Happy Thanksgiving

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I have much to be thankful for this year. When I count my blessings, I realize that God has richly and abundantly blessed me.

1. Against all odds, I got accepted back into law school. Not only did I get back into law school, but I got into a school considerably higher ranked than the one that kicked me out the first time around.
2. At a time when many good people are out of work, I still have a job.
3. I am reasonably healthy, and my loved ones enjoy good health, too.
4. I have a sweet and loving cat who brightens my day.
5. I'm part of an intellectually and spiritually uplifting community online composed of my fellow saints.

There are too many blessings to number; these are just a few. Have a happy Thanksgiving, and please remember to count your blessings!

In His Name All Oppression Shall Cease

One nice thing about being a musician is that Christmas music starts early. I usually begin rehearsing around early September. A few weeks ago, I was practicing one of my favorite Christmas songs, O Holy Night. The third verse hit me with tremendous force.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

The part that stood out the most to me is the line “And in His name all oppression shall cease.”
There have been people through history, and even unfortunately in modern times, who attempt to use the name of Christ to oppress the children of God. People who are doing this are in violation of the commandment against taking the name of Deity in vain.

On the other hand, much social progress has resulted from people acting in the name of Christ. Preachers were among those advocating voting rights for women, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. Christ Himself during His mortal ministry spent His time among the downtrodden and oppressed, offering them hope and redemption.

There is still suffering and oppression in the world. Some of our brothers and sisters are still enslaved. This Christmas season and beyond, let those of us who call ourselves His followers work to fulfill the promise that the name of Christ stands for freedom from oppression.

The Bloggernacle First Ward

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

I'm ill today, so I unfortunately didn't make it to church. While sitting at home in my pajamas, valiantly trying to keep my germs to myself, I decided that I would attend the Bloggernacle First Ward. I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to gather together virtually in Christ's name. It's no substitute for actual church services, but it's a nice way to spend the occasional sick day.

The opening hymn was Press Forward Saints, with Geoff J at New Cool Thang as chorister.

Sam MB gave a review at By Common Consent of a book containing sermons of Jeffrey R. Holland.

TheFaithfulDissident exhorted us at Feminist Mormon Housewives to make room for our fellow saints with differing views.

In other news, my legal writing and research paper is due tomorrow evening, so I'll be reappearing on the blogs after that's over with. I've got some good posts coming up, so keep reading! Have a great Sunday!

Two Quick Notes

I'm taking a brief break from my blogging hiatus to deliver two quick notes.

1. To churches who choose to get involved in political discussion: Your behavior, while a constitutionally protected exercise of your right to free speech, is tacky.

2. To protesters who picket houses of worship: Your behavior, while a constitutionally protected exercise of your right to free speech, is tacky.

That is all.

Around the Bloggernacle - Volume 6

I'm still here, really. I've been commenting a lot on other blogs lately, but I haven't had much to write here. My final project for my legal writing and research class was distributed last night, so I'll be taking a brief blogging hiatus until I turn it in on the 17th.

Here's a sampling of interesting recent posts:

Feminist Mormon Housewives has a post asking for information on whether or not the mommy wars exist.

Times and Seasons has a post discussing what to do when ward members have a different interpretation of church practice.

Segullah has a post on Sabbath observance.