Blizzard... or not!

I think everyone enjoyed the "snow day" feeling yesterday: coming home early and staying home, nice and warm, watching movies, reading, etc. The predicted blizzard was not nearly as bad as they made it sound, though. We got a few inches downtown, most of it by 8:30 last night. There were white-out conditions for a short time, but certainly not all night like the weather people wanted us to believe.

However, there is no question that it was an arctic storm! I was so grateful to get a ride to work this morning, and as I walked home after work, I felt like Lucky from 101 Dalmatians: "My tail is froze, and my nose is froze, and my ears are froze, and my toes are froze!" It was definitely a man who determined that women working at the church offices should wear skirts every day... I don't mind it in the summer, but skirts in the winter are NOT FUN! Oh, well. Even so, my nose was probably the coldest part of me when I got home.

And then, of course, there are the hazards of walking on iced-over walkways. My apartment complex complied with the new city ordinance--the steps and walks immediately in front of both buildings were beautifully cleared this morning. However, the path around City Creek Park was not cleared--nor was it this afternoon. It's a path that sees almost constant foot traffic, which means that after a full day it is packed-down ice rather than snow. I wonder what can be done about it... Surely if there is a city ordinance, the city should also be expected to comply!

Anyway, as beautiful as the snow is, it is COLD. High was about 17 today, overnight low will be in the single digits. Hello, Winter! I'm so grateful for heat in my apartment. The winter wonderland is beautiful, but it's too cold for anyone to have to be outside!

More information...

Based on other articles (like this one) and hearing from at least one friend who has already seen the movie, I have decided that I will go and see Harry Potter, after all. It does not sound like what the articles at the end of last week made it out to be. I feel comfortable with choosing to go, still... and I'm excited about it again! :)

I thought about deleting Sunday evening's blog post, but I think I'm going to leave it. It's not because I want to "eat my words," but rather because the opinions I expressed are really the way I feel about any movie. Nudity has no place in the entertainment I choose. If it had turned out that there was a nude scene in the movie, I would have chosen not to see it, as I would with any other movie. This does not mean I would judge others for seeing movies I choose not to see. It simply means that I know what I need to do and/or avoid for my own happiness and peace of conscience.

Thanks to those who have shared further information. I really am excited to go Saturday evening! :) And I'm grateful for supportive family and friends!

Taking a Stand... So long, Harry Potter :(

I received some disappointing news this evening from some friends and confirmed it on deseretnews.com. Apparently Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, pt. 1, contains nudity in two scenes (neither of which actually come from the book). More information is contained in the article 'Potter' scene is worrying some families, from which I will quote in my post.

One person says, "I think we put too much of a negative association with the human body, and people get naked every day. You take off your clothes to take a shower I just don't see the problem with it." The director, David Yates, talks about one of the scenes being "very tender."

So, yes, it may be a problem that there is such a negative association with the human body. Yes, there is beauty in the human body. Why? Because not only were we created by God, we were created in God's image: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:26-27). Of course our bodies are beautiful! But for the same reason, they are also sacred. They are not intended to be put on display. I will save my body for the man I marry, and for no one else. I would expect him, whoever he may be, to do the same. On the same token, I have no desire to see a man's body, in life or on screen. I was bothered by the fact that Daniel Radcliffe chose to expose himself in other venues, but was it really necessary to pull that into the Harry Potter movies? No!!!!

I also find it bothersome that with two nude scenes, the movie is still only PG-13. What?!?!?! Seriously?!?!?! One person in the article says he hopes parents will leave young children at home. Honestly, I would have hoped that without the nudity involved. The storyline is intense and certainly not intended for young children. But I do not even entirely agree with this man. If parents feel strongly enough to want to protect their children from these scenes, what business do they have watching them either? Sorry if that sounds harsh, and I won't judge those who choose to see it still, but the more I've thought about it tonight, the more I realize that I can't go. I'm disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing it. But I'm not going. End. (Don't worry, Marla, I will pay you for the ticket. I just can't go. I can't support this, and I can't do that to myself.)

Now I've said it. I'm frustrated, and I'm disappointed not to see the movie. But I feel better. And, really, there are better things I can do with my time than to corrupt my mind with one director's idea of a "tender" scene.

My Testimony : Happy Birthday, President Uchtdorf!

I responded several weeks ago on Facebook that I would do this, and I really have wanted to do it! I'm not sure who first suggested it, but many people were going to take the opportunity to share their testimonies in some form today, in honor of President Uchtdorf's birthday. So here are a few of my thoughts.

Most importantly, I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and that They love each of us. I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins so that I can return to Him and become like Him someday.

I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that we have a living prophet today, President Monson, and also living apostles. I know that the prophet speaks for Christ, that the words he speaks are true, and that as we obey, we will be blessed both physically and spiritually, especially in that we will invite the presence of the Holy Ghost into our daily lives.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet--that he is the prophet of the restoration. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Him. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon, through the gift and power of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, that it is the word of God.

I am so grateful for temples. I know that because of the restored gospel and the priesthood power on earth, that we can be sealed as families, for time and for all eternity. I know that God's plan is truly a plan of happiness.

I know, also, that every person can know these things for himself (or herself) through the power of the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Free to Choose

This has been a wonderful conference weekend! What a blessing it is to receive counsel from living prophets and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be reminded of Christ's teachings!

As usual, I noticed a couple of over-arching themes during General Conference: the importance of family, and agency. Family has, of course, been emphasized again and again over the last decade or so. It is the fundamental unit not only of society but of God's plan. Only as we obey God's laws, especially regarding family, will we find peace and joy.

I don't think I have ever heard such strong emphasis on agency, though. As Lehi taught Jacob, we were created "to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.... Wherefore men are free... to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death..." (2 Nephi 2:26-27). God's plan is for us to return to Him, to become like Him. Without agency and opposition, we could not experience the growth necessary to become like Him. He has given us commandments and provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, so that we truly do have the opportunity to learn, to repent, to progress, and eventually to inherit eternal life and exaltation. He has sent the Holy Ghost to guide us, but we must invite the Holy Ghost into our lives and seek this guidance.

We were reminded that the commandments are not restrictive but rather protective. Straying outside the bounds of God's commandments can bring both physical and spiritual death. Adhering to the commandments brings peace, joy, and spiritual life. Succumbing to temptation, especially in the form of addictive activities, limits our agency. Obeying God's laws increases our agency, our freedom to choose, "as wider fields expand to view" (LDS Hymn # 116, Come, Follow Me). I loved President Uchtdorf's words, that sometimes our agency must include a choice to slow down. For example, an experienced pilot knows that there is an optimum speed speed that will minimize the effects of turbulence and traveling faster may create greater difficulties.

More than one speaker emphasized what a great gift agency is. It is a gift that no one can take from us, though we may foolishly and blindly choose to give it away. And yet we have the option, the choice to come back, to repent, to return to the Lord and follow in His way.

It has been a great weekend. Those who have participated have been spiritually fed. I know and testify that President Monson is a prophet. I felt his love as he spoke--his love for the Saints and truly for all people. It is Christ's love, expressed through His servant. I feel uplifted and have a renewed desire to try harder, to be better.

Following the last session, I also watched the program on the Kyiv Temple. It gave me chills! The Lord's work is moving forward, and there truly are faithful Saints all over the world. It is amazing that there is now a temple in the former Soviet Union! It made me think again... I still don't know what to tell people when they ask why I chose to learn Russian. I only know that I still feel drawn to that part of the world and find great joy in hearing about the progress of the Church throughout Eastern Europe. This is the Lord's work!

I look forward to continuing to study the words I have heard these last two days. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ restored His gospel in the latter-days, that we have a prophet on the earth today. I look forward already to the next General Conference and the opportunity to hear, again, from these men of God.

Remembering, Reflecting

I've been thinking this morning about September 11, 2001, and my feelings that day and since. That was my second year at BYU. I had an 8:00 am class, so I was already on campus, and we were waiting for the Hebrew professor to come to the classroom. Some of the other students were talking about how a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. In all honesty, my initial response was to want to laugh--I didn't, but that was how I felt. Who would do that? How could it possibly be real? But as the day unfolded and talk continued all over campus, that thought fled quickly. This wasn't funny. Far from it. It was very sobering. Still surreal, though.

President Bateman spoke at the campus-wide devotional that morning. His talk is still available online. I don't remember much of it, but skimmed it again today: his words were of peace and comfort and love. He spoke of the importance of us being messengers of peace, showing love to all around us.

That evening, Madame Welch came to talk to all of the students in the FLSR (Foreign Language Student Residence; I was living in the German House at the time). She expressed her condolences for all who had been affected (directly, especially; was there anyone who was not affected?) and even gave permission to watch the news in English that week. (Coming from her, that was huge; any TV or movies outside of the target language were strictly forbidden.) I felt sobered as I listened to her and even more sobered as I watched footage of the towers burning and collapsing. It still was very surreal--the whole day was rather a blur, and even as I watched the news footage, it still didn't seem possible. Why would anyone do such a thing? It just didn't make sense at all!

As the week went on, I think everyone probably spent more time in prayer: prayer for protection, for peace, for comfort for those who had lost loved ones.

I also remember that amidst all the tragedy, not all the news I received was bad. I had a cousin born that day. I have only seen Kendall about once a year, but I will certainly never forget her birthday. Life does go on, and amidst tragedy, we may also experience joy (or at least comfort) and peace.

I remember, also, how much the Church worked, particularly in that first week, to bring some measure of peace, comfort, and hope. The Tabernacle Choir performed on-air one evening that week, and President Hinckley briefly addressed the world. I don't remember much of that, either--only that it brought peace, knowing that we have a prophet of God on the earth and that the Lord's hand is still over all the earth.

The following summer in an American Heritage class, the professor presented an interesting and somewhat disheartening fact: in the months immediately following 9/11, church attendance (in all faiths) rose significantly, as people felt a greater need for the comfort and peace found through Christ (and probably through other beliefs, as I imagine this was not only Christians). This, of course, was good. However, by the time he presented this to us, he said it had declined again everywhere except New York.

This brings to mind the words of Alma to the people of Zarahemla: "Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers?" (Alma 5:6) We were all humbled that day, drawn to the Lord, more eager to seek His guidance, His blessing, His comfort, for ourselves and for others. Alma continues later in the chapter: "If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I wold ask, can ye feel so now?" (Alma 5:26) Where has that humility gone? Where has that neighborly love gone? How can we bring it back without being driven to our knees by another great tragedy? The only hope for peace is in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Let us all turn back to Him, seek Him, and seek to love our neighbors and to share the peace we have known. Let us stand united as Americans, offering prayers for our fellow citizens and for this nation. God bless America!

Catching a quick breath

The past week has been busy and crazy. At least some of it was fun stuff. :) I'm enjoying a chance to catch my breath--another Sunday, of course, plus about 10 more days left until classes start again.

So, the highlights of the week: Monday I got to have lunch with my Stevenson grandparents and dinner with Chris, Christel, Marla, and Karen for my birthday. Chris and Christel picked up some flowers and ice cream and Karen got some cake from Gourmandise. Yum! It was nice, in spite of working and needing to do homework, to be able to do something fun. Birthdays are supposed to be special, right?

Wednesday was ward temple night, and we did initiatories. I've never gone with a group to do that before. It was nice to be in the temple, and it was fun to gather with everyone on the steps of the capitol building for some ice cream afterwards. What a beautiful place to live! And there are a lot of great people here.

Thursday, Chris, Christel, and I went up to East Canyon to watch the meteor shower. We only stayed there until about 11:30, so it wasn't at its most active point, but we saw some good ones! It was so beautiful, though cold. (We still have some hot days ahead of us, but Fall is coming!) Even just enjoying the brightness of the stars, away from the city lights, was well worth it. I love looking up at the night sky, realizing that of all of this vast creation--worlds without number--that God knows me and loves me as an individual. The beauty of creation, and particularly the stars, is always a powerful testimony to me that God exists and that He created and governs all we can see and much more that we cannot see.

Friday I took some time to look at the sky again, although just from the city this time. The crescent moon plus Venus, Mars, and Saturn were all clustered together in the western sky at dusk. It was yet another reminder of the perfect order of the universe. I think I actually saw one more meteor as I was sitting there: that makes two total that I saw downtown, surrounded by lights. They were probably spectacular outside of the glow of the city lights!

Saturday was Martina's baptism--another wonderful experience. She had asked me to play, and I was happy to do it. The Spirit was definitely there, and I am so excited for her having taken this step. She said she felt calm and peaceful afterwards, in contrast to the stress she had been feeling the last week or two. Thank you, Martina, for allowing me to be a part of your baptismal service! It is special to have the reminder of the importance of this step as part of the Plan of Salvation and to see the joy that comes in taking this step.

I finished off the afternoon Saturday with Aunt Kathy, Spencer, Sara, and baby James (end-of-the-week birthday celebration, since I'd already had plans Monday). Sara's sister, Savana, and friend, Jessica, joined us for a meal at Gourmandise. I love that they have both tasty meals and amazing pastries. Then Kathy, Spencer, Sara and I visited and played games while James took his nap.

Then, of course, Sunday. Choir, church, and then feasting with friends this week. It's amazing that even when Sunday is busy, it is still refreshing. The "work" I do on the Sabbath is different from the work I do the rest of the week.

This blog probably sounds more like a journal entry this time--perhaps it is, in a sense. But it is an expression of gratitude for a good week, good friends and family, and the blessings of the gospel. Now onward... to another week!

Is it really August already?

Would someone care to tell me what happened to July? Or for that matter, what happened to the whole year? It has gone by way too quickly. It seems like I just barely had a birthday; is it really time for another one? Is the summer really almost over? How did that happen? I really have a hard time believing that the earth isn't literally spinning faster. Can't we slow it down just a little?

I do have to say, I very much appreciate fast Sundays, in spite of the ongoing jokes that they are really slow and not fast. Yes, it's easy to think they're slow when you're hungry. And sometimes it's too easy to focus on the hunger. But with every commandment the Lord gives, there is always a promised blessing, and fasting is no different. There is truly an outpouring of the Lord's Spirit when I fast with a purpose and with the proper attitude. And really, it's a blessing to have a "slow" day, when so many days seem to fly by so quickly. I'm not sure what I'd do without a Sabbath, but I think I'd probably go insane... It is a day of rest from the cares of the world, a chance to be spiritually uplifted and rejuvenated. Proper Sabbath observance and worship is what gives me the strength to face each new week! It is a blessing to know that no matter how hectic life gets, I can look forward to a day of peace and rest.

"Gently raise the sacred strain,

For the Sabbath's come again,

That man may rest,

And return his thanks to God

For his blessings to the blest."

Visiting Teaching--the right way!

Our visiting teaching assignments stayed the same this month, even though we just went from two to three relief societies in our ward. However, the change in relief societies seemed like a guarantee that visiting teaching would also be changing for August. So, I asked my companion--Ashley--her opinion, and we decided to try to meet with both our girls together and go out for ice cream.

As it turns out, Karly, one of the girls Ashley and I were assigned to visit, decided to transfer back to the university ward. She still would have been welcome to join us for ice cream... Oh, well. We set a time to take just Shelby for ice cream instead. And Shelby suggested the corner store, since it's easy walking distance, and they sell ice cream cones. Unfortunately, Ashley wrote down the wrong time. :( But Shelby and I had a nice visit as we walked down, got our ice cream, and walked back home. I think she and I are both of the opinion that that is the way visiting teaching should be done! :) Good company and strawberry cheesecake ice cream on a hot summer afternoon... What could be better?! I think we should do it again sometime. After all, who needs visiting teaching as an excuse for ice cream?

Firework Misadventure

My mom keeps telling me that I need to start a blog, and after Saturday's firework show, she suggested that might be a good starting entry. The title of my blog is true--life is great! However, it also refers to some crazy mishaps this summer. (The other, not described in this post, was unintentionally riding raft-less through White Rapids on the Colorado River... I might still post some thoughts on that at a later date.)

Saturday evening, July 24 (Pioneer Day), Joel and Larissa picked me up to head over to Chris's mom's (Rebekka's) home, where we would be joining her and Chris and Marla, Christel (Chris's fiancée), and others for the fireworks show at Herman Franks Park, a ballpark just east of Liberty Park. We went out well before it was dark and enjoyed playing some games and visiting while we waited.

Things started out like any normal fireworks show--well, maybe not quite, because they "announce" the beginning by shooting off a couple of extremely loud fireworks, so everyone jumped and a few people screamed. But that was no big deal and we were soon enjoying a great display of colorful fireworks. I found myself craning my neck to see some of them, because they went so high into the air.

And then things changed... Suddenly one of the fireworks shot off much lower, nearly to the ground. I thought maybe it was intentional; even though it was different, it was definitely pretty. But then they started shooting directly along the ground. They still looked pretty cool, I have to admit that, but as the fireworks themselves came shooting directly at us, it became clear that something had gone wrong! There was a lot of screaming and running. Some of the quickest were those holding small children, and I heard one father shout to his family, "Get to the tree, now!" As everyone else moved, I also moved quickly away from the fence of the ballpark and out into the street. A 3-year-old boy who was part of our little group wouldn't even look anymore and kept saying, "I just wanna get goin'." Even though it took several minutes for them to stop the show, because everything was automated, I don't think anyone enjoyed watching any more of it.

Thankfully, no one in our group was hurt, but unfortunately, some people were. Articles were published the following morning in Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune. A video was also posted at Fox 13. As close as we were, I feel blessed not to have seen more problems or to have been injured, myself; I really did expect to see both people and things on fire, so I was glad that wasn't the case. Yikes! Interestingly, it was also not the first fireworks accident in Utah this month; at Stadium of Fire, some fireworks were also shot into the crowd and several people injured. I have to admit, it now makes me wonder whether fireworks are really worth it. Maybe by next July I'll be ready for a good show again...