The Lord created our world. It is His hand that gave us all that is on it. As human beings, especially now, we often debate the proper way to care for the earth. It is our responsibility, and we generally recognize that. However, I think that this section, if read properly, can guide members in how to conduct their treatment of the environment.
Actually, before He gives instruction on how to treat the earth, God dictated other commandments. They are oft repeated requests: love others, keep the sabbath day holy, keep your eye single to His glory. All these are precursor commands. Before we are given any sort of authority over the earth, we must be faithful children of our Father. He has given us this land, and if we follow Him, we will be more inclined to treat it right and more worthy of the gift.
Once we have qualified to use the earth, we are told that it has been given to us for two purposes: "to strengthen the body and enliven the soul." Basically, if we love the Lord, we can use the earth in whatever way it improves our lives. Limitations are set by the seasons. All the fullness of the earth is ours, and we are to use it.
We are given the direct command to not use the earth to excess or by extortion. As in so many other areas, our use of the earth should be in moderation. If we don't use it at all, than we aren't improving the earth or our situation on it. God wants us to progress, so that's a problem. At the other end, if we use the earth wantonly without a thought about caring for it, we will spoil our gift. Though there is enough and to spare, we show our Father that we are responsible stewards by being careful with what we have.
I'm from the Pacific Northwest. The native land of tree huggers. This direction helps me see where I fit in with them and with the water wasters of the rest of the country.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Shadows in the Paint
I had wanted to revisit the Types and Shadows exhibit, but as my daily life continued to build towards finals into one round of non-stop studying or brainless slacking, the opportunity continued to evade me. I was thrilled to find out that not only was I required to go, our class was going to be given a tour.
The first thing I realized is that not all the displays are great. At least not for everyone. The girl with the bread really wasn’t that impressive in my mind. After having it explained, I saw the idea behind it, but it never connected. But then moving onto the beautiful picture with the glass of water, I kept getting the feeling that there was more than I could see. The glass was so clear and so close to reach. But at the same time, it was so far away. The woman in the background was experiencing exactly what I was feeling. Her face looked like she wanted the glass so desperately, but just couldn’t get to it.
The other picture I really liked was the Prodigal Son painting of the table. I spent a good 10 to 15 minutes standing there and ignoring everything, trying to understand the picture. I still don’t get it all, but I got the most general, overall idea of it. It fascinated me how, if I removed the middle panel, the other two would fit together. To me it seemed to say that I will be shaped by all my experiences, good and bad. My life will be changed by all my actions. But I don’t need to experience all the bad things to have a complete life. It was a beautiful illustration of how life is changed by experience. I am planning some time during break, or just before Christmas to go back just for that painting. It really deserves more attention than I was able to give it.
Overall, I thought the exhibit was beautifully put together. Although I didn’t connect with all the images at first, or even second view, I can see how much deeper the meaning of each one goes. I am going to spend time looking at the art when there is no one talking to me. Despite how insightful and enjoyable the tour was, I also wanted some time to just allow the feelings to resonate with me. The spirit was easily felt when I got lost in the feelings of the art.
The first thing I realized is that not all the displays are great. At least not for everyone. The girl with the bread really wasn’t that impressive in my mind. After having it explained, I saw the idea behind it, but it never connected. But then moving onto the beautiful picture with the glass of water, I kept getting the feeling that there was more than I could see. The glass was so clear and so close to reach. But at the same time, it was so far away. The woman in the background was experiencing exactly what I was feeling. Her face looked like she wanted the glass so desperately, but just couldn’t get to it.
The other picture I really liked was the Prodigal Son painting of the table. I spent a good 10 to 15 minutes standing there and ignoring everything, trying to understand the picture. I still don’t get it all, but I got the most general, overall idea of it. It fascinated me how, if I removed the middle panel, the other two would fit together. To me it seemed to say that I will be shaped by all my experiences, good and bad. My life will be changed by all my actions. But I don’t need to experience all the bad things to have a complete life. It was a beautiful illustration of how life is changed by experience. I am planning some time during break, or just before Christmas to go back just for that painting. It really deserves more attention than I was able to give it.
Overall, I thought the exhibit was beautifully put together. Although I didn’t connect with all the images at first, or even second view, I can see how much deeper the meaning of each one goes. I am going to spend time looking at the art when there is no one talking to me. Despite how insightful and enjoyable the tour was, I also wanted some time to just allow the feelings to resonate with me. The spirit was easily felt when I got lost in the feelings of the art.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Things You Learn from Accounting 200
I was reading some articles for today's accounting assignment, and I am really enjoying it. Today's articles are very interesting, especially from a technological standpoint. One is about how wireless networks benefit a company, another is about supercomputers helping predict sales. The end of that second article greatly amused me.
Marketers at one retailer use the technology to find relationships between products purchased by a customer in a single shopping trip. "They found that if someone in a Midwestern city buys disposable diapers at 5 p.m., the most common thing he'll buy next is a six-pack of beer," says Thomas Blishok, an NCR vice president. So to boost snack sales, the store put a kiosk of chips near the diaper aisle. "Sales of snacks in that time period went up 17%."
So, I found this today. I'd forgotten about it. I just took the second exam (93!!!!) and so find this extra funny. Enjoy.
Marketers at one retailer use the technology to find relationships between products purchased by a customer in a single shopping trip. "They found that if someone in a Midwestern city buys disposable diapers at 5 p.m., the most common thing he'll buy next is a six-pack of beer," says Thomas Blishok, an NCR vice president. So to boost snack sales, the store put a kiosk of chips near the diaper aisle. "Sales of snacks in that time period went up 17%."
So, I found this today. I'd forgotten about it. I just took the second exam (93!!!!) and so find this extra funny. Enjoy.
Parallel Lines
As I sit here, contemplating the similarities in the Old Testament and early LDS exoduses, I am finding it hard to put into words. Although I'm not an artistic person, sometimes I am very visual. And this is just one of those times that I need a picture to help me. Like we discussed about the Types and Shadows exhibit, images can convey more than words ever could. Since the parallels between the situations fascinate me, I am going to show you some amazing Photoshop work that helps me make sense of what was going on.
Yeah, I sorta like Photoshop. The map starts at the top in bondage. This can also show spiritual bondage to Satan, not just physical bondage to mortal enemies. Then the followers of God wandered in the wilderness. They come to the mountain of the Lord, which is either an actual mountain (Sinai) or the temple in Kirtland. The best escape from spiritual bondage is found in the temple. This is followed by more wilderness wandering. It ends finally in the Promised Land, or Deseret/Utah. These lands are both mountainous regions. In them rests both living water and dead, salty water. We must personally come to Celestial safety and our eternal promised land. Right now, I think I'm in a wandering stage. Probably the one just before the mountain of the Lord, since I haven't been endowed in the temple yet. It's interesting how much time is spent in wandering because much of life really is just small progress from one stage to the next. Basically wandering. As long as I wander in the correct direction, I know I will eventually reach my eternal promised land.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Framework of Revelation
Section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants teaches a myriad of important principles. However, I consider the framework it provides to be it's greatest contribution to the saints. The framework is not only that which it lays out in commandments and instruction, but even in the way it came to be.
Through revelation, Joseph Smith found answers to many questions. It can be difficult to realize that this applies to me as well. Reading Section 42 in the Joseph Smith Papers, I saw the questions Joseph and other leaders asked. These questions were the guiding force that spurred the revelation. Gathered together, church leaders considered the situation of their followers. Prayerfully, they decided which questions they needed answers to. They then turned again to the Lord, and asked those questions. Not only did they receive answers to those precise questions, other topics that were related, and important to God, were addressed. Later, the questions were removed, because the answers were what the church needed. However, seeing the questions teaches me that I can ask specific questions and faithfully expect an answer, if it is the question I need to ask.
The answers themselves also provide an important framework. Although many of them are time sensitive commands about the move to Ohio, the concepts are vital to saints of all ages. The section summary simplifies the content into this framework. Although I usually skip the summaries, I really like this one for the reason that it lays out the framework in simple terms, and I can then look for exactly what I am searching for more clarification on. I can see it in context, and then delve in deep.
1-10, The elders are called to preach the gospel, baptize converts, and build up the church;
Elders, like "my boys" (yes, I do call them that) from freshman year, are called to spread the good news of Christ. Throughout all of time, the Lord has relied on his faithful servants to go "unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people" (1 Nephi 5:18). From Paul, the greatest missionary, to 19 year old boys of today, elders always have, and always will, be called to go forth to preach, baptize, and build. Since coming to BYU and meeting young men who want to go on missions, I have gained a new appreciation and testimony of missionary work. This is an eternal concept, and is outlined first in section 42.
11-12, They must be called and ordained, and are to teach the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures;
This is now the "how" to accompany the initial "what." Elders aren't just random volunteers who decide a mission would be fun, and promptly buy a plane ticket and start preaching. Although all members can be missionaries, those who are to dedicated their lives to the cause for a time must be called of God and ordained by the proper authority. The whole process of mission papers and calls shows how this is still in affect today.
13-17, They are to teach and prophesy by the power of the Spirit;
Continuing with "how" missionary work is to be carried out, the Lord explains how those called are to deliver their message. It won't just be a memorized schpeel that the missionary personally connects with. The Spirit must be present and very involved in teaching. Even in church this is important. I know I connect best with different teachers. But I can get something meaningful from any lesson in which both me and the teacher have the Spirit with us. Since investigators may not yet understand the Spirit, and definitely don't have the gift of the Holy Ghost given after baptism, the missionary must teach by the Spirit to make sure it is there.
18-29, The saints are commanded not to kill, steal, lie, lust, commit adultery, or speak evil against others;
The basic commandments that God has expected of His children for all time are reiterated. It's basically the 10 commandments in the language of the early saints. This is a reminder that just because we have the restored gospel, and all sorts of new revelation, we still need to follow the original commands of God.
30-39, Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth;
Honestly, I don't think I could live the law of consecration. So reading this always makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. But at the same time, they show how all will be cared for in God's kingdom. Also, even though the full law of consecration is not currently in play, we use these same principles to govern tithes and offerings. It's really important to see what we are striving towards. For me at least, it's motivation to be more generous and grateful in the paying of tithes and offerings. I see why we do it, and what the Lord's final plan is.
40-52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith;
Like the reminder of eternal commandments, this is a reminder that healing is still a miracle that comes through faith. The priesthood is one channel for healing, but faith is intrinsic to the action.
53-60, Scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world;
I have begin to grow in my testimony of scripture reading. These verses discuss how foundational to the church the scriptures are. Not only are they vital to the church, but they are to be proclaimed to all the world. This illustrates that the scriptures must be very important. They aren't just a supplement to church. If someone doesn't accept the Church, God seems to imply that if they have the scriptures, they will still be better off.
61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed;
I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I'm fascinated by prophesies about the end of time. Although it's just a promise for future knowledge, this gives me great hope and comfort. It shows that God does have a plan, and when we need to know the next part of it, we will be told.
70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support the Church officers;
Honestly, I didn't know that this was still in play so much. I knew that when the church was first formed, the leaders were supported monetarily, and I assumed that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve probably had some sort of support in place. However, in class, we've talked about how all General Authorities at a certain level and above receive equal stipends. This makes so much sense to me. I am a business girl, and I totally see why the Lord would think that this is the proper way to do it. It will encourage modest and provident living. Also, it reinforces the idea that God's kingdom is always the same. He will always support his people, even economically.
74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.
After laying out His plan for His people, God explains the laws that govern this. Justice and Mercy both exist. Neither will rob the other. God says in what circumstances judgment is to be executed, and when mercy is to be extended. Although we are not to be a judgmental people, we must support God's law, and know when punishment is His will. This gives a good starting point from which our leaders may work.
I personally love it when someone gives me an outline. This is the Lord's outline about His plan which He is giving to me and his other children. It is a blessing to know this much about the expectations we are to live with.
Through revelation, Joseph Smith found answers to many questions. It can be difficult to realize that this applies to me as well. Reading Section 42 in the Joseph Smith Papers, I saw the questions Joseph and other leaders asked. These questions were the guiding force that spurred the revelation. Gathered together, church leaders considered the situation of their followers. Prayerfully, they decided which questions they needed answers to. They then turned again to the Lord, and asked those questions. Not only did they receive answers to those precise questions, other topics that were related, and important to God, were addressed. Later, the questions were removed, because the answers were what the church needed. However, seeing the questions teaches me that I can ask specific questions and faithfully expect an answer, if it is the question I need to ask.
The answers themselves also provide an important framework. Although many of them are time sensitive commands about the move to Ohio, the concepts are vital to saints of all ages. The section summary simplifies the content into this framework. Although I usually skip the summaries, I really like this one for the reason that it lays out the framework in simple terms, and I can then look for exactly what I am searching for more clarification on. I can see it in context, and then delve in deep.
1-10, The elders are called to preach the gospel, baptize converts, and build up the church;
Elders, like "my boys" (yes, I do call them that) from freshman year, are called to spread the good news of Christ. Throughout all of time, the Lord has relied on his faithful servants to go "unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people" (1 Nephi 5:18). From Paul, the greatest missionary, to 19 year old boys of today, elders always have, and always will, be called to go forth to preach, baptize, and build. Since coming to BYU and meeting young men who want to go on missions, I have gained a new appreciation and testimony of missionary work. This is an eternal concept, and is outlined first in section 42.
11-12, They must be called and ordained, and are to teach the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures;
This is now the "how" to accompany the initial "what." Elders aren't just random volunteers who decide a mission would be fun, and promptly buy a plane ticket and start preaching. Although all members can be missionaries, those who are to dedicated their lives to the cause for a time must be called of God and ordained by the proper authority. The whole process of mission papers and calls shows how this is still in affect today.
13-17, They are to teach and prophesy by the power of the Spirit;
Continuing with "how" missionary work is to be carried out, the Lord explains how those called are to deliver their message. It won't just be a memorized schpeel that the missionary personally connects with. The Spirit must be present and very involved in teaching. Even in church this is important. I know I connect best with different teachers. But I can get something meaningful from any lesson in which both me and the teacher have the Spirit with us. Since investigators may not yet understand the Spirit, and definitely don't have the gift of the Holy Ghost given after baptism, the missionary must teach by the Spirit to make sure it is there.
18-29, The saints are commanded not to kill, steal, lie, lust, commit adultery, or speak evil against others;
The basic commandments that God has expected of His children for all time are reiterated. It's basically the 10 commandments in the language of the early saints. This is a reminder that just because we have the restored gospel, and all sorts of new revelation, we still need to follow the original commands of God.
30-39, Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth;
Honestly, I don't think I could live the law of consecration. So reading this always makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. But at the same time, they show how all will be cared for in God's kingdom. Also, even though the full law of consecration is not currently in play, we use these same principles to govern tithes and offerings. It's really important to see what we are striving towards. For me at least, it's motivation to be more generous and grateful in the paying of tithes and offerings. I see why we do it, and what the Lord's final plan is.
40-52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith;
Like the reminder of eternal commandments, this is a reminder that healing is still a miracle that comes through faith. The priesthood is one channel for healing, but faith is intrinsic to the action.
53-60, Scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world;
I have begin to grow in my testimony of scripture reading. These verses discuss how foundational to the church the scriptures are. Not only are they vital to the church, but they are to be proclaimed to all the world. This illustrates that the scriptures must be very important. They aren't just a supplement to church. If someone doesn't accept the Church, God seems to imply that if they have the scriptures, they will still be better off.
61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed;
I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I'm fascinated by prophesies about the end of time. Although it's just a promise for future knowledge, this gives me great hope and comfort. It shows that God does have a plan, and when we need to know the next part of it, we will be told.
70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support the Church officers;
Honestly, I didn't know that this was still in play so much. I knew that when the church was first formed, the leaders were supported monetarily, and I assumed that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve probably had some sort of support in place. However, in class, we've talked about how all General Authorities at a certain level and above receive equal stipends. This makes so much sense to me. I am a business girl, and I totally see why the Lord would think that this is the proper way to do it. It will encourage modest and provident living. Also, it reinforces the idea that God's kingdom is always the same. He will always support his people, even economically.
74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.
After laying out His plan for His people, God explains the laws that govern this. Justice and Mercy both exist. Neither will rob the other. God says in what circumstances judgment is to be executed, and when mercy is to be extended. Although we are not to be a judgmental people, we must support God's law, and know when punishment is His will. This gives a good starting point from which our leaders may work.
I personally love it when someone gives me an outline. This is the Lord's outline about His plan which He is giving to me and his other children. It is a blessing to know this much about the expectations we are to live with.
Movies I want to see again
Soooo... totally supposed to be writing a post for D&C. I'll do that in a minute. First, I need to make a list of movies I've been wanting to re-watch for a while.
Aladdin
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ever After
Beauty and the Beast
Emma (never seen it, wanna see it)
Lord of the Rings
Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving
MASH
Lion King
Pocahontas
Mulan
Bourne
Ok, now that this is out of my system, I can go write my homework post! :D
Aladdin
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ever After
Beauty and the Beast
Emma (never seen it, wanna see it)
Lord of the Rings
Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving
MASH
Lion King
Pocahontas
Mulan
Bourne
Ok, now that this is out of my system, I can go write my homework post! :D
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