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Sep 27, 2009

and while He lives, i'll sing

I don't talk religion much. Which I think is a shame. Because I think the world, and people who know me particularly should know...

I love religion. One in particular, I'll admit, but it just seems impossible to me to go on living without some sort of structure or reason or guidelines of some kind. Don't get me wrong, I am rebellious by nature and all about freedom and free thought and whatever else nonsense I picked up in Oregon.

But, when it comes down to it...Rules make us more free. If we stay on a certain side of the fence, we won't get scraped or poison oak. This is nothing against adventure and experiencing life, it is common sense. If you roll around in a poison oak plant, you will have an allergic reaction. By all means, go ahead and test limits and figure things out for yourself. But isn't it easier to learn by someone else's example than getting hurt repeatedly yourself? I think so.

Today I rolled out of bed with a completely achy body and heart. Yesterday, from 10am-7pm I aided in the construction of a space station dormitory, after that I held up a boom mic for a couple hours, and then did a lot of hard thinking that led to no personal conclusion until about 3am. Hence, the tired/achiness.

But I went to church almost on time even (it was 9:00 when we could see the building, that counts, right?). First we talked about selflessly serving. It is so easy to loose yourself and your own problems when you serve others. It is so worth it even if it means going outside our comfort zone or spending time we don't think we have.

Then, we talked about following the guidance of the prophets. Yes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes there is a prophet here on earth today that can receive revelation for the world. He is the watchman on the tower, because he can see things we cannot. Not because we shouldn't make decisions for ourselves, on the contrary, decision making is one of the most important things we can do. Agency is a precious gift that has been given to us to be used freely and as often as possible. However, there are loads of people who know more than us and have a much greater view of the big picture.

This next weekend Latter-Day Saints from all over the world (there's about 13 million these days) will gather in Salt Lake or around their televisions, radios, computers...To hear the prophet and his twelve apostles along with other general authorities and leaders of the church counsel and give advice. These topics will most likely be on prayer, faith, service, family unity, avoiding pornography and other family destroying practices, being your best self, knowing our Savior, and the importance of loving our neighbors.

Say what you want about Mormons, but I can tell you for a fact that we are as Christian as they come, and we're really just like everybody else.

The last meeting of the day was sacrament, where different speakers from the congregation are asked to speak. This week we also had a special musical (or specical, as it was announced by our adorable 2nd counselor in the bishopric). I Know That My Redeemer Lives. And I sat there and knew that no matter what else happens in this life. No matter how many imperfections we have or mistakes we make, our Savior, Jesus Christ, can redeem us from all our faults.

This is why I see nothing to be sad about in this life.
This is why I am not afraid of dying.
This is why I know the value of human connections.
This is what drives my life...and even more than that, my outlook on life.
This is why I am at BYU instead of in LA.
This is why I go to church for 3 hours after getting 5 hours of sleep and actually get something out of it.

I promise you, that there is a higher power looking out for each and everyone of us. Not just a higher power, but a loving Heavenly Father. Who is the Father of our spirits. He knows us. He loves us. He sent his beloved son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we might be forgiven of our imperfections. Because Jesus has experienced everything we ever have or will, he truly understands what we are going through. Always. And exactly. We are never alone and we need not be afraid of feel inadequate...Ever.

I could go on...for ages. Because, this church is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
Not because someone told me it is the greatest thing, but because I have felt and experienced it for myself.
I know that there is no better plan for life and after life than the one I now believe in.
It makes me happy every day of my life.

In case you missed the link above and want to know more: mormon.org
Or you can talk to me.

p.s.
Next door the ward choir is practicing and I can hear the hymns they are singing.
This really is the life.

2 comments:

Alena said...

Hey, thanks for sharing. I agree 100%

~Alena

Kelsie Lynn said...

just in case you have forgotten (because sometimes i get ugly)
i love you.
alot.

and i like this post. like all your posts.
but this is really honest and lovely :)