Thursday, January 24, 2013

Scripture Study

So whenever I hear people scoff the Old Testament, Isaiah, Revelation, Jacob 5 or other scripture that may not be as easy to just sit down and read I have the desire to go into a bit of a monologue.
Now I take no credit as I learned the following from Master teachers but I find it helpful.
-Stay away from the "scriptures for dummies" books.
You are an agent with agency to act and receive revelation. Grow up. Learning what someone found insightful is great, but if you don't pay the price then you can't have it.
-Understand why. The scriptures were written for a purpose. The sooner you find out why the writer is writing (they usually say in their writings) the easier it is to follow along their thought pattern. Calling people to repent, prophesy, teach, etc.
-Principle based learning. Nephi tells us that the Old Testament was written so that we can see how God deals with a people and what happens when they obey/disobey and how constant He is, etc. when you forget about specific, isolated instances and try to find principles for application then you will love it more.
-Use modern revelation. The prophets are really insightful about what other prophets have said (I have this app scripture citation index that shows when talks by GA's mention certain scriptures) it helps to put it in context to "modern world life" if you are struggling with that. This includes the church produced Institute manuals, JST, Bible Dictionary, etc.
- The main reason is to testify of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prepared some for the Coming of Christ and some it did not. Some were blinded to the spiritual manifestation of Christ throughout the writings (some of which we do not have) in the bible. The purpose of all scripture is to reprove, correct, teach, and inspire faith in and testify of Jesus Christ.
I love to read the scriptures.
I hope you enjoy your next journey whether through 1 Nephi, Alma, Isaiah, Genesis, or wherever your study will take you.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

St. Valentines Day

Commonly known as Singles Awareness Day. I was with a friend and some friends in their apartment and saw it was decorated for Valentines day. I did not understand why it was decorated so early, but as it was very well done I did not mention anything. Later that night the inevitable happened. Someone mentioned the decor. The comment was quickly made about singles awareness day, being SAD, etc. I again said nothing.
It really just strikes me as odd.
It is a day that celebrates love.
Now granted that it is over commercialized, and negatively affected much the same way I feel Christmas has been.
But still
It is a day that celebrates love.
"God is love." "A man cannot say that he loves God and hates his brother. For God is love."
Now my point.
Christmas is over commercialized yet we find a way to center on Christ. Even people who aren't devout Christians celebrate the time of giving, and peace and joy and being happy. I don't get why it is so much harder to do during Valentines.
A day set aside to show love for others.
It is not singles awareness day.
Singles awareness day happens to be everyday. I mean really. Everyday when I see couples kissing, holding hands, cuddling, being awkward in public. That is singles awarenessness.
That is why as a single I make a conscious decision to enjoy Valentines and send flowers or notes to people who I think it will make happy. It is simply another day, but specifically set aside to care for and express love to people who need it.
We should celebrate it all year long ( just like Christmas) and make it a happy time of year.
Then make sure that we love others and show them during them year.