Quantum Physics for Toddlers

            It has always perplexed me when someone spends an extreme amount of time obsessing over the mysteries of the gospel. Such individuals will spend hours researching and studying trying to unlock the secrets of the kingdom. These efforts end up being as fruitful as the Tower of Babel.

            God only gives us the knowledge we are ready to receive. Demanding more knowledge than one is ready for is like a toddler throwing a tantrum because Mommy won’t teach him quantum physics. The child can barley eat with a fork, can’t tie his shoes, and isn’t even potty trained; yet, he thinks he is big enough to understand advanced science. The world is in need of some serious potty training before we are ready for deep doctrines. For now we need to be content learning our colors and the alphabet.

            I do know a short cut to unlocking hidden knowledge—prove you are ready for it. God wants us to learn and will gladly increase our knowledge. All we have to do is learn what he has already given us. All you have to do to have the secrets of heaven and earth revealed to you, is learn everything and perfect everything that has already been revealed. Once you run out of things to learn, I promise God will give you more. Until then, I just trying to sort through some of the things we have already been given. One of these days I hope to be able to proudly proclaim, “I am spiritually potty trained.” Until then, I try not to get too discouraged when I have another “spiritual accident”.

Gratitude and Admiration Journal

          While keeping an eye on my daughter during her afternoon baths, I take advantage of the opportunity to fold laundry without the “assistance” of my little helper. Several months ago, I was prompted to start reading a few pages from the Ensign before folding laundry. I now look forward to the midday spiritual pick-me-up and my daughter enjoys the extra bath time. Also, for the first time in my life I have been able to read the Ensign each month from cover to cover.

            After reading Vaughn E. Worthen’s article on gratitude in the March 2010 issue, I decided to implement his suggestion to record things I am grateful for in my journal. After a brief period of opposition, I noticed a change in my attitude. I started viewing situations differently and became more aware of the blessings in my life.

            I also became aware of my tendency to see the negative more readily than the positive in others. I did not consider myself to be a judgmental person, but knew I could use some improvement. I quickly saw that I and others tend to be the most harshly judgmental of those closest to us, the people we should show the greatest love and forgiveness. I altered one of the items on my gratitude list to be an attribute I admire in someone else. I began with people I find easy to love and then worked towards people I struggle loving. As expected, I have been more aware of people’s positive traits. I have also received the unexpected blessing of having my heart start to soften towards those who I harbor feelings of hurt and frustration.  

            I have had reaffirmed to me that the commandments to be grateful and not exercise unrighteous judgment are for our benefit more than others. Being aware of the wonderful blessings and examples in my life has helped me become a happier person. A good attitude may make an individual enjoyable to be around, but the main beneficiary is the positive individual. The spirit has once again testified to me of our Heavenly Father’s love and concern for each of us individually. I am grateful that through the miracle of the atonement our weaknesses can become our strengths. 

AN ANGEL IN GETHSEMANE

Our savior pled in agony

Father remove this cup from me

Father sent strength His son could see

An angel to Gethsemane

In gratitude for Christ’s vast love

For His atoning drops of blood

God’s envoy for humanity

The angel in Gethsemane

When in tears I plea to give up

Father wilt Thou remove this cup

Heavenly Father sends to me

My angel in Gethsemane

I had no balm for Christ’s great pain

My brother’s anguish I can wane

For others grieving I can be

An angel in Gethsemane

Inspired by Luke 22: 42-44

I wrote the poem in Long Meter (8888) so it can be sung to any correspondingly metered music.

A Ticket to Hogwarts

I was rereading the Harry Potter series again (I have lost count as to how many times I have read it now). As I read, I thought wouldn't it be amazing if that world were real and if we had a way to be a part of it. Imagine what people would be willing to do if you told them they could go to Hogwarts and learn to be witches and wizards. All they had to do was complete a list of requirements. People would stop at nothing to qualify. Then it hit me that our Heavenly Father has given us a list of requirements to go to a place far more magnificent than a wizard world. We can go to the world where He dwells and where we can learn to be like Him. The reality of that world far exceeds any of our imaginations, even that of J K Rowling. This life, if you will, is the SAT test for us to earn our spot. If we truly understood what awaits us, no temptation great or small would be able to sway us from our path home to our Father.

It Only Took Me Thirty Years...

...to be intelligent enough to realize how foolish I am and strong enough to admit how weak I am.

Aiming for the Millennium

I find the commandment to be perfect as God is perfect, to be completely overwhelming. When I mentally start listing all of the changes I need to make to achieve the goal, discouragement is sure to follow. Instead I now focus on baby steps. My aim is not perfection; my aim is the millennium. I figure if I can keep my proverbial oil lamp full enough to be worthy to be counted with the righteous on millennial morn, I will have one thousand temptation free years to work on ironing out more of my imperfections. That focus keeps me moving forward without despair.