And Some Religion To Round Our Sunday Out

I would say that one of the key defining characteristics of my chosen religion - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - is our firm belief in revelation. I believe that God has always spoken to mankind and I do not see any reason that would compel me to think God the Father would not continue to lovingly guide his children.

When my kids move far away, I'll still call them.

There were prophets in ancient times, Jesus was a Super Mega Ultra Prophet, but I don't think that God's need to communicate His desires to His people ended because the Son fulfilled His mortal mission - the atonement and resurrection. Though the fundamentals of the gospel have remained unchanged forever (as far as I'm concerned), the specific needs and challenges of the people require continued inspired revelation by one who has been authorized by God to guide to His people.

In 2008, for a college educated woman to say she follows a prophet ... I know it sounds a little ... kooky. But have YOU ever listened to a LDS General Conference? They happen twice every year, 1st weekend in April and October. Numerous leaders, whom I believe are prophets, seers and revelators, stand up and present a lecture they feel inspired to deliver. Rarely do they say anything that we haven't heard forever ... clearly we're not living His will very well if we're getting no further knowledge. Once in a great while they end the practice of polygamy or give the priesthood to all worthy men. Usually they remind us to do the simple basic things that make a huge difference in our lives. Usually they remind us how much God loves us as individuals and that we need to be more loving to all mankind. Usually I hear things that inspire me to change, even if I have heard it a million times before.

SO, I now present, the few things I picked up in during the 8 hours of General Conference I watched on TV (our power went out for the end on one session and I fell asleep a few times):

* Teaching is not just illuminating new pieces of information - it is helping the learner to convert themselves. By convert, I mean change - to transform themselves from a carnal being, overwhelmed by emotion and bodily drives into a more holy being who seeks to do the will of God.

* Life is hard and simple. We all have our challenges and struggles, life is not fair, children die, criminals thrive, husbands rip our toenails off with their big smelly shoes. BUT it is not so very hard to love one another, to forgive everyone who hurts you, to pray and ponder, to read scriptures and ponder, to repent and promise to obey. You just take a deep breath and DO it. Simple.

* Come what may and Love it. You have control only over your attitude. Things rarely work out perfectly, you are often expected to do things you'd rather not, but if you just take it all and be grateful you're still breathing; life will be much more joyful.

* We quickly develop a run-and-hide response when we are found guilty, we hide and keep doing wrong. Must overcome that (this was an observation during Gen Con as my two year old dumped out the whole bag of goldfish crackers then grabbed as many as his fluffy hands would hold and ran and hid behind the couch, tripped and hit his head on the wood part ... God sees everything we do, he's not so much mad that we broke his law, but he wants to help us be better and keep us safe.)

* I will forgive whom I will forgive, but unto you it is required to forgive all men.

* Be more reverent in Sacrament meeting.

* Pray in the morning and at night. Offer prayers of just gratitude, not requesting anything from God. When you are expressing gratitude, you will realize that God in his infinite wisdom has already given you everything you need.

* We need to be more united in purpose, knit our hearts together. Help our fellow earthlings more, schedule less in your life so you can be of more help.

* We don't need to die a martyr's death, we need to live a disciple's life. Do not be superficially righteous.

* Change is the only constant - must seek to find joy in the journey NOW. Make the most of Today.

And it's not like the Prophet gets up and tells us to give all our money to the church and we bow our heads and say amen ... okay? We believe that the Lord guides the prophet, but each individual is entitled to receive personal revelation. If Thomas S. Monson asked me to give him my house and go be a missionary in Timbuktu, I would need to go home and pray to God to see if I felt this was truly what God wanted of me. I would do this about anything that I felt unsure about, even though I have a personal testimony that Thomas S. Monson is God's chosen man to lead and direct the church. Not only do I believe that the Lord has called a prophet to lead His people today, I believe I am a daughter of God and that God loves me and is aware of my very specific needs and will give me guidance and inspiration when I seek it.

I Believe In Christ.

Finally, I am aware that others may not agree with my beliefs, may feel they have a better idea about God and Christ, may even think my religion is evil. I respect any religion that encourages its people to do good and be tolerant. I do not expect you to agree with me, just be tolerant. I am no theologian, but I would be happy to try to answer or clarify any questions you might have about my religion.