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Apr. 15th, 2006 @ 07:12 pm
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It was just how I wanted it...
There was a pretty sunset... It was beautiful. I hope my job in the next life will be to paint the sky like that.. I wonder how many angel hands it takes.
There was a warm breeze, and my shoes were off. I was in a swing, swinging back and forth just slightly, my feet in the cool sand...
Jackie was there next to me with an ice cream we were sharing... a mint chocolate chip ice cream... Well, the top scoop was mint chocolate chip. The bottom scoop was bubblegum because neither of us had tried it before.
I have never been in love like this! I have never been SO in love...
He sat in the swing next to me in silence as I dried my tears. I had just got done telling him my life's frustrations and was feeling rather drained when he slid down from his swing and knelt down in front of me.
I knew what he was going to ask when I looked into his bluer than blue eyes... Besides, he had this nervous smirk on his face, and his hands were shaking when they took mine. I can't say that I was nervous, because I was overcome with a very peaceful feeling, a true feeling that all is well...
He said, "Josie, I know that we men are expected to recite these elaborate, inspiring speeches at moments like these, but I just don't think that would be apropriate at this time." (The rest I can't repeat word for word exact.)
But... He asked! He proposed! He popped the question! And I have never been so happy in my life! I feel renewed and strong and excited. My heart is true and it knows that what I am doing is right!
I have been blessed. He will bless me like he blessed my house... He'll chase the demons out of me and whatever is left from my past life, because the time has come to shed it and start fresh. I forgive those who try to hurt me, bring me down, and persecute me. I forget those who have. Anyone who says I have not found true happiness, does not know it themselves, does not know me! This is goodbye to the old me and the start of something new.
I thank my Heavenly Father. All things are blessings from him!
This life is nolonger mine, it is ours. And I have never been so excited to live it!
Jozie
P.S. May 20th or June 10th will be the dates! I love those months! |
What you lookin' at?
We keep each other warm...
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has crossed over onto a NO ZONE! *gasp*
I was bored... until Jen called me a hippie. *cries*
Introducing... RAINA THE DOMINATRIX!
Shhh... It's a secret!
I stole Jackie's hood!
Don't ya wanna play?
Jozie
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I am a stinking procrastinator! Now, because of what I have done, I will have to take six tests, turn in two reports, and finish an art project by the 6th. =O
IF I EVER do that again, yell at me. In fact, just yell at me NOW and help me so that I never do it again! Lol.
Jozie |
HOORAY FOR MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM AND JACKIE!
Jozie |
That's strange... I had the distinct (and very unpleasent) feeling that someone was under attack and in serious danger. But when I came online, Jackie wasn't on. When I gave him a call, no one picked up. He should still be at work. It's strange. I'm just an N-U-T-T, NUT! Just shake it off, Jozie...
Jozie |
Church was wonderful today! I’m really enjoying the ward with Jackie and being a teacher along with him in Gospel Doctrine.
Today I taught about the dangers of anti-Mormon material and intolerance of the outside world. It was a touchy subject with me for personal reasons, but Jackie took over the last half in and made the lesson just wonderful.
It seems so strange to me why my church gets so much more crap from the outside world than most other religions. And every time I am around it, it feels evil. This is the last dispensation. These are the last days. Satan is trying his very hardest to take the truth from the earth… But that is impossible.
It’s so amusing to listen to some people who think they know what they’re talking about when they really don’t. They make all sorts of assumptions and then state them as fact like they know everything about it without actually learning anything about it… like the church, for example.
A man in the Deseret bookstore tried to get into a debate with me about my church, saying all kinds of crazy things that were very incorrect. I didn’t say anything except, “I’m sorry you think that,” because I didn’t see any point. So many people these days are blindly digging themselves into deeper and deeper holes. If the hole has gotten to deep to pull the person out of, I have to walk away and continue on my way. I must save myself first. Only when I am saved can I save others.
I am just amazed at how deceived people are! Some people just want to be different. Some people just want to be noticed. Some people just want to be right! They’ll walk around high-and-mighty, acting like their God’s gift to the world. It’s insane! They say they simply want to get along and befriend others, when really they’re just out to change them and refuse to accept people for who they really are.
I have so many friends. Because they’re human, they make mistakes. I wouldn’t be right of me to rub that in their face or get involved in it past a certain point. I have problems of my own to deal with.
Anyway, I’m going to stop this rant. All of this stuff was already talked about in class (open discussion)… I don’t need to bring it up again.
--- END OF SUNDAY RELIGIOUS RANT…
I am so grateful for you, Jackie! I just wanted to let you know how much you have helped me these past few weeks! You are such an awesome person. I love everything about you… I feel WHOLE and RIGHT with you… like I am in the right place at the right time. I feel so “connected” spiritually… It’s a real high! And I’m so glad to be able to share that with you!
You’ve taught me so much these past few weeks, and you have ALWAYS accepted me, even after you knew about my past. It’s so pathetically funny how many people in this world need to GET REAL. Lol. I don’t deserve you.
V-Day is two days away... Let's do something special... I'm anxious to see what your three surprises are!
I used to hate Valentine's Day,
But now Jackie's mine
So it's OKAY!
YAY! YAY! YAY!
Hehehe... Sorry, I couldn't help it. Pathetic, I know, but it's silly fun!
Jozie |
Don't laugh... I'm not wearing makeup... =D
This is He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and I... We miss Jackie. =(
This is She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and Draco... My stuffie buddies...
Jozie
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5 1/4
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Feb. 8th, 2006 @ 08:45 am
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5 ¼ is my ring size. Let me explain…
I went to Coldstone the other day with Jackie…
And then…
He took me to a little place full of … diamond rings.
He had asked me before if I was comfortable looking at rings for him. He said he wasn’t going to propose or anything, but he’d be interested to see what kind of taste I had towards rings in case he one day decided to. After making him pinky swear that he wouldn’t propose until I told him I was ready, I went into the store.
I was a little panicked at first, but he was very soothing and held my hand when they took my ring size like a little kid getting their MMR shot. Lol.
I loved the bands that I saw. I don’t like rings with prongs or diamonds that stick out, so I love bands. I also don’t like that gold color. White gold or some other silvery-colored alternative would be what I would want. And as Jackie took notes (lol), I saw the most gorgeous ring ever!
It looked sort of like the following, only much, much, prettier:
It was a very thin ring that looked like vines intertwining with each other. There were leaves as well, and small diamonds over the entire thing. It was very fragile looking, and just looked like ME. I don’t mean to say that I am fragile, but if you have a diamond ring on YOUR left hand, you might understand what I mean. It just fitted me.
Jackie said it looks like a ring an elf would wear, but agrees and thought it was very pretty. The ring is available for $1200 or $1950 and $2650(depending on diamond value and stuff I don’t understand that Jackie does… lol). That made Jackie so happy to hear. I on the other hand was shocked. That’s a TON of money! And seeing how I made about 30k more than he does a year… WTH is up with that?? LOL
Anyway, it was a very pretty ring…
I was engaged once… But as soon as he was taken away from jail, and I was able to walk again, I walked to the nearest bridge in Seattle and threw it at a gull.
*sigh*
I was asked to play a piano piece at church on Sunday. I’m so excited. I actually enjoy going to church now, especially with Jackie. The spirit is always so strong there.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I am in the right place at the right time. I feel like I am making the right decisions and headed in the right direction. I feel at peace, and I feel close to God.
Reading the scriptures, going to church, or even going through the actions of obeying His commandments does no good if you aren’t praying. Prayer, or constant communication with our Heavenly Father, is required.
And an update on my aunt: She is doing much better. The family needs to watch her very closely though in case she has another seizure. We’re just waiting right now. This is the last day I watch my cousins. They’ve been so much fun! We’ve been to the aquarium, art galleries, I’ve taken them to work, I’ve taken them to movies with Jackie, I’ve taken them all over the place! Lol. This house will seem so quiet when they are gone!
Jozie |
LOL! I just got back from editing my list of LiveJournal friends, and I am now FRIENDLESS! I am a LiveJournal LOSER! Hehehe.
Jackie, you need to join LiveJournal. In fact, help me try to get Gina, Kim, and Chad in on the action as well. Heck, even Holly, Jace, Sara, and Kelli should join! YAY!
Naw... I don't need LiveJournal friends. All of my IRL friends have lives. LOL!
GO SEAHAWKS!
Actually...
Jackie and I went out tonight and totally missed this thing called S U P E R B O W L !
So THERE!
Jozie |
Jackie and I went parking and steamed up the windows at Beaver Park (nickname). We didn't actually do anything. Naw, we're pretty dang good Mormon folk, but we did look at the stars and talk. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoy him, and I enjoy being able to connect with im spiritually and discuss deep doctrine with him. He sure has some very interesting thoughts!
I confess that we did do a LITTLE kissing, and then we stopped at a little cafe for hot chocolate and cheese sticks. After that, I dropped him off at his apartment, and I came back here...
I teach the sunbeams and give a talk in sacrament meeting tomorrow. The topic is teaching others by our example. Jackie supplied me with a lot of interesting material. Church starts at 1:30 now, so I have all morning to put it together.
Jackie is going with me to the temple on Saturday to do baptisms for the dead! I am so excited!
IN OTHER NEWS Dad has an awesome birthday! The whole family was over, and we just had a blast! The food was oh-so-yummy... Mmm MMm MMM!
For the first time in a long time I feel at peace. I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I feel like I am in the right place at the right time, and it's a good feeling... |
Valentine's Day is coming up. The thought of it really makes me sick. I have nothing against Valentine's Day (except for it being a wacked out, crazy way to make lots of $$$). But for all of us single peeps with no one special to share it with, it can be a bit of a drag...
JozieMy Moood::  grumpy |
WOW! Shakira songs that I actually DO like...
Don't Bother
She’s got the kind of look that defies gravity
She’s the greatest cook
And she’s fat free
She’s been to private school
And she speaks perfect French
She’s got the perfect friends
Oh isn’t she cool
She practices Tai Chi
She'd never lose her nerve
She's more than you deserve
She's just far better than me
Hey, hey
So don’t bother
I won’t die of deception
I promise you won’t ever see me cry
Don’t feel sorry
And don't bother
I’ll be fine
But she’s waiting
The ring you gave to her will lose its shine
So don’t bother, be unkind
I’m sure she doesn’t know
How to touch you like I would
I beat her at that one good
Don’t you think so?
She's almost six feet tall
She must think I'm a flea
I’m really a cat you see
And it's not my last life at all
Hey, hey
So don't bother
I won't die of deception
I promise you won't ever see me cry
Don't feel sorry
Don't bother
I’ll be fine
But she's waiting
The ring you gave to her will lose its shine
So don’t bother, be unkind
For you, I'd give up all I own
And move to a communist country
If you came with me, of course
And I'd file my nails so they don't hurt you
And lose those pounds, and learn about football
If it made you stay, but you won't, but you won't
So don't bother,
I'll be fine, I'll be fine, I'll be fine, I'll be fine
Promise you won't ever see me cry
And after all I'm glad that I'm not your type
Promise you won't ever see me cry
Don’t bother,
I'll be fine, I'll be fine, I'll be fine, I'll be fine
Promise you won’t ever see me cry
And after all I'm glad that I'm not your type
Promise you won't ever see me cry
---
Animal City
Why do all my friends
Now want to be your lovers?
Your family got bigger
When they thought you were rich
And now like maniacs
They scratch your back
Even when it doesn't itch
I want to figure it all
I want to figure it all out
I want to save you from
Save you from all the fame
Save you from the things that cause us pain
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to fight you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to fight you
My love
They believe you now
Have everything you wanted
And once you have become a star
You got no right to bitch
But someday when you fail
They'll put you on sale
And buy you by the inch
But you're the real deal
And "real" is your middle name
You know sometimes I feel
I gotta earn every breath you take
Baby, never mind the rules we break
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready rip you right off
With you I feel safe
There's nothing to fear from us
Away from the fangs
The fangs of the world
I may be a coward but you are brave
And nothing seems so dangerous
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready rip you right off
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
My love |
*whines* But I don't wanna go to to schhoooool.My Moood::  blah |
I have been bussed! I have been osculated! I have been smacked! I have been smooched! I have been pecked!
I HAVE BEEN KISSED!
Wow. What a day! WHAT A FRIGGIN' WEEK!
Apparently Jackie thought he could kiss it all better... I can't say it worked, but I didn't mind. =D
UGH! I will tell you more about my week later... If I feel like it. I certainly don't feel like it right now.
BUT my aunt is OKAY! That is good...
I'm eating this canned spaghetti stuff that tastes like spaghettiOS!
Ew.
Jozie |
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WOOT!
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Jan. 17th, 2006 @ 09:44 pm
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Grats, babes! You're all going to Nationals! I knew you could do it! What? With MY training? OF COURSE YOU WOULD! =D =D =D I am so proud of all of you!
That's jazzy!
Jozie
My Moood::  excited |
I am such a dork! I dig the middle finger WAY too much, and I do that funny thing with my tongue as well... Hmmmz. Enjoy! =D
Now that I have totally embarrassed myself for your amusement... You should send me lots of supportive comments on what an awesome person I am... Lololol!
JozieMy Moood::  silly |
Thank you again, Jackie! You have been such a light for me!
P.S. I think you might find my entry before this ("Cadavers") pretty interesting. You were right! There WERE dead people in there, even when your friend told you there wasn't! Lol.
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The Articles of Faith are a vital part of the LDS canon and are published in the Pearl of Great Price. They were composed by Joseph Smith to concisely represent key elements of LDS doctrine.
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1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
-Joseph Smith |
It's about 12:40 in the morning here. I'm gettting pretty sleepy. My bed is messy, my hair is frizzy, and my new boots hurt my feet. That could be because they are new... or pointy.
I went to Seth's for dinner tonight. Somewhere between arriving at his apartment and returning home to my room, I lost my cell phone. I'm pretty freaked about it because I remember having it with me when I left for Seth's. I had put it into my pocket, and then I took it out (I THINK) when I got there. Hopefully it is still at his apartment. I am just afiraid that it might have fallen out of my pocket into the snow... And since it has been raining heavily all day, the chances of me finding my cell phone somewhere outside are next-to-nothing. I am stressing over it.
I did my homework today. Well, I confess that I didn't have much to do. I posted a little paragraph about poetry on Blackboard (it was an assignment), and then I finished illustrating my art notes. I can go to class early tomorrow (it starts at 8) and double check my work with the other students.
I bought some cheapy markers today. I needed some. Now I can continue to cover my walls in colorful song lyrics. I actually don't like them very much, but it adds color and that I DO LIKE!
I miss Chad. Not having him around sucks. I feel like I did my first few weeks in school: lonely, bored and antisocial. =( He's not here to keep pushing me... He would MAKE me go, even when I was in tears because I was afraid of the teacher, the classroom, the other students. I know he did it because he wants me to "grow wings" (as he puts it), but it is hard. Hopefully I am strong enough now to keep this up on my own.
Going back to school sucks.
I honestly have no interest in meeting new people. I really never have. I prefer to be alone. I am perfectly happy/entertained by myself. My family worries about me. I don't think it's anything worth worrying about only because it is the way I have always been. I don't like being around people. I don't like talking to people. I especially don't like meeting people. One in a great while I'll just CLICK with someone, and that is always great, but for the most part, I prefer having one or two close friends. The rest of the world can stay strangers. =D
It seems like my mind is always going. I'm always thinking about all kinds of crazy things. Usually I'm thinking about multiple things at once.
I love the way my new boots make clicking noises when I walk. It makes me want to turn my nose up and strut. LOL. They're fun boots. They are very pointy, though, and I need to get used to that.
My zoology class ends at 5:30. When I left the class today, the building was almost empty. I think I passed only three other people on my way out of the building. I had to walk a distance, too. The building was a lot bigger than I thought it was. Anyway, I couldn't help thinking about what my zoology teacher told us at the end of class.
He told us that, because sciences were taught in this building, there was a room or two dedicated to the holding/preserving of cadavers. I sunk down into my seat as my eyes grew wide. I was stunned. I immediately began wondering how close I was to that room. I have always hated hospitals, but knowing that there were dead bodies held in that building for people to poke around in was almost just as bad! I walked pretty fast out of the building, trying to keep my eyes off of any windows or open doors... just in case I might see some scary thing... Like... A pale, half-hidden form of a woman in a dark doorway... Her eyes are bloodshot and sunken into her skull... Her hair is matted over greying skin that's open in small patches that ooze fluids. She reaches out with a withered hand as if to block the light from the hallway. Her fingernails are yellow and cracking. Her lips are swelled and blue. Blood lines the inside edges of her lips as she opens her mouth widely, her bones cracking as her jaw is bent and pulled to make the hole in her face big enough to swallow me up.
Yeah, gross... But if you're a freak like me, you have an imagination like that.
Oh MOO... Now I have to get some sleep.
I need to wake up in 5 hours.
I need to pray... especially after all this talk of cadavers.
Ew.
JozieMy Moood::  tired |
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Money!
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Jan. 10th, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
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I spent the rest of my gift card for a place called Maurices that my sister LOVES.
I got these really cute pointy slouch boots and a long brown sweater thing... Will post pics later.
Your Social Dysfunction:
Schizotypal
You display social deficits and oddities of thinking. Your perception and communication are similar to those of a schizophrenic.
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Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com
Please note that we aren't, nor do we claim to be, psychologists. This quiz is for fun and entertainment only. Try not to freak out about your results.
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“Be Not Ashamed”:
Facing the Issues
by Terry J. Moyer
What if …
If each family had had only two children—
John F. Kennedy (3rd child) would never have been president.
Mohandas Gandhi (4th child) would never have been the great spiritual leader of India.
George Washington (5th child) would never have been “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Robert E. Lee (7th child) would never have been the gentleman hero of the Southern States.
David (8th child) would never have been king of Israel.
Benjamin Franklin (10th child) would not have been a diplomat, printer, statesman, inventor, philosopher, and genius.
Joseph (12th child) would never have fathered Ephraim and Manasseh.
President Spencer W. Kimball (6th child) would not be our current prophet.
Nor would there have been an Enrico Fermi (3rd child), nor a Johann Sebastian Bach (8th child and father of 13), nor a William Shakespeare (3rd child), nor a Thomas Edison (7th child), nor a Thomas Jefferson (3rd child).My Moood::  calm |
Y'all missed an AWESOME New Year's in World of Warcraft! My guild watched the fireworks and got wasted. Then, we had a reidneer parade and got wasted again. Next, we had a pool party and then a dance party... AND THEN... We got nakies and went streaking into Ironforge! There were about 20 of us! Not only that, but many other guilds met at Thunder Bluff for free beer, fireworks, and crazy PARTYING! It was awesome! I have never had so much fun in that game! LOLOLOL.
And Will, I'm glad we're friends! I'll always be your friend, and I'm glad you took advantage of that. I'm proud of you!
JACKIE I THINK I LOVE YOU!
HAPPY 2006!
JozieMy Moood:: excited |
I get to teach the sunbeams AND gospel doctrine on Sunday! WOOO!
What a state to the New Year! Yeehaw!
I'm going to go get some new clothes today. I'm also going to get some groceries and new makeup because I'm almost out. I hate the stuff, but a little is A-OK!
What are yall doing for New Years?
POST YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS HERE!!!
Jozie |
Thanks for this, Jackie! You have no idea how badly I needed to read it! You were surely meant to give me this!?
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Ducks Are Different
By Ann N. Madsen
Tolerance is the beginning of Christlike love.
Ann N. Madsen, “Ducks Are Different,” Tambuli, June 1984, 26
One of my earliest childhood memories is of my father, who was a blessed peacemaker, settling disputes in our family by using a Samoan saying he had learned on his mission in the South Seas a few years before. “E eseese pato,” he would say, which meant literally, “Ducks are different”—or in other words, “Each of us is unique; be tolerant. People are different, but that’s not necessarily bad.”
I feel certain that this often-repeated experience with my father was the beginning of my understanding about differences in people.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, recently commented on a problem that is related to the principle my father taught. He said: “We live in a society that feeds on criticism. Faultfinding is the substance of newspaper columnists and television commentators, and there is too much of this behavior among our own people. It is so easy to find fault, and to resist doing so requires much discipline. … The enemy of truth would divide us and cultivate within us attitudes of criticism which, if permitted to prevail, will only deter us in the pursuit of our great divinely given goal. We cannot afford to permit it to happen” (General Conference, April 1982).
How should we respond in these troubled times as we are faced with daily criticism and hostility in the world? And how should we respond to the everyday frictions and failings in our own lives?
I would like to suggest that part of the answer can be found in two phrases in our own Articles of Faith. The 11th article of faith [A of F 1:11] reads: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (italics added).
“Allow all men the same privilege” expresses, of course, the idea of religious tolerance. And I like to think that this is a gospel principle that can be extended to include tolerance in all its forms, which is what my father wanted me to understand.
In the 13th article of faith is another phrase that is related to the first [A of F 1:13]: “We believe … in doing good to all men” (italics added).
It seems to me that “doing good to all men” expresses a quality that goes a step beyond “allowing all men the same privilege”—something we might call compassion, or the Savior’s kind of love. I believe tolerance leads to compassion, and that there are no quick methods to developing Christlike love which can bypass tolerance.
The opposite of tolerance, of course, is intolerance, or self-righteousness—other words for the faultfinding and criticism President Hinckley described. Why are we sometimes critical and intolerant of those around us?
I suggest that it’s because of the kinds of differences my father pointed out to me. We separate ourselves from others by the differences we see. We feel comfortable with those who dress like we do, think like we do, and act like we do; and we feel uncomfortable with those who are different.
Some differences, like age or physical deformities don’t matter at all and should never divide us. Most cultural differences also fall into this category. We are a worldwide church and represent many different cultures. We cannot afford to bury ourselves in localized habits or customs.
Tolerance so often leads to love. Most of our nearly 30,000 missionaries serving throughout the world would bear testimony to that, as would the thousands who have returned. What an inspired program, sending us as missionaries all over the world, where we personally confront different languages, often different dress, different customs, and different food. We arrive as strangers but with a precious message of restored truth to deliver, that motivates us to look beyond the differences; and as we teach these strangers who they are—the children of our Heavenly Father, our own brothers and sisters in an eternal family—differences give way to kinship.
Our commitment to the gospel becomes the great common denominator. We know whose we are, all of us.
That knowledge also helps us in relationships where there are differences that do matter—differences involving values, principles, truth, and the confirming religious experience we call testimony. Truth demands our allegiance, but it should not be a barrier to tolerance and compassion and love. To accept and love others, we do not have to adopt their ideas or be condescending. When others differ from us in these essential matters, we must learn to see with eyes that separate people from their traditions or sins. Good people can have mistaken beliefs.
Moreover, having truth in our possession, knowing righteous and true principles, doesn’t automatically make a Latter-day Saint better or more righteous than others. It could have that effect—but it is living what we know, not knowing alone, that is really important. Joseph Smith taught us: “All the religious world is boasting of righteousness: It is the doctrine of the devil to retard the human mind, and hinder our progress, by filling us with self-righteousness. The nearer we get to our Heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs. … If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected by Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977, p. 241).
The gospel teaches us not to condemn our brothers and sisters for their weaknesses and sins, but to show them by our lives how it is possible to escape sin through learning and living the truth.
We are like mountain climbers, suggests Henry B. Eyring, Church Commissioner of Education. We must move ever higher—but not by stepping on others to get our footing. The moment we’ve found a handhold or foothold of truth, we must mark it well and reach out to those behind or below that they may find it, too.
In addressing the Relief Society on June 9, 1842, Joseph Smith said: “Christ said he came to call sinners to repentance, to save them. Christ was condemned by the self-righteous Jews because He took sinners into His society. He took them upon the principle that they repented of their sins. It is the object of this society to reform persons, not to take those that are corrupt and foster them in their wickedness; but if they repent, we are bound to take them, and by kindness sanctify and cleanse them from all unrighteousness by our influence in watching over them. … Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness” (Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 240; italics added).
Recently I heard of an excommunicated man who angrily walked out of his Church court bitter and unrepentant. Many of us, if we had participated in that court, might have said, “Well good, he’ll have time to make his peace”; and others might even have thought, “Good thing that he’s gone.” But one of the high councilors present spent three evenings a week for the next several years visiting this man until, mellowed, repentant, and renewed in the Spirit, he was reinstated in the Church.
What should my response be to the excommunicant, recent or of long-standing? Or the young unwed mother? Or the LDS boy—or any boy—of missionary age fighting a drug or alcohol problem? Why not this response from Isaiah 1:18–19 [Isa. 1:18–19]:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
This is one of the most beautiful messages of the gospel, but sometimes, alas, one that we keep secret from those we are reluctant to reach out to in love.
And what should be my response to those of other religions, whatever they may be? Could we apply the counsel given to Lyman Sherman in Doctrine and Covenants 108:7 [D&C 108:7]?
“Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations and in all your doings.”
The word all appears four times in that verse. It doesn’t leave much room for exceptions.
And lastly, what of those who define themselves as our enemies—for example, those who wear away their lives publishing and promoting anti-LDS materials? The scriptures are clear: we must pray for them. (See Matt. 5:44.) Do we instead, in the face of organized opposition, return blow for blow, becoming anti-anti-LDS, spending our strength fighting while the cause of truth begs for champions and while the positive work of the kingdom waits? Our charge is to teach the nations; and, even if they reject our teachings, the love we’ve extended should never be withdrawn. Our ultimate response to those who suppose themselves our enemies must be love.
If we can learn patience, allowing all men the privilege of seeing truth at their own pace, we will have moved measurably toward the compassion and love of the Savior, who saw no enemies among his crucifiers. His example stands for all time to teach us the tender path from tolerance to compassion and perfect love. With every provocation to rage against his adversaries, he said rather, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will I draw all men unto me” (John 12:32; italics added), thus offering himself on our behalf, that we might have room to repent.
Can we do any less for our Father’s far-flung family?
My Moood:: content |
--- FIRST, more words from Katie ---
Some interesting thoughts for my dear friend William.
You know, it's funny how people can show a good quality to such an extreme that they end up going full circle and end up with a bad one.
It's also kind of funny how some "open" people who refuse to "convert" to an idea because they think it is wrong to push, it is flawed, or "not right", end up in their own stubborness trying to convert people to THEIR ideas. Do you see the hypocrisy in that?
It's funny how some people chastise, pick on, or just plain annoy others with their own beliefs and talking down others with a, "I know you're wrong", when their not willing to hear it from the other person. If you can't take it, don't dish it out. Well, this is (pretty much) what has already been said above.
Will, grow up. If you are more comfortable not having to follow the guidlines of our church, then maybe you SHOULD get to know God from what you described as "an easier path". If you wish to drink, party, make little bastard babies, and "live on the edge", then maybe you SHOULD join another church. I really don't care! If you are more "comfortable" getting to know God in a different religion, that is just fine... AS LONG AS YOU ARE DOING IT TO KNOW GOD. My only concern is that you're not doing it to know God. I am afraid. I think you are doing it for an easy way out becase you don't like the "rules" or the resoponsibility that accompanies them.
Anyway, if you wish to argue this, you can email me or leave a comment.
---
Oh, I had an awesome Christmas. It was great!
I went to church this morning. It was awesome! We only had sacrament meeting because of the holidays, and the duet Jackie and I played went well. It was beautiful.
We were challenged to read the Book of Mormon by the end of this year. I am almost done. I have five more chapters to read which isn't much at all.
After church I went home to see my parents. They had prepared a stocking for me along with a sweet pile of gifts:
I got some yummy scents from Victoria's Secret from Holly.
I got lots of UBER CUTE clothes from Mike and Mabel.
I received two beautiful coats and two packages of Aplets & Cotlets (mmm MMM Goood!) from my father.
My mother gave me two large books full of beautiful faerie art, food processor (needed a new one), and March of the Penguins.
From Santa I recieved The Island DVD (Chad and I went to see it on our first date), some fun board games (Othello, Boxers or Briefs, Clue, and Scattergories), some fun gift cards, and lots of other little things.
I had a nice dinner with them. I left and got home around 7. Jackie met me at my house and we kissed under the mistletoe that I had so carefully hung. He blushed, too.
Jackie and I exchanged gifts. On top of my gift was this black stuffie bear that Jackie said he just had to get me. It said SEXY LITTLE BEAR on it. It was so funny. In the package was an OLD NAVY piggy bank (I collect them). It was brown and it had antlers. Inside were a whole bunch of chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Mmmmm. It was an awesome, clever gift. I didn't know he knew I liked the piggies or the cinnamon bears!
I gave Jackie a really funny shirt that reminded me of him, a piece of art that he has been begging me for (after teasingly telling him that if we were to get married, he could be around all the art he wanted), along with a DVD he has been wanting... Oh, and the soundtrack. Yeah, the spoiled 'lil stinka!
Chad mailed me two awesome mixes... Mostly fun techno. I mailed him a gift certificate for his favorite clothing store. (Heh! Easy!)
Gina, Sara, Julie, some friends from church, and some friends with work all exchanged gifts as well, but I'm tired of talking about it. Lol.
Moving on to what Christmas is REALLY about...
It was really nice being with my family and seeing them get along so well.
Sacrament meeting today was one of the best I have attended. I could really feel the spirit there today. It was so strong!
I'm a little sad that I will soon have to take the lights down from my house along with all the Christmas decorations and nativities. *sad sigh*
Well, I have had a very merry Christmas. I am so grateful for all the things I have been given! I am able to feel financially secure even through this holday season (hehehe). I have a God-given family to spend Christmas with. I have friends to love and who love me.
I am grateful for all the blessings my Heavenly Father has given me! The list is endless! I am grateful for Christ and THE ATONEMENT. He suffered and died out of love for me, allowing me a way back to my Father.
I am grateful for my church. I am so blessed to be a part of it. I know it's true, and I know that if I follow its gospel, I will be eternally blessed. It's not easy, that's for sure, but I know that if I am obedient and do what is right for me, it will be more than worth it.
I know God lives, and I know he loves me. I know my prophet's words are the words of God. I believe in my prophets, and I know the first, Joseph Smith, translated this book by the power of God. I am so grateful for it. I know its words are true, and I enjoy every minute of my personal study of it.
I am grateful for the power of prayer and the opportunity I have to speak to my Heavenly Father.
I am so grateful I made the choice to follow him. I have grown this testimony from nearly nothing. I will keep it until my death. I pray to return to my brother Christ and my Father in Heaven again. Amen.
And MERRY CHRISTMAS,
JozieMy Moood:: tired |
So, Katie, what are you trying to tell me?
Why do I need to know what he thinks, feels, says behind my back... ???
I suppose you think that if someone really loved me, the things they would think, feel, and say behind my back would reflect that love. Correct?
Hm. 'Tis a thought.
--- IN OTHER NEWS ---
I helped Chad move out. He is still struggling with pornography. Don't ask how I know. I just do. 'Nuff said.
My grades are as follows:
INTRO TO VISUAL ART -- A (3 credits)
ENGLISH 111 (Hahaha) -- A (3 credits)
CERAMICS -- A (3 credits)
BOOK ART -- A (2 credits)
BOWLING -- A (2 credits)
U.S. HISTORY -- C (3 credits)
I will be taking more classes next semester:
CERAMICS II - 3 credits
INTRO TO BIOLOGY - 3 credits
BIOLOGY LAB - 1 credit
CREATIVE WRITING (baah) - 3 credits
ART HISTORY I - 3 credits
PHOTOGRAPHY I - 3 credits
What sucks is that I already know how to paint and draw and read music, so I don't need to take any classes to learn what I have already NEARLY mastered (though many would say I have those mastered, I am not perfect). I'll be taking classes like ceramics, sculpture, photography, and junk... instead. To get my little... crap degree. LOL.
Annoying GENERAL ED requirements... Grrr. I hated history. It sucked. It was a short class, though. Only two months long! Long class period, though. Booooooorrrring.
Christmas is only 4 days away. I am so excited! I sure wish I had someone to cuddle on Christmas. Jakie said he would volunteer. Oh goodie! Lol. Nothing like cuddly Mormon boy and a mug of hot chocolate in front of a fire... Mmmm.
Man, it's getting C-C-C-C-C-COOOLD!
Jozie |
I was so busy with my finals! I had a final on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, so I really didn't have much time last week. Well, it was the 12th - 16th really.
Anyway, some of my guildies were complaining about how little time I have been able to spend in the guild lately. Their concerns are understandable, but I got a little annoyed from all their teasing and rude comments that I just stopped comming online... at least on the Cenarious server.
I started a gome rogue on a different server. I also started a gnome mage. I will still play on the Cenarious server, but I will also be playing on that server when I am in need of a break.
Anyway, back to what I was originally going to talk about. I came back from FINALS WEEK and found out that the Dragon Lords had merged with Evident, a rival guild. I was a little annoyed by this. I was annoyed at how all the players above 50 left the guild, and how there wasn't anyone over 40 left in there to take care of it. Of course, I probably don't have any room to talk because I left as well, but I didn't leave because I wanted to join a "real instance guild".
The leaders of the Dragon Lords abondoned their guild so they could join a guild where they would always be able to do those high-instance runs. In doing this they totally left behind all of the members below level 40. I'm sure if they had a better reason, I would not have such a problem with it. But that was their reason... and it annoyed me.
So, Loa is now alone. No guilds for her!
Wuuuuh WOOOOOO!My Moood::  annoyed My Mooozic: : "Moonlight Shadow" |
FINALS SUCK FINALS SUCK FINALS SUCK!
2 DoWn, 3 MoRe To Go!
Jozie |
1. The end of the world is coming, if you can save only one kind of animal, which one will you pick?
A. Rabbit
B. Sheep
C. Deer
D. Horse I would most definitely save the horses!
2. You go to Africa. When you visit a tribe, they insist you take an animal as a souvenir, which one will you choose?
A. Monkey I would take a monkey.
B. Lion
C. Snake
D. Giraffe
3. You did something wrong. Instead of being a human, God punished you to be an animal, you will choose:
A. Dog
B. Cat Here kitty kitty
C. Horse
D. Snake
4. If you have the power to make one species disappear forever, which one will that be?
A. Lion
B. Snake
C. Crocodile
D. Shark It would choose a shark over these any day.
5. One day, you met an animal which can speak human language, you wish that'll be... A. Sheep
B. Horse
C. Rabbit
D. Bird Being able to communicate with a bird would be saaaWEET!
6. On an isolated island, you can only have an animal as you companion, which one you'll choose...
A. Human Duh…
B. Pig
C. Cow
D. Bird
7. If you have the super power to tame all kinds of animal, you'll choose what kind of animal to be your pet?
A. Dinosaur
B. White Tiger Owning a TAME white tiger would be awesome. </b>
C. Polar Bear
D. Leopard
8. If you have 5-minute times to be an animal, which one you would like to be?
A. Lion
B. Cat
C. Horse
D. Pigeon So I could fly!
Analysis
1. What kind of person you'll be attracted to in real life situation.
A. Rabbit - those who has split personality, like cold as ice on the outside, but hot as fire in the heart.
B. Sheep - obedience and warm
C. Deer - elegant and well-mannered
D. Horse - those are unbridled, untrammeled, and free
2. In the process of courtship, which approach would make you feel irresistible.
A. Monkey - creative, never let you feel bored
B. Lion - straight-forward, just tell you he (she) loves you
C. Snake - moods-swing, blow hot and cold in love, vacillate
D. Giraffe - patience, never give up on you
3. What impression you would like to give to your lover.
A. Dog - loyal, faithful, never change
B. Cat - stylish
C. Horse - optimistic
D. Snake - flexible
4. What incident would cause you to break up with your partner / which character you hate most.
A. Lion - your lover's arrogance, act like a dictator pisses you off
B. Snake - emotional, too moody; and you don't know how to please him/her
C. Crocodile - ruthless, cold-blooded, ironic
D. Shark - insecure
5. What kind of relationship you would like to build with your partner.
A. Sheep - traditional, without saying anything, the other will know what you want, both of you communicate by hearts
B. Horse - both of you can talk about everything and anything, no secret is kept
C. Rabbit - a relationship which make you feel warmth and in-love always
D. Bird - you care not only about present but future with your partner, a long-lasting relationship that you can grow with
6. Would you commit adultery.
A. Human - you care about the society and morality, you won't do anything wrong after marriage
B. Pig - you can't resist desire and lust, most probably you'll commit adultery
C. Cow - tolerant, you'll try very hard not to do it
D. Bird - you can never be stabilized, actually you are not suitable for marriage and you don't want to make commitment
7. What do you think about marriage.
A. Dinosaur - you are quite pessimistic, you don't think happy marriage exist anymore nowadays
B. White Tiger - you think of marriage is a precious thing, once you get married, you'll treasure it and your partner very much
C. Polar Bear - you are afraid of marriage, you think it would take away your freedom
D. Leopard - you always want to get married, but in fact, you don't even know what it really is
8. At this moment, what do you think of Love.
A. Lion - you always thirst of love, you can do anything for it, but you won't fall for it easily
B. Cat - you are quite self-centered; you think of love as something you can get and trash anytime you want
C. Horse - you don't' want to be tied by a steady relationship, you just want to flirt around
D. Pigeon - you think of love as a commitment for both partiesMy Moood:: tired My Mooozic: : Nothing, actually... |
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