The feminist conundrum

Disclaimer:  The following statement should be taken 'generally' not personally.


The feminists run rampant, shouting pleas of "We shall be heard!"  and "We can rise in society just as well as men can!"  All this, whilst prancing about exposing ninety percent of what should be kept personal, their bodies!

It is clinically shown that the parts of a man's brain that lights up when he see's a screw driver or a hammer is the same part of the brain being used when he see's an immodest woman.  His mind registers something like, "tool... to use"

This is a healthy function for men and women, but only in the right setting.  It is good, when it is used in a personal intimate relationship (where a woman has consciously decided to give herself to him, because he has gained her valuable and precious trust). But rather we see, in much of society, flying through internet pages, and yelling at us on screen, complete strangers who have consciously decided to give some of her most precious and sacred parts to the world?  Thus a man may be prone to see all women generally as a tool, to be used however he pleases ... similar to the way he see's a screwdriver or a hammer.  So tell me, how is this accomplishing the feminist goal of showing society that we are individuals, souls of worth, value, compassion and love?  How does this conundrum show society  that through our infinite talents and abilities we have power to influence the world?

So, it comes down to this; with our words we say, 'we are valuable and important", and with our bodies we say, "use and abuse us how you please."

These two opposites (demanding gender equality versus flaunting the body) can be compared to a drunk man, stumbling over his feet.  He grabs you, pins you up to the wall and says (breathing stench into your face), "I deserve respect, now you are going to respect me,  or else!"  Does the fact that he is demanding respect give cause for it, or are his actions speaking louder than his words?

Modesty women!  It's a big deal!  

Modesty SPEAKS the words "respect me" louder than the words "respect me" ever could.  

Thank you for sharing in my flow of thought. 

Feel free to share yours with me.  

Poem: What are they without these?

Here is a poem I wrote recently.  The poem expresses gratitude for life's many faceted emotions.  Varying experiences and emotions have given me ammunition to write poetry, that I'm sure I wouldn't have written had I not had these experiences.  Besides poetry there are many blessings I have gained by means of both good and bad experiences in my life.  Thus, are there really 'bad' experiences?

What are they without these?

I thank you life experiences for giving me the inspiration to bring to life through words the thoughts that fill this poem. 

I thank you hate, anger and ingratitude for filling my soul with feelings that pour onto the page an everlasting memory of painted song 

I thank you apathy for teaching me that being void of feeling seems to feel something too and gives a neglectful edge to each dry word yet still expressing. 

I thank you chalous for rubbing against me just enough to bring a strength I didn't know I had that would yield such forc-ed letters upon a backdrop of white. 

I thank you tenderness, sweetness and love, for brimming up inside me like a fully flowing faucet pouring sillily into an overflowing cup.  Eventually it fills and when it is too full it can't help but escape somewhere, and for me it often finds itself with ink, and splotches, scribbles pouring as the dripping edge of the cups rime is flowing over. 

Thank you choice for affording me the vast difference in the lenses which I see the world which can seem to shift and change so rapidly as it were that each new drifting thoughts desire for a home finds itself in my notebook.   

Duly noted.

That Unseen Sphere

There is an unseen sphere in this world that is very active and alive.  It is a place which is easy to forget about.  It is hidden from our immediate conscience.  It is vast and expansive.  It can be extremely evasive or extremely invasive, depending on how you interact with it.

This sphere is the sphere of souls.  The sphere of spirits.

There are spirits all around us right now, as we speak, which we cannot see. Some are good influences and some are evil.  The new testament affirms this, and alludes to the effect that they do, or rather, can influence us.  This scripture in John also hints that many of these spirits are those lingering here after they have died.

John 4:11 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

So consider with me for a moment, if you will, how are the people around you being influenced by these spirits, unknowingly (or perhaps knowingly).  How much do you think spirits interact with us or tell us things that only our spirits are hearing.  When someone makes a rude remark to you, you might pause now to consider if that rude remark was influenced by 5 evil spirits surrounding that person.

The world looks a little different now, doesn't it?

What of you?  What are you thinking and saying that is being told to you, that your soul is picking up and regurgitating back to the world.  I believe that we are far more intellectual than we even comprehend.  Do you think that we solely cognize with our brains, or do you think part of our knowledge is only known with our soul?  How much of what the brain knows is a result of it's acceptance of information taught to it by the soul?  Think of the phrases "listen to your soul"  or "Listen to your heart"?  Why would we have to "listen" if it was only in our brain and not something separate from it?

Let me simplify this.  Imagine two people, in a room, looking at eachother, but silent.  Silent, at least, to the audible ear.   Are they not still conversing?  Can their spirits, inside their, bodies not understand the others and converse, in whatever way spirits do (which apparently is not with words).   What are our spirits saying to each other?

I believe that the spirit inside us cannot lie, but I do believe it can be deceived and thereby darken.  Pulling away from it's creator.  The more deception is in place the further away from light ones spirit lives.  By choice are we becoming brighter or darker each day.  By choice are we connecting with who we really are or going away from every day.

So, if a spirit is deceived is it still speaking truths to other spirits?
It may be deceiving but it will always reflect it's true intention and it cannot hide it's reality, or it's current state.

It takes effort to reach inward to that creature that we really are.  It takes effort to connect ourselves with our own souls, and in my experience the more we do so, the more clearly and accurately we can recognize this 'unseen sphere', and not be deceived by those parts of this sphere which is deceptive.

God gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us:

Doctrine and Covenants 84: 46 "And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world;  and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit."  

 So how important then is this unseen world?  How important are the spirits in us, around us, for us?
I'd say very important.  Most especially important is the Spirit which I just referenced from Doctrine and Covenants.

Listen to this amazing truth, and try and listen with your soul to the soul of the message.

Moroni 10: 5 "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."  

Wow.
All things.
That is allot of things.

So, tapping into that Spirit is the key to all truth!  The question then is, how can we recognize that Spirit?  Well, lets go back to the conversation of the two people who aren't talking with their words (only their souls).  What means do you think helps you to hear that persons soul?  Would walking away from them help?  Probably not, right?  Would playing loud obnoxious music help, or putting a tv show on in the background? No.  A different kind of attention is required, is it not?

I believe that feeling and listening to the spirit is very close to this kind of listening I just described.  The Bible tells us that the spirit is peaceful, full of love, gentle, meek, kind, and faithful.  The scriptures and words of prophets further enlighten us to know that some of us feel the Spirit as a warmth, with others it fills their minds and hearts with light and knowledge

The Light of Christ is the divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things.  The Light of Christ influences people for good and prepares them to receive the Holy Ghost.  (found on lds.org)

That causes me to ponder the energy that I feel when I am in a forest, or by a tree.  The tree is a living thing, and if the light of Christ is giving life to all things, then the tree is full of the light of Christ.  That is such a beautiful concept!

Can you not feel that energy?  Next time you are by a tree, close your eyes, breath and focus on the energy or the soul of the tree and what it feels like.  You will know what I am talking about.



This is the spirit, this is of God.  His light and love are in all things which are of Him and that serve him.  The scriptures tell us that even mountains obey God.

Ever worshiping, ever loving, let us be aware of this sphere which God operates in.  Let us open our hearts together to take in and drink deeply from the waters of His Spirit and His Son's atoning sacrifice.  Let us feel together the energy and soul that is Christ's, feel the power of His death for us so that we can live again.  Let us become one with His energy, His light, His way.

The Way I Read the Word of God

     I have been absolutely amazed at the power of reading scriptures.  But I don't

mean simply nonchalantly reading, as one would read a novel.  Don’t get me wrong; reading them at all is better than not doing so.  However I must say that lately I think I found my niche with the scriptures!   A routine going along with it that simply makes me crave more.

     It started out like this:  writing is a medium that seems to influence my brain profoundly, so I figured that somehow I could incorporate writing and scripture reading together.  I read a chapter in the Book of Mormon, or the Bible and I find a quote associated with it from lds.org or scriptures.byu.edu (excellent sources for finding inspired words of prophets).  I look for quotes that directly relate to what I just read.  Then I write my favorite quote (or favorite’s) in the margins of my scriptures.  Yes, I have to write extremely small!  

Aren't God's creations amazing!?

     Sometimes it takes me a half hour reading through different quotes to find my favorite, but meanwhile I am amazed at how enlightened I feel about the scripture chapter I just read.  Often times I find myself thinking “Oh!  That is what that means!”   I have occasionally found myself moved to tears as I feel the spirit touch me.  I am also enlightened to see how the passages correlate with my personal life.  

                     How do you study scriptures?  What helps you to absorb the words and feel the spirit?  If there is anything I have learned in this process it is to do whatever you need to do to feel the spirit from scripture study, not just read them.  I have seen a direct correlation with blessings in my life to this diligent study and receiving of the spirit each day.   

Thank you for sharing in my flow of thoughts.

#OWTS

Thoughts on Ordain Women

I would like to share my thoughts about the ordain women movement, which I understand is a risky endeavor, because I know that it is a 'hot' topic, so to speak.  I do not wish to cause contention or frustration. I only wish to predominantly share what the prophet's are saying and have said pertaining to the subject.

I will also start with this, and this is what it really comes down to:  Is what the prophet's are saying words of God?  If what they are saying is of God, isn't that good?

Amos 3:7  "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."  

There is an order here that was established from the very beginning of the earth and that is that God's doctrine would be revealed to us through his prophets.  Heavenly Father will assure us personally if a prophet is really called of God, by means of prayer.

Moroni 10: 3-5  "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would  remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.  And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true;  and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." 

I have experienced the reality of that scripture.  It seems to me it is nothing short of God's prescribed test for finding truth.

So, if I were to protest in anyway against anything, that the church is teaching, I would  also be protesting against the authenticity of it's proclaimed authority of God.  Therefore I would be questioning God.  In other words, I would be either choosing that their words are not of God, or if I affirmed that they were of God, I would be choosing to disobey.

It's really that simple.

I think that so many of us have times when we question what the prophets are saying.  There are certainly times when things they say may 'rub us the wrong way'.  Well, is it not the ultimate point of the gospel to submit our will to God?  God's will be done, not ours.  I know it's not always easy, but Jesus Christ has promised us eternal blessings for following Him and His appointed servants.

John 14:6  Jesus Saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Perhaps as you are reading this, you feel it is wrong for women to not have the priesthood.  Perhaps you feel inferior in the church, or that it is unfair that a women would not have the position of prophet.  It's okay, if you struggle with this concept.  Your thoughts matter just as much as anyone else's.  I again ask the question though, is it of God?  Are the prophets today receiving revelation from God about the subject of priesthood, or the roles of men and women?  And if they are receiving revelation from God, isn't that the right thing? Isn't that right even if it's not what we want it to be?

Sometimes it requires faith (well, often) to remember that God's ways are always good and right.

I share my strong love and understanding that God's ways are always good and right, even when they don't seem to be at first.  Whenever I have been patient and sought for Heavenly Father's understanding about what the prophets have said, He has helped me to understand His purposes in a more perfect way.  He has lead me to answers, lead me to truth.

One of the apostles, Elder Dallin H. Oaks (click on his name for the full speech. Ponder what he says, it will give a better understanding of where the church stands about this movement) said some comforting words on the subject that, I believe, help us to have the Lords perspective.  He actually said these words during the same time that the ordain women group intended to meet.  I feel it shows the Lord's awareness of his beloved daughters and their concerns:

At this conference we have seen the release of some faithful brothers, and we have sustained the callings of others.  In this rotation- so familiar in the Church - we do not "step down" when we are released, and we do not "step up" when we are called.  There is no "up or down" in the service of the Lord. There is only "forward or backward," and that difference depends on how we accept and act upon our releases and our callings."  

The world tends to look at outward achievements as being successful, such as positions held (such as religious positions).  But this in not how the Lord see's us.  He desires for us to be obedient.  He is revealing his 'secrets to his servants the prophets' of how to be obedient.

1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:  for the Lord seeth not as a man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."  

The Lord revealed this to the prophet Joseph Smith:

Doctrine and Covenants 1: 38 "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.  What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.  For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.  Amen."  

It is my invitation to all who feel discontented on this subject, whether a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or not, to try the words of the Lord for yourself.  Take that leap of faith in following the words of the prophets to see if they are of God.  Pray and ask Heavenly Father if it be right, and good, or of Him.

As far as I understand John Chapter 7, it talks about people going to a feast which apparently Jesus was invited to.  Before he came the Jews where looking for him and asking where he was.  While they were waiting people started talking about him behind his back.  Some said Jesus was a good man, others said he deceives people.  It says that "out of the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught"  The Jews wondered how he could be so smart without having really learned (perhaps this pertained to some form of secular learning at the time)  and this was Jesus' reply:

John 7: 17 "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether  I speak of myself."

My point in sharing that story is that similar arguments happened clear back when Jesus was on the earth, as they do now.  Although the subject is not specifically ordain women in the bible these men, in essence, were doing the same thing by questioning Christ's authority.   Jesus Christ's response still applies today.

Thank you for sharing in my thoughts.

"Those Crazy Mormons Convention!"

Okay, all my LDS Homies!  I have something to say regarding conference.  My comments are not that it's good to watch conference, because I think that goes without being said.  The word of the Lord spoken to us by a prophet today?  Modern revelation to help us through our live in these current days?  Knowledge poured out to us from Heaven regarding the most imminently important subject that we are currently facing, because the Lord knows we are currently facing them?  I mean, who would want to miss that?

Link to apostle's admonition about the upcoming conference.



What I'm hoping is that you will ponder with me for a moment about the space of time following the final "amen" of a conference session.  Be it the end of the women's conference, the first session on saturday, or the last session on Sunday.  How are we behaving immediately after these sessions.  What are our actions as we leave the conference center.

Look at all those thousands of people.  Just look at them!  You are sitting there thinking, "Oh man, traffic is going to be a nightmare after this!"  or "My son keeps whispering to me how he's 'starving'.  By the time I get to my reservation at applebees they better seat us immediately!"  

Perhaps it would do us well to analyze these thoughts and how we may then act 'less than Christlike' as we leave the conference center if we are feeling anxious about food or travel.

But, what is that showing about the church?

Did those last two, four or six hours of conference give us a way to rise above these human, natural tendencies?  Well, if the answer is yes then I would invite us all to behave accordingly.  The reasons are one: #1 You are a disciple of Jesus Christ.  #2. People are watching you.

Let's look at this from another perspective.  Imagine, I am a waitress named Jessica, at a restaurant near the conference center.  I am a non-denominational Christian.  My co-worker, Linda, who is a lesbian and Catholic, turns to me and says, "So, remember it's conference in 3 days!"  with an exasperated sigh.  I, Jesicca, am suddenly filled with anxiety, "Oh no!  Those crazy mormons are always so demanding.  You know last time I was waiting a table of mormons after conference.  They came in all fancy, with their nice clothes on, and I swear they think that because they came to this 'convention thing', they are something extra special.  This family made reservations but we were backed up and they had to wait a half hour.  The dad was complaining to me for a solid 10 minutes about how they should have a table since they made reservations."

Linda responds, "I know right!?  Last time I waited some guy after that mormon convention.  He told me he was glad I wasn't one of those 'rainbow gay waiters'.  I was like, 'well I'm lesbian, so you have a problem with that?"

There are non-members all over Salt Lake.  As much as we may wish to believe that Salt Lake City is the mecca of mormons, and that we are all of one mind and one heart, this is not so.  But I will tell you one thing, everyone in Salt Lake city, whether religious, atheist, gay, lesbian, or whatever walk of life they are in, all want to be loved.  All people have an innate desire for care, patience and understanding.  Is this not what our prophets are telling us to have more of?

I believe it is extremely important that we watch our actions.  Always remember who we are and live as examples.  There is something different, however, about this special time of conference.  Those who are not LDS know who the LDS people are.  The LDS people come in armies and throngs on a specific weekend, every six months.  They wear suits and ties, dresses and skirts.  Many times, all these non-members know about mormons is how they act after conference.  That is it!  Think of the impact of the short interactions we have with all those around us who just so happen to know one thing about us, that we are mormon!  Are we reflecting what we are really about?  Are we showing them evidence of the things we were just taught by our actions, which is Christ-like love, having an eye single to the Glory of God, patience and understanding for all mankind, and service?

Some applicable words by President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.  "Paul's words are applicable to each of us: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  .. Neglect not the gift that is in thee.  .. Meditate upon these things."  

If you are not Mormon and are reading this message, I hope you will have patience with us mormons.  Know that we truly are trying to do our best.  We may say some things or do some things that don't reflect our beliefs perfectly, and I ask for your forgiveness in that.  I pray that you may be able to look past what faults we may have and come and see for yourself what this 'convention' is really about. In all truthfulness, the messages that are shared are incredible and inspired. The kind of messages that bring peace and a sense of wholeness and love. They are messages with the ultimate goal of bringing 'souls unto Christ.'

Comment. Follow.  Ask questions.  Smile.  :)  If you wish.

Rhythmic Beauty

There is a rhythmic beauty in the universe that all begins with God. 

A song named "Spiders Web" - By Katie Melua is an intriguing song to me.  The way I see it, she says it is hard for us to know what is right and wrong, and that right and wrong can seem very close to each other.  My favorite line from this song is:

“The piano keys are black and white, but they sound like a million colors in your mind.”

This really illustrates how perception can change everything, and what may seem simple at first can really be something very intricate.   I also think that it means that we can look at something one way, and think that we have all the information we need to determine what is really going on, but in reality there is a whole other dimension to what we are looking at.  

I would like to delve, for a moment, into this "other dimension".  The dimension of thought.  The dimension of who we are and why we are what we are.  The dimension that is all things real which we cannot see, which are the most important realities for life.  

Ponder with me for a moment:

 Why is it disturbing to hear piano keys being banged?  Why is it teeth grinding-ly uncomfortable to hear screeching, or think of a tortured person?  Why is it unnerving to be in a pitch black room, with no knowledge of what is in the room, and nothing but the clothes you are wearing to hold on to?

Why does it disturb us when hate invades us?  Why do we then, so often desire retaliation for such invasions? Why does something within us seem to say that there is a better way to resolve conflict?  

Why does the sound of a sobbing child seem to cause an instinct reaction, within us, of dis-ease wanting to stop the crying, either out of frustration or out of love?  

How can our hearts be broken?  How is this humanly possible?

What makes bad things bad?

The answer is the same for the following questions,

Why does a sweet melody always seem to sooth the soul?

Why does the sound of soft wind, running effortlessly through your hair, send a chill of pleasure down your spine?

Why does walking toward a gorgeously sun lit path, leading you to someone you love, give such  a sense of security and hope?

Why is it that when someone does something kind or generous for you, in a time of great need, it is so natural to react with a heart full of gratitude?

Why is it that when we embrace a child who is crying, giving them all the healing love we can find within us, why then do we have such a blessed feeling inside as we know that our tender influenced touched the child and soothed their tears?  

How can our hearts be in love?  How are they capable of loving?  How is this actually possible?  

What is the answer to all these questions?  

They are all the same answer: Because of God.

Because God exists.

Because God exists these things are so.  

We feel, because God exists.

We experience these things because we are human, and we are only human because God is God. 

Much like a child starts to obtain similar characteristics to his parents, (perhaps he has his mother’s laugh, and his dad's sense of logic) we all have characteristics of God.  Whether we believe in him, or of him, or deny him completely, we cannot escape this reality.  We are his children.  These "instincts" are simply human, but also inhuman.  They are man and God.  They are man's experience entwined with who we really are, God’s literal offspring.   And why do we have a human experience? Because of God.

Alma 30:44

"... Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempts your God?  Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets?  The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God;  yeah, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator"

I also witness, that there is a Supreme Creator. 

Thank you for reading, and sharing in my flow of thought.  :)