Choice and Accountability

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2009 conference.

One of my pet peeves is members of the church who speed, never allowing enough time to drive somewhere at or below the posted speed limit. I find it rather disingenuous to pray for safe travels and then break the laws. I wonder how members can use justifications to break the speed limit laws that would sound comical to justify breaking other laws or commandments. "Well, I'm just stealing a candy bar, not a television." "I'm just having a little bit of coffee, it's mostly milk." "It's just one cigarette when I'm feeling really stressed." 

In Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk, Stewardship--A Sacred Trust, he says, "This feeling of accountability, which is encompassed by the first great commandment to love God, has been described by some as 'obedience to the unenforceable.' We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven, not because someone is forcing us to obey." Isn't that how speed laws are? They are rarely enforced, we obey them because we want to be safe, and found on the right side of the law. How much more important are the commandments, especially the ones that will let us into or keep us out of the temple.

Elder Cook tells the story of his grandfather returning to his ranch in his old age to find that the fences protecting the spring had deteriorated and cattle had gotten into the spring and polluted it. The grandfather felt terrible that he hadn't been able to keep up what he felt was his stewardship to protect that source of pure water. Because of the grandpa's reaction to the polluted spring, action was taken to renew the fences and put in place protections to return the spring to its original loveliness and purity.

Elder Cook says, "I would suggest that if we think about giving an accounting of our actions to the Savior, our rationalizations will be seen in their true light."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk, Moral Discipline had similar themes. He said, "Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard."

Exceeding the speed limit is not necessarily a moral issue, except if you think about the example you are setting for your children. Especially if you think about saying to them at the time they get their driver's license--do as I say not as I do, because the insurance cost will skyrocket if you get a ticket.

If we are faithful in small things we are practicing to be faithful and obedient in larger things, especially in the arena of moral choices. 

Elder Christofferson told about President James E. Faust standing before a board of inquiry when he applied to officer candidate school and being asked "In times of war should not the moral code be relaxed? Does not the stress of battle justify men in doing things that they would not do when at home under normal situations?" And his answer, "I do not believe there is a double standard of morality."

Elder Christofferson ended with this timely counsel. "We cannot presume that the future will resemble the past--that things and patterns we have relied upon economically, politically, socially will remain as they have been. Perhaps our moral discipline, if we will cultivate it, will have an influence for good and inspire others to pursue the same course. We may thereby have an impact on future trends and events. At a minimum, moral discipline will be of immense help to us as we deal with whatever stresses and challenges may come in a disintegrating society."

Looking around at the world today we can see how our choices can either draw others to Christ or turn them away. There is no middle ground anymore. We can be moral beacons to guide others to the safety of the Gospel.

Choices

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2009 conference.

One quote stood out to me as an answer to a question that I didn't even know I had.

Elder José A. Teixeira said, "Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices."

I guess that is the mark of a mature and perfect parent: letting their (adult) children choose and then allowing them to face the consequences of their choices. Fortunately for us He is also merciful and doesn't punish us instantly. Rather, He gives us time and opportunity to repent and be restored. He also has the magnificent ability to make something good out of our foolishness. And for that I'm so grateful.

General Conference Talks Answer Questions!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2008 conference.

For many years I've felt less than. Less than the women featured in Church News articles, or church magazine articles, less than others called to positions of leadership. Because I don't have a college degree, because my chosen career has been wife, mother and homemaker. 

I've often wondered if there will be a different value system in the next life where those who chose to magnify the calling of wife and mother will be more valued than those who gave their life's effort to being a corporate executive or business owner or any other mortal pursuit. I've recently asked myself numerous times if I wasted my life? Should I have pursued a career outside my home? Was I too lazy to do so, and did I just take the easy road?

I'm not uneducated. Over the years I've read voraciously on many subjects: architecture, geography, history, medical science, exercise and nutrition, efficiency and organization, color theory, music, biology, and anything else that interested me. I can hold my own in just about any conversation. I'm curious about the world around me and would have made a great detective or journalist--I love to ask questions!

As a new member of the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a memorable talk titled, "Lift Where You Stand". Among other things, he talks about the example of the Savior going about serving others and then says, "In spite of this shining example, we too easily and too often get caught up in seeking the honors of men rather than serving the Lord will all our might, mind, and strength. Brethren, [or sisters!] when we stand before the Lord to be judged, will He look upon the positions we have held in the world or even in the Church? Do you suppose that titles we have had other than 'husband,' [wife] 'father' [mother], or 'priesthood holder' [Relief Society sister] will mean much to Him? Do you think He will care how packed our schedule was or how many important meetings we attended? Do you suppose that our success in filling our days with appointments will serve as an excuse for failure to spend time with our wife [husband] and family? The Lord judges so very differently from the way we do. He is pleased with the noble servant, not with the self-serving noble." 

That gives me peace! I haven't wasted my life serving my family and in the church.  My choices to stay home, homeschool our children and serve in the church are pleasing to the Lord. I don't need to listen to my doubts.

Another question that was answered by this talk is about premonitions. Several times over the years I've had the distinct feeling that I was going to be called to a particular calling. And then it didn't happen. That has puzzled me for years! Did I listen to the wrong voice? Did I misinterpret the prompting? What was going on?

Elder Uchtdorf explains, "Sometimes He grants spiritual promptings telling us that we are worthy to receive certain callings. This is a spiritual blessing, a tender mercy from God. But sometimes we do not hear the rest of what the Lord is telling us. 'Although you are worthy to serve in this position,' He may say, 'this is not my calling for you. It is my desire instead that you lift where you stand.' God knows what is best for us."

What a relief! I did hear the right voice. I just didn't hear the full message. 

I'm really grateful for the scriptures we call General Conference talks. They truly are the word of the Lord to us; with answers to questions revealed in the Lord's timing, when we're ready to receive them. I know I'd read or heard this particular talk previously, but I didn't get the specific answers that I heard this time around. It's a nice tender mercy to experience.

Choices

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2004 conference.

President Monson called the priesthood holders to have and exhibit more courage. He gave the memorable one-liner, "Decisions do determine destiny."

President Faust gave a whole talk about how "Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."

Years ago as a young adult I made a choice that has affected my life ever since. No matter how much or how thoroughly I repent of that sinful choice I am followed by the consequences of it. At times it has been so discouraging. President Faust said, "The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices." 

Some of our important choices have a time line. If we delay a decision, the opportunity is gone forever. Sometimes our doubts keep us from making a choice that involves change. Thus an opportunity may be missed.

Other choices I made early in life have also had a detrimental effect on my life. They weren't sinful choices, just uninformed or unevaluated choices. I often wish I'd had better guidance and information on which to base my choices. I've tried hard to not perpetuate that mistake in the lives of my children. I've worked to help them see all angles and outcomes of significant choices they face.

A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn't enough. Making correct decisions involves prayer and inspiration.

President Faust was such a wise man and apostle. He had a great sense of humor too. But he wasn't kidding around when he said, "As we look to the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people 'call evil good, and good evil.' We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel." No, he wasn't joking, we was prophetic.

 

"Follow Me"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2002 conference.

I've often thought about what my reaction would have been to Jesus, or Joseph Smith. Would I have been looking for the Messiah and recognized Him? Would I have been looking for the true church and recognized it when I found it? I think I would have, I hope I would have. But I don't know. My patriarchal blessing has the odd phrase that ". . . as soon as you heard the Gospel, it rang true to you and you accepted it readily." I was born in the covenant and raised in a faithful LDS home. I've never not known the gospel of Jesus Christ. Which is why I wonder if I would have searched for it. 

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin asked, "Perhaps a more realistic question might be, 'If the Savior were to call you today, would you be just as willing to leave your nets and follow Him?'"

He talks about leaving our nets, as the early apostles were asked to, some of which are tools to make a living, that we may be required to sacrifice, and some are snares that entangle us in worldliness. "In short, a net can be anything that pulls us away from our relationship with our Heavenly Father or His restored Church." 

He said so many wise things in this talk. 

Sometimes, we feel that the busier we are, the more important we are--as though our busyness defines our worth. Brothers and sisters, we can spend a lifetime whirling about at a feverish pace, checking off list after list of things that in the end really don't matter.

That we do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance--that is essential.

Elder Wirthlin also had such a great sense of humor. He tells of having too much to do in the available time so he decided to get up earlier. He says, "It wasn't easy. There were mornings when the alarm clock went off that I cracked open an eyelid and glared at it, daring it to keep ringing." I can totally relate!

But then he asks, "What should we be willing to give up for eternal life?" And, "How do we follow the Savior?" He answers, "By exercising faith. . . . by repenting of our sins--by experiencing sorrow because of them and forsaking them. . . . by obeying Him. He and our Heavenly Father have given us commandments--not to punish or torment us, but to help us come to a fulness of joy, both in this life and for the eternities to come, worlds without end."

Elder Wirthlin cautions that even though we choose to follow the Savior our lives will not be free from worry, pain, and fear. 

Yes, I do not suggest that the road will be easy. But I will give you my witness that those who, in faith, leave their nets and follow the Savior will experience happiness beyond their ability to comprehend. . . .

We have nets that must be tended and nets that must be mended. But when the Master of ocean, earth, and sky calls to us, 'Follow me,' we should leave the entangling, worldly nets behind and follow His footsteps. 

I testify to you this day that the time will come when every man, woman, and child will look into the Savior's loving eyes. On that day, we will know with a surety the worth of our decision to straightway follow Him. 

What a wonderful day that will be, when we will have a sure knowledge, and we can be at rest from the challenges of this mortal life. I look forward to that day!

Rozy and son, James in 2018

 

 

 

"You Can't Pet a Rattlesnake"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2001 conference.

For the past three weeks my prayers have been intense, and filled with gratitude. One time, into my head, and out of my mouth came, "I'm so thankful for the commandments!" I guess my thoughts were that if only our son had obeyed the Word of Wisdom he would still be with us. The commandments keep us safe and out of Satan's power.

Elder David E. Sorensen of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke of sin (specifically pornography) as a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up [everywhere]. "Often the world makes these dangers look harmless--even exciting and interesting. But petting such snakes fills the mind with poison--poison that drives away the Holy Spirit." Some sins also can literally poison the body and allow evil in.

Whenever we sin, in whatever way, we drive away the Holy Spirit. And the more we continue in sin the harder it is to get back to worthiness to have the Spirit with us.

Our son was trying to come back, he was working with his bishop and attending AA meetings, sometimes. But the hold alcohol had on him was stronger than he could resist, and each wrong choice led to more wrong choices. He hid so much from us, and then it was too late.

Elder John H. Groberg said, "Remember, the sand castles we build on the beaches of mortality, no matter how elaborate, will eventually be washed away by the tide. Only purity of hand, heart, and mind will allow us to tap into the ultimate power of the priesthood to truly bless others and eventually be able to build eternal mansions more beautiful and lasting than we can presently imagine."

My heart is filled with gratitude for the Savior and His great plan of mercy to allow us to repent and be cleansed from sin, and rescued from death. We each are on a trek from Babylon to the Promised Land with dangers on every side. There are casualties and hardships all along the way, but we must never give up or give in. We must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, relying wholly on Him to guide and succor us along the way.

Another Notebook Entry

24 May 2015   I keep hearing "The Lord has His own timeline for us." Today I remembered what President [LeGrand R.] Curtis taught us. "Heavenly Father's goal for us can be brought about only with our full cooperation." Perhaps His timeline would move more quickly [and smoothly] if we were more closely living in harmony with His will.

I served in the Florida Tallahassee Mission under President Curtis from February 1979 to July 1980.

After General Conference

It's been a week now since General Conference. The glow and delicious peace is beginning to fade as the realities of life continue.

I'm attempting to make this year different by studying each talk and writing quotes in a journal dedicated to recording the answers to my conference questions.

My thinking is that by writing down the answers I'll see what actions I need to take to change. For the better, I mean!

The first talk I studied was President Henry B. Eyring's Saturday morning address. I felt so grateful (and got real teary) that I am not alone in my feelings of loss of joy. His counsel was timely and welcome.

"Where and when we feel the closeness of the Savior depend on each of us."

"All us of have had our faith tested by . . . selfish interests that reduced our efforts to cultivate and soften the spiritual depths of our hearts."

". . . make the choices that will create in your heart a more fertile ground for the good word of God to grow and be fruitful."

 ". . . pray with full purpose of heart . . ."

I next chose Elder Steven E. Snow, of the Seventy, whose talk is titled Be Thou Humble.

"Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel."

Towards the end of his address he quotes President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985, President 1973-1985).

"How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

I want to improve! I want to feel joy. I know change is not easy, but I can't reach my goals without it. Following the counsel from leaders gives me a good place to begin.