I am a Woman And I am Not Ashamed

My gender was determined before I even came to this earth. I was given a woman's emotions, a woman's perspective, and then a woman's body. This does not mean that I was in some way slighted! It is a gift. And I am proud of it. 

There has been a lot of talk lately about the ordination of women to the priesthood and its been weighing on my mind pretty heavily, so I decided to share my opinions. 

For those of you that claim to have testimony of the Gospel of Christ yet demand to be made equals, in my mind, are losing sight of what your testimony really means to you. Let me explain....

In "The Family A Proclamation to the World" (http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf) it reads that, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." Meaning that us woman have always been women, and always will be women. That is not to degrade us, or demean us. This is a sacred, holy, and ETERNAL characteristic. It is part of our identity and purpose! If men and women were exactly the same- there would be no need for partnership or collaboration. We would already see things and think of things the same. But God saw fit to make us different, and yet equal in qualities and attributes we bring to the table. 

We have all heard of the phrase, "He/she is my other half" or something similar. But if we really take a look at what that means- it means that you were not complete without your other half. You were not your full potential without your spouse. We are all capable of SO much individually, but when we bring a man's point of view, emotions, and body together with a woman's point of view, emotions, and body- we are capable of SO MUCH more! 

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." 

This separation of responsibilities is not sexist. It is simply dividing and conquering in areas we are best at. Areas that we were preordained and blessed to be good at. As women, we are given bodies that are capable of bringing new life into this world. And that is no simple task! I have had the privilege of carrying, growing, birthing, and nurturing a precious daughter of God and know that it is NOT an easy task. But it brings the most love I have ever known into my heart and the sweetest memories and adventures into my life. It is a huge responsibility with great reward.

As the years have come and gone, women continue to pursue their place in the working force, to prove themselves equal, to fight for their rights, to break that "glass ceiling". This has become very empowering to us as women. We have accomplished so much in so little time, when you look at the big picture. But are we pushing too far? Yes. I say yes. To demand that we be ordained with the priesthood, in my humble opinion, is going too far. 

I am not saying that we be content to sit at home and twiddle our thumbs while raising children all our lives, but that we accept and use the gifts we've been given to be the best that we can be, combined with those of our spouse. Because together, we are better than when alone.

The men in our lives work hard and strive to be the best priesthood leaders they can be for us and for our families. But you don't see them running around demanding to be given the right to bring life into this world so that they can do it all on their own. No. There is a reason responsibilities are split. It's so that we can collaborate and work together in harmony. It is so that we don't become prideful and so self-reliant that we forget God. 

The Gospel is not all fact and things aren't always cut and dry, but that is what Faith and Prayer are for. And if you lack faith- pray for it. God will help us realize our true potential. And when we gain testimony of these simple things, all else falls in place. 

Let's not forget who you are really protesting and demanding rights from here. It's not the prophets and apostles. It's not your husbands or fathers. It's God. And when you look at it that way- I'd rather not take any chances. God knows what He is doing and it is our responsibility to have faith and endure to the end. And by enduring, I intend to enjoy my life and make the most of the gifts that I have been given combined with the gifts my husband has been given.

The Savior's Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane

Matthew 26: 36-46 describes Christ's feelings as "sorrowful" and "heavy", meaning distressed and troubled.
Mark 14:32-42 describes Christ's feelings as "sore amazed, and to be very heavy", meaning amazed, awestruck, astonished, depressed, dejected, and in anguish.
Luke 22:39-46 describes Christ's feelings as "agony", meaning pain
Mosiah 3:7 says, "And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people."
Alma 7:11-13 talks about how he does this all for His people, "And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people' and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
D&C 19:16-19 says that Christ did this all for us so that we would not have to suffer as he did, "Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."
The word Gethsemane means "olive press". This gives insight to the experience Christ went through there that night. Olives are pressed and squeezed free of it's oils and refined into olive oil. That night Christ was pressed and put under a great deal of pressure so that in the end He could come out refined and pure. He had finished the task He came to do.
While Christ was enduring such pain, His disciples were sleeping. We always wonder why they couldn't just stay awake- but they were probably there for hours and it was dark and in the middle of the night. We would all probably fall asleep too! Christ says that "the spirit is willing but the flesh is week". They were all there supporting Christ and had every intention of staying awake- but when it came to it, their mortal bodies were overcome with sleep. But Christ also said to pray always so that we can be victorious in the end and have the power to throw off temptation and evil! Through Christ and our GOd, we can have the power to do anything!
So why did Christ "drink the cup"?:
Mosiah 15:7 because it was the will of the Father
3 Nephi 11:11 because of the will of the Father and for all of mankind
D&C 19:19 to give Glory to God
In all accounts, Christ asks the Father if there is any other way for the atonement to happen, because the pain and suffering Christ is going through is so exhausting and so overwhelming. But in every account, Christ also always says, "nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done." Christ knew ultimately that it was God's will that would supersede his own wants. He was willing to do as the Father asked of him, even though it was hard and He didn't want to.
At one point during Christ's suffering things took a turn for the worst and it talks about how Christ began to pray more urgently and more exceedingly and so on. Some times when we are down or things aren't going very well in our lives, we don't much feel like praying. But here we see that it gave Christ strength to go on and to finish the task he began!
There is so much to learn from Christ's example here in the Garden of Gethsemane! We need to be more willing to follow God's will instead of out own- and to seek out His will above our own! We need to think of others as well instead of being selfish. ANd lastly, we need to pray more diligently and earnestly!

The Savior Anointed

In Matthew 26:6-13 and in Mark 14:3-9 there is a story of a woman who anoints Christ's feet with a precious and expensive ointment. Christ explains that she did this because of how she felt for Him. She knew how precious and important Christ was and showed it by cleansing His feet in a very precious oil. Mark 14:8 implies that she knew He would die for her sins, all of their sins. That she was reverencing Him. Some of the disciples felt she wasted the oil and were upset about it probably because they didn't think of something so good. They probably took for granted a little bit that they walked and talked and ministered with Christ, the Son of God. They probably felt ashamed that they did not also show such reverence for Him as this woman showed.
This woman's act was worthy of praise and remembrance because she was the one that recognized that Christ would not be with them much longer physically and she wanted to do something for Him that showed thanks, reverence, faith, and love. This woman is an example to me because she showed great love and respect for the Savior in a tangible way. Not many of us can do that. She was in tune with the spirit enough to know that she had to take advantage of the time she had with Christ to make it count. Just like on this earth we need to make the time count for something so that we can show Christ that He did not die in vain for our sins.

Preparing for the Saviors Second Coming

In order to be prepared for the Second Coming Matthew 13 outlines somethings that we can watch for so that we will be ready. There will be wars and rumors of wars. There will be earthquakes. The gospel will be published in all nations. False Christs and false prophets will come and go.
In D&C 87:8 it reads that we can prepare by "standing in holy places" and being firm in our testimonies
In JS-Matthew 1:32 says that prophesies will come to pass and be fulfilled.
In JS-Matthew 1:37 says that we must treasure the gospel so that we will know right from wrong and we will not be deceived
In JS-Matthew 1:46-50 says to watch carefully that we will be ready and will be know when it is time and we will recognize our Lord and Savior.
In D&C 33:17 it says to pray always and be prepared to follow Christ.
In D&C 45:56-57 it says to make the Holy Spirit be your guide

The Last Days of Jesus' Mortal Mission

Day One: Jesus arrived to Jerusalem and was greeted with the people laying down palm branches before him as he rode on his donkey. He went directly to the temple. He was probably tired from the journey but He had his priorities set and went straight to the temple first before resting.
Day Two: He went back to the temple first thing in the morning and saw that it was being used as a trading center and drove them all out. It was a direct challenge to the authority in place, but Christ knew that the sanctity and purity of the temple must be kept and so he enforced it.
Day Three: The leaders confronted Christ and asked why and by what authority He had done the things the previous day. Christ denounced them as true leaders and called them hypocrites. The leaders discuss what to do about him and how to get rid of him. One of Christ's disciples decides to turn him in.
Day Four: Not really known- But Christ knows of the plot for His death.
Day Five: Jesus performed the passover meal where He identified His betrayer and prayed over the first sacrament. From there He went to the Garden of Gethsemane where he prayed to be delivered from the pain that was to become Him. But it did not. Judas then lead officials to Jesus who took him to an unfair and illegal trial.
Day Six: Jewish leaders sought to charge him on both blasphemy and sedition based on the fact that He had called Himself the "King of the Jews" and the "Son of God". He was sentenced by the people and was crucified. He later gave up His spirit to the Lord and was taken down off the cross for burial.
Day Seven: Jesus body remained in the tomb but His spirit ministered in the realm of spirits.
Day of Resurrection: Christ rose and appeared to Mary and other disciples.

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

In Matthew 19 Jesus tells the rich man that to enter into the kingdom of God he must give all that he has to the poor and come follow Him. The man walked away because he could not bring himself to give up all that he had. But if we do give up all and follow him, we will be blessed with everlasting life and much more.
Based on what the Savior said is required of us to inherit the kingdom of God it would help us to keep focused if we remember that the blessings that await us if we do what the Lord has asked far outweigh the riches and worldly possessions that we could accumulate in this life.
WHen we serve in the Lord's kingdom he will bless us according to our work and efforts. No more and no less. But he treats everyone the same. Everyone receives the same blessing and the same rewards. Converts to the church can be comforted by the thought that the Lord treats everyone the same. And will bless them just the same as those who have been members all their lives. And for those who think it is unfair for everyone to be paid equally, they just have to come to love others and understand how the Lord works. If they could do that, it wouldn't be such a big deal to them. LIke if they have children, they want their children to all receive good things in their life and ultimately return to God's presence, even if they have made bad decisions in life.

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

Jesus called the seventy disciples to go be missionaries! They even went in pairs! He instructed them to go without food or money and that they would be provided for wherever they went as long as they were doing the Lord's work. The were given power to do miracles and they had much success.
Luke 10:1-2 explains exactly what we do now! We send out missionaries in pairs to preach the gospel and bring the truth to all who will listen! Then again in Luke 10:8-9 The missionaries don't take a lot with them and they are fed by those who are willing to feed them. And in Luke 10:17-20 The missionaries today also have great power to do many miracles in the name of the Lord. They report back to their mission presidents as well. ALl of these things point to our Article of faith 6.
In Luke the Lord calls for the seventy and then again in D&C 107 they are ordained and given authorities and powers as the apostles.

Become as a Little Child

Christ says that we are like little children because we do not yet understand the blessings and plans of our Father in Heaven. He goes on to say in D&C 78:18 that, "I will lead you along". He will help us when we falter and lose our way. But we must also help ourselves by being humble and faithful. In Mosiah 3:19 it says that we must, "yield to the enticings of the spirit" which means to listen and obey what the spirit tells us. We must learn to control our desires and temptations. We have to exercise restraint, faith, and repentance. To become like a little child means to be "submissive,meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." And so we can see that children are great examples for us. Children are full of love, submissive, etc. To be like a child is to be christ-like and to do so will bring us many blessings and rewards from our father in heaven.

Walking on the Sea

When Christ's disciples first saw Him walking on water they were afraid and confused. They thought he was a spirit or some kind of vision. Which kind of baffles me after they have spent so much time with Him and have seen him perform countless miracles! Why not walk on water? But once Christ identifies himself, Peter at once shows his faith by saying, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." This shows how faithful and devoted Peter was to Christ. He knew that if Christ wanted him to come unto Him, that it would be possible. And no one of little faith would have been able to accomplish this- walking on water. In Matthew 14:30 Peter's faith wavers as he sees all the big waves around him and it scares him- who wouldn't be afraid?! We all falter from fear once in awhile. So Peter calls out to Christ to save him. The best part is that Christ "IMMEDIATELY" lends a hand to Peter to save him from drowning. So, how did Peter walk on water? In D&C 88:67 it reads, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." So we must have our lives centered on Christ and remember to glorify God in all things. We too must to this to be able to get through the storms of life. We may not ever be faced with walking on water- but we all face challenges where our faith is tested and how we will handle it? Hopefully with faith!

John the Baptist

In Matthew 11:1-9 John the Baptist sent disciples to Christ to see if he was the one John had been waiting for. Can you imagine the kind of news they had to share with John the Baptist. If I had been one of those disciples I would have been jumping with joy to tell John a) that Christ has come and that He is who we have waited for b) that I had witnessed Christ perform many miracles and c) that he is waiting for John and praises him as a great prophet!
In Matthew 11:2-3, as we discussed, John send disciples to Christ to see if it really is the Savior of the world. Some wonder if this was John's lack of faith in Christ. But after reading the institute manuel on the subject you find that John was simply trying to get his followers to recognize who Jesus was and to believe in and follow Him. It was not for John's benefit, but for those who followed him.
In Matthew 11:11 Jesus says, "there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist". So why was John the baptist considered greater than ALL other prophets and disciples of Christ? Joseph Smith says that "First, he was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the Lord... Second, he was entrusted with the important mission... to baptize the Son of Man... Thirdly, he was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom there was then on earth, and holding the keys of power." John the baptist was the most trustworthy, and the most committed to do the sacred works that needed to be done for Christ to come.
John 3:3 says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John knew that Christ was perfect and therefore, increasing in knowledge and perfectness. John was of the earth- a mortal- and therefore can only hope to become somewhat like Him. We need to remember that the goal is be like Christ and "increase".

Miracles or Evidence of Faith and God's Power

Matthew 8:1-4
Miracles of the Lord: Healing the leper of his disease
Who Demonstrated Faith: The Leper
Matthew 8:5-13
Miracles of the Lord: Healed a sick child without even seeing or going to her
Who Demonstrated Faith: A Centurion
Matthew 8:14-15
Miracles of the Lord: Healed a fever/sickness
Who Demonstrated Faith: Peter's wife's mother
Matthew 8:16
Miracles of the Lord: Casting out the devils from many people
Who Demonstrated Faith: The ones who brought the possessed to Christ
Matthew 8:23-27
Miracles of the Lord: Commanded the wind and the seas to be calm
Who Demonstrated Faith: Christ did, because his disciples did not have enough faith to do it themselves
Matthew 9:20-22/ Mark 5:25-34
Miracles of the Lord: Healed a blood disease of a woman who simply touched him
Who Demonstrated Faith: The woman with the blood disease
Matthew 9:27-31
Miracles of the Lord: Healed the blind man
Who Demonstrated Faith: The blind man
Matthew 2:1-12
Miracles of the Lord: a new star to light the way to Christ, warned the wise men not to go back to herod
Who Demonstrated Faith: the wise men
When I look at all the many incredible miracles that the Lord has performed, I am amazed. How could one be so powerful? It increases my respect and humility. I know that God can accomplish whatever it is that He wants. I know that he can help me when I need it- if I have enough faith. All of God's miracles happen on basis of faith. I must continually strive to increase my faith so that I will be ready when I am in need of a miracle.

We Must Be Born Again

In John 3:3-5 Jesus talks about how one can enter into the Kingdom of God. He says in verse 3 that "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." But then in verse 5 he says, "except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". So, what is the difference between "seeing" and "entering" into the kingdom of God? If you look closely, he specifies that just by being baptized by water you can SEE the kingdom of God- it is within reach. But you must be baptized by water AND by the spirit to actually ENTER the kingdom of God. In this chapter of John, Jesus is telling Nicodemus that you must be born again OF THE SPIRIT, not of the flesh. And to do so, you must be baptized by water and by the spirit. To be born of water means to be baptized- fully immersed in water.
Baptizm sympolized birth by the way we are immersed in water, as we were immersed in the womb. Then we come out of the water clean of sin- just as we were when first born.
Baptizm also symbolizes death in the way we are bured by water (like in the earth). And like Christ, we are raised up again "by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (romans 6:4)
The Father loves each one of His children and has done countless things to show His love for us! Such as, sacrifice His only begotten son to be redeemed for all of our sins so that we could return to Him. When Jesus was baptized, God showed His love for him by opening the heavens and declaring his love for him. When we follow Christ we are blessed for our faith and love. God loves us all and wants the best for us all!

The Birth of John the Baptist

In Luke 1:14, Zacharias was told that the birth of his son would bring much gladness and rejoicing. In the Bible Dictionary it says that John's purpose was "to prepare the way for the Messiah and make ready a people to receive [Christ]". It was announced that one would prepare the way for a Savior and that John was the "prophet of the Highest" (Luke 1:76). In Luke 1:79 it reads, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." People were so excited about his birth because it meant that the Savior was coming soon! What news would be more exciting than that!?

Teaching

In 2 Peter chapter 2 he warns us against false prophets and gives us signs and characteristics to look for in them. Some of those signs and characteristics include worldy, lusting after uncleanliness, despise government, not afraid to speak evil, adulterous, unable to cease sin, and seek out the "unstable souls". These are just a few of the many things seen in false prophets and wicked men. We must watch carefully and judge prayerfully- seeking wisdom from God to know who is truthful and who is not.
Peter goes on to say that we must "escape the pollutions of the world" through the gospel of Christ. But, he warns us too that we will be worse off if we then return back to the ways of the world after having a testimony of the gospel of Christ. It is as if we know the rules and disobey willingly, as opposed to someone who disobeys without even knowing the rules. Therefore, we must watch ourselves and remember to act in a way that is in accordance with what we have learned through the scriptures, church, leaders, and personal revelation. In this way, we may be spotless before God at the last day.

Faith without Works is Dead

Faith requires work. There is nothing else about it. You cannot simple say "I believe" and think all is well. The Lord requires action on behave of our faith. We ACT on the gospel BECAUSE of our faith, or to strengthen our faith. Matthew 7:21 says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." it is those that DO the will of God, that will be received unto God. We DO because we have faith. James chapter 2 is all about faith and works combined. In verse 17 he states, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In verse 26 he also says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." We must act on our faith to prove to our Father in Heaven that we believe in that which we cannot see and that we obey because we trust him.

Works of Righteousness

"Let brotherly love continue." We never know who we are really in the company of when in the company of a stranger. There have been many stories about people who unknowingly assisted an angel in disguise. Why not treat everyone as an angel in need of assistance. We all suffer so we all need to help each other through it.
Marriage is looked up as an honorable thing. In this age and time I think its meaning has degraded to nothing more than a friendship. We need to remember the sacredness of it.
As for covetousness, we need to just be grateful for the things we DO have instead of dwelling on those we dont. Those who covet put material things above the Lord and need to remember what is more important in life. The Lord will not stand for coveters.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. He is ever constant in all that he does.
We have been sanctified through the blood of Christ, and no other way is sufficient. We owe our lives and our salvation to Him. We can never repay him.
We all live under the rule of others. There is always someone who is watching over us (Parents, Spouse, Family, Friends, etc.) We need to be obedient and joyful, that we may stand righteous at the last day.
Paul asks the people to pray for him. I find that interesting because he is an apostle of the Lord, you would think that he's got it all. He's as spiritual as they come. But he is also still human, and still needs the Lord's strength and mercy to be great. We need to remember our leaders in our prayers so that might have the spirit to be with them to give us the instruction we need when we need it

Epistle of Obedience

Titus was converted to the gospel by Paul somewhere along his first or second mission to Antioch. Titus was a missionary and helper for Paul. Paul sends him a letter telling him that his duty had been in Crete to set up the church and to organize and ordain elders in every city. Paul must have had lots of faith and trust in Titus to leave him up to organize the church and ordain leaders.
So basically, Titus was a bishop in Crete. In Paul's letter to Titus he outlines to duties and characteristics of a bishop: calm, charitable, hospitable, loving all men, sober, just, holy, temperate, and faithful. This is the kind of man that has been left to teach the people of Crete. Paul goes on to talk about the faults of the people in Crete that Titus is in charge of, saying they are vain, unruly, dishonest, and teaching false doctrine for "filthy lucre". Paul advices Titus to rebuke the people and bring them back to righteousness.
Paul tells Titus to preach to them the things that become sound doctrine, the basic principles. He says that the aged will be humble and sober, they will be faithful, charitable, and patient. The aged will be able to teach the young and set examples for them.
We too sometimes get impatient with people who do not just listen, but we must remember that we have all had to find our own testimony at some point in our lives and that the Lord had mercy on us. We must have mercy on them, they will learn, and we must help them. For it is by the Lord's grace that we will be saved, after all we have done to prove our faith.
It does not help to ask foolish questions that don't have any real meaning to the plan of salvation or the gospel. There is no point asking our selves doubting questions when they don't really matter. They are only a ploy of Satan to distract us from the real importance and our faith. We must follow the commandments and laws with faith and an eye single to the glory of God.

Life's Challenges

Sometimes people argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week. Paul would counsel those to love others as Christ does and to esteem others higher than yourself. Be humble and charitable towards others. It doesn't matter what others say to us, but what we do about it.
Many youth lean on the testimonies of their parents as enough for them. Paul would say that each of us must, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" so that we might shine as a light before others. We must figure out our own salvation. You cannot get by to the celestial kingdom with the faith and testimony of a parent or friend. Each must strive for salvation and exaltation individually.
An investigator is considering joining the church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does. This would be one of the most terrible decision to have to make. Family is the most important unit on this earth and to have to choose between family and the gospel... it would be so hard. But the gospel is true no matter what, even when your family may be wrong. Paul says we must put our faith in Christ and not look to the past, but to the future. He also says that through faith in Christ, He will give us the strength we lack to accomplish His will. The Lord will give us strength to do that which we find unbearable.
There are many life situations in which we need to turn to the Lord, and if we will just open the scriptures and read the gospel, we will find answers to any of our dilemmas, crisis, pain, joy, troubles, etc.

Live As Saints Should Live

In Romans 13:11 it says that "now is our salvation nearer than when we believed". Based on that scripture we can all be worried that the end is coming and we wont be prepared. So, what can we do to be prepared? As members of this church we are given the tools and knowledge to make it to the celestial kingdom. We have been instructed to live obediently and endure to the end so that we might be able to receive salvation and exaltation.
Paul gave many examples of what would help bring us to salvation. He said to keep our bodies holy, as an offering unto God. Be in the world, but not of the world. We need to "renew our minds" to what is good and acceptable to the Lord. We need to let love fill our lives and our actions. Giving service and kindness to those in need. Uplift and help others on the same path to reach the same goals you are. We need to be humble and remember who is the Almighty. Do good always and do not stand in debt. And then of course, to keep the commandments of God.
In Romans 14 and 15 Paul cautions the members from judging others. We are not the eternal judges of others, God, the Father, is. We are all equal in God's love and we all deserve respect and love. We need to treat each other as God would. By doing this, we avoid the wrath of God, and we gain greater understanding of God's love for us. Paul cautions that whatever standard we judge others, is how we will be judged in the end. People may have different opinions and practices, but it is important to remember that we are all children of God and we are all here for the same purpose, to return again to our Father in Heaven.
Repeatedly, Paul refers to us as saints. What are you doing today to be a true latter day saint?