With proposition 8 and other events swirling about, I have been thinking what marriage and why utlization of the word and being married is so important. Today, I think I came to an answer;
Marriage is special, it is something you share with someone you love. Something that lives, maybe not in the way you or I live, but it lives within you and the person you share it with. Marriage is unconditional love; the desire and willpower to stand at your lovers side throughout all arguments, all troubles, all calamities. Harsh words can kill it, maim it, but loving words and daily attentions can make it thrive. It is that special look you see in the eyes of your special someone, like sharing a secret that no one else knows. It is happiness, it is patience, it is kindness, forgiveness. It is love, but much more. A bond that binds your love, and symbolizes the commitment that each partner has made so long as each is faithful. To me, the commitment should be stronger, so that it is harder to get a divorce and harder to go to Vegas and be married in 15 minutes. It should be planning, it should be consideration, it should be sharing time with your best friend.
But it is more than that as well, because marriage also embraces the sexual, it entombs the closeness one can get as they share in a lover's embrace, and are at the utmost levels of intimacy; something not to be shared, or should not be shared, with anyone but that special someone.
And for some religions, marriage gets you closer to God. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, marriage is all of the above, but ideally marriage is also a mutual relationship with God. Being spiritual together, sharing thoughts, praying together, learning together as you plan to be together through time and all eternity; sharing all that is important with the one you love.
Hopefully more most, marriage implies all that. (Including the spiritual, however it can be defined for any individual) Marriage between the individuals should mean all that. Society may not see it that way, government just tags marriage with a bunch of tax benefits, protections, and other associated rights, but for the most part, those are extra.
So what makes the difference between a civil unions and marriage then? If all the same benefits and rights that the government tags to marriage are tagged to civil unions, then legally nothing is different. But what does civil union imply? Because all of what I said that marriage is, is what I view marriage as, how I view it's composition. Is the same imagery that I view marriage as also apply to civil unions? For me... not really.
While civil unions should embrace all that marriage is, all the love and care and attentions that are implied and should be present in both marriage and a civil union; the imagery inspired by a civil union is signing a contract with a government. That is what first comes to mind, because that is what civil unions are. They are not a concept that marriage is, but rather a legal device.
And so for the first time in contemplating this, I see why same gendered couples are not satisfied with being constrained to civil unions; because conceptually and idealistically a civil union and a marriage, while they can legally be equal under law, are not equal in the slightest. Does love exist in both? Yes. Does Happiness exist in both? Yes. But why settle for one concept when the other fully defines and/or epitomizes your love for the other.
Just something to think about.
Showing posts with label Religion/Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion/Church. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Dear Religion Profesor,
You have all probably heard this, and he has too, probably. In fact I should have switched out of the class as soon as I read the syllabus.
But needless to say, my dear religion professor, you are a bit demanding of your classes. I understand there needs to be some academic focus, but since I have roughly written a paper a week in your class, I think I am entirely justified. It is a two credit class, for crying out loud.
Am I slightly procrastinating my paper now? Yes. But that does not matter. I understand researching and knowing what all has been said in commentary is all well and good, but cmon.
I see your point to see what what non-lds commentators have said, but really, a paper a week? And not just three paragraphs or so, but a well researched paper documenting all I can find on a verse of scripture. This, my man, is lunacy. I do not have this type of time. Not when I have have two tests this week and a major lab assignment due.
And my dear religion professor, yours is a general ed, two credit class. I should have to put in a couple of hours a week reading the scriptures you want me to read. Not worrying and writing a single spaced two page paper. We both know I am going to bs it anyway.
So why give it to us? Really? Do you really want to grade that much paper? I honestly have more important classwork to work on. You know, stuff that is pertinent to my major?
I appreciate all you teach professor, but this is slightly ridiculous.
...
And yeah, I am off to get back to my paper. :(
But needless to say, my dear religion professor, you are a bit demanding of your classes. I understand there needs to be some academic focus, but since I have roughly written a paper a week in your class, I think I am entirely justified. It is a two credit class, for crying out loud.
Am I slightly procrastinating my paper now? Yes. But that does not matter. I understand researching and knowing what all has been said in commentary is all well and good, but cmon.
I see your point to see what what non-lds commentators have said, but really, a paper a week? And not just three paragraphs or so, but a well researched paper documenting all I can find on a verse of scripture. This, my man, is lunacy. I do not have this type of time. Not when I have have two tests this week and a major lab assignment due.
And my dear religion professor, yours is a general ed, two credit class. I should have to put in a couple of hours a week reading the scriptures you want me to read. Not worrying and writing a single spaced two page paper. We both know I am going to bs it anyway.
So why give it to us? Really? Do you really want to grade that much paper? I honestly have more important classwork to work on. You know, stuff that is pertinent to my major?
I appreciate all you teach professor, but this is slightly ridiculous.
...
And yeah, I am off to get back to my paper. :(
Monday, November 9, 2009
Political Hypocrisy
This is going to be short, but when watching the news and reading some News Stories about the Health Care Bill passing in the House, it was mentioned that Catholic Popes are directly influencing House Representatives. In fact, Jason Altmire, D-Pennsylvania told CNN that He must have approval from his Catholic Bishop before he can vote yes on the bill.
Now what sort of political hypocrisy is this? Catholic Bishops can directly affect legislation, can directly influence politicians and no one says a thing about it, but the LDS/Mormon Church asks it's members to donate money to Prop8, to fight what they see as a moral dilemma, and everyone gets outraged?
Come on. This is a load of bull. Really it is. There is clearly a double standard going on here, a severe double standard. Yes, I understand that people are upset because they see the LDS Church as "Voting on their marriage" and sticking their beliefs in the legal system and all that, but when Health Care Reform is being voted on, something that will actually affect the quality of life and so much more, nothing is said when the Catholic Church directly influences Congressional Representatives to vote yes or no on a bill.
I am so glad our nation is full of a bunch of hypocrites. I really am.
Now what sort of political hypocrisy is this? Catholic Bishops can directly affect legislation, can directly influence politicians and no one says a thing about it, but the LDS/Mormon Church asks it's members to donate money to Prop8, to fight what they see as a moral dilemma, and everyone gets outraged?
Come on. This is a load of bull. Really it is. There is clearly a double standard going on here, a severe double standard. Yes, I understand that people are upset because they see the LDS Church as "Voting on their marriage" and sticking their beliefs in the legal system and all that, but when Health Care Reform is being voted on, something that will actually affect the quality of life and so much more, nothing is said when the Catholic Church directly influences Congressional Representatives to vote yes or no on a bill.
I am so glad our nation is full of a bunch of hypocrites. I really am.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Post CES-Fireside Rant
Yeah, it's almost a week later, but better late than never I suppose.
First off, I have to say that Elder Uchtdorf is the man. He gave a great talk last week about not selling yourself short, not beating yourself up, metaphorically. Something that I've had to learn the hard way as I have low self-esteem.
Elder Uchtdorf also spoke on the important aspect that supposedly afflicts all single LDS people; marriage and soul mates. While it's good to hear that there is no one soul-mate, and not to despair, I don't think that Elder Uchtdorf, or the church, really has addressed the concerns of shy dudes.
While dating and going out on dates is cool and important, I think it's often overhyped and wrongly packaged. After all, our culture, in fact most cultures assume and a practice that the LDS Church doesn't resist is that it's the guy who does the asking out, and it is the girl who responds, politely refusing if she so decides. Why is that?
Yes, I know Elder Uchtdorf said that it's not just girls who may not have a chance to marry, but some guys too. Sure, that's reassuring, but that's merely playing up to, and recognizing, the gender role that has been long established, that it is the guy's responsibility to ask out the girl. Is there some gospel doctrine that says the guy has to take the initiative? Apart from reassurances from General Authorities about dating, there's nothing been said. Nothing been said to encourage females to take some initiative, to ask a guy out. Or maybe it's just not recognized in the church of shy guys having that problem.
But there are shy guys. Guys, who if they don't take the initiative to hang out, to ask anyone on dates, they aren't that social. And most girls just wait for it to come to them. (Waiting includes flirting, talking during church, being friendly, looking pretty, but discludes actually going to hang out with a guy you don't know all that well or ask someone out.)
And so where does that leave shy guys? At home alone, or in the library studying or whatever. If they don't step up and take initiative to talk to a girl, to be more social, then in my experience, it generally doesn't happen. And because of the tradition that the guy asks out the girl, girls who do take the initiative to ask out a guy are viewed in a skewed light, and thought of as weird when they should be thought of as awesome.
So that's just my rant on things, that the Church doesn't address shy guys and doesn't break the male stereotype that it is the guy's "privilege" to ask girls out.
Or, maybe I'm just shy and crazy.
First off, I have to say that Elder Uchtdorf is the man. He gave a great talk last week about not selling yourself short, not beating yourself up, metaphorically. Something that I've had to learn the hard way as I have low self-esteem.
Elder Uchtdorf also spoke on the important aspect that supposedly afflicts all single LDS people; marriage and soul mates. While it's good to hear that there is no one soul-mate, and not to despair, I don't think that Elder Uchtdorf, or the church, really has addressed the concerns of shy dudes.
While dating and going out on dates is cool and important, I think it's often overhyped and wrongly packaged. After all, our culture, in fact most cultures assume and a practice that the LDS Church doesn't resist is that it's the guy who does the asking out, and it is the girl who responds, politely refusing if she so decides. Why is that?
Yes, I know Elder Uchtdorf said that it's not just girls who may not have a chance to marry, but some guys too. Sure, that's reassuring, but that's merely playing up to, and recognizing, the gender role that has been long established, that it is the guy's responsibility to ask out the girl. Is there some gospel doctrine that says the guy has to take the initiative? Apart from reassurances from General Authorities about dating, there's nothing been said. Nothing been said to encourage females to take some initiative, to ask a guy out. Or maybe it's just not recognized in the church of shy guys having that problem.
But there are shy guys. Guys, who if they don't take the initiative to hang out, to ask anyone on dates, they aren't that social. And most girls just wait for it to come to them. (Waiting includes flirting, talking during church, being friendly, looking pretty, but discludes actually going to hang out with a guy you don't know all that well or ask someone out.)
And so where does that leave shy guys? At home alone, or in the library studying or whatever. If they don't step up and take initiative to talk to a girl, to be more social, then in my experience, it generally doesn't happen. And because of the tradition that the guy asks out the girl, girls who do take the initiative to ask out a guy are viewed in a skewed light, and thought of as weird when they should be thought of as awesome.
So that's just my rant on things, that the Church doesn't address shy guys and doesn't break the male stereotype that it is the guy's "privilege" to ask girls out.
Or, maybe I'm just shy and crazy.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A Little Taste of Today...
Just more conference tweets...
23 minutes and counting! #ldsconf
Watching #ldsconf by myself. More twitter updates!
Love of God leads us to obey commandments. #ldsc
The ultimate "twue luv" talk. #ldsconf
How many times will Christ have to gather us under his wings? The world will never know. #ldsconf
Remember parents with honor. #ldsconf
We have our evidences of our progression down the road of life. Don't give up.
Seems Perry may talk about getting our "houses" in order. #ldsconf
Look to the past to prepare for the future. #ldsconf
Early saints were anxious to work on the temple, to work and build. Time to apply that to my school work it seems. #ldsconf
LDS Callings: Taking what experience you have and making it work in all aspects of life. The Ultimate Temp Service. #ldsconf
Christ changes our priorities. #ldsconf
Misssionary work involves everyone. Hop to it! #ldsconf
How prepared are we to witness to the truths of the gospel? #ldsconf
RT @PreemieMiracle: I wonder how man of the apostles tweet? #ldsconf
-ity virtues ftw! #ldsconf
How firm a foundation. #ldsconf
How is it that #ldsconf is not trending yet? #ldsconf
One of those who are just holding on to steel girders it seems. #ldsconf
We have the safety equipment, we just need to use them to convert our inadequacies to strengths. #ldsconf
A great mist of darkness? Blasted condensation. Bring rain gear to press forward. #ldsconf
I now have the "Safety Kids" kids song playing in my head... #ldsconf
"We are invited to get a grip." Ha ha! #ldsconf
@somethinggirl She probably skydives or bungee jumps. She's used to it by now. ;) #ldsconf
Elder Nelson rocks! #ldsconf
Being prepared: To know and obey the commandments. - Russell M Nelson. #ldsconf
@ihenpecked But... there are no monthly minutes... It's an unlimited minutes plan. #ldsconf
Revelation compatible with God's eternal law. #ldsconf
President Monson's speaking. Excellent! #ldsconf
What do we do each day to help someone in need? #ldsconf
Make serving others second nature. #ldsconf
Little purpose to our own lives if we don't lose ourselves in service. #ldsconf
Don't get caught up in the rapids of life so you can help others. #ldsconf
Warm fuzzies! #ldsconf
Service comes in all forms, be it great or small, it is all service and important to someone. #ldsconf
Do a good turn daily. #ldsconf
When heavy laden, don't forget to take the yoke of God to have your burdens lightened. #ldsconf
Conference is almost over. It seems too short... #ldsconf
@getinmibelly The Broncos will be playing next week. It can wait. #ldsconf
Using time in between conference for Family History stuff.
RT @ihenpecked If we followed Monson's talk, hometeaching would not be about numbers. #ldsconf
"My Grandfather had a stroke and I held his hand." http://tinyurl.com/ybndd8b #ldsconf
In the presence of Twitter haters. Sadness for #ldsconf
The book of mormon serves as a safeguard. #Ldsconf
Remembering that President Monson asked us a year or so ago to pray that the church can enter in all countries. #Ldsconf
23 minutes and counting! #ldsconf
Watching #ldsconf by myself. More twitter updates!
Love of God leads us to obey commandments. #ldsc
The ultimate "twue luv" talk. #ldsconf
How many times will Christ have to gather us under his wings? The world will never know. #ldsconf
Remember parents with honor. #ldsconf
We have our evidences of our progression down the road of life. Don't give up.
Seems Perry may talk about getting our "houses" in order. #ldsconf
Look to the past to prepare for the future. #ldsconf
Early saints were anxious to work on the temple, to work and build. Time to apply that to my school work it seems. #ldsconf
LDS Callings: Taking what experience you have and making it work in all aspects of life. The Ultimate Temp Service. #ldsconf
Christ changes our priorities. #ldsconf
Misssionary work involves everyone. Hop to it! #ldsconf
How prepared are we to witness to the truths of the gospel? #ldsconf
RT @PreemieMiracle: I wonder how man of the apostles tweet? #ldsconf
-ity virtues ftw! #ldsconf
How firm a foundation. #ldsconf
How is it that #ldsconf is not trending yet? #ldsconf
One of those who are just holding on to steel girders it seems. #ldsconf
We have the safety equipment, we just need to use them to convert our inadequacies to strengths. #ldsconf
A great mist of darkness? Blasted condensation. Bring rain gear to press forward. #ldsconf
I now have the "Safety Kids" kids song playing in my head... #ldsconf
"We are invited to get a grip." Ha ha! #ldsconf
@somethinggirl She probably skydives or bungee jumps. She's used to it by now. ;) #ldsconf
Elder Nelson rocks! #ldsconf
Being prepared: To know and obey the commandments. - Russell M Nelson. #ldsconf
@ihenpecked But... there are no monthly minutes... It's an unlimited minutes plan. #ldsconf
Revelation compatible with God's eternal law. #ldsconf
President Monson's speaking. Excellent! #ldsconf
What do we do each day to help someone in need? #ldsconf
Make serving others second nature. #ldsconf
Little purpose to our own lives if we don't lose ourselves in service. #ldsconf
Don't get caught up in the rapids of life so you can help others. #ldsconf
Warm fuzzies! #ldsconf
Service comes in all forms, be it great or small, it is all service and important to someone. #ldsconf
Do a good turn daily. #ldsconf
When heavy laden, don't forget to take the yoke of God to have your burdens lightened. #ldsconf
Conference is almost over. It seems too short... #ldsconf
@getinmibelly The Broncos will be playing next week. It can wait. #ldsconf
Using time in between conference for Family History stuff.
RT @ihenpecked If we followed Monson's talk, hometeaching would not be about numbers. #ldsconf
"My Grandfather had a stroke and I held his hand." http://tinyurl.com/ybndd8b #ldsconf
In the presence of Twitter haters. Sadness for #ldsconf
The book of mormon serves as a safeguard. #Ldsconf
Remembering that President Monson asked us a year or so ago to pray that the church can enter in all countries. #Ldsconf
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Conference Tweets
Just thought I would share...
#ldsconf starting in 20 min. Wondering how long it will take to rise to #1 of trending topics
Rejoice! #Ldsconf
5 new temples! #Ldsconf
#Ldsconf plan of happiness and how to receive help.
Confidence comes thru consistent practice of following the Holy Ghost. #ldsconf.
Recieving personal revelation. listen to initial promptings.# Ldsconf
We need to have our boarding passes ready to ride the holy ghost train. #Ldsconf
Apparently we need to do more to feel the Holy Ghost more often. I know I do.#Ldsconf
Learn through work. Same thing President Hinckley had said. Work work work. #Ldsconf
Leg stretching time. #Ldsconf.
I love you guys. #Ldsconf
Roommates getting annoyed with my texting during #ldsconf. Going to have to stop.
@feliciaday Watch #ldsconf, it's the coolest thing ever.
being threatened with destruction for having sent a text to a friend to wake her up for #ldsconf. It's not my fault she stays up late.about 5 hours ago from web
Finding a new place to watch #ldsconf.
@voler By choice. Plus watching #ldsconf with FHE sisters is bound to more enjoyable than just watching it with roommates.
@WickedDomme32 #ldsconf trends because the LDS General Conference is broadcast today and tomorrow. #ldsconf
@hollylesue Go to the http://twubs.com/ldsconf, it's members only. No bots allowed.
@heartensoul4u So if tweeting from the phone make it into the members only part of #ldsconf? #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf
@linzekas Yes! #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf
@Akula Following #ldsconf is like reading the commentary of the Ensign actually. #ldsconf
@LdsNana only problem is that tweeting from my phone means that I'm not a member... :(
Off to watch #ldsconf... hope that phone tweets make it into http://twubs.com/ldsconf
And thus begins the Saturday afternoon session of #ldsconfabout
#Ldsconf roll call time.
Laws are important. #Ldsconf
God still loves you even if his anger is manifest. #Ldsconf
Life is not a party free for all. #Ldsconf
Life has greater meaning than '42'. #Ldsconf
We allow all men to believe how they may. #Ldsconf
Guy in the apt says that Elder Hales would look British if he had a mustache. #Ldsconf
Being called of God - requiring your best and more sacrifice than the marines since the Dawn of Time. #Ldsconf
Come ye children of the Lord. #Ldsconf
Wow, peter has some bad character witnesses. #Ldsconf
Learn self-control, don't be carried away by excess. #Ldsconf
Prayer is a two way radio. You need to listen for it to work. #Ldsconf
Elder Andersen is the man! #Ldsconf
President Monson needs our prayers. #Ldsconfabout 2 hours ago from txt
I'll post tomorrow's tweets as well. Join in if you haven't already.
#ldsconf starting in 20 min. Wondering how long it will take to rise to #1 of trending topics
Rejoice! #Ldsconf
5 new temples! #Ldsconf
#Ldsconf plan of happiness and how to receive help.
Confidence comes thru consistent practice of following the Holy Ghost. #ldsconf.
Recieving personal revelation. listen to initial promptings.# Ldsconf
We need to have our boarding passes ready to ride the holy ghost train. #Ldsconf
Apparently we need to do more to feel the Holy Ghost more often. I know I do.#Ldsconf
Learn through work. Same thing President Hinckley had said. Work work work. #Ldsconf
Leg stretching time. #Ldsconf.
I love you guys. #Ldsconf
Roommates getting annoyed with my texting during #ldsconf. Going to have to stop.
@feliciaday Watch #ldsconf, it's the coolest thing ever.
being threatened with destruction for having sent a text to a friend to wake her up for #ldsconf. It's not my fault she stays up late.about 5 hours ago from web
Finding a new place to watch #ldsconf.
@voler By choice. Plus watching #ldsconf with FHE sisters is bound to more enjoyable than just watching it with roommates.
@WickedDomme32 #ldsconf trends because the LDS General Conference is broadcast today and tomorrow. #ldsconf
@hollylesue Go to the http://twubs.com/ldsconf, it's members only. No bots allowed.
@heartensoul4u So if tweeting from the phone make it into the members only part of #ldsconf? #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf
@linzekas Yes! #ldsconf http://twubs.com/ldsconf
@Akula Following #ldsconf is like reading the commentary of the Ensign actually. #ldsconf
@LdsNana only problem is that tweeting from my phone means that I'm not a member... :(
Off to watch #ldsconf... hope that phone tweets make it into http://twubs.com/ldsconf
And thus begins the Saturday afternoon session of #ldsconfabout
#Ldsconf roll call time.
Laws are important. #Ldsconf
God still loves you even if his anger is manifest. #Ldsconf
Life is not a party free for all. #Ldsconf
Life has greater meaning than '42'. #Ldsconf
We allow all men to believe how they may. #Ldsconf
Guy in the apt says that Elder Hales would look British if he had a mustache. #Ldsconf
Being called of God - requiring your best and more sacrifice than the marines since the Dawn of Time. #Ldsconf
Come ye children of the Lord. #Ldsconf
Wow, peter has some bad character witnesses. #Ldsconf
Learn self-control, don't be carried away by excess. #Ldsconf
Prayer is a two way radio. You need to listen for it to work. #Ldsconf
Elder Andersen is the man! #Ldsconf
President Monson needs our prayers. #Ldsconfabout 2 hours ago from txt
I'll post tomorrow's tweets as well. Join in if you haven't already.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Laughter...
Is the best medicine. Unless it kills you. Or gives you asthma.
Anywhat, random story time-ish. There's this guy in my ward, 'Steve', who is hilarious. He's a great story teller, and not afraid to make fun of himself. In fact, as Sunday school teacher, he usually tells a story like where in the mission, while being chased by a demon dog on a bike, he swerved into oncoming traffic, or this week's story that when he was trying to ask a girl out, that it came all mumbled and after getting her name, he backed away and fell over a handicapped girl.
You of course have to be there cause the way he tells them, and what happens is hilarious. As such, I am usually laughing like crazy.
But you know, apart from it getting people to remind me to breathe, or getting other people laughing, I haven't thought about the effect that my laughter and smile has on others.
Something today after Sacrament, a girl that I barely know came up to me. Well, I don't know her, I've seen her around, but I hadn't had the pleasure of introducing myself. Anyways, she comes up to me and thanks me for spreading joy, for laughing and always smiling. It just sort of made my day.
Anywhat, duty calls (Not that duty, other duties) and I must be off. So be of good cheer!
Oh, and I'll leave you with this thought: "Some say you should laugh like there is no tomorrow. I say you should laugh so hard that there is no tomorrow."
Anywhat, random story time-ish. There's this guy in my ward, 'Steve', who is hilarious. He's a great story teller, and not afraid to make fun of himself. In fact, as Sunday school teacher, he usually tells a story like where in the mission, while being chased by a demon dog on a bike, he swerved into oncoming traffic, or this week's story that when he was trying to ask a girl out, that it came all mumbled and after getting her name, he backed away and fell over a handicapped girl.
You of course have to be there cause the way he tells them, and what happens is hilarious. As such, I am usually laughing like crazy.
But you know, apart from it getting people to remind me to breathe, or getting other people laughing, I haven't thought about the effect that my laughter and smile has on others.
Something today after Sacrament, a girl that I barely know came up to me. Well, I don't know her, I've seen her around, but I hadn't had the pleasure of introducing myself. Anyways, she comes up to me and thanks me for spreading joy, for laughing and always smiling. It just sort of made my day.
Anywhat, duty calls (Not that duty, other duties) and I must be off. So be of good cheer!
Oh, and I'll leave you with this thought: "Some say you should laugh like there is no tomorrow. I say you should laugh so hard that there is no tomorrow."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
I hope you all have a happy Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hope you all have a very good day today in remembering his sacrifice for us.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Figs and Anti-Matter
You know, not many times does the Westboro Baptist Church get something right, but sometimes they do succeed in being ironically funny. As captured at Box Turtle Bulletin it appears that those over in Westboro got something ironically funny, because the only thing Jesus cursed was the barren fig tree. Sure that was symbolic for hypocrites, but it still fits. And thus their poster is funny.
I think I will join the figs in dooming the world. I hear it may be quite fun.
I think I will join the figs in dooming the world. I hear it may be quite fun.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Missionary Wednesday Part 2
It seems he accidentally sent the first part of his e-mail off by mistake. Here is the second bit:
Sorry, the first part of the message just sent itself, now to continue.
I had hopes of being a reaper of souls but it certainly looks like I might just be a planter of seeds. This depressed me, I would so much more rather see the fruits of my labor but after talking to my companions about that, I am just a bit more Ok with just planting and not as depressed as that as before.
Daylight savings time didn't exactly help much either, that may have been a reason some did not show up. Benjamin Franklin was a great man who did great things but daylight savings time isn't one of them. That man's worth is just demoted in my eyes, they should put him on the $75 and give someone else the hundred dollar bill, either that or just get rid of daylight savings all together.
Monday at district meeting we inspired the rest of the district with last weeks amazing numbers and lit a fire under them; our district is going to try for a second week of amazing numbers. With the numbers we have now, our district is leading the zone and even inspiring them to do better. Later on Monday we got 5 more investigators and 4 more baptism dates, an impressive feat for just one day.
Tuesday made it official, I have officially been out for six months. As is the tradition in this mission, I burned a tie to commemorate the occasion. Elder V. gave me one of his ties before he went home and gave me permission to burn it when I reached my mark. I followed his request and did just that. It felt good.
Today we went to Sister C's again and learned much from her. Today's learning's include: 1. The Native Americans tell the same stories among themselves that we find in the book of Mormon. The only difference is that the good guys and bad guys are switched around, obviously twisted because of Laman and Lemuel.(Editors Note: I am going to check that out for myself) That is just another witness that the Book of Mormon is true. 2: The ordinance of brushing the dust off your feet. It's powerful and a real priesthood ordinance that when done right will in fact bring a curse upon the person or place it is done to. Things like fire or tornado will only effect that one place or person and no others around them.(Editors Note: If Chicago burns to the ground, we know who got trigger happy and who to blame)
3. We on earth are like the Nephites who had the truth from the beginning; we are slower to become more wicked and righteous, but when that happens we take it to the extreme. That intelligent life beyond earth is like the Lamanites; they will receive the truth or have it and when they get it, or have it, they will repent and become better faster, or the reverse will be true for their apostasy but they wont be nearly as good or bad as we are. My personal favorite part of this last one is that Sister C. agrees with me that not all the intelligent life beyond Earth is human; some is otherwise. Everyone else I know believes the opposite, and its good to have someone on my side. I have a theory about this but I don't think I will include it in this email.
Sam, in response to your e-mail, you may be right about the rules thing. We've seen that in the last few weeks, the rest of us were having fun and the sister missionaries weren't, they were working so hard but there numbers were dropping, we did the same but had fun and our numbers increased. They are understanding it a little now, personally I don't think the hanging out was the problem, it was the fact that we were doing it so much that was the bad thing. Like now it's P-day and were having a district activity, I prefer this to what President had in mind, because working too hard without a break isn't healthy.
That's it for this week. Hopefully you got the first part that sent itself. I look forward to hearing from everyone soon.
Love Elder Fields.
Sorry, the first part of the message just sent itself, now to continue.
I had hopes of being a reaper of souls but it certainly looks like I might just be a planter of seeds. This depressed me, I would so much more rather see the fruits of my labor but after talking to my companions about that, I am just a bit more Ok with just planting and not as depressed as that as before.
Daylight savings time didn't exactly help much either, that may have been a reason some did not show up. Benjamin Franklin was a great man who did great things but daylight savings time isn't one of them. That man's worth is just demoted in my eyes, they should put him on the $75 and give someone else the hundred dollar bill, either that or just get rid of daylight savings all together.
Monday at district meeting we inspired the rest of the district with last weeks amazing numbers and lit a fire under them; our district is going to try for a second week of amazing numbers. With the numbers we have now, our district is leading the zone and even inspiring them to do better. Later on Monday we got 5 more investigators and 4 more baptism dates, an impressive feat for just one day.
Tuesday made it official, I have officially been out for six months. As is the tradition in this mission, I burned a tie to commemorate the occasion. Elder V. gave me one of his ties before he went home and gave me permission to burn it when I reached my mark. I followed his request and did just that. It felt good.
Today we went to Sister C's again and learned much from her. Today's learning's include: 1. The Native Americans tell the same stories among themselves that we find in the book of Mormon. The only difference is that the good guys and bad guys are switched around, obviously twisted because of Laman and Lemuel.(Editors Note: I am going to check that out for myself) That is just another witness that the Book of Mormon is true. 2: The ordinance of brushing the dust off your feet. It's powerful and a real priesthood ordinance that when done right will in fact bring a curse upon the person or place it is done to. Things like fire or tornado will only effect that one place or person and no others around them.(Editors Note: If Chicago burns to the ground, we know who got trigger happy and who to blame)
3. We on earth are like the Nephites who had the truth from the beginning; we are slower to become more wicked and righteous, but when that happens we take it to the extreme. That intelligent life beyond earth is like the Lamanites; they will receive the truth or have it and when they get it, or have it, they will repent and become better faster, or the reverse will be true for their apostasy but they wont be nearly as good or bad as we are. My personal favorite part of this last one is that Sister C. agrees with me that not all the intelligent life beyond Earth is human; some is otherwise. Everyone else I know believes the opposite, and its good to have someone on my side. I have a theory about this but I don't think I will include it in this email.
Sam, in response to your e-mail, you may be right about the rules thing. We've seen that in the last few weeks, the rest of us were having fun and the sister missionaries weren't, they were working so hard but there numbers were dropping, we did the same but had fun and our numbers increased. They are understanding it a little now, personally I don't think the hanging out was the problem, it was the fact that we were doing it so much that was the bad thing. Like now it's P-day and were having a district activity, I prefer this to what President had in mind, because working too hard without a break isn't healthy.
That's it for this week. Hopefully you got the first part that sent itself. I look forward to hearing from everyone soon.
Love Elder Fields.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Missionary Thursday
This week we join our hero after a not so vitalizing trip to zone conference, where he is subjected to what the President demands and what reality actually allows. And some good old fashioned apostasy too. Yee haw.
Dear fam. and friends,
Last Thursday was Zone Conference and according to Elder B. it was just one big waste of time. The theme for this zone conference was how to become baptizing missionaries, but really all President R. did the entire time was rebuke us for breaking the rules. According to Elder B. our zone's motto is Work hard, Play hard'. Elder G. said it was to do everything you can to avoid tracting, but that's another story. According to Elder B., a baptizing missionary is a happy one and you can't be happy if you're working too hard, you've got to take some time to chill. According to President R., what we've been doing is not allowed. President R. wants to see our numbers go up and gave us permission to do whatever is necessary to do that, but what he doesn't realize is that all of the legendary missionaries who got a load of baptisms are also the ones who broke most of the small rules and had the most fun. He doesn't realize that he is contradicting himself on that point. We are all tired of the show we have to put on and I'm glad other people besides me feel frustrated about that. Personally the rebuking, for me, was water on a duck's back but everyone else took it harder. The elders got over it faster but the sisters still aren't over it. My personal policy is that i obey the rules to the best that I can but if my companions want to do some stupid activity that will ultimately not effect anyone in the long run, wont get them sent home or damage the reputation of mission work or the church; then I wont stop them. I will get on them however if it starts looking like that though.
President R. chewed the whole zone out on lots of stuff, but our district actually only had any problems with two things: 1. Hanging out with the sister missionaries. They get the shaft of mission work. They cant really talk to anyone at all unless its related to mission work, they cant do anything else much either. The only regular contact or socializing with other missionaries that they get is a phone call to the district leaders to let them know their safe for the night. Elders don't have it as hard because they can at least talk to each other. The socializing rule is hard for everyone but hardest for them. Needless to say we haven't been doing a very good job of observing that rule. 2. P-day: apparently we can't have much fun on P-day either. We must do things like laundry, shopping and cleaning house. The only fun thing we can do is occasionally in the city zone go down town to some recreational place. but officially P-day is only 7 hours long, not even the equivalent of a whole work day. If we do all that work we wouldn't have time to go downtown and have fun. We would be too exhausted and would dread the next day. Don't get me wrong, I get why these and other rules are there, without the little rules to keep us at least somewhat on track there is no way we could obey the bigger rules. So that was zone conference; one big rebuking from President R.
Sunday unfortunately again we did not have any investigators at church. I haven't had a single investigator at church at all. Our investigators are primed and ready for baptism, but the only problem is that they are not coming to church. Everyone else in the district gets theirs to church but ours will not come, and this burned me up even more than the rebuking did. Also Sunday we finally got back to Sister C.'s, shes been avoiding(Editors note: I am unsure of what word Elder Fields was trying to use) us for her new boyfriend for the last month and decided to forfeit the blessings that come from feeding the missionaries. She was there this weekend and informed us of the sad news that they broke up. Everyone thinks shes better off without him and now she can resume the joy that comes from feeding us.(I hope he's being sarcastic there) Also Dad, when I was there I asked her about if we might be related and she said that her husbands surname was C. and he had family all over the southern states, so yes, I think we might actually be related to her, at the very least through marriage.
Tuesday night we we talked to the catholic mother of a media referral. She said that she doesn't do or accept anything without praying about it first. When she said this, the spirit strongly prompted me to teach the last principle of lesson one, pray to know the truth. I am glad I listened to that prompting because the rest of the lesson was scattered with no central point. My companions both said I was very bold in doing that. I love the feeling you get when you follow the spirit.
Wednesday we went back to Sister C.'s for more doctrinal discussions. Here are some of the things we talked about: 1. I always wondered why Satan told Cain to make an offering to God, now I know it was a weak attempt to cover the fact that he had sinned and was planing to sin again, now Cain is Satan's adviser. 2: When Israel went up the mountain with Moses and got scared to go all the way up, they said he should go alone and they would listen to what HE had to say, not God. That was there first wrong move. During the time of Christ they were still listening to Moses and still not listening to God. When they crucified Christ, they didn't just reject him then, they had been ironically rejecting him since the time of Moses. 3: Did you ever notice in the restoration movie when the twig snaps as Joseph is about to pray? That was the trees acting for God to warn Joseph of the immediate danger of Satan's approach.(Editors Note: WTFreak?) I always wondered about that part of the movie. there was lots of other stuff, but again pray about it before deciding if it's truth.
After Sister C.'s we went to a zone activity. We started with winter football at the Point, went to the high park building for lunch, played doge ball, basketball and just hung out. It was fun, but nothing like this will ever top the first Zone activity with the sword fight. I spent some time with other people in the zone I didn't know as well and got to know them better. I never knew just how fun hanging out could be. I also talked to our sisters, they have been more distant than necessary since zone conference and I think it's just sad that they have decided to cut themselves off from us completely. The rebuking from President R. scared them really bad,. even though it wasn't directed only at us. Sadly they couldn't be talked out of seclusion. None of the other sisters in the zone seemed to have this problem. They all seemed very happy, but the sister's in our district didn't. Even with that, the zone activity was still fun.
Anyway, my area has really been picking up and baptisms are around the corner if we could just get them to come to church.
That's it this week.
Salutations to all,
Elder Fields.
Editors Note: Great snapping twigs of 1820, I need to talk to this boy. Advice, anyone, to tell him Sister C. may be a bit loco, and to ask for references to what is said?
Dear fam. and friends,
Last Thursday was Zone Conference and according to Elder B. it was just one big waste of time. The theme for this zone conference was how to become baptizing missionaries, but really all President R. did the entire time was rebuke us for breaking the rules. According to Elder B. our zone's motto is Work hard, Play hard'. Elder G. said it was to do everything you can to avoid tracting, but that's another story. According to Elder B., a baptizing missionary is a happy one and you can't be happy if you're working too hard, you've got to take some time to chill. According to President R., what we've been doing is not allowed. President R. wants to see our numbers go up and gave us permission to do whatever is necessary to do that, but what he doesn't realize is that all of the legendary missionaries who got a load of baptisms are also the ones who broke most of the small rules and had the most fun. He doesn't realize that he is contradicting himself on that point. We are all tired of the show we have to put on and I'm glad other people besides me feel frustrated about that. Personally the rebuking, for me, was water on a duck's back but everyone else took it harder. The elders got over it faster but the sisters still aren't over it. My personal policy is that i obey the rules to the best that I can but if my companions want to do some stupid activity that will ultimately not effect anyone in the long run, wont get them sent home or damage the reputation of mission work or the church; then I wont stop them. I will get on them however if it starts looking like that though.
President R. chewed the whole zone out on lots of stuff, but our district actually only had any problems with two things: 1. Hanging out with the sister missionaries. They get the shaft of mission work. They cant really talk to anyone at all unless its related to mission work, they cant do anything else much either. The only regular contact or socializing with other missionaries that they get is a phone call to the district leaders to let them know their safe for the night. Elders don't have it as hard because they can at least talk to each other. The socializing rule is hard for everyone but hardest for them. Needless to say we haven't been doing a very good job of observing that rule. 2. P-day: apparently we can't have much fun on P-day either. We must do things like laundry, shopping and cleaning house. The only fun thing we can do is occasionally in the city zone go down town to some recreational place. but officially P-day is only 7 hours long, not even the equivalent of a whole work day. If we do all that work we wouldn't have time to go downtown and have fun. We would be too exhausted and would dread the next day. Don't get me wrong, I get why these and other rules are there, without the little rules to keep us at least somewhat on track there is no way we could obey the bigger rules. So that was zone conference; one big rebuking from President R.
Sunday unfortunately again we did not have any investigators at church. I haven't had a single investigator at church at all. Our investigators are primed and ready for baptism, but the only problem is that they are not coming to church. Everyone else in the district gets theirs to church but ours will not come, and this burned me up even more than the rebuking did. Also Sunday we finally got back to Sister C.'s, shes been avoiding(Editors note: I am unsure of what word Elder Fields was trying to use) us for her new boyfriend for the last month and decided to forfeit the blessings that come from feeding the missionaries. She was there this weekend and informed us of the sad news that they broke up. Everyone thinks shes better off without him and now she can resume the joy that comes from feeding us.(I hope he's being sarcastic there) Also Dad, when I was there I asked her about if we might be related and she said that her husbands surname was C. and he had family all over the southern states, so yes, I think we might actually be related to her, at the very least through marriage.
Tuesday night we we talked to the catholic mother of a media referral. She said that she doesn't do or accept anything without praying about it first. When she said this, the spirit strongly prompted me to teach the last principle of lesson one, pray to know the truth. I am glad I listened to that prompting because the rest of the lesson was scattered with no central point. My companions both said I was very bold in doing that. I love the feeling you get when you follow the spirit.
Wednesday we went back to Sister C.'s for more doctrinal discussions. Here are some of the things we talked about: 1. I always wondered why Satan told Cain to make an offering to God, now I know it was a weak attempt to cover the fact that he had sinned and was planing to sin again, now Cain is Satan's adviser. 2: When Israel went up the mountain with Moses and got scared to go all the way up, they said he should go alone and they would listen to what HE had to say, not God. That was there first wrong move. During the time of Christ they were still listening to Moses and still not listening to God. When they crucified Christ, they didn't just reject him then, they had been ironically rejecting him since the time of Moses. 3: Did you ever notice in the restoration movie when the twig snaps as Joseph is about to pray? That was the trees acting for God to warn Joseph of the immediate danger of Satan's approach.(Editors Note: WTFreak?) I always wondered about that part of the movie. there was lots of other stuff, but again pray about it before deciding if it's truth.
After Sister C.'s we went to a zone activity. We started with winter football at the Point, went to the high park building for lunch, played doge ball, basketball and just hung out. It was fun, but nothing like this will ever top the first Zone activity with the sword fight. I spent some time with other people in the zone I didn't know as well and got to know them better. I never knew just how fun hanging out could be. I also talked to our sisters, they have been more distant than necessary since zone conference and I think it's just sad that they have decided to cut themselves off from us completely. The rebuking from President R. scared them really bad,. even though it wasn't directed only at us. Sadly they couldn't be talked out of seclusion. None of the other sisters in the zone seemed to have this problem. They all seemed very happy, but the sister's in our district didn't. Even with that, the zone activity was still fun.
Anyway, my area has really been picking up and baptisms are around the corner if we could just get them to come to church.
That's it this week.
Salutations to all,
Elder Fields.
Editors Note: Great snapping twigs of 1820, I need to talk to this boy. Advice, anyone, to tell him Sister C. may be a bit loco, and to ask for references to what is said?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A New Hope - No Sith Lords Allowed
Sometimes the smallest and most surprising thing can make your day. It's been roughly a year and a half since I returned from my mission, and have fallen out of contact with most of the people I knew there, but yesterday to my surprise, one of my friends and people I helped convert e-mailed me and we e-mailed back and forth a bit.
To give a bit of background, Marisol is an independent young lady, who is an English teacher, she's about 25 or 26 if I recall, but was afraid of what her parents would say or do if they found out she became baptized, because they were very active Catholics.
So to help her out we taught her in the houses of members, which helped her get to know some of the members too. Well she also was having boyfriend problems, who viewed the church as United States thing and was against the country as well. This was also my last area, and so as her parents found out, an argument with a love-struck RM, and with pressures from her boyfriend it appeared that she would slip into inactivity.
In the last few weeks of my mission, that RM was upset that she wasn't going, and thought that we as missionaries did not do our jobs because she was going inactive, and that it would have been better to have not baptized her at all as, in his opinion, she had major doubts.
So as I left, it looked as if she would get married to her boyfriend, most likely in the Catholic church to appease her parents and it did look that she would not be coming to church again.
Well now two years later it turns out that not only did she not marry the bum (She had told us a little of what was going on between them) but she's active and has even entered the temple.
So I just want to say that it is spectacular, and that for those of you who have served or about to serve, that you just need to do your best, and do all that you can and you never know what great things will come of it.
And it appears that only one person wants cookies?
To give a bit of background, Marisol is an independent young lady, who is an English teacher, she's about 25 or 26 if I recall, but was afraid of what her parents would say or do if they found out she became baptized, because they were very active Catholics.
So to help her out we taught her in the houses of members, which helped her get to know some of the members too. Well she also was having boyfriend problems, who viewed the church as United States thing and was against the country as well. This was also my last area, and so as her parents found out, an argument with a love-struck RM, and with pressures from her boyfriend it appeared that she would slip into inactivity.
In the last few weeks of my mission, that RM was upset that she wasn't going, and thought that we as missionaries did not do our jobs because she was going inactive, and that it would have been better to have not baptized her at all as, in his opinion, she had major doubts.
So as I left, it looked as if she would get married to her boyfriend, most likely in the Catholic church to appease her parents and it did look that she would not be coming to church again.
Well now two years later it turns out that not only did she not marry the bum (She had told us a little of what was going on between them) but she's active and has even entered the temple.
So I just want to say that it is spectacular, and that for those of you who have served or about to serve, that you just need to do your best, and do all that you can and you never know what great things will come of it.
And it appears that only one person wants cookies?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The best test that you can give is your testimony
As you may all know, I usually attempt to post humor, or try to derive humor from every day events. Today is not one of those days.
I assume that many, if not most of those who read my blog know what church I belong to, but for those who may pass by or don't know; I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or commonly referred to as the "Mormon" church. And so I would like to give my thoughts and feelings to what I believe, and why I myself am a member of this church.
I was born into the church, baptized at the age of 8, have gone to seminary and institute and have come back from serving a mission in Mexico a little over a year ago. I can't say for certain when I first started believing, I think to one extent or another I always have believed, but it probably was around the age of seventeen when my faith and testimony truly began to grow, when I began to apply more actively the teachings of Christ to my life in emulation of Him. I know that Jesus is my, our, savior, that he suffered for us so that if we accept him and utilize the atonement, his sacrifice for us, we can be free from sin and return to his presence some day. I firmly believe that, when I am feeling down and out, when I do raise my voice to him, that He listens, and does respond, granting consolation unto me. I am thankful for Christ's sacrifice and for God's love, and I know that he truly does love us and want the best for us.
I have read both the Book of Mormon and the Bible and have had that overwhelming feeling, that peace and happiness. I know that they are inspired of God, that he continues to guide and direct as as he did before. I believe that the authority that Jesus gave his apostles is on the Earth again, and that God has once again called a prophet to guide and lead His church.
I believe this to be true, and I know that by striving to live His commandments, I too can return to live in His presence.
I hope you all get something out of this entry, and I hope that the Holy Ghost testifies to you of this, and that if you want to know for thyself you can read and ask in prayer to know that these things are true. I leave you with this in the name Jesus Christ, Amen.
I assume that many, if not most of those who read my blog know what church I belong to, but for those who may pass by or don't know; I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or commonly referred to as the "Mormon" church. And so I would like to give my thoughts and feelings to what I believe, and why I myself am a member of this church.
I was born into the church, baptized at the age of 8, have gone to seminary and institute and have come back from serving a mission in Mexico a little over a year ago. I can't say for certain when I first started believing, I think to one extent or another I always have believed, but it probably was around the age of seventeen when my faith and testimony truly began to grow, when I began to apply more actively the teachings of Christ to my life in emulation of Him. I know that Jesus is my, our, savior, that he suffered for us so that if we accept him and utilize the atonement, his sacrifice for us, we can be free from sin and return to his presence some day. I firmly believe that, when I am feeling down and out, when I do raise my voice to him, that He listens, and does respond, granting consolation unto me. I am thankful for Christ's sacrifice and for God's love, and I know that he truly does love us and want the best for us.
I have read both the Book of Mormon and the Bible and have had that overwhelming feeling, that peace and happiness. I know that they are inspired of God, that he continues to guide and direct as as he did before. I believe that the authority that Jesus gave his apostles is on the Earth again, and that God has once again called a prophet to guide and lead His church.
I believe this to be true, and I know that by striving to live His commandments, I too can return to live in His presence.
I hope you all get something out of this entry, and I hope that the Holy Ghost testifies to you of this, and that if you want to know for thyself you can read and ask in prayer to know that these things are true. I leave you with this in the name Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The only thing we have to fear, is...
Although I would very much like to put "fear itself" at the end of the title, it seemed for a moment to be better is to fear girls, but that either sounds like I am either anti-clinton, or a 12 year old boy. Although both may be true, especially if the former gains presidency, that is not my point, nor shall that be delved into. Actually my friend Sir Wally the 3rd from Hatzfeld, Trntl, would agree with the little kid.
Anyways, I had initially made this blog to blow off steam, but I seek a higher purpose, to entertain instead of rant and throw pity parties for myself. Wally actually saved this blog unkowningly from this fate, to make it something to, just in the sense, blog about, instead of using it to vent about my perceived notion of the lack of social skills and other stuff.
So back to the story. I have been in my current singles ward for a while now, 9 months or so, and although I enjoy it and all, there has been something that has bothered me for a while, because it seems that while all the other people were getting to know each other, strengthening friendships and the like, I was still chipping away at the ice, initially thinking the ice was just too thick. Then something surprised me, one of the girls in the ward, who I thought I had weirded out or something (which apparently was in my head as well, much to my surprise, which proves even further that I am crazy ;P) briefly commented on what I put in my facebook status. I probably sounded sarcastic to her when I replied because I thought she was asking out just to ask, and wasn't genuinely some-what concerned. It wasn't until after ward prayer, until Monday night that I realized the real problem. The problem isn't that the ice is too thick for me to break, the problem is that I have only been using a a shoddy plastic toy hammer to break the ice with. (Although Wally would disagree) You may ask why I say this of myself, but it became clear as daylight to me when I left the ward BBQ that the whole time, I made little effort to actually talk to any of the girls in the ward beyond a casual hey, how are you. I played frizbee, talked with some dudes, but thinking on it, I doubt I said more than two sentences to any one.
Now don't take me wrong, the girls in the ward are fantastic, I just realized that I am the one who is not putting forth any effort to really get to know them. And suddenly I lost my train of thought and the point I was trying to make... Well my point is, here I was feeling down on myself because it seems that I didn't know that all many people, that I don't hang out with one anyone, blah blah blah, when the problem is that I seem to expect them to happen naturally, without me doing anything to promote it. So I just need to change that in myself, maybe it is a deep fear of girls, or communicating with them...
You know what. The Universe just hates me. It has decided to prove to me that it is not me, but it, who toys with me to get my hopes up and cast me. Well you know what Universe, I hate you too. You see, some of the guys in the ward play Starcraft, and I was planning on attending their next shindig thing that they would have. The conniving Universe decided to schedule my sisters high school graduation the same night as the Starcraft thing, the night I leave to go home for the weekend.
So that is the answer folks, it is the Universe's fault. I just have to figure out how to go to war against the Universe now...
Anyways, I had initially made this blog to blow off steam, but I seek a higher purpose, to entertain instead of rant and throw pity parties for myself. Wally actually saved this blog unkowningly from this fate, to make it something to, just in the sense, blog about, instead of using it to vent about my perceived notion of the lack of social skills and other stuff.
So back to the story. I have been in my current singles ward for a while now, 9 months or so, and although I enjoy it and all, there has been something that has bothered me for a while, because it seems that while all the other people were getting to know each other, strengthening friendships and the like, I was still chipping away at the ice, initially thinking the ice was just too thick. Then something surprised me, one of the girls in the ward, who I thought I had weirded out or something (which apparently was in my head as well, much to my surprise, which proves even further that I am crazy ;P) briefly commented on what I put in my facebook status. I probably sounded sarcastic to her when I replied because I thought she was asking out just to ask, and wasn't genuinely some-what concerned. It wasn't until after ward prayer, until Monday night that I realized the real problem. The problem isn't that the ice is too thick for me to break, the problem is that I have only been using a a shoddy plastic toy hammer to break the ice with. (Although Wally would disagree) You may ask why I say this of myself, but it became clear as daylight to me when I left the ward BBQ that the whole time, I made little effort to actually talk to any of the girls in the ward beyond a casual hey, how are you. I played frizbee, talked with some dudes, but thinking on it, I doubt I said more than two sentences to any one.
Now don't take me wrong, the girls in the ward are fantastic, I just realized that I am the one who is not putting forth any effort to really get to know them. And suddenly I lost my train of thought and the point I was trying to make... Well my point is, here I was feeling down on myself because it seems that I didn't know that all many people, that I don't hang out with one anyone, blah blah blah, when the problem is that I seem to expect them to happen naturally, without me doing anything to promote it. So I just need to change that in myself, maybe it is a deep fear of girls, or communicating with them...
You know what. The Universe just hates me. It has decided to prove to me that it is not me, but it, who toys with me to get my hopes up and cast me. Well you know what Universe, I hate you too. You see, some of the guys in the ward play Starcraft, and I was planning on attending their next shindig thing that they would have. The conniving Universe decided to schedule my sisters high school graduation the same night as the Starcraft thing, the night I leave to go home for the weekend.
So that is the answer folks, it is the Universe's fault. I just have to figure out how to go to war against the Universe now...
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