Or is that just hindsight? The older I get, the more I realize I need me time. Not the retail kind or a day at the spa, but a consistent time everyday to gather my thoughts and study and be intentional about my faith. I know faith isn't always intentional, it is natural for some people. But I constantly have to remind myself that I am choosing to have faith, to believe that there is a better way to be and exist than what I currently know, and that the process is worth the effort. I began making a list of expressions of faith... it has helped to make it an integral part of my day. To begin with, faith in somethings is easier for me than others... I can wait for understanding of all things (that takes faith, right?). But it simply comes down to having faith in Christ. This I do have and hope it is expressed in the way I live and treat others. This week in my studying, I've broken it down into laws and principles.
- Laws- the word of God, or His revealed word (google: rules that regulate actions lead to consequences)
- Principles- a general truth, serves as a foundation for a system of belief/behavior/chain of reasoning
I think we receive guidance in both areas, the first is more easily understood while acting on principles often manifests itself in degrees and is harder to to remain consistent. For example, the laws of the fast/tithes/miracles have been revealed through the scriptures and our role is to understand and live the laws. As for gospel principles, we are invited to live in a manner that the principles become a guide to all our thoughts and actions, but I understand them to be more variable: faith, repentance, prayer, forgiveness, charity, obedience, mercy, good works, charity... It is harder to say that you are or are not living by the principles of the gospel. (clarification, some of those principles are also commandments, but more variable)
No matter what God we believe in or religion we belong to, every person on this earth has principles. And when we abide by those principles we find self fulfilment or contentment with our progression. I think unity is found when these principles overlap. Sister Eubank, in speaking of unity asked "How can I understand people around me better? How will I create that "union of feeling" when all are so different?" I know the intentional act of building bridges by understanding another's core principles will result in unity.
I need to study this more...
Want to know what other guiding forces are set in our family life? Braces. We found out Maeser needs braces top and bottom, they get installed on January 4th. Lucky boy. For reals though, what a blessing to have something that will guide his general dental health and have a lifelong impact. Not so different from guiding principles we are intentional about.
In passing, it's worth mentioning the highlight of Moses's week: the automatic car wash. We drove through one yesterday and Moses wanted us to re-enter and go again. And when he retold the experience to Dan it was all sounds effects as he mimicked the wash on his own face. So expressive! (using his hands to swirl about and mimicking the dryers by swiping back and forth across his cheeks.) Now to get the dog washed... too bad there isn't an automatic option there too.
Love, Amy
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