The Word of Wisdom

I believe in it.

Whole heartedly.


I have so many thoughts on it, but I will just share my most recent.


As I was reading through Doctrine and Covenants section 89 today (for the millionth time with more to go), I read verse 10:

"And again, Verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man - "

I thought what exactly does it mean for our "constitution?" So. I looked up the word constitution. 

I found two definitions that I particularly liked. 

           "The physical character of the body as to strength, health, etc"

And the definition medically and in psychology

"The aggregate of a person's physical and psychological characteristics."

This is one of those thoughts that is not yet fully formed, but it is taking me somewhere. You've all had those and know what it's like, yeah? Yeah. 

I am so grateful for the word of wisdom and I KNOW there are so many blessings that come from following it. And not only following the "do nots" but the "dos!" as well! I wish I was better and following it more fully. Thankfully we have the opportunity to try harder each day. We don't have to be perfect, but we need to continue to try. Just like any other commandment, it takes courage to follow. And again, it takes courage to not only follow the "do nots", but most definitely the "dos" as well. 

       

"Men and Women and the Priesthood Power"

This address was given as a devotional at Brigham Young University originally. The link I provided here is a shorter version - excerpts from that talk. It does not take too long to read and is worth it! I learned many things from it. Here are just a couple:

Heavenly Father's hopes for us are perfect. That is definitely something for me to ponder more.

"Our Heavenly Father and His Son know which opportunities the sons and daughters of God need to best prepare the human family for internal life."

"A husband and wife working together righteously complete each other."

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/09/men-and-women-and-priesthood-power?lang=eng


We are blessed to have the priesthood on the earth today. I am extremely grateful to have access to it. We are ALL blessed because of the priesthood.

Just a Couple of Little Thoughts

Recently I read something by Richard Bushman on Joseph Smith and his call to be a prophet and his similarities to both Moses and Enoch (from the book "Joseph Smith: Rough Rolling Stone" by Richard Bushman).

Like I said, I read a section of the book comparing Joseph to Moses and Enoch and his process of coming in to the role of the prophet. It was a really interesting read. Bushman talks about how Joseph could have looked to the example of Moses and Enoch and he was translating the book of Moses in order to gain a greater understand of his role. As I sat and pondered and thought about the similarities between the three I really had an eye opener. I wish I could convey more of my thoughts on the subject and do a better job at expressing them. I feel the easiest thing would be to discuss it with others who have read it as well! So I highly recommend reading at least that section of the book.

I have been learning a little more about the book of Moses and Abraham (as well as the translation of the Bible) and I have felt a profound gratitude for these scriptures. I know them to be the word of God. They contain amazing truths. On LDS.org is talks about how in Abraham is clearly states the purpose and potential of earth life. It follows the story of Abraham in the Bible and has added important information about his teachings and his life (https://www.lds.org/topics/translation-and-historicity-of-the-book-of-abraham?lang=eng).

I know these things to be the word of God because I have received a confirming witness, for myself from the Spirit, that they are true. I join many others in inviting all to sincerely seek to know and understand for themselves.

Starting Back Up.

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:16

I came across that verse as I was reading this one:

Call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:6

As I read these verses a thought struck me. It is so important to talk about the gospel among ourselves. It is mean to be included in every aspect of our lives. It is not just for Sundays or Wednesday nights.  It is meant for every day conversation. We should talk about the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, the last days, the Second Coming, the Millennium...

We should talk about how the gospel has strengthened us, how to apply gospel principles, what joy comes into our every day life because of our Savior...

So why are we sometimes hesitant to do so? There are multiple reasons. 

I am determined to get rid of those reasons one by one. I will start off with a prayer for courage. 

I have learned a lot over the past while and I am in the process of coming to understand so much more. A way for me to get it down in writing and share my thoughts and beliefs is through this blog. Even if no one reads it, I will have it for my personal records to look back on. 

I had decided I was not going to go back to blogging after I completed my mission. Until today. But I am not going to use this blog as an "every day" blog like it was, but a record of my thoughts relating to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The Gospel is true.