the enticements of Satan

Recently, three families I'm aware of have fallen into ruin because of the enticements of Satan. It makes me feel so sad for those involved. All for different reasons, all the same result. Broken families, broken promises, broken trust and broken hearts. So much pain.

On my way to work today I was listening to the general conference tapes from October conference. This talk stuck me so powerfully I got tears in my eyes while driving. If you don't read anything else all week, please read this talk. It has application for everyone, even though it was given in the priesthood session. I'd never heard it before. It is powerful. It would make a great FHE lesson and discussion.
It is entitled - Winning the War Against Evil by Elder James J. Hamula. Here are some excerpts:

With God’s kingdom restored to the earth and your entry into the world, Satan knows that “he hath but a short time.”14 Therefore, Satan is marshaling every resource at his disposal to entice you into transgression. He knows that if he can draw you into transgression, he may prevent you from serving a full-time mission, marrying in the temple, and securing your future children in the faith, all of which weakens not only you but the Church. He knows that nothing can overthrow God’s kingdom “save it [be] the transgression of [his] people.”15 Make no mistake about it—the focus of his war is now on you—you who seek to “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”16
Now, my young friends, you need to appreciate that our days now and the days that lie ahead are “perilous.”17 In this regard, President Boyd K. Packer has observed:
“I know of nothing in the history of the Church or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now.”18
In referring to the perils of our day, I do not intend to inspire fear, but soberness. Being sober means being earnest and serious in assessing your circumstances, and careful and circumspect in weighing the consequences of your actions. Soberness therefore yields good judgment, as well as measured conduct. No wonder then that prophets counsel young men to be sober.19 Remember Mormon’s observation that what made Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors so effective in battle was not just their courage, strength, and trustworthiness, but their “soberness.”20 Mormon valued such a trait because he was blessed to possess it himself. It was Mormon who was entrusted with the sacred records of the Nephite nation at only 10 years of age because he was a “sober child” and “quick to observe.”21 And it was Mormon who, at age 15, was “visited of the Lord” and “knew of the goodness of Jesus” because he was of a “sober mind.”22
So, as we enter the final climactic stages of the war against Satan, be sober, my young friends. Understand that you cannot partake of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. You cannot participate in pornography or other immoral activity. You cannot lie, cheat, or steal. You cannot use false, demeaning, or dirty language. You cannot deface your body with tattoos and other piercings. You cannot do these things and be victorious in the battle for your own soul, let alone be a valiant warrior in the great struggle for the souls of all the rest of our Father’s children.23
Understand, my young friends, that there is only one way to win the war against Satan, and that is to win it in the same way it was won in the beginning. When victory was finally achieved in the War in Heaven, a loud voice was heard to declare:
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ. . . .
“For they [referring to Michael and his angels] have overcome him [referring to the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; for they loved not their own lives, but kept the testimony even unto death.”24 Do not miss the significance of this declaration. Satan was overcome in the beginning by (1) faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, (2) testimony of Him that was steadfastly kept to the very end, and (3) consecration of oneself to the Lord and His work. If this was the means for defeating him in the beginning, you can be sure that this is the one sure way to defeat him now.25

Happy Valentines Day too!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Click on each photo to enlarge it for better viewing!

Week in the land of the sun

I got back Saturday night from a wonderful week visiting family. I loved the week! The weather was nice (a little cooler than normal) but compared to Utah, it was a welcome change. Rick had a conference to attend, so while he was away, I went away as well. He is a genius who thought of the idea of having me go to visit while he was gone and helped make it happen. Here is a little sampling of what we did:
~Arrived Sunday night late, played with the girls and helped put them to bed.
~Monday - played all day with the girls (which involved playing "Mother" princesses, putting puzzles together, reading, singing, hiding, playing chase, swinging, etc.) , sewed some capes for the birthday party, went shopping for some valentine surprises, Jord made a wonderful dinner (salmon on the new grill cooked by Jake) and invited Mom and David and our family in the area for dinner. Paul was able to make it and we had a nice evening eating great food, chatting and playing Yahtzee. Favorite quote of the evening was when Paul gave Lauren a darling little paper doll (actually felt clothes on a wooden doll) for a gift. We asked her to say thank you, and all she could say was "I'm a little shy." So darling! I drove Jord's car back to Mom's home and stayed overnight with her and David. I read my book The Glass Castle into the evening- amazing book...
~Tuesday - HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY LITTLE LAUREN - visited with Mom and David, played some games, ate breakfast. Ran errands and went shopping with mom. Showed her the great 70% off cashmere sweaters at Dillard's - she bought one. I was already wearing mine from an earlier purchase made in Utah. Lunch at the place my sister Ann recommended called Poppy's. We had a great salad and sandwich and valentine cookie. Drove back to Jordan's home and helped her get ready for Lauren's 3rd birthday party. Lauren opened her gifts from Grandma and Grandpa and she was happy! Helped put the girls to bed again. Loved it! Finished sewing the capes.
~Wednesday - Lauren's party got in full swing about 10:30. Balloons, crepe paper, little kids running all around - tutus for the 7 girls, capes for the 4 boys. One little boy wanted a tutu instead of a cape. It's all good! Jord hired a dance teacher to come over and teach the little kids some moves. It was so darling. Seriously, is there anything cuter than a room full of three year olds in tutus (and capes)? Lunch was served. Pink birthday cake was loved by all, especially the birthday girl who literally licked the cake platter. Afterward - nap time for all. Picked delicious grapefruit off Jord's LOADED grapefruit tree and tried to force it off on the party guests. Mostly successful. Afternoon visit from my sister Ann. She came over and brought two fun crafts for us to do. We had a great visit and produced some good Valentine decorations. Watched some American Idol and Malcolm in the Middle. Jake grilled us steaks on the new grill for dinner. Yum!
~Thursday - While Jord went to her book group, I went to story time at the library with the girls. Three girls (one of the daughters of Jord's friend) in a two child stroller. They didn't like "touching. " Pushed it back to Jord's home (maybe 1/3 of a mile) holding Ellie in one arm while pushing the stroller with two girls in it with my one free hand. Nap time for all! Baked in the afternoon - wheat bread with the new wheat grinder, oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookies, put together Ann's oatmeal pancake mix. Played with the girls, bathed them and put them to bed while Jord and Jake had a little get away. Finished reading the Glass Castle and left it for Mom to read. Such an interesting book!
~Friday - Had the oatmeal pancakes with the buttermilk syrup for breakfast. Got ready to visit Mom again. Met at Rosa's for lunch with Trace and Ann and Mom. Delicious chips and salsa and food enjoyed by all. Great visiting. Watched the girls at Mom's home while Jord got her hair cut and went to the temple. Walked with David while Lauren rode her tricycle and pushed Ellie in the stroller. Chatted with Mom. Visited by DeNae, followed by a visit from cousin Susan and her husband Chris who had come to town to see Ann and Trace. Jake left town headed for Utah with his priest's quorum on a snowboarding adventure. We girls had a pizza party and movie night.
~Saturday - watched the girls while Jord went to the grocery store. Sewed a dust ruffle for Lauren's bed. Went to lunch at Flo's- a great Thai restaurant- but we got shut out because of a large crowd and had to go to a soup and salad place. Reminded me of Zupas. Went to Lauren's ballet class at the community center. So incredibly darling. Watched her dance for 45 minutes. She takes her dance class very seriously and does just what the teacher asks. Left from there to head to the airport. Filled Mom's mostly empty suitcase with about 50 pounds of grapefruit from Jord's tree. It was over weight! Had to move 5-6 random grapefruit to my carry on bag. I just hoped I wouldn't drop it and send grapefruit flying through the security section. Seriously, those Ruby Red pink grapefruit on Jord and Jake's tree are the BEST. Said goodbye to Jord and the girls. Left with Lauren blowing me kisses and Ellie saying Bye Bye. Made my heart skip a beat. How I love those little girls!!! Jordan and Jake are such wonderful parents. I don't even know how to put into words how proud I am of them. They are doing an incredible job raising our grandchildren. Started my second book Eat, Pray, Love on the flight.
I was met at the airport by my Valentine who hefted the grapefruit laden suitcases for me. He had me close my eyes and he took me to one of my favorite restaurants in SLC called Trio. It was a great meal and a wonderful evening with my best friend! I'm happy to be back home with him. It was a fabulous weekend in the land of the sun. I tip my cup of Ruby Red grapefruit juice to Jord and Jake. Thanks for having me down!

A return to virtue

This topic has been on my mind since last October when Elaine Dalton gave this talk in general conference. Because of her message, I've been more aware of the influences that surround us. I went to the screening on the influences of the media (see previous post) because of this talk. I wanted to learn more and be more aware of what is happening. Here is an excerpt from her talk - a return to virtue:

Elaine S. Dalton, “A Return to Virtue,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 78–80

Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not relevant or important in today’s society? As Elder Hales has just reminded us, Lehonti in the Book of Mormon was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took the deceitful Amalickiah four tries, each one more bold than the previous, to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.”8 And then having embraced Amalickiah’s false promises, Lehonti was “poison[ed] by degrees”9 until he died. Not just poisoned, but “by degrees.” Could it be that this may be happening today? Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?10 Could it be that we have been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity? Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice the youth of this noble generation to do nothing or to be busy ever-texting but never coming to a knowledge of the truths contained in a book that was written for you and your day by prophets of God—the Book of Mormon? What could be more deceptive than to entice women, young and old, you and me, to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? What could be more deceptive than to entice men—young and old, holding the holy priesthood of God—to view seductive pornography and thus focus on flesh instead of faith, to be consumers of vice rather than guardians of virtue? The Book of Mormon relates the story of 2,000 young heroes whose virtue and purity gave them the strength to defend their parents’ covenants and their family’s faith. Their virtue and commitment to be “true at all times” changed the world!11

The Strength to Resist

Yesterday I attended a film screening of a documentary called "The Strength to Resist: Media's Impact on Women and Girls" made by Cambridge Documentary films. As you can see, I took copious notes. Yikes! The film answered some of the questions and problems that the shift to image-based media has caused in society, especially in the minds of adolescent young women. The makers of the film were leading authorities who interviewed thousands of young women and who offered practical solutions and best tactics for reclaiming our culture for girls and women.

Here are some points that were made:

• girls are generally strong through childhood (up to about age 10) and then they begin to lose this strength and self esteem as they enter adolescence. They know what they want to be when they grow up. They have direction and goals. They do well in school They want to become somebody who contributes to society. Their inner world is strong and they don't have much exposure to the outer world.


• About age 11 - 13, they start to change. Some begin to have learning problems, behavior problems and eating problems. Their inner world starts to weaken and the pull of their outer world becomes stronger.


• They begin to focus on how they look. We are now dealing with an image based society where the major form of communication is image. We've moved from a print society to a society that values image and entertainment more than the previous timeless values.


• Girls are sent the message that there is a right way to look. A persons race, money, status, make-up, and perfect bodies are now the goal. Imperfections are not allowed. There is a constant need to fix up, work out and go out to strut your stuff to look better for others and to achieve the ideal figure, hair, makeup and clothes


• This is not real. The images seen in magazine, in the movies, on the TV are not real. They are altered by computers, air brushed and improved to look the way they do. Our girls and women are bombarded with these images. Girls and women begin to lose sight of what they really should look like.


• 80% of women in this country are down on their bodies. Too big here, not big enough there. If only I looked like this, if only I looked like that - then I'd be happy, successful, accepted, rich, desired....


• This brings about the desire for excessive body training and working out, the desire for breast augmentation, lipo-suction, plastic surgery. The message is that if what you have doesn't match the pictures in the magazine, that you need to change what you have and get what they've got.


• the vast majority of 10-12 year old girls are already afraid of being too fat. They're afraid of growing and maturing into an adult body. They stop eating. They're afraid of being undesirable.


• Eating disorders are brought about by cultural disorders


• for thousand of years in Fiji where they had no media advances, they had no eating disorders. Women were large and viewed as beautiful. Now that the media has arrived by way of movies, TV and magazines, Fijian girls are worried about their bodies being too big.


• Our current media spreads the lie that women's bodies can be abused, tied up, tortured, used for the pleasure of men and that it is acceptable as long as the body is beautiful and sexy


• Widespread pornography is one of the results of women giving their beautiful bodies up for the use of men and to be photographed and admired. It also leads to sex trafficking and advertising. Pornography is the blue print of how we are represented as women by most of the men in the world - Sex objects. We encourage this way of thinking by allowing ourselves to be seen as a sexual object to be admired by adorning men by taking violence against women and sexualizing it.


• the media creates an atmosphere that legitimizes violence against women

The film pointed out that "we need to see the part we are playing in creating this image and attempt to minimize it!" We need to ban together as women and change the climate of what is acceptable and what is not. How can we inoculate girls against this culture? Are we going to let the media define who and what we are? They have no right to take women and shove them into tiny frames and dress them up like Barbie dolls. Stop the message that you don't deserve to be treated with respect if you don't fit into the mainstream.

How is this done? They suggested the following:

• get rid of the false images - magazines that present pictures of unrealistic bodies of women. Don't let them in our homes and keep them away from our daughters


• get rid of Barbie dolls - literally!


• have girls make a tree showing women they admire. The girl is the trunk and each women is a leaf on the tree. Help them see how the leaves help make the tree look beautiful, but that it is still beautiful even when the leaves fall off in between seasons. Help her get the message that she can stand alone, but that others will help her.


• limit TV time, especially of programs that show unrealistic bodies of people in the entertainment industry. Stop the pursuit of body envy in the entertainment industry. STOP watching it! Don't give them power over the rest of us. These women have bodies that cannot be achieved without augmentation, surgery, injections, personal trainers and life styles provided by money that most of us don't have.


• Create a support group - a community of strong women of all age groups and find out their stories. Grandmothers, aunts, cousins, neighbors, friends. Teach our daughters to envy and look up to women of accomplishment, rather than women of superficial beauty only.


• Take a good look at yourself. How accepting are you of your body? Learn to develop your our talents and abilities so that you become more than how you look.


• Don't pass body loathing on to you daughters. They will take their cues from you on the way they feel about their bodies.


• Every body has a body what makes sense on it's own terms. Genetics, knowledge of eating patterns and habits. Learn to eat healthy foods and how to best manage your weight based on your height, ancestry and other factors that are beyond your control.


• Encourage activity in outdoor and athletic seeings. Play. Work out together. Visit. Make the goal good health, not good looks.


• Challenge your body but don't over do it. Physical fitness doesn't require hours and hours of work out each day.


• Use your body for something else besides appearance, such as work and play. Gain confidence that your body can perform in areas that have nothing to do with appearance.


• Get real. Get perspective. We as women shouldn't hate each other. Don't compete against each other. Love each other and encourage each other to reach our dreams that have nothing to do with appearance. Most people are just average looking!


• Fashion magazines are too small for my dreams