The Search for a Meaningful Life

Something that has been on my mind lately, is the busyness of each and everyone of our lives.
I saw this many times as a missionary for the LDS church in Toronto Canada. As we would stop to talk to people on the street or even at their doors, many did not express interest. However, many did - but their busy lives and schedules seemed to always interrupt our meetings and genuine efforts to share the message of peace that we shared.

As I returned home to my predominately LDS community, I found no difference. It seemed to be the way of life to fill ones life with many activities. Running here to there and everywhere. The line between what was "necessary" and "not necessary" in the form of prioritizing activities seemed to blend.

I then reflect on the purpose of life, as I know to be true, taught in the Plan of Salvation. That  "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this lifeis the day for men to perform their labors."

From this I understand that while here in mortality, we are to experience many things. To learn and grow emotionally, physically, socially, and perhaps most importantly spiritually.

I wonder though, if at times, the first three take precedence over spiritual growth; and why that is.
Why is it so easy for us to get wrapped up in "busyness" and forget those things that matter most? It often takes illness or tragedy to "wake us up" to the important things of life.

I am reminded of three separate accounts in the scriptures where the Lord commands the people to "Be Still..." The part that follows the commandment to Be Still is - "and know that I am God."  Promised blessing? I wonder...


During this first account, Moses and the children of Israel had fled Egypt, only to be pursued by  Pharaoh and his army of chariots. Right before the Lord performs the miracle through Moses of parting the sea, this is what is said:
Exodus 14:13 " And Moses said unto the people. Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will sew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."


During this revelation to the prophet Joseph Smith - the saints of Missouri are again suffering great persecution. Threats to their lives, being chased or burned out of their homes. Many members of the church  had lost houshold furniture, clothing, livestock and much more of their personal property and means of income. This is what the Lord tells them:
 Doctrine and Covenants 101:16 "Therefore, let your heats be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."

And last but not least, one of the beautiful Psalms:
"To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth." :
Psalms 46:10 " Be still, and know that I am God:."

On three different accounts, be they hostile, dangerous, or otherwise, the Lord commands the people to "Be still" - before performing the miracle for them.

I believe He will do the same for us in our lives, if we perhaps take the time to "Be Still" - hopefully BEFORE disaster strikes, to know Him. To slow down our lives and take into account those things that matter most - to know our Creator - to thank Him for our daily and plentiful blessings - and to Learn of Him and Listen to His words.

"Be still...... and..... know that I am God."

Mixed Messages

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it difficult to discern what is truth and what is not truth. There seem to be so many opinions these days on the subject. I feel that those that strongly oppose truth - I will refer to here as the adversary - can be very convincing in their discussions, opinions, doctrines, and stances. So many people say so many things.
I believe that the adversary opposes happiness, and will do whatever they can to destroy us and our happiness. If you have not read or listened to the Screwtape letters by C.S. Lewis - I recommend it. It is all about the Devil and his angels and the way they tempt us and make lose our happiness.

This being said, I want to share what I learned in my scripture study today.

Ephesians 4:4-14 " There is one body, and one spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all.... (vs. 12) and he gave some, apostles and some, prophets..... for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we ALL come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.....That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, by the slight of men, and the cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

I believe that this very much applies to us today. I believe that we are all children under one God - who desires for us eternal happiness, to live with Him again. I believe He is very aware of the trials and pitfalls that beset us here on this earth and wants to help us safely home. As such he has ordained "some, apostles and some, prophets" to teach us what He would have us know. This is not new knowledge - since the beginning of time God sent prophets to this earth - Adam being our first one. When Jesus Christ came to this earth he ordained and set apart 12 apostles and gave them power to teach His gospel here. 
Today - Jesus Christ has again ordained 12 apostles to lead and guide us on this earth.
The temptations and struggles that challenge us today - though seemingly insurmountable at times, are common to man of every age. 
It is our goal not to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.... by the cunning craftiness... and slight of men." - - I like to think of this as all of the differing opinions on such topics as same-gender attraction, marriage, pornography, modesty, values... and many others. 

The answer is simple - to listen to, and hearken (apply) the teachings of the apostles of Jesus Christ - and them only!

Not sure who is an apostle of Jesus Christ? - seek out the answer! I believe in the power of Prayer, just as stated in James 1:5  - If we lack wisdom, understanding, or knowledge - lets ask our Heavenly Father in Humble prayer! He will not judge or criticize us - but in His will and timing - answer those humble prayers! After all  - WE ARE HIS CHILDREN!!! what loving parent would not answer the sincere call of their child?

NOW - for those of us who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - I believe we must be very careful in the practices and beliefs we sympathize with. I personally believe that "no one is safe until they are dead!"  - meaning, the adversary is going to try to trip us up wherever and when ever he can!!!
Thus my recent study in the Book of Mormon: 


For those who sympathize with ANY doctrine or teaching that does not align with the teachings of our modern prophets:

Matt 24:24 - "If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." - - 1 Nephi 8:19-24 " And I beheld a rod of iron.... And I also beheld a STRAIT AND NARROW path... And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, ... And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness... insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost..... And... I beheld others pressing forward...and they caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward THROUGH the mist of darkness, CLINGING to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.... (11:22-23) - the tree of life - it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the MOST desirable above all things.... the most joyous to the soul."

It is the LAST DAYS people - and even the very elect shall fall - this is a prophecy. But we have a way out - to CLING to the rod of Iron.... no matter what anyone else says - no matter how convincing other "winds of doctrine" may be!!! If it is not stated in the scriptures, or by the mouths of God's living prophets - Be very careful. 

It is hard sometimes to know what is right and what is wrong in the world we are in today - with so many opinions that sounds appealing or true - it is hard to discern truth - thus we have been given the commandment to CLING to the Iron Rod (the words of God through scripture and the words of living prophets) - It is then that we will be able to withstand the "mists of darkness."  

I believe we must always be striving and checking ourselves that we DO NOT support or sympathize with any teaching that goes against the words of the prophets. 


And as always - John 8:32 - "the truth shall make you free." 

Marriage

Recently there has been much debate due to the HRC petition on Same-Sex marriage.

I have in the past had mixed feelings regarding this issue. I myself have had close friends who have struggled with this, in and out of my faith. I then - as is my tendency - was drawn to ask many questions. 
Over the past 5 years I have learned many things and have come to my own conclusion about this issue.

First I post some excellent quotes  - 


"The Church’s doctrine is based on love. We believe that our purpose in life is to learn, grow and develop, and that God’s unreserved love enables each of us to reach our potential. None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves."


"Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex. This is particularly so in our own Latter-day Saint congregations. Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment - to love one another."


"The Church recognizes that those of its members who are attracted to others of the same sex experience deep emotional, social and physical feelings. The Church distinguishes between feelings or inclinations on the one hand and behavior on the other. It’s not a sin to have feelings, only in yielding to temptation."


"As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, that should never, ever be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down."


Michael Otterson speaking as a representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

-http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction
I recommend this website to anyone who questions the Church stance on this topic.

Another fantastic web page is one of an interview  with Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elder Lance B. Wickman of the Seventy. 
In this interview many very difficult questions are answered BEAUTIFULLY, and can be a source of Hope for anyone who has found themselves linked with this concern of same-sex attraction. 

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/interview-oaks-wickman-same-gender-attraction

I personally have never struggled with same-gender attraction, however, I do believe that God does not give us any commandments that he does not provide a way to fulfill. I know that He will help us as we strive to follow and apply Truth into our lives. It is my testimony that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all unfair things about life will be made right. I believe in the Hope and Healing He provides! - It is our responsibility, and privilege, to live after the manner of happiness - which is to live after the matter of Truth!!! 

Introduction

My name is Danielle Shettell - Recently my husband Jordan suggested that I start a blog about my studies, insights, and learning about principles that I believe strongly to be true.

I begin this Blog with a disclaimer - I in no way speak for the church I am affiliated with - which is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.
This being said - I wish to start a blog about my journey as a member of this church, and as a child of God through this adventure we call life. A journey to find and apply true principles that ultimately set us free.

The name of my blog is "A reason to Hope" - this comes from the scripture found in 1 Peter chapter 3 verse 15 which reads "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

My aspiration for this Blog is that I might help give Hope to some who may be struggling - by providing my testimony of Truth - my "reason to hope" which is found in my Savior Jesus Christ.

I am interested to learn and grow and become more knowledgeable of the scriptures - mainly the King James version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other modern day scripture. If you have comments or questions don't hesitate to respond! In this we may learn new insights and progress!