Choice

"Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions...". 

These words found in Alma 38 entered my mind as I was reading the book of Ether this week. Or maybe these words have just been on my mind in general as I work to bridle my passion of wanting to eat every tasty thing in sight. Bridle yourself Cammy! Calm down girl.

 All bridle means is, to control. I'm not going to stop having one soda a day, but I will be the boss and tell my body "no" when it begs for five more or when my brain sneaks in a little thought like, "you deserve one". No, I don't. I don't deserve to be unhealthy. Not physically or spiritually. 

So how does this play into the book of Ether? Well, we watch a whole civilization fall because they were unwilling to bridle their various passions. Soon after the brother of Jared died, the Jaredite society, which had been built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, began to fall away. The warning of this possibility is revealed as the people fail to follow the brother of Jared's  prophetic counsel in regards to their desire for a king. In Ether 6:23 he shares, " Surely this thing leadeth into captivity." 

Then, Jared (the actual Jared, not the brother of ) replies, "Suffer them (permit them) that they may have a king. And therefore he said unto them: choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye will." And so they did. They ignored the warnings of the prophet. Their passion was to have a king. They needed one! This was the most important thing! This passion was the focus, it was not controlled. So, they were awarded their king and eventually it led to their captivity; their captivity to Satan and destruction.

But, it's their turn on earth right? (A friend of mine, named Liz, told me recently that her mother states this to her whenever she disagrees with a decision she's made. "It's your turn on Earth Liz." Too Funny. )

We are all agents unto ourselves and have the, "inalienable right to submit our will to whatever power we choose". These are great words of wisdom I heard in a talk this week by Brother Nate Williams. Essentially he shares we are given the choice to obey or reject prophetic counsel. What a gift it is to have the ability to bridle our passions and opt instead for a believing heart. To choose to follow the counsel of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Ether I love seeing the bouts of goodness the people choose to exhibit once in awhile amidst all the evil polluting their lives. Like when Corihor repented and was not only forgiven by Shule but was awarded power once again in the kingdom. Or when Nimrah recognizes that his Father is evil and gathers a small group together to join the more righteous group under Omer.

We are challenged to do the same. Even if the prophetic counsel we are rebelling against seems so minuscule at the time it will definitely have eternal ramifications.When our passion is fashion it may seem hard to dress modestly. When our passion is entertainment it may be hard to keep the Sabbath day Holy. When your passion is food (who me?) it may be hard to follow the Word of Wisdom. But, when our passion is following our Savior Jesus Christ all other passions can be bridled. This I know.

p.s. remember how the word passion is The Beloved's least favorite word? Ha! I need to make sure he reads this. :) He'll love it for sure.

Endure

Enduring to the end. That's the step we, as latter-day saints, are at for the majority of our lives. Jesus' gospel revolves around five things: 1. Have faith in Christ 2. Repent of your sins 3. Be baptized 4. Receive the Holy ghost, and 5. Endure to the end. 

Approximately eight decades of our lives will be dedicated to this fifth gospel principle. The trick is that in order to accomplish #5 successfully we need to be living numbers 1, 2, and 4 on a daily basis. 

So what does this entail? 

1. We must have faith in Him and His plan - everyday. 

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed as of late. I wake up every morning wishing there were 10 more hours in a day. It's like one big welcome to the conscious world anxiety attack until I get on my knees and pray for help. I've been trying to pray for specific guidance in helping me prioritize my day. The direction I receive afterward requires faith at times. Once in awhile it doesn't make sense to my brain but when I have the faith to do His will, this very day, there is a great peace that enters my life. Enduring to the end is a day to day activity. 

2. Be aware that sometimes you suck as a person (myself included) and be comforted in knowing our Father in Heaven can make weak things become strong. Again, hit your knees and offer up a prayer. Repent. If you're out in public, say a prayer in your heart. I'm totally the lady who can be seen "talking to herself in the car" or zoned out in the aisle at the grocery store - I'm always chatting with Him, trying to keep myself in check. 

3. Openly receive the gift of the Holy ghost E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. Are we searching for His comfort and guidance? Did we take the time to invite Him in before the busy bustle of life began today? And if so, later on, did we listen to what He had to say? The last few months I have been working on developing the attribute of sincere listening. At first my goal was simply to improve my relationships with my family and friends but it is amazing what happens when you take the time to close your mouth, clear your mind, and listen. The Holy Ghost's promptings are real and happen often. I bear testimony of this.

4. In 3 Nephi 27:32 Jesus says, "... for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break and steal." Oh how my heart breaks when I read this verse. What am I selling Him for?  Is it my selfishness, laziness, materialism, an unkind word or thought? Am I selling Him to accomplish my will over His or maybe to suit my convenience?  I hope never. I hope everyday day I will choose to embrace Him, not sell Him for things of naught.

5. Any questions we have regarding enduring to the end can be found by looking to Christ. He gives us the key in 3 Nephi 27:27, "... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am. 

Everything in Christ's life was about us. Us! It was about you and me and how we can receive ultimate joy. All we need to do is look to Him and endure. One. Day. At. A. Time.