sissies."

6. It must be done on a regular daily basis with appropriate breaks built in.

7. It must be broken into small chunks which are thoroughly learned and then strung together to see or get "the whole picture."

8. It isn't very entertaining BUT the payoffs are enormous

9. You must make mistakes and correct them immediately to grow and progress.

10. It requires you to stretch and reach high but not to set goals that are currently out of your reach!

11. Natural talent can be a help, but any person of any ability level can become very successful in any area by using these principles!!!

Dr. Steve Call, Tuba/Euphonium Professor at Brigham Young University

75 Things A Man Should Do For His Sweetheart

As life takes you through your ups and downs in each situation you are in, with each type of people, I have learned that if you are not happy with the one you love, if they are not happy with you, or you just want to keep things beautiful between the two of you you must do something. I guess you can call it being proactive, keeping the fire burning, becoming better for her, etc.

Thank you to all of those that suggested when I asked. The exact number of 75 was not planned it just came out this way.

1. Give her flowers just because
2. Giver her a single rose
3. Get her a flower you found on the way home/to her place
4. Give her a massage
5. Give her a foot massage
6. Brush her hair
7. Do the dishes
8. Cook and clean up afterwards
9. Make her a CD

10. Make a playlist on her mp3 player

11. Compliment her on how she looks
12. Give her favorite candy
13. Compliment her in front of other people
14. Take her car out for a surprise car wash
15. Leave a note on her car/door before she leaves for the day

16. Don't always watch sports with her

17. Watch a chick flick or something that she fancies

18. Hold her hand in public

19. Dance with her in the kitchen (or a real dance hall)
20. Clean her car out
21. Wear her favorite cologne

22. Tell her you love her and mean it

23. Even if you are really busy doing something, go out of your way to call and say I love you.
24. Bring her lunch while she is at work
25. Brush her hair out of her face
26. Dedicate a song to her

27. Walk in the rain together

28. Kiss her goodnight

29. Candle lit dinner

30. Do a word search together

31. Create a little story and build off of it each night

32. Push  her while she is on a swing (don't push her otherwise…)

33. Make a scrapbook of the two of you
34. Make a slideshow with a meaningful song in the back ground
35. Do some service together

36. Write a love poem for her

37. Write a silly poem for her
38. When she's leaving on a trip, leave notes in her jacket or suitcase

39. Let her wear your jacket/sweatshirt

40. Paint her toe nails (make sure there is nail polish remover nearby, just in case)
41. Always be proud of her and tell her
42. Listen to her when she talks
43. Fill up her tank of gas

44. Call for no reason

45. Ask how her family is

46. Tell her a really lame joke and think it's the best one ever

47. Wait for her to be seated before you sit for a meal at the table

48. Pick up whatever she may drop

49. Be friends with her friends

50. Send her a letter in the mail

51. Admit when you are wrong

52. Tell her why she inspires you

53. Open the car door for her when you go out

54. Write notes on her favorite cereal box

55. Get an altoid tin box and fill it with strips of paper with things like about her

56. Hold her close with your arms around her

57. Send a text of encouraging words

58. Make a note with gummy worms about something cute about her

59. Write on the door step with sidewalk chalk of something she'll love

60. Spray paint something cute about her on a shirt and wear it (or have her wear it)

61. Make a coupon book  with things she likes that you do: dishes, date night, movie of her choice, etc.

62. Give her a Love Check Book.  It's ok for her to be in debt with these.

63. Make a little scavenger hunt around the house and have it leading to a present or something she'd love

64. Make homemade chocolate covered strawberries just for fun

65. Sing her a song with or without accompaniment sweeping her off her feet (i.e. dancing)

66. Let her choose the restaurant for a date

67. Leave her a piece of chocolate or candy that's as "sweet as she is"

68. Make a princess crown and call her 'princess' the whole day (if you don't already)

69. Create a "sweet thoughts" jar and add to it frequently

70. Create a "Bad Day Box" filled with sentimental things and each bad day she has she can pull out two items to remind her of how much you love her

71. Put up a picture of you and her on the fridge or on her wall unexpectedly (make sure it's a picture she likes).

72. If she is taking a test, give her a smartie candy with a note to wish her luck or give her a congratulations

73. Set the screen saver to say something just for her

74. Make a personalized rubics cube so that not only do the colors match up but each way it says a word

75. Create a personal calendar with each day filled with something nice you can do for her

Any other suggestions? Please comment and post! If you'd like, count how many of these things you have done. 

Joseph Smith's Last Dream

I thought I would share a very interesting dream that I have never heard of, I am going to assume most of you have not either. There is no greater respect that I have than I do for these three brothers.

Sure the dream may not be true, but it sure seems very fitting for the outcome of the three and their tremendous faith to serve the Lord with all that they have.

How Do You Know It's True?

How do you know it is true? How do you know anything is true? You pray and have faith that it will be answered.

Lately, I have been thinking much of my own testimony and the testimony of others for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think of the many people I taught on my mission that were able to take the challenge of testing whether the Book of Mormon were true or if Joseph Smith is a true prophet. Those that were honest and seeking for knowledge gained a witness mostly through prayer and manifestations of how they felt.

Because prayer is something that Heavenly Father has commanded us to do, Satan then tells us not to pray.
It reminds me of a photo I have seen in emails forwarded around as you can see yourself down below.

How silly people must think I am for encouraging them to speak to someone who knows all and is willing to tell you if you but only ask. A desire to know if the first step, that often takes a lot of humbling of yourself. Then the next step is to show faith and pray about the matter. And when you pray, you must pray with the intent to act upon that answer (Moroni 10:3-5). 

So how do you know you got an answer and that it is a from God? Often people describe it as a burning in the bosom or chest. Others describe it as a feeling of peace or calmness. Others say it is a feeling of understanding and knowledge. I have felt it in many different ways. I, too, like those I taught on my mission was challenged by missionaries to know if the gospel of Jesus Christ were true and if Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. I was almost 10 years old when the missionaries came over for dinner and shared a message and asked me to pray. After they left, I quickly went up to my room and knelt by my bedside and asked Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon were true and and if Joseph Smith received a vision. After I asked the question, I waited a few seconds and then began to feel serene peace and a strong thought to my mind that the answer to my question was yes. 

I have used this prayer and answer as an anchor to my testimony and an example to anything else I may ask. I do know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that Joseph Smith really did see our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church here on the earth. I know the priesthood that was restored is a manifestation of God's love for his children. Even in my weakest moments I cannot deny this answer to my prayer. Just as Joseph said when asked about his experience said, "For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it..", I too can say the same thing and have dedicated my life on the basis of this knowledge. 

Islam and Christianity Part 1

    

 In beginning of the new Christian calendar we saw the birth of a man that would change belief, faith, stories and history—his name is Jesus Christ. To Christians Jesus Christ is viewed to be a great man, prophet and many view him as the Savior of the world. He was prophesied of prophets of old that He would come to redeem the world; He was born of the Virgin Mary as the only Begotten Son of God, organized a church, died on the cross and through His sacrifice redeemed the world of all sins. To Muslims though there is a different viewpoint – Jesus was not the Son of God, did not organize the Christian doctrine as it is viewed today (or for most of Christian history), and did not die as a sacrifice for mankind. Yes, he was born of the Virgin Mary, performed many miracles, and taught a new doctrine but he was just a profound prophet. Many Muslims revere him almost as much as the Prophet Muhammad. Christianity and Islam is a very intriguing topic for much of the West due to recent events. Many wonder what Islam thinks about Christianity. I will discuss what viewpoint Islam does have on Christianity that expresses respect and a call to correction according to the Qur’an and the Hadith.

            Muhammad at an early age heard the stories of Jesus the Christ, Moses, Abraham, along with other religious stories. They were probably legends to him filled with mystery and sacred teachings. Muhammad, though grew up in an idolatry society, believed in a One True God that would not only correct false teachings but would do it through a prophet similar the stories he had heard. Muhammad in his 40^th year was called as a prophet and was used as a mouthpiece for God to correct the false traditions and practices the people around him and around the world was doing.[1] In Daniel Peterson’s book titled the “Muhammad, Prophet of God,” Muhammad spoke of Christians being around him and even prophesying of the coming of a prophet for the Arab peninsula. After Muhammad’s call in 610 AD, many Christians in the Arab world did convert and some did not. Sometimes these two religions found contention because of the different structure of economic and social structures. Often they supported each other.[2] I believe Islam found greater peace about Christians even though they were not of the same faith through the following passage: "Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." Surah 2:62. In Surah 2:138-140 we find versus that describe that Jews and Christians worship the same God as Muslims and are related through a lineage of patriarchs. Mushaf Al-Madinah says the following about this concept, “If the Christians claim that these Patriarchs knew of and followed the teachings of Jesus, the claim [all people worshipped Christ in the past] is still more absurd, - except in the sense of Islam that Allah’s teaching is one in all ages.”[3]

            Teaching in all ages implies that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Just as Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in dispensations (a period between prophets that bring about significant doctrine like Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham, etc.) and they believe in a falling away or an apostasy (the people rejecting the teachings of a prophet and then God calls another prophet to help correct the falsehoods created) so do Muslims believe these concepts. Islam preaches that just as Christ came to correct the fallen Jewish practices, Muhammad came to correct the false teachings that the Christians and other religions had changed. Everyone in the past that worshipped Allah (God) correctly are Muslims (one who submits to God), therefore Muhammad is bringing back these teachings. This point is confirmed in Surah 5:14 where it claims “Christians…did take a Covenant but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent to them…” Though Christians are fallen away, they still carry truth and are considered “People of the Book” ( also known as Dhimmi). People of the Book according to the Qur’an are Jews, Christians and Abyssinians. These are people who believe in the prophets found in the Old and/or New Testament. Later, Muslim scholars would consider Zoroastrianists and Hindus People of the Book, most likely for political reasons. As People of the Book, they were considered a respectful people in a Muslim community with special privileges over non-believers. They were capable of holding a political office and be prominent people.

We then learn in Surah 5:82-85 that Christianity is the nearest in love to Islam. This could be interpreted to different meanings. Here Al-Madinah comments that it not means all people that call themselves Christians, but the true sincere Christians similar to the Abyssinian Christians that helped the Muslims for their hard work and willingness to learn. It states that when they listen to the message given by the prophet Muhammad we will “see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth.” Then then in the Day of Judgment they will be rewarded “With gardens, with rivers flowing underneath-their eternal Home. Such is the recompense of those who do good.” Christians that are honest and sincere will receive the same rewards that good honest Muslims will receive in the final Day of Judgment.

The Hadith, a collection of teachings and words spoken by the prophet Muhammad, carry similar viewpoints of the Qur’an on Christianity but also very different viewpoints as well that create contradicting opinions for Muslims to interpret . First, there is a hadith that seems to be harsh towards the Christians: “"Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Do not greet the Jews and Christians before they greet you and when you meet any one of them on the roads force him to go to the narrowest part of it."[4] It was later explained in a footnote that this may sound harsh, yes, but it is more so for the safety of the Christian or Jew to be given a separate part of the road for their own safety in case the Muslims may be desirous to harm them. I think Muhammad had an understanding of the differences between the three different monotheistic religions because of his revelations through the Qur’an so he knew to give these people space so that there may not be any harsh misunderstandings from Muslims toward the Christians.

Before I share the following Hadiths, I believe it to be important to share that many people think that Islam has a God of horror and terror and not a peaceful God. I would have to say the first part is true but not the latter. Just as a Christian’s God is peaceful and loving so is He harsh and has shown horror. Both Gods express a form of mercy and damnation and you might say that both Gods are one in the same. The first hadith is “Jews and Christians go to hellfire in place of Muslims.” This one could easily be interpreted in a way of considering Jews and Christians to be of no worth. According to one viewpoint of this Hadith, Christians and Jews are not capable of going to paradise and will be sent to hell while the Muslims that are pure in heart will take their place in paradise. This also could imply that Jews and Christians are in a fallen state and Muslims now fulfill what was once lost. Another hadith that seems to penetrate a Christian: “Allah forbade Muslims to marry the pagans (Jews and Christians); I do not know any kind of associating others with Allah in one of Allah’s slaves.”[5] I believe this is saying for no Muslim to marry a Jewish or Christian woman, or at least not until they become believers themselves.

The hadiths also mention the doctrine of what the Christians believe. "The Christians … asserted that the Holy Ghost has incarnated Himself in the person of Jesus Christ."[6] This Christian doctrine to Islam would be considered blasphemous. Apparently at this time Muhammad had an understanding that this was a Christian doctrine, though this was probably not vastly believed then and especially now in the Latter-day Saint doctrine, he felt it worthwhile to correct the Christian falsehoods dealing with their sacred prophet Jesus. Another instance of Christians is in relation to the one above speaking of Christians and Jews going to hell instead of Muslims. I will sum up the hadith given its long length. The Christians will be summoned and asked who they worshipped. They will say they worship Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Then it will be said, “you tell a lie; Allah did not take himself either a spouse or a son.” And then they would be asked what they would want, they would want water. They would be pointed into a direction to gather this water. They didn’t want to go to the area because it seemed a mirage of hell. They were than gathered together and would fall into the fire one by one.[7] This hadith gives much room for the opponents of Islam to claim its dark nature. Though I may see this hadith as an extremely harsh one, I see it being a form of explanation of God’s judgment metaphorically for the Judgment Day.

Today Christians and Muslims still live side by side. There are millions of Muslims that now live outside of the Arab world that live among millions of other Christians (with millions of Christians still in the Arab world.) Largely due to the events on September 11^th, 2001 many Christians in the West have a natural instinct to be fearful of their Islamic brothers and sisters. We would call this fear Islamicphobia. Extreme Islamists seem to ruin it for the rest of the good and great Muslims found throughout the world. In the New York Times I recently read that Coptics and Muslims were clashing in Egypt with several dead and two churches in flames. Just four months ago Christians were circling around the Muslims while they prayed so that anti-protesters could not harm them during the Egyptian Revolution.[8]  Do their actions represent what each other’s religions really teach? They do not. It is the simple principle of pride that is spoken against in both religions coming into the hearts of the people. Though there is great contention today there is tension of Christians not liking Muslims throughout the West and Islamic extremists preaching to fight against the West, there is great understanding capable through discussion and listening to one another. One winter semester at Brigham Young University I would spend my Sunday evenings having interrelation dialogues with my friends Mohammad and Ali (“Not the boxer” they’d often say after introducing themselves). We speak of each of our faiths – Islam and Mormonism. As each week past, we found more things in common than not. Before my friends departed back to Jordan one said to me, “What you have taught me about your faith must be shared with all Muslims. If they knew what you had taught me, they would support you more than any other nation found in the world.” After speaking with other Latter-day Saints that have had similar discussions with Muslims I have found I am not alone with this type of respect and appreciation for our two faiths.

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[1] Ayoub, Mahmoud M. Islam Faith and History. Oxford: One World, 2004 p. 21

[2] Peterson, Daniel C. Muhammad: Prophet of God, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007

[3] Al-Madinah. The Holy Quran: English Translation of the meanings and commentary. Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: King Fahd Holy Qur’an Printing Complex, p. 54

[4] Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5389,5390 p.1185

[5] Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 68 no.5285 p. 838

[6] Sahih Muslim translation vol.1 p.127 footnote 393.

[7] Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.352 p.117.

[8] Kirkpatrick, David M. “Muslims and Coptic Christians Clash Again in Egypt” New York Times, May 15^th, 2011