My Favorite Scriptures

I could regale you with a long tale on why I haven't blogged lately, but mostly it's because I'm just too lazy. School is going well, work is going well, life is going well. I can't complain.

I love the scriptures. When someone asks me what my favorite scripture is, it's hard for me to come up with a response because I have so many favorites. Today, I'm going to blog on my favorite scriptures, choosing two from each of the standard works.

Old Testament:

-Deuteronomy 6:3-12. This one shouldn't come as much of a surprise. After all, it's where I got the title of my blog from. I just love the reminder that we need to put God at the forefront of our lives, and that we need to remember Him in everything we do.

-Isaiah 1:18. I just love the promise of forgiveness in this verse. It's poetic and succinct all in one. The imagery of crimson sins being changed to pure white snow is profound.

New Testament:

-Matthew 11:28-30. When people ask me my favorite scripture, this is usually the one I respond with. In a very real way, I've come to know that Christ's yoke is easy and His burden is light.

-1 John 4:8. "He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love." I like this one because it's a concise reminder of the most essential attributes of God, and a reminder of how we need to be.

Book of Mormon:

-2 Nephi 25:26. I love the focus on Christ as the center of everything we do, and a reminder that He is the source of our salvation.

-Mosiah 18:8-11. This is a good explanation of the baptismal covenant. I especially like the reminder to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who need comfort.

Doctrine and Covenants:

-D&C 6:34. This is a good reminder that the Lord sustains and upholds His followers.

-D&C 76:69. This is a portion of the description of those who inherit the Celestial Kingdom. I love this verse because it reminds us that we attain Celestial glory not by being perfect on our own, but by being perfected by the Atonement of Christ.

Pearl of Great Price:

-Moses 7:18. This is a good reminder that Zion is wherever the Lord's people are- that it's a state of mind, not a physical location. This fits in very well with last week's multi-stake conference for northern California. The speakers emphasized over and over that Zion was wherever the stakes are established, and that we don't need to go to Utah to be there.

-9th Article of Faith. I love the principle of continuing revelation. I love the promise that God will reveal many great and important things regarding His kingdom. I can't wait to see what's in store!

What are some of your favorite scriptures?

God With Us

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 1:23

This scripture is referring to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He took on human form, and thus became God with us. However, I've been pondering lately that the title "God with us" is probably more appropriately given to the Holy Spirit.*

The promise each week as we take the Sacrament in remembrance of the Lord's body and blood is that we will always have the Spirit to be with us. When I think about it, I feel like I know the Father and the Son, but I know less about the Spirit. This seems odd to me, since the Spirit is the member of the Godhead I've been promised the constant companionship of. He is the one I've been commanded to receive as hands were placed on my head after I exited the waters of baptism. I know I've felt the presence and promptings of the Spirit on many occasions, but I don't feel like I really know Him.

I'm going to recommit to getting closer to the Holy Spirit. In doing so, I'm sure this will also draw me closer to the Father and the Son, as they are all united. (Although, I suppose that since I feel close to the Father and Son, I'm probably closer to the Spirit than I realize.)

Anyway, this is my morning rambling that probably doesn't make much sense. I'm back in school now, and it's keeping me so busy that I don't have much time for anything else. Have a great day!

*I'm well aware that in contemporary LDS speech, the term "Holy Ghost" is more commonly used instead of "Holy Spirit". I prefer "Holy Spirit" because I like how it sounds better. Chalk it up to hanging around with Jesuits.

New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again. These past few weeks have really flown by. I had intended a Christmas post, but Christmas has come and gone. So, Happy New Year!

Last year I made a really ambitious list of resolutions. I managed to keep some of them, but I broke several of them. I'm going to scale back this year.

My Resolutions for 2009:
1) Exercise for at least 20 minutes, 3 times per week.
2) Meaningfully study the scriptures each day.
3) Stay on top of my homework.
4) Keep a positive attitude.

Meditations on Meditation

This week is final exams at school, or as I like to call it, Judgment Day. It's where I reap the just rewards of a semester's worth of procrastination.

This semester has been no different. I'm not as prepared as I would have liked. On Monday evening, I had my first final, in contracts. Contracts is one of my weaker subjects; I didn't do well the first time around. I was really nervous about this exam, but by 5:00 pm (for a 6:00 pm final), I realized that I was as prepared as I was going to be.

My favorite spot on campus to meditate is in the garden behind Mission Santa Clara. There is a statue of Christ with a Latin inscription of Matthew 11:28-30, which is one of my favorite scriptures. I went over there and began to (silently) pour my heart out to God. I explained how nervous I was about this exam, and how I realized that if I mess this second chance up, I won't get a third chance. I pleaded for divine help and promised I would do better and work harder in the future. (I was completely sincere in that promise.)

Afterward, I stood there for a while and felt the Spirit wash over me. I was reminded of promises the Lord has given me regarding my education. I was reminded that even though I could have theoretically done more this semester, I did enough, and that I would be able to remember what I learned this semester and also what I learned my first time in law school. I felt confident and at peace.

I went in to take the exam. As the test began, I read over the fact pattern, and information suddenly began to flow. It was amazing. I knew that some of the information was stuff I had studied, but much of it was direct inspiration. I was able to concentrate for the duration of the exam, which is something that is often difficult for me. (I'm easily distracted.) At the end of the exam, I was exhausted, but I felt like I did well enough.

I don't know why I got that extra help. I'm sure there are people more deserving, and I know there are more pressing concerns in this world than my grade on a contracts exam. I'm just grateful that God was mindful of me.

Tomorrow I have my torts exam, which I'm less concerned about. Then I'm done for a month. I'm really looking forward to the time off.

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.

Bay Area Bloggersnacker

I went to the JRCLS fireside last night, presented by Kaimi. It was a logical discussion of In re Marriage Cases that was free of the emotionalism and vitrol so common on the topic. I found the presentation to be fair and balanced in addition to being educational. After the fireside, the attendees had pie for dessert. I had a chance to meet Kaimi and cchrissyy. There may have been other bloggers there, but I didn't meet any. I don't know if anything went on after pie because I jetted out early due to the longish drive back home. Plus, I'm fairly shy. If I'm doing public speaking, talking in a class or business setting, or among people I know well, you can't get me to stop talking. However, if you get me in a situation where I'm among people I don't know, and where I have to mingle, I freeze like a deer in the headlights.