I read a conversation that Kirby was participating in on facebook the other day. One person was defending marriage between gay couples and others were making points against it. Kirby made the point that gay marriage partners demanding to be married in churches who taught against homosexuality were infringing on the church's rights to uphold their own beliefs.
I was struck, upon reading the conversation, with an impression that has come upon me numerous times lately: that in our society, one of the things that we are doing, that is really dangerous to our morality, is trying not to offend.
I am not saying that we should strive to be offensive, but our culture is so focused on not giving offense to anyone, that it is hardly possible to stand up for what is truth without being considered offensive to someone.
It strikes me that marriage is ordained of God as a sacred ordinance and that homosexuality is strictly forbidden by God as an unnatural sin. In our day, people who are living a homosexual lifestyle, not only want to be allowed the freedom to do so without guilt, but they also want to sanctify this action by giving it the same rites as the sacred ordinance of marriage. This strikes me as blasphemy. Holding up something unholy and attributing to it a holy status.
I am struck by the thought that in being so careful not to offend other men, that we may instead, be offending God. Is it not better then to offend men, than to offend God?
Yesterday, in Sunday School, we talked about Lehi's counsel to his sons at the end of his life. He was explaining to Laman and Lemuel that Nephi had not tried to offend them, but was speaking the truths of God as given to him by the spirit of God. That men take the word to be hard when it goes against their natural tendencies to be approved of no matter what they are doing. I think this story applies here.
As the world struggles more and more to get us to move into the grey areas and compromise what we believe, I believe we must stand true and faithful to the truths that we know. We would not offend men, but it is even more vital that we should not offend God.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Through a glass darkly
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
I have experienced some interesting changes of perspective over time. Lehi's dream about the mists of darkness come to mind, and those who pressed forward holding to the rod; how eventually they came up out of the mists of darkness, and they saw the tree again in the distance. It is akin to that, that which I have experienced. I have felt the mists of darkness around me. I have known what it is like to keep your hand on the rod and step forward in faith, having no idea what is ahead of you, but going step by step, step by step, step by step, thinking of nothing but making that next step, and holding on. I know what that is like, the seeming endlessness of it, year after year after year, not daring to expect a glimpse of sky or a purpose beyond surviving the journey, and holding on. Well, the fog is lifting. The tree is again in view. There is joy in the journey. There are goals to be made, and views to be seen.
Perhaps we all experience the mists at times. It would seem to be so. Doesn't the world look beautiful when we emerge from them and look around at where we are? Isn't it good to realize that we have traveled a distance forward, even through the mists, because of the rod, in which we put our trust? It has not led us astray.
I have experienced some interesting changes of perspective over time. Lehi's dream about the mists of darkness come to mind, and those who pressed forward holding to the rod; how eventually they came up out of the mists of darkness, and they saw the tree again in the distance. It is akin to that, that which I have experienced. I have felt the mists of darkness around me. I have known what it is like to keep your hand on the rod and step forward in faith, having no idea what is ahead of you, but going step by step, step by step, step by step, thinking of nothing but making that next step, and holding on. I know what that is like, the seeming endlessness of it, year after year after year, not daring to expect a glimpse of sky or a purpose beyond surviving the journey, and holding on. Well, the fog is lifting. The tree is again in view. There is joy in the journey. There are goals to be made, and views to be seen.
Perhaps we all experience the mists at times. It would seem to be so. Doesn't the world look beautiful when we emerge from them and look around at where we are? Isn't it good to realize that we have traveled a distance forward, even through the mists, because of the rod, in which we put our trust? It has not led us astray.
There is contentment in that.
“press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).
“press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Adult giftedness articles and quotes
In studies of male scientists (Roe, 1952), creative artists and writers (Cattell, 1971), female mathematicians (Helson, 1971), and architects (MacKinnon, 1962), among others, the predominant characteristics found included impulsivity, curiosity, high need for independence, high energy level, introversion, intuitiveness, emotional sensitivity, and nonconformity.
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it.
"It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."
Quoted by biographer Agnes de Mille in "Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham"
Excitability. High energy level, emotional reactivity, and high nervous system arousal characterize the trait of excitability. Although excitability and hyperactivity may seem to be similar, they are fundamentally different in that gifted adults with the trait of excitability are able to focus their attention and concentration for long periods of time, to use their energy productively in a wide variety of interests, and to do many things well.
These gifted adults enjoy the excitement of taking risks and meeting challenges. This risk taking is dissimilar to that found in mania or impulsivity in that the gifted adult (a) is aware of the consequences of the risk, (b) takes risks in the form of challenges rather than reckless activities, and (c) knows when to stop.
Perceptivity. An ability to view several aspects of a situation simultaneously, to understand several layers of self within another, and to see quickly to the core of an issue are characteristic of the trait of perceptivity.
These gifted adults are able to understand the meaning of personal symbols and to see beyond the superficiality of a situation to the person beneath. Skilled at understanding motivations, they may be able to help others to understand themselves. Adults gifted with perceptivity are those who can hear the flowers singing within others not yet aware of their own gifts. Their intuition and ability to understand several layers of feeling simultaneously help them to assess people and situations rapidly. In fact, they are often skilled at sensing the incongruency between exhibited social facades and real thoughts and feelings.
Another aspect of perceptivity concerns the recognition of and need for truth. Social facades displayed by others may seem to this gifted adult to be a sort of lie. Adults gifted in this way detect and dislike falsehood and hypocrisy.
People who are gifted at "seeing" often seem to have a touch of magic about them. Religious and political leaders, philosophers, creative therapists, writers, and poets may be especially gifted with perceptivity. Jane Austen, Langston Hughes, Anne Hutchinson, William Shakespeare, and Henry David Thoreau are all examples.
Positive social and emotional correlates of the trait of perceptivity include the ability of these gifted adults to view their own behavior somewhat objectively, to assess their own as well as others' motivations, and to base their responses on perceptions of underlying dynamics. They are aware not only of what their own needs are but also of the necessity of avoiding internal stress by learning to use their perceptions to know what they truly want. Often, they will decide to do what is best for themselves despite the disapproval of others.
On the negative side, this trait can present difficulties in interpersonal relationships because others, unaware of what the gifted adult sees so clearly, feel both vulnerable and threatened.
For the gifted adult, seeing several layers of a person may be confusing. It may be difficult to pair the response obtained with what the situation seemed to indicate was required. The more discrepancy between the inner self and outer face, the more uncomfortable the gifted adult may feel.
The dilemma of this gifted adult is whether to hide the insights and respond superficially to the social facade or to use the gift and risk rejection. Either course may produce constraint and difficulty with spontaneity. Finding interpersonal support is a major priority for these gifted adults; the risk is fear of closeness and intimacy.
. . .gifted adults continuously face choices that seem to lead either to denial of gifts or rejection by others. Unless they learn to value self and find support from others, these adults will experience identity crises whenever the conflict resurfaces. This process entraps creative energy, which is then lost to creative production.
Compiled from: http://www.sengifted.org/archives/articles/can-you-hear-the-flowers-sing-issues-for-gifted-adults
"It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."
Quoted by biographer Agnes de Mille in "Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham"
These gifted adults enjoy the excitement of taking risks and meeting challenges. This risk taking is dissimilar to that found in mania or impulsivity in that the gifted adult (a) is aware of the consequences of the risk, (b) takes risks in the form of challenges rather than reckless activities, and (c) knows when to stop.
These gifted adults are able to understand the meaning of personal symbols and to see beyond the superficiality of a situation to the person beneath. Skilled at understanding motivations, they may be able to help others to understand themselves. Adults gifted with perceptivity are those who can hear the flowers singing within others not yet aware of their own gifts. Their intuition and ability to understand several layers of feeling simultaneously help them to assess people and situations rapidly. In fact, they are often skilled at sensing the incongruency between exhibited social facades and real thoughts and feelings.
Another aspect of perceptivity concerns the recognition of and need for truth. Social facades displayed by others may seem to this gifted adult to be a sort of lie. Adults gifted in this way detect and dislike falsehood and hypocrisy.
People who are gifted at "seeing" often seem to have a touch of magic about them. Religious and political leaders, philosophers, creative therapists, writers, and poets may be especially gifted with perceptivity. Jane Austen, Langston Hughes, Anne Hutchinson, William Shakespeare, and Henry David Thoreau are all examples.
Positive social and emotional correlates of the trait of perceptivity include the ability of these gifted adults to view their own behavior somewhat objectively, to assess their own as well as others' motivations, and to base their responses on perceptions of underlying dynamics. They are aware not only of what their own needs are but also of the necessity of avoiding internal stress by learning to use their perceptions to know what they truly want. Often, they will decide to do what is best for themselves despite the disapproval of others.
On the negative side, this trait can present difficulties in interpersonal relationships because others, unaware of what the gifted adult sees so clearly, feel both vulnerable and threatened.
For the gifted adult, seeing several layers of a person may be confusing. It may be difficult to pair the response obtained with what the situation seemed to indicate was required. The more discrepancy between the inner self and outer face, the more uncomfortable the gifted adult may feel.
The dilemma of this gifted adult is whether to hide the insights and respond superficially to the social facade or to use the gift and risk rejection. Either course may produce constraint and difficulty with spontaneity. Finding interpersonal support is a major priority for these gifted adults; the risk is fear of closeness and intimacy.
Compiled from: http://www.sengifted.org/archives/articles/can-you-hear-the-flowers-sing-issues-for-gifted-adults
Benjamin Buttons
In the movie Camelot, Arthur says that Merlin "youthins."
I have begun to think that that is true of myself.
I feel like I have been old, and I am gradually returning to youth.
I get younger and younger.
It is the weirdest thing.
Kirby called it "The Amazing Story of Benjamin Buttons II."
At least my body is following the expected trajectory. I look older. I just feel younger.
I like it.
I haven't lost any of the confidence or knowledge I have gained via the experiences of my life, but I have lost the emotional weight of trials that helped me acquire this knowledge.
I just feel light inside. Like a child.
It didn't happen all at once, but gradually, over time, and it continues to happen; thus it seems to me that I am getting continually younger.
All I can think of to explain this process, is that I am learning to "cast my burdens upon the Lord."
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Perhaps the key is light.
“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” (D&C 88:67.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie states: “Christ is the light; the gospel is the light; the plan of salvation is the light; ‘that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.’ As the light of the sun enters the body through our natural eyes, so the light of heaven—the light of the Spirit which illuminates our souls—enters through our spiritual eyes.” (The Mortal Messiah, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980, 2:153; italics added.)
I have begun to think that that is true of myself.
I feel like I have been old, and I am gradually returning to youth.
I get younger and younger.
It is the weirdest thing.
Kirby called it "The Amazing Story of Benjamin Buttons II."
At least my body is following the expected trajectory. I look older. I just feel younger.
I like it.
I haven't lost any of the confidence or knowledge I have gained via the experiences of my life, but I have lost the emotional weight of trials that helped me acquire this knowledge.
I just feel light inside. Like a child.
It didn't happen all at once, but gradually, over time, and it continues to happen; thus it seems to me that I am getting continually younger.
All I can think of to explain this process, is that I am learning to "cast my burdens upon the Lord."
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Perhaps the key is light.
“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” (D&C 88:67.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie states: “Christ is the light; the gospel is the light; the plan of salvation is the light; ‘that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.’ As the light of the sun enters the body through our natural eyes, so the light of heaven—the light of the Spirit which illuminates our souls—enters through our spiritual eyes.” (The Mortal Messiah, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980, 2:153; italics added.)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Chris Young The Man I Wanna Be
Kirby likes this song. . .
God I'm down here on my knees
Cause it's the last place left to fall
Beggin' for another chance
If there's any chance at all
That you might still be listenin'
Lovin' and forgivin' guys like me
I've spent my whole life gettin' it all wrong
And I sure could use your help just from now on
I wanna be a good man
A do like I should man
I wanna be the kind of man the mirror likes to see
I wanna be a strong man
And admit that I was wrong man
God I'm askin’ you to come change me
Into the man I wanna be
If there's any way for her and me to make another start
Could you see what you could do
To put some love back in her heart
Cause it gonna to take a miracle
After all I've done to really make her see
That I wanna be a stay man
I wanna be a brave man
I wanna be the kind of man she sees in her dreams
God I wanna be your man
And I wanna be her man
God I only hope she still believes
In the man I wanna be
Well I know this late at night that talk is cheap
But Lord don't give up on me yeah
I wanna be a givin' man
I wanna really start livin' man
God I'm askin’ you to come change me
Into the man I wanna be
God I'm down here on my knees
Cause it's the last place left to fall
Beggin' for another chance
If there's any chance at all
That you might still be listenin'
Lovin' and forgivin' guys like me
I've spent my whole life gettin' it all wrong
And I sure could use your help just from now on
I wanna be a good man
A do like I should man
I wanna be the kind of man the mirror likes to see
I wanna be a strong man
And admit that I was wrong man
God I'm askin’ you to come change me
Into the man I wanna be
If there's any way for her and me to make another start
Could you see what you could do
To put some love back in her heart
Cause it gonna to take a miracle
After all I've done to really make her see
That I wanna be a stay man
I wanna be a brave man
I wanna be the kind of man she sees in her dreams
God I wanna be your man
And I wanna be her man
God I only hope she still believes
In the man I wanna be
Well I know this late at night that talk is cheap
But Lord don't give up on me yeah
I wanna be a givin' man
I wanna really start livin' man
God I'm askin’ you to come change me
Into the man I wanna be
Faith is sufficient
3 Nephi 17:8 For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.
D&C 14:16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
Mosiah 4:2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.
D&C 14:16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
Mosiah 4:2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
important parts:
Beauty did it out of obedience and to help her father.
She had to do it willingly
She had to find the dream prince underneath the monster
The monster gave her everything he had to try to make her happy
He was willing to die to give her her happiness
He thought she would desert him due to his ugliness
She found that she loved him despite his appearance
She found that under the beast was the prince she had always dreamed to find.
Cans't thou bear strong meat of simple truth. . .these events are compass points..
Every young girl dreams of being a princess and finding her handsome prince. I was no different. I grew up the pampered and beloved daughter of gentle and loving parents. For 12 years, I was the only daughter, with one older brother, and two younger, and then at 12 a long desired sister arrived. I grew up safe and sheltered. I did well in school, was involved in many clubs and activities, and got good grades. I was a bit shy, but I had some close girlfriends, and a few brief crushes on boys along the way. I was always dreaming of my potential perfect man and the amazing life that we would have together someday. Well, I went off to college with my hopes and dreams, thinking that in no time I would meet my handsome prince and we would go off together to make a home much like the one I was raised in, traditional and nurturing. I was ready to do my part to make this home a bit of heaven on earth. I was somewhat surprised that I didn't meet this prince right away, and after 3 years of college, I was still looking for this perfect man. At one point, I was pretty sure I had met the right fella. I wrote to him as he went off to serve a mission for the LDS church, and then I in turn served such a mission during the same period. After we both returned home I figured we would resume our friendship and move beyond it to fulfill my blissful dream. This, however, was not the case. Before we got back together at school, something rather unexpected happened. I met my real handsome prince. I knew it was him the moment I saw him. I know, you think that is silly, but it is true none the less. He was the man of my dreams, and it didn't take long to convince him that that was true. He asked for my hand, and I accepted, and we set off on a grand adventure together, as you will see. What I did not recognize at the time, was that inside of my handsome prince, dwelt a beast.
Beauty did it out of obedience and to help her father.
She had to do it willingly
She had to find the dream prince underneath the monster
The monster gave her everything he had to try to make her happy
He was willing to die to give her her happiness
He thought she would desert him due to his ugliness
She found that she loved him despite his appearance
She found that under the beast was the prince she had always dreamed to find.
Cans't thou bear strong meat of simple truth. . .these events are compass points..
Every young girl dreams of being a princess and finding her handsome prince. I was no different. I grew up the pampered and beloved daughter of gentle and loving parents. For 12 years, I was the only daughter, with one older brother, and two younger, and then at 12 a long desired sister arrived. I grew up safe and sheltered. I did well in school, was involved in many clubs and activities, and got good grades. I was a bit shy, but I had some close girlfriends, and a few brief crushes on boys along the way. I was always dreaming of my potential perfect man and the amazing life that we would have together someday. Well, I went off to college with my hopes and dreams, thinking that in no time I would meet my handsome prince and we would go off together to make a home much like the one I was raised in, traditional and nurturing. I was ready to do my part to make this home a bit of heaven on earth. I was somewhat surprised that I didn't meet this prince right away, and after 3 years of college, I was still looking for this perfect man. At one point, I was pretty sure I had met the right fella. I wrote to him as he went off to serve a mission for the LDS church, and then I in turn served such a mission during the same period. After we both returned home I figured we would resume our friendship and move beyond it to fulfill my blissful dream. This, however, was not the case. Before we got back together at school, something rather unexpected happened. I met my real handsome prince. I knew it was him the moment I saw him. I know, you think that is silly, but it is true none the less. He was the man of my dreams, and it didn't take long to convince him that that was true. He asked for my hand, and I accepted, and we set off on a grand adventure together, as you will see. What I did not recognize at the time, was that inside of my handsome prince, dwelt a beast.
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