Some Inspiring Messages

Happy spring everyone! As I walk about,my senses are filled up with blossoms--sight and smell and sometimes even touch. It is lovely--it makes one have to stop and breath in deeply and fully--aah! I love spring and fall for all of their dynamic changes; they are so exciting and curious to me :) There's another interesting thing brought about by spring: graduation. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the commencement exercises here at BYU and the experience was very inspiring (especially as it will likely be me in cap and gown this time next year).

Our key speakers were both general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first was Elder Russel M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the second was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counseler in the Church's First Presidency. Both of their messages were excellent. One of the strongest messages I took from Elder Nelson was the fact that our educations and careers do not define us--they are means to an end rather than ends in and of themselves. Our purpose here is to become better--to become who God wants us to be. We are not lawyers, doctors, janitors, or chefs: we are children of God. Our educations and careers can help us to grow and learn but they should never become our only focus. I thought this was good advice when so many seem to define themselves now by degrees and careers. My friend brought up an interesting point to tie to this. We are in a history class together called "Freedom and Rhetoric" that focuses on history from the Reformation to the present time, looking specifically at the ways in which the concept of freedom has been fought for and expressed through words. Anyway, we recently studied Jane Austen's "Persuasion" and saw different photographs of places she had been in her life. One photograph we saw was of her grave at Winchester Cathedral in England. The memorial, placed by her brothers (she never married or had children), read something to the effect of her being a loving, kind, and devoted sister and friend. Our professor pointed out that nothing was mentioned about Jane's writing. After class, however, my friend noted to me that he would never want someone to write on his grave, "Here lies a man who did much research in mathematics and physics." He would want to be remembered as a loving husband and father. As he pointed that out, I realized he was right. What really matters when we die? What is most fulfilling? Though our deeds may be great, what matters most is our connections to others, our interactions with our fellows, our relationships with our family, and our closeness to God. This reminds me again of the Savior's teaching on the greatest commandments: to love God and love our neighbors (Matt. 22:36-40). We should always be living our lives to fulfill these commandments, whether that life be as a musician, mother, writer, or mixture of all three.

Another thing that I really enjoyed was something President Uchtdorf said. He stated, "We must be willng to work hard--this is what brings opportunities." He then spoke on how using time wisely, continuing to learn, and being worthy to have God's Spirit with us are some important keys to living effectively and successfully. I felt the truth of his words and a desire to use my time better and to be willing to work hard. I think the word "willing" is key. Work is only as awful or as wonderful as we think it is. I want to choose to recognize that I feel better about myself and more fulfilled when I work hard, though it may be difficult at times. Speaking of that, it's time for me to go to work! I'll just end this thought with a scripture from the Book of Mormon and then a little caveat from Paul and one from King Benjamin.

"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." - Alma 34:31-32

"...Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12: 1-2

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." - Mosiah 4:27

Okeedok! I hope that wasn't too rambling and that you can glean some bits of pearl from my long speech. Have lovely days!

Love, Sierra

PS- This photograph is the official photo of the First Presidency of the Church. The man sitting is God's current prophet, Thomas S. Monson. The taller man standing is his first counseler, Henry B. Eyring, and the other is Dieter F. Uchtdorf. If you are curious about what the First Presidency is, here is a little news article: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-releases-new-official-portrait-of-first-presidency

PPS- I found Jane Austen's actual epitaph! Here it is for all who are interested:

In memory of
JANE AUSTEN,
youngest daughter of the late
Revd. GEORGE AUSTEN,
formerly Rector of Steventon in this County.
She departed this Life on the 18th July 1817,
aged 41, after a long illness supported with
the patience and the hopes of a Christian.

The benevolence of her heart,
the sweetness of her temper, and
the extraordinary endowments of her mind
obtained the regard of all who knew her, and
the warmest love of her intimate connections.

Their grief is in proportion to their affection
they know their loss to be irreparable,
but in the deepest affliction they are consoled
by a firm though humble hope that her charity,
devotion, faith and purity have rendered
her soul acceptable in the sight of her
REDEEMER.

Dinners at Home

I love eating with my family :) I love elbows on the table. I love sitting next to my left-handed brother and dodging arms with him as we eat. I love being in a little circle facing faces that are dear to me. I love the food my mother prepares. I love hearing about everyone's day. All of it--even the spilled milk (which I don't think has ever been cried over). There's something so warm about coming together--it's a symbol of unity each day. It's like planets in their own orbits coming at least once daily into line.

Christ loved eating with people, too. He did it all of the time, even with thousands. Throughout time, eating together has been a symbol of unity and communion--it means sharing the substance of life with others. In my New Testament class, we also learned that eating with others in the time of Christ implied a certain type of covenant (or promise): the host promised protection and the guest promised loyalty. When Christ instituted the last supper, such a covenant was made. Yet, the disciples abandoned or denied Christ and broke their part of the covenant. In the last chapter of John, Christ meets with the disciples again to eat: to make a new covenant. He instructs the disciples to go out and share the gospel with the world and this time they prove faithful.

When we take the sacrament we are covenanting with God to follow Him and keep His commandments. Likewise, perhaps we covenant in some small way with our families as we eat with them--we promise to protect and be loyal to one another, just as people did of old. Let's come together more and be one. Let's protect one another better and be more loyal both to each other and to God. Let's be a covenant people.

*This is a family photo from a road trip some of my siblings (the youngest was still a little baby) and I took with my dad. We're not necessarily at a table, but we are eating together! Eating cereal on the top of a van is a pretty fun bonding experience :)

Something Neat to Investigate: The Religious Studies Center

This is just a short little post about BYU's Religious Studies Center. The center publishes various books and research about Mormons, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, temples, history, and more. They also have a really interesting blog that I keep up with. The most recent post is from a religion professor writing on Good Friday. I found it to be especially good to reflect on around Easter time. One of my favorite points that was brought up was the idea of the cross being also a symbol of life (a Tree of Life bearing the fruit of eternal life). As Christ says in John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." As Christ was lifted up, He became high enough to lift the rest of us, too!

Here is the link for the center's website: http://rsc.byu.edu/
and here is the one for their blog: http://rsc.byu.edu/blog/

Happy Easter!

The Bread of Life & Being Shepherds

Throughout the accounts of Jesus's life we can read about him gathering the people and teaching them and feeding them. The other day I was studying one of these accounts and something new struck me. Nearly every time when Christ desired to feed the people who had gathered around him there appeared to be not enough food--only a few loaves of bread and some fish. Yet every time Jesus was able to take the little that was visibly there and feed thousands. When Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish as recounted in John 6 there is a very important verse. In verse 12 we read that after everyone had eaten "they were filled." Not only physically, but spiritually. The thing that stood out to me this time that never had before is that so often we might not think Jesus is enough. He tells us that he is the bread of life and that he can fill and save everyone but we might think to ourselves--how can one individual do this? How can one fill so many? Every time Jesus fed the people physically he was teaching them spiritually saying something like, "Just as I am able to feed you physically even though to you what I have doesn't seem enough, so also can I feed you spiritually though I am just one man." He can feed us in every way that we need. That's one of the miracles of Christ and it's one that is eternal--it didn't end when he ended his mortal ministry. I think that is so amazing and I appreciate the powerful symbolism of these accounts.

Talking about Christ gathering and teaching the multitudes makes me think of how this has never stopped in His Church. Today he still gathers everyone to be taught and spiritually fed and taught through his spirit and through those called to teach in His name.

This weekend, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold a semi-annual General Conference where we will be taught by modern-day apostles as well as by God's prophet who are called to act as shepherds in Christ's behalf. God's called prophet on the earth today is Thomas S. Monson and I very much look forward to hearing his words. I think it is so wonderful and amazing that Christ continues to feed us and gather us as his sheep. I can really feel the warmth and strength that comes into my life as I'm taught about the gospel--General Conference is sort of like New Year's in the sense that it's a good time to sit back and reflect on our lives and goals. My family is in town and we'll be able to attend conference together in Salt Lake City which should be really neat!

*Our painting today is by an artist named Lars Justinen. The painting is entitled the parable and has the caption: "'No man ever spake as this man spake' according to the Gospel of Matthew. This painting illustrates a group of diverse people gathered around Christ as He shares with them the truths about God and His love for people." I liked it because it showed Christ teaching the way I believe he would--in a loving way right up close with the people.


PS- Here's a link at which you can learn more about General Conference! http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/general-conference

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: A Little Note on the Joys of Diversity

Something I love about a college campus is the amazing variety and richness of research and ideas that are buzzing around everywhere (which is in itself an example of how diversity is wonderful, but we'll get to that point later). Anyway, the BYU website's homepage features different research being done on campus. Today I noticed that the research link had a very interesting description: "A socially "distinct"--not socially "inept"--team member can shake up group dynamics in ways that lead to superior outcomes, says business professor Katie Liljenquist, co-author of a recently published paper." I read a bit of the research, and the findings show that having someone different come into a group can help to bump others out of their comfort zone just enough to start thinking outside of the box again. What was particularly interesting to me was that just last night I finished writing an article about how one of the benefits of multi-ethnic and religious nations is diversity (and how this will be lost as nations split and fracture). Diversity is everywhere.

Then I began writing on a sticky note all of the benefits of diversity. First, there is pure aesthetic value in diversity. Diversity promotes two of my very favorite things: curiosity and creativity. A few weeks ago I was at a Thai restaurant and became fascinated by their aquarium for at least a solid ten minutes. It was amazing to me! There were mini-giant clams (yes--an oxymoron), snails whose small mouths I could actually see undulating open and shut along the aquarium glass, clown fish, anemones of various shapes and colors, corals, brightly colored shrimp, and other fishes. Think of how many beautiful and amazing voices, artists, trees, stars, places, sea shells, faces, laughs, gaits, and smiles there are!

I was once at a talk and someone said, "It's obvious that God loves diversity--look at all the shapes, sizes, and colors he made us in!" I agree--diversity is all around us and it's wonderful.

Not only is it wonderful aesthetically, but functionally. As the BYU research demonstrated, diversity helps in the formation of new ideas and solutions. Also, diversity of plants can help us to gain full nutrition, to enjoy a full range of tastes, and to find new medicines. Diversity in a stock portfolio can save one from economic failure. Diversity in a marriage can keep things fresh and interesting. Diversity in sense allows for the creation of all sorts of amazing art. Diversity in social skills can help us to interact with the world.

I want to include a few interesting articles as well as a scripture at the end of this post for you to check out. The scripture is from Paul's writings and talks about how all have different gifts from God and how all of these gifts are needed. The first article is from the science section of the New York Times and talks about the importance of agricultural diversity (I have a clip of a different article that includes an interesting little story about a lemon-flavored apple, but could not find it on the net). I'll also include a link to the BYU research article and even a link to my own article that I am hoping will be published in the BYU Political Review (I know--shameless self-promotion!).

Diversity is good and beautiful both inside and outside of ourselves and the world around us. Take a moment to notice all of the different leaves you see as you walk today or the different cloud shapes in the sky or the different faces on the street--I think you'll have a little return of child-like wonder and a renewing of your appreciation for diversity :)

Loss of Genetic Diversity Imperils Crop Advances http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/25/science/loss-of-genetic-diversity-imperils-crop-advances.html?scp=22&sq=genetic+diversity&st=nyt

Diversity in Business (BYU) http://byunews.byu.edu/archive09-Mar-liljenquist.aspx

Sierra's Article http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=b99948a09e&view=att&th=1205b191b7d0f4e5&attid=0.1&disp=vah&realattid=f_fsy6dwuk0&zw

1 Corinthians 12 http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/12/20-21,27#20

1 Cor. 12: 20-21 "But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."

*Photo is of the French Frigate Shoals Reef courtesy of Wikipedia :)

Happy Are Ye

Have you ever had the satisfaction of doing what you knew was right? Not worrying about the informercialesque tone of that first statemen, I certainly hope so :). I get that feeling every time I get up and go running--it just feels good! I know that it's healthy for me. I know that it makes me more productive. I know it makes me feel better about myself. Yet, sometimes I still don't get up and go. However, it seems to be common knowledge that we all fall short of doing all that we know to be right. This is our mortal struggle.

But today I don't want to focus on struggles and failings--I want to focus on choosing to get up and do good! First, let's look at a scripture. In John 13, the Savior is talking to his disciples about how the true master is also a servant (in other words, the best leaders and individuals are those who serve and love). After explaining these things he says in verse 17, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." If ye do them. And so, here we have the Savior confirming what we know is true: doing the things we know to be right brings us happiness. We feel confident and have better self-esteem. We also accomplish things, grow, and help others. Let's look at another scripture (this one is from The Book of Mormon). A great teacher, King Benjamin, is speaking to the people and teaching them of the gospel and of Christ. After speaking he says to the people, "And now, if you believe these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:10). So doing good is a part of showing and acting out what we believe.

We have our own hearts, minds, and experience as well as the words of the scriptures confirming this truth: getting up and doing what is right brings happiness. And so, let's do it! However, this is sometimes easier said than done. What are some ways that we can motivate ourselves to get up and do? What are some of the best things that we can/should do?

PS- Check out Acts 10:35-38 and continue thinking on this theme.

*The graphic today is from an LDS magazine for youth called the "New Era." Check it out at lds.org!

A Missing Contrast: John 3 and 4

Hello once again!

The other day in New Testament class we were discussing something that I found quite interesting. The chapter divisions in our scriptures are fairly modern additions (being finalized in the 1500s). As a result, we may sometimes divide stories that ought not to have been divided. An example of such a division exists between John chapter 3 and John chapter 4. When looked at seperately, both of these chapters are wonderful. However, when looked at as two sides of one story, they became even more instructive and valuable. Chapter 3 discusses Nicodemus--a Pharisee who comes to visit Jesus by night. Chapter 4 discusses the woman at the well--a Samaritan--who comes to find that Jesus is the Christ.

Nicodemus lives in the city, he is likely well-off, is a Jew, and is male. In contrast, the woman at the well lives in a more rural area, is a Samaritan, and is female. Further, Nicodemus meets Jesus secretly by night while the woman meets Jesus openly in the daytime. With Nicodemus, we never gain a sense of conclusion. However, with the woman, we learn that she comes to know who Christ truly is and not only that--she goes out and brings others to come and learn of Him as well.

These stories (or rather these two halves of a single story) illustrate one of John's recurring themes: the theme of light and darkness. In John 1:5 we read, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." When we looked at this scripture I thought about how Nicodemus may not have really understood Christ in his heart because he came in darkness--not merely physical darkness, but darkness of understanding and heart. Not that he was evil, but he did not open his eyes to the light so that he could truly see Christ. Light can be before us, but unless we make the choice to open our eyelids we will remain in darkness. We have to be the ones to take a chance and look.

*The painting from today is by Simon Dewey. I used the copy from http://michaelguth.com/myblog

Would We Cast a Stone?

From John 8:

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.


I love this story because I think it shows Christ's love and gentleness and wisdom so well. It also teaches us to wonder whether or not we are really fit to judge others. We aren't perfect and we certainly lack perfect information.

The painting I'm including is by a Russian painter named Vassily Polenov. When I was living in St. Petersburg last summer I saw this painting at the Russian Museum. It is enormous in real life--at a very minimum it is twelve feet long. Anyway, this electronic version doesn't truly convey the effect, but I want to tell a story nonetheless. When looking at the real-life version, one approaches the painting walking from left to right. At first, it appears that the man on the donkey is heading toward the scene of scandal. However, as we pass on, the man on the donkey appears to change course and looks as though he were riding away. I had the privelege of studying art with some wonderful teachers while in Russia and they taught me a lot about this painting. We talked about how the man represents us. At first, we too may be tempted to condem the woman. But then, as we hear Christ's words we too turn away and realize that we cannot condemn her--what's more, we should do as Christ did and love her, hoping that all can improve and become better.

*The copy of the painting that I am using came from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2996135672_51c94abc17_o.jpg. However, you may also enjoy visiting the Russian Museum website here: http://www.rusmuseum.ru/eng/home/

Learn to Laugh!

Why did the chicken cross the playground?

To get to the other slide!

Mwhahahaha!

I don't know about you, but I am an appreciator of the cheesy Laffy Taffy jokes :) I like them because they're so lame and silly that you can't help but at least give a humored groan when you hear them. Plus, they're easy to remember and they don't make fun of anyone or anything---they're harmless :)

Anyway, the point of sharing all of that is that today humor really brightened my day. I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed because of midterms, work, etc, etc and just wanted to go sleep for a hundred years in some cave. Then, I came to the office for one of my jobs to do some reading. There was a girl in there that I only know a little--her name is Ally. At first I wasn't planning on talking with her but then I felt like I should and I am so glad I did! She ended up showing me this crazy blog that has photos of a bunch of absolutely ridiculous cakes. As we looked at them, I started laughing out loud and felt the laughter start to lift my whole spirit and renew my hope ^u^. Afterward, I showed her a silly website with collections of really silly Japanese ads that misused English pretty atrociously. We had so much fun! Later, I remembered a really good scripture that I certainly think is true: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) How true that is. Today I felt like the laughter was actually sewing me back together--I think it helps us to see the good and even the ridiculous in life--it helps us not to be too serious :)

Here are the websites we were looking at if anyone else needs a smile!

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ (The photo I'm using came from this site ^u^)

http://www.engrish.com

Enjoy!

PS- On a more spiritual note, check out this wonderful talk on learning to laugh and loving life by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Come What May, and Love It."
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b5f44bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
Enjoy!

What to do with your light

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." -Matthew 5:15

I was reading this scripture the other day and a new idea popped up into my head. Any good girlscout or boyscout knows what happens if a little flame is covered--it goes out. If it doesn't get any oxygen it dies. I think this can be a good way to think about our faith, too. If we hide it and cover it, it's likely to die. Reading the next verse in Matthew can help us know what to do:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16

We should go about doing good; putting our faith into actions :) That way we can bring a lot of light (and help show the way to be happy) in a sometimes very dark world.

*Today's art piece is by Simon Dewey entitled "Let Your Light So Shine." I borrowed the image from familyartusa.com :)

A Worthy Goal

"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." The Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., 1840

I love this quote and just reread it this day and wanted to share it :)


PS- I know a lot of people are curious about Joseph Smith. If you want to learn more about him, here's a good website: www.josephsmith.net (the image I found is from this site)

Looking on the Heart

So, I think today I will share with you a piece of Sierra Philosophy. I want to talk about little children. I don't think there are many who aren't moved by a hopeful little gappy-toothed smile or a tiny hand with dimpled knuckles reaching upward. Our hearts are moved by children. But why should this fade? In so many ways, we are all still children. We are certainly still children of God, though our wrinkles may hide it a bit. Yet, really, we are all still learning so much and in so many ways are no more mature than little ones. If this is so, why does our compassion seem to end as dimples fade? I think that if we were to remember the little child that is still so largely a part of everyone, we would find it much easier to love them and have compassion for them. Who knows where they have been in their lives? We surely don't, but God does. I don't think it would be hard even to find a piece of compassion for someone we feel is so terrible if we were presented with a photograph of them when they were two. And so, let's have a little more compassion and patience and gentleness toward each other :) Sometimes it isn't easy, but I think remembering images of hopeful little smiles will do a lot in softening our hearts and our minds. Happy Valentine's Day!

PS- This is a photo of my mommy and me when I was little :) Maybe it will make you feel more compassionate toward me?

PPS- Here is a good talk about charity, the pure love of Christ:

The Great Commandment
by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

(You can find it at lds.org or use this link: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d5551b3e50cf5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1 )

Amistad Through Hands

I sat down at a table today in the student center, planning to talk to my mom for a bit and then to read the scriptures before doing homework. Plenty of people were around eating lunch, watching the news, talking on the phone like me, studying, etc. I wasn't paying much attention (mom was telling me about my brother Johnny's latest romantic scheme) but on some level I realized that there was a boy sitting at the table across from me. I felt like I had seen him before (but that's a pretty common feeling on campus). Anyway, I remember thinking that maybe I should call my mom later and talk to this boy--not because I wanted to be flirtatious; he was sitting by himself, too, and I thought he might enjoy some friendly conversation. At some point while I was thinking about this, a bubbly blonde girl came up and smiled animatedly at him. They began to talk cheerfully, but not with their voices--with their hands.

It was so intriguing to watch. I don't know if you've ever seen people conversing in sign language, but to me it looks like joy in motion. It's interesting that, though there are technically no sounds, sign language draws the attention and turns the head just as much as the sound of happy speech (at least for me). I've only seen sign language a few times. To me it is beautiful.

Anyway, I continued to talk to my mom on the phone but was a bit distracted by the excited facial expressions, raising eyebrows, smiles, as well as waving, dipping, linking, and swooping hands that I could see across the table from me. It was so interesting and lovely to watch. Also, I was happy to see the boy so happily engaged in conversation. Only after the blonde girl came up did I realize that he had a hearing aid.

I love the way smiles make the face blossom. It made me so happy to see him smiling. It seems like you don't really see people until they smile or in some way interact with others. Smiling really does make the face (and seemingly soul) come alive---it's like a robot in a movie coming out of hibernation mode (yea--that was a pretty geeky analogy). The point is: I love to see people smile. Even more, I love that we have the ability to help people want to smile. I'm so grateful for friendship. It's such a nice feeling to be connected to others and to have little moments throughout your day where people recognize you and say hello :). I'm glad I got to witness such a nice little moment of friendship.

Later, as I was thinking about all of this I remembered one of my favorite things. I love that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was (and is) a friend to everyone. It really strikes me that he spoke with, ate with, and befriended even those who were shunned by the rest of society. Though I might feel compassion toward someone with leprosy, it might be difficult for me to physically take their hand. But Christ did so unflinchingly. For example, we read in Matthew 8: 1-2, "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if though wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Just as I saw hands bringing friendship at lunch today, Christ's hands brought friendship to the outcasts and bring it also to everyone. I don't think there are many hands more beautiful than those that reach out in love.

*The photo for this post came from www.prints.com. The artist is a man named Greg Olsen--you can see more of his art at http://www.gregolsengallery.com/

A Bit of Silver Lining

Overall, I feel the media focuses on stories of disasters, bombings, wars, deaths, and conflicts. While I do believe awareness of these things is important, I also believe there should be balance. We live in a world with both sadness and joy. I know and believe that there is much of hope in the world. Just the other day I read an article at nytimes.com and loved it for the sense of hope it brought. It reminded me that all over the world there are children wanting to laugh and play---there are people wanting to live peaceful lives. I don't think we should ever give up hope. That isn't what God intends. One of my favorite scriptures talks about this. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:17, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." There is so much reason to be happy and to hope :) And with God's help, we have the power to do good. And so: let's do it. Here is the article I was talking about---it's not only interesting for its glimmers of hope but also for the unique look it gives into the Afghan world today. Enjoy! It's called "Skateboarding in Afghanistan Provides a Diversion From Desolation." (The url is http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/sports/othersports/26skate.html). Also, here is a photo from the Canadian National Defense website of some cute little kids in Afghanistan :)

Better to do Good or to do Evil?

Hello once again :)

The other day in my New Testament class at school a very interesting point came up that I've been thinking a lot about lately. This semester we are studying the four Gospels and are currently reading in Mark. Anyway, in Mark 3, Jesus enters a synagogue (Jewish temple) on the Sabbath. As he enters, he sees a man with a crippled hand. However, it is not only he that notices this man. There are also Pharisees there, watching to see what Jesus will do. Here is what the scriptures have recorded: "And they [the Pharisees] watched him [Jesus], whether he would heal him [the man with the crippled hand] on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him [Jesus]. And he [Jesus] saith unto the man which had the withered [crippled] hand, 'Stand forth.' And he said unto them [the Pharisees], 'Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?' But they [the Pharisees] held their peace. And when he [Jesus] had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, 'Stretch forth thine hand.' And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him [Jesus], how they might destroy him." (Mark 3:2-6)

What we discussed in class is the irony contained in this passage. The Pharisees seek to condemn Christ for doing good on the Sabbath, when they themselves are secretly plotting evil (to kill Christ). I thought about this more later and I realized that the Pharisees performed exactly the words Christ spoke. Christ asks them if it is better to do good or evil on the Sabbath. Christ does good and they do evil. Further, he asks them if it is better to save life or to kill. Then, Christ heals and the Pharisees plot murder.

We also discussed in class how Christ is teaching about what the Sabbath is really for: to do good. As I reflect, I also realize that we are taught what really matters in other ways. What matters is showing love and compassion. What matters is noticing and tending to the needs of others. It doesn't matter how many incense sticks we burn or prayers we say if we are thinking evil in our hearts. Christ taught that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40). I definitely believe this with all of my heart.

I guess the main thing that I learned from this is not to be a hypocrite or worry about the wrong things. Our focus shouldn't be on performing rituals, but on loving. That's what I'm going to try and do more---to take more time each day to smile at people and take care of them. Those are the things that bring the most happiness, anyway. Ok! Well, it seems that I've been writing for a while (hopefully it hasn't been too rambling---perhaps stream of consciousness writing?). I hope that you learned something or were sparked onto some joyful tangential thought. Until next week! - Sierra

PS- The painting I've shown is called "Christ Healing at the Pool of Bethesda" by the Danish painter Carl Heinrich Bloch. The original hangs in the art museum at my university. It is huge and beautiful. If you want to read more about it, here is a link: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b46e66ce3a47b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Also, I copied an electronic version of the painting from: http://cfac.byu.edu/fileadmin/moa/user_files/00TRANSFER/Shop_at_MOA/images/christhealingthesick.jpg

First Things First, Let's Say "Hello!"

Hello!

Welcome to my blog :) As I considered how I would use my blog, I first thought that perhaps I should avoid "smileys" and other potentially silly emoticons and phrases. However, I want to be myself---it seems there's no use writing this if it isn't true. That being said, I pre-warn you that my blog may contain several "smileys" and a healthy sprinkling of "teehees". Nevertheless, in order to perhaps salvage my ethos, I will tell you that I am a third year student at Brigham Young University, and am not an eleven-year-old girl :). I am studying International Relations and have a Russian minor and love to learn! Other things that I love include: my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, my family, meeting new people and making new friends, being outside and outdoor adventuring, foreign films, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, serving others, reading, writing, teaching, making home-made popcorn, word games, being happy about small things, and traveling. I think that's enough about me for now (I'm sure more will become known through my future posts). For now, let's start talking about the scriptures!