Power of the Scriptures

Reading the scriptures has always had a powerful affect in my life. It seems like the Lord puts the scriptures that I need to hear just in the right place at the right time. I am sure what is happening is that the Holy Ghost is using whatever scripture I happen to be reading at the moment to help me in just the right way. It is neat how certain scriptures can take on more than one meaning depending on the answers I am searching for at the moment. I have recently noticed that when the Holy Ghost communicates with me, He is usually quoting scripture that I have read before. That is why I think it is so important to read so that He has resources to bring back to our remembrance. Recently the Lord communicated to me through the scripture about how a mother could forget about a baby child long before He would forget about me. As many times as I have read the scripture, I am not sure I ever remember Him explaining it to me as specifically as He did recently. I am glad that it was available for Him to draw upon and I really need to ensure that He has plenty of options to choose from. He also provided more insight into scriptures about weaknesses. He doesn't always steer us away from our weaknesses, but may even lead us to them so that we can overcome them.

Building of Character

I think there are a lot of factors that go into building the character of a person. Things like culture, genetics, events, history, choices, etc. all impact who we become. Had I been born in India during the 14th century - I would likely be different than I am today. If I were born with no hands, I would probably have a different career. In all scenarios - we certainly have the choice between right and wrong, and that is how we will be judged. But we can't take for granted all the historical choices of others or other outside influences that impact our culture today and who we become. For instance, had George Washington chosen not to stand up to the British - would I have been the benefactor of a well defined education system that we have here in America. Or would God have simply raised up somebody else in replace of George Washington to have accomplished the same basic scenario. I have two theories (which really make three when you combine them) that could explain how life works. Either God creates scenarios and manages them to the minute detail such that things work out the way they need to in order for us to develop and learn the things we need to - or He stands back and watches the dynamics of life unfold knowing in the end it doesn't matter what we specifically learn as long as we learn to choose the right based on the circumstances we are in. I think it is really a mix of both - He sets things up for us all the time and ensures certain things transpire - however He also utilizes the natural laws of the sciences (Physics, Biology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.) to play out such that we can learn from whatever may come. I certainly have too much evidence to show that He individualizes the plan for us, but I also see how He allows me to learn from all that goes on. The more I think about the plan - the more I get the impression that it is perfect. I don't know why it continues to amaze me since I have known for a long time that He is perfect.

Music is Amazing

I think music is amazing. Whether it comes from the soul of a desperate cowboy seeking sincere forgiveness from a loosing battle with alcohol or from the hands of a pianist who only could have developed the talent long before this earthly sojourn - it is simply amazing. Nothing seems to express the feelings of the heart or touch it quite like music. Granted, there are some musicians that have abused the talent by confusing lust with love and struggle their way through a song intended to make one feel loved only for the intent of seduction. And while Jazz and Mexican music tend to drive me crazy - most other forms inspire me. Songs often bring back memories of loved ones or of spiritual events. Turning the volume up high on a wonderful song puts one on top of the world for a moment and takes them to a place where things are just better. Feeling the beat of a song and wondering how those combination of notes were decided upon is just fun. Most songs tell a story and help us relate to each other. I heard a song the other day which was written in such a way that it was as if Christ were singing it to me. It is called "Reverently & Meekly Now" and is in the LDS hymnbook on page 185.

Following Christ

I am just learning about blogging and how to organize the different topics that I intend to write about. As a test, I figured I would write about a topic that is on my mind from time to time which is religion. As I thought about that label - it occurred to me that I could very quickly paint myself into a corner in most people's mind - Christian, LDS, Male, White, American, etc. While I am not ashamed of any of those titles - I would really like better to be known as a True Follower of Jesus Christ. I realize that is a label to be earned rather than self-proclaimed and in the end only His opinion matters. Believing in Christ is much more than defining a specific religious preference for a census - it is about developing a sincere relationship with a real person. I am okay without knowing all the detailed information about how we came into existance and got on top of the food chain because I think that can be learned at some future point in time. For now, I am trying to focus on the essential revealed truths of our purpose in life. In essence, God sent us here to further develop our personalities and provided a way for us to learn from mistakes. That way involves a Savior who paid the full price for our sins so that we could return to our Heavenly Home after our earthly journey. While our Father's plan involves a large supporting cast ranging from parents, leaders, behind the scene helpers, etc. it all hinged on Christ's ability to live a perfect life and endure the full weight of our sins. He accomplished His part and now it is up to us to accomplish ours through following His guidance and meeting the conditions He has laid out for us which will enable us to be forgiven. That's my plan!

Intro to Blog

Well, I have always enjoyed writing. It is a way for me to sort out how I really feel about things. I have always kept a journal, but am now looking for more organization around topics I am interested in. I figured I should check into a blog - even if it is only for my own viewing. Later, if I feel like others might be interested in what I write, then I will share it.