What we can learn from the life of David the King

 What a Latter-day Saint Can Learn from the Life of David the King

David grew up being favored of the Lord. The Lord chose David to be anointed as king because he was a goodly child who had such faith and testimony that he constantly relied on the Lord’s strength. David’s pattern of righteousness throughout his life resulted in a series of blessings. However, when this pattern was interrupted with sin it led to serious consequences until David repented. Latter-day Saints can learn through David’s example of the Lord’s ability to bless, curse, and be merciful to His children. 

As a result of David’s righteousness, the Lord blessed him with incredible strength and prosperity. David was able to accomplish seemingly impossible things such as defending his flock from wild animals, killing a giant, leading an army successfully against the Philistines, and being delivered from Saul. Although David admitted to fearing his enemies, he knew whom he could put his trust in. David prayed to the Lord who gave David revelation to know what to do. The Lord also prospered David in other ways such as having many wives, children, and becoming king of Israel.

 Unfortunately, David’s temporal and spiritual blessings made a complete halt and were almost entirely relinquished when he committed two of the most serious of sins. David’s lustful desires of Bathsheba led to selfishness of committing adultery and murder of her husband in order to keep Bathsheba as his own. The Lord was immediately displeased with David and cursed the death of their son together, someone more worthy would inherit the throne, and the sword would never fall from David’s house. David earnestly turned to the Lord in repentance but his son still died within seven days. David’s poor example also influenced two of his sons to sin which resulting in the loss of their lives. Later, David’s character flaw of pride came to fruition when he sought after his own will in numbering his people without the Lord’s permission resulting in famine.

Although David suffered serious consequences for his actions, David’s repentance was not in vain because the Lord was merciful to him each time he sinned. David’s sin of murder would have cost him eternal damnation but because he pled repentance, the Lord promised him that he would not remain in hell. The Lord’s mercy to David was also evidenced by his willingness to provide for him with provisions for his army and they continued to be successful in war against the Philistines. Lastly, the Lord heard David’s cry to take away the famine. 

At first glance, one might conclude that David’s story is one of triumph and tragedy, but I also believe that Latter-day Saints may learn from David’s example of of resilience. The Lord has the ability to bless us as much as he can curse us and clearly has no tolerance for sin. David suffered severe consequences that led to the death of his sons, the forfeit of the kingdom, and eternal life. In comparison to Saul, Saul turned bitter and continued to follow after his own will, whereas David was willing to get back up again each time he made a mistake and the Lord was willing to extend mercy to him. Perhaps Saul and David were not all that different in the way that even the spiritually strongest people can fall susceptible to sin and that they both lost their kingdoms but the lesson resides on whether or not we continue to turn back to the Lord will make all the difference.

Cerulean Blue

 I remember the first time I discovered Cerulean, the color of the sky turned that color in Colorado Springs while I was living with my grandmother. Although, I didn’t know the name of the color. I remember being in awe staring at the sky. I didn’t want to take my eyes off if it. It was the most beautiful color I had ever seen. With excitement, I told my whole family a to look and behold of it. It became my favorite color. That wasn’t the only time the sky turned that color neither did it occur every night, but only on occasion. I told my grandma it was my favorite color. She told me the color had some sort of historical significance symbolizing royalty but I never quite understood that but thought never left my mind. 

     Then in 3rd grade I discovered the Crayon which reminded me of the sky which I saw. Which then became not only my favorite crayon but gave a name to my favorite color in which I saw.

Then this year I came across this article:

“For a clue to the origin of the name, you need to look upwards. The word cerulean comes from the Latin caeruleus, meaning dark blue caelum – which in turn probably derives from caelulum, meaning heaven or sky.”

“The colour has earned widespread popularity. In 1999 it was nominated by Pantone as the colour of the millennium. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, “Psychologically, gazing at a blue sky brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit. Sky blue is imprinted in our psyches as a retiring, quiescent color. Surrounding yourself with cerulean blue could bring on a certain peace because it reminds you of time spent outdoors, on a beach, near the water – associations with restful, peaceful, relaxing times.”

(Source: https://www.winsornewton.com/na/articles/colours/spotlight-on-cerulean-blue/)

Then just today, in the Old Testament study manual, this! Moses actually used the color blue“The ribbon of blue also symbolically suggested concepts of deep importance. Blue signifies the heavens and so symbolizes the spiritual realm or godliness” (source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/32489_eng.pdf?icid=osd)

What I still wonder about if the cerulean color which I first time saw and was in complete awe, also was the thought in the artists mind who created the color pigment, and also the thought of Moses of what color to dye the pigment, but ultimately God who created the color for such a reason that we His children would see the color and feel a sense of awe, perfectness, complete beauty, as such will be in heaven.

I would like to think that Moses used the particular blue hue of Cerulean which might be a a huge conclusion to jump to because the sky itself is symbolic of heaven and thus the color blue. But I would say it could be.

Legalizing Marijana

 Legalizing Marijuana Policy Speech

What do all recent public shootings and terrorist acts have in common? Perpetrators were all frequent users of cannabis. Studies have shown that frequent use of marijuana changes the brain in such a way that will induce delusions, hallucinations, and other violent behavior. James Holmes, responsible for the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting was reported from a neighbor of his frequent smoking of marijuana in his backyard. Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s wife had reported his personality change and violent behavior towards her before he planned the Boston Marathon Bombings. Reports have also shown that Osama Bin Ladin was a frequent user of marijuana growing high strength plants within his compound in Pakistan. His psychosis was exacerbated with his use resulting in adverse views and extreme paranoia illustrated in written letters towards the US government resulting in his terrorist attacks. If these individuals had not smoked marijuana it may be plausible to say that thousands of lives would have been spared.

Studies have shown that not only does using marijuana result in increased anxiety and suspicion of others, but perpetual use may result in long-term symptoms. They are also susceptible to act in violence because fear is associated with loss of control and panic. Research has shown that cannabis may cause symptoms of depersonalization and paranoid ideas which lead the brain to jump to conclusions and are subject to believing conspiracy theories. Minors are especially vulnerable to deficiency because their brains have not fully developed. Additionally,those who have mental illness such as bipolar disorder are not only more likely to be users, but itexacerbates their symptoms. (Miller & Oberbarnscheidt, 2017).

In 1996, California was the first state in the union to pass Proposition 215 which allowed for the medical use of marijuana. Since then 33 more states along with other countries around the world have adopted similar laws (NCSL). Furthermore, organizations such as the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) want to legalize marijuana believing that it will decrease the rate of incarceration, promote job employment, and help minority citizens (Marijuana legalization). However, ever since 2012 laws have implemented the legalization of marijuana it has had the opposite effect. Employers are seeking others outside of the state to hire because marijuana users are more likely to be injured on the job. Also, minorities in neighborhoods where marijuana dispensaries have been built have had an increase in arrests among minors. Marijuana is effecting families in Colorado and if legalized in other areas in the United States, may only perpetuate problems such as traffic fatalities, crime, homelessness, and opioid use. Since the marijuana laws have been implemented, traffic fatalities have increased 66%. Crime in Colorado has increased 11% and there has been at 13% increase in Colorado’s homeless population compared to 3% of the rest of the country (Sabet, K., 2018).

​I have lived in Colorado most of my life. My mother chose to live in a middle-class suburban area by the Latter-Day Saint Temple because it was deemed safe. However, ever since the marijuana laws have been enacted, there has been an increase of crime in our neighborhood. While news of break-ins were rare when I was in high school 13 years ago, crime has been increasing. Not only have my parent’s car been broken into twice, but my next-door neighbor’s car was stolen out of her driveway while she was putting away her groceries. I have also noticed an increase homeless population in my neighborhood as the majority of shoppers at my local grocery store at night seem to be a safe haven. As I have noticed this noticeable difference in the world around me in Colorado, I agree with the accompanying statistics in research which refer the legalization of marijuana as theperpetrator. 

​Rather than stand with the DOR who ignore the facts and effects of marijuana use, the government should join sides with organizations that oppose legalization such as The Heritage Foundation who bear credible research to expose the myths associated with marijuana use, such as it would decrease the use of opoids (The Heritage Foundation, 2019). With the implementation of the legalization of marijuana, the DOR believes it will decrease the amount of incarcerations and increase jobs for individuals. However, these allegations ignore the long-term effects of marijuana use which has the opposite effect by increasing criminality and overall violence among minors and into adulthood while inhibiting their ability to perform on the job.They believe that marijuana should be legalized because it does not affect all individuals negatively (Marijuana legalization). If we focus on individual effects of marijuana, we ignore the detrimental effects marijuana has on the majority of society. We will then succumb to our own delusion running away in fear from the facts we will be living in reality. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

The Heritage Foundation. (2019). Tell your children: The truth about marijuana, mental illness, and violence. Retrieved from https://www.heritage.org/public-health/event/tell-your-children-the-truth-about-marijuana-mental-illness-and-violence

Marijuana legalization and regulation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation

Miller, N.S. & Oberbarnscheidt. (2017). Marijuana violence and law. Journal of Addiction Research & Recovery. Retrieved from http://americasurvival.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/marijuana-violence-and-law-2155-6105-S11-014-1.pdf

NCSL National Conference of State Legislatures. (2019). State medical marijuana laws. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx.

Sabet, Kevin. (2018). Marijuana and legalization impacts. Symposium: Criminal Justice at a Crossroads. Retrieved from https://scholarship.law.berkeley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=bjcl

Anger Management

     Anger can be a positive catalyst for change for ourselves and others when directed in the right way. The goal is not just a constructive release, but elimination of it. Yes, we have the responsibility and ability to control how we feel.

1. Self-regulate:  Dismiss any spirit that would prompt you to injure any creature that the All creatures are in your stewardship to care for them.

2. Taking responsibility for your emotions will help you realize that you can change. If other people or events were, in fact, responsible for what we feel, we would not have the freedom nor ability to change—

3. How to change: Righteously judge another's actions. Discern the true nature of the act. Amazingly we do not get angry in the act of discerning. It’s when we judge and condemn another that we get angry and decide that he or she is bad. Forgive them. Consider you own ways of eliminating harmful impulses. Exercising patience and self-control is a life lesson. Cultivate an outward vs. inward mindset. 

4. How to address another's behavior: Though it's our responsibility to stand up and tell another person that they were wrong but do it in the spirit of meekness and helping that other person to be better. When you do, show forth an increase of love towards that person so they don't think you're their enemy. 

 

       Some reasons why eliminating anger would be that acting out in anger may causes problems in society, personal relationships, and even in our own body. Anger creates excess acid in the stomach, inflammation of the stomach blood vessels and may cause headaches and hypertension. Suppressed anger may cause stomach ulcers. On the other hand, when we control our anger we may improve our relationships, increase our joy and happiness, and also enjoy better health. 

How do you respond when someone responds to you in anger?

What can you do to respond differently to change their reaction?

Sources

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1980/02/the-case-against-anger?lang=eng

Consequences of Redefining Marriage

In Chapter 2 of Ryan T. Anderson’s book Truth Overruled, he talks about the consequences of redefining marriage to same-sex couples. This, he explains, may give reason to further redefine marriage as a consent-based institution in which more that multiple person marriages may also have all the rights entailed in society. He compares this complacency of marriage union law being emotionally based to the no-fault divorce law, predicting the consequences as similar taking a toll on children and society. “The biggest problem we face in America at present are fatherless children,” President Obama along with many policy makers and scholars concluded. Changing the definition of marriage will only increase this trend causing more government involvement. Changing the definition of marriage also will deny children’s right to life in general. Negating the needs of children and focus on emotional needs of adults. Religious freedom is losing because discriminatory laws are now forcing businesses to serve same-sex couples against their will.

President Obama's address concerning children without fathers account for most violent behavior, drug abuse, etc. in today's society.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/single-parent-households_b_1616509

Promoting Light and Truth through Socialization

     Socialization in human beings begins in the early years of childhood according to their genetics and environment. According to Urie Bronfenbrenner, they are influenced by a number of contexts: the micro, meso, exo, and chronosystems. Interestingly enough, Robert Berns in Child, Family, School, and Community suggested that most socialization (the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and character traits that enable participation in society) occurs in the microsystem. In other words, not only are children given certain genes and character traits, but interactions with their caregivers guides their way of internalizing certain behaviors. These behaviors then influence the mesosystem, or interactions with others outside of the home. For instance when a parent guides a child to act a specific way they expect that same behavior in others and in society. This is how social norms in a society are formed. As children are born with differentiating temperaments, caregivers must adapt their socialization techniques to fit accordingly and meet the needs of the child temporally and emotionally. Otherwise, antisocial behavior may occur. As society changes, it may present challenges for parents but they too can adapt accordingly if they learn along with their children to re-built communication bridges (ex. new technology and language).

     To chase light from darkness we as parents and caregivers need to grow in knowledge (or light) rather than fight it. Think of a dark room. When you turn on the light, it chases away the darkness and you can see things as they really are. Although people are living in ways that are hurtful for men, women, and children, we can understand and be compassionate because of the context which they grew up in. Some threats against the family include: abuse, abortion, cohabitation, divorce, fatherlessness, human trafficking, pornography, poverty, radical feminism, religious intolerance, consent-based marriage, and technology addiction. As we become more informed and teach others the truths of these issues we come to advocate for respect for children, life, marriage, commitment, fatherhood, human liberty love and intimacy, prosperity and independence, sexual complementarity, religious freedom, comprehensive marriage, and human connections.

Week 5

 Lesson 4: Flooding the Earth Through Social Media

The Primary Purpose of Social Media

February 4, 2019

1. What do you think is the greatest technological advancement in history? The plow? The printing press? The personal computer? Is it the Internet? I believe that the greatest technological advancement in history is the internet because people from around the world are able to access a wealth of information and communicate with one another in an instant. This has sped up the process in getting things done without having to get up and move.

2. Why have we witnessed such acceleration in technology in these last days, and why do you think the Lord might be behind it? We have witnessed such acceleration in technology in these last days because we are prospering as a society. There has not been any major wars, neither has there been famine, disease, etc. The Lord may be behind this because his goal is to allow each of his spirit sons and daughters to participate in his plan and receive eternal life. It was also prophesied that the Lord would hasten his work in these last days.

3. What might your day-to-day behavior with technology tell others about how you really feel about the purpose and blessing of technology? My day-to-day behavior with technology tells others about how I really feel about the purpose and blessing of technology in whether or not I use it for my benefit. When I use technology to increase in learning and serve in the Lord’s kingdom, I am making the most out of what God has provided. If I idle away my time, I show lack knowledge and overall appreciation of my chance for growth and progression.

“Use technology to further the work of the Lord” Ballard, R.M.

To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood by Elder David A. Bednar

Elder Bednar in his address defined this last dispensation as a time where not only do we have all the keys to the Priesthood and ordinances to receive eternal life, but the technology to help all others to receive it as well. It was prophesied that the Lord would hasten his work and we are to act as his hands in accomplishing the purpose of bringing the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The church and its members have used social media and technology such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, movies, and LDS church videos to share gospel related content. Six guidelines to help us be more effective in sharing the gospel online include: to be authentic and consistent, edify and uplift, respect intellectual property, and be wise and vigilant. As we are consistent in posting truthful messages about ourselves, we would not want to post anything that we would later regret. As we consistently participate in quenching the earth with gospel light, we will flood the earth with delight.

·         Even though the focus of Elder Bednar's talk is focused on sharing the gospel, how is doing family advocacy using the internet is, in effect, sharing the gospel?

Anything that is pro-family is pro-Christ. Therefore, if advocating for the family is pro-family, we are advocating for Christ and what he taught.

·         What has been your primary purpose for using technology, social media, and the Internet? Has it been to uplift and edify, or to isolate and idle?

My primary purpose for using technology, social media, and the internet has been to help me learn and accomplish what I need to for school. I also use it to share the gospel as I keep in touch will old friends or people I meet. Throughout my use of social media, I have consistently posted gospel related messages and invitations for others to see. By doing this, I believe that I have sought to edify others and avoided isolation and idling away my time.

·         How could you improve in your stewardship over these technological blessings the Lord has given us?

I could improve in my stewardship over these technological blessings the Lord has given us by seeking out and taking advantage of these technologies to spread the gospel. Although school has taken up much of my time, I might benefit others by sacrificing some of my time to post uplifting and edifying messages.

3. Sharing Your Beliefs video

We can find opportunities to take pictures and add quotes to them that remind us of all the Lord has blessed us with to strengthen others’ testimonies. Uchdorf said, “preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.”

4. Design for the Ripple Effect: How Small Acts Leads to Big Change video by Jennifer Aaker, Ph.D.

Jennifer Aaker, Ph.D., social psychologist, business professor at Stanford University, and author of The Dragonfly Effect studied how to effectively use online social media to advance a particular cause. In her example, she shared a story of two friends Sameer and Vinay, both South Asians, diagnosed with Leukemia. Knowing that finding a bone marrow donor match was 1 in 20,000, they used “The Dragonfly Model” which included various ways to reach to people in various contexts such social media, traditional media, education, and registration. The lessons they learned were: 1. develop a clear goal: there is elegance in simplicity; 2. Act, then think, (reverse the rules) maintain a deep bias for action. Resist the temptation to have a master plan before taking the first step; 3. Tell a good (truthful) story: tell stories to connect with human emotion. Develop the right voice, and strike a bond; 4. Design an architecture for collaboration: enable others to contribute- allow the army to self-enroll, and let soldiers to choose their own weapons; and 5. Focus on empowerment marketing: empower people to market your organization and its cause. Although they had success in finding a match and operation, they both passed away. However, they left a legacy of saving 250 lives for which their event found 80 matches. As this experience influenced a movement we also learn that: 1. most revolutions are sparked by the actions of a few ordinary people, 2. Your biggest asset is a clear mind and a very large idea, 3. Find the ignition point of a chain reaction, and go ignite it. Overall those who participated in this movement felt happiness. We might then question the nature of our own happiness by asking: 1. Are we commoditizing happiness (if we do a, b, and c- we will be happy), 2. How are we measuring success? (where are you spending your time), 3. What are we teaching our kids? (Is ‘I just want my child to be happy’ a lurking goal), 4. How might we redefine work? (so that it becomes meaningful, purposeful, interesting), 5. How might we rethink happiness? (the goal is not to find happiness, but perhaps to create an environment that would enable happiness).

“And we can move on now. Doing it all with more grace and more balance and more joy than others have done before us.” ~Arianna Huffington

What connections did you see between Jennifer Aaker’s video and Elder Bednar’s talk? 

Connections that I saw between Jennifer Aaker’s video and Elder Bednar’s talk was that they both recognized the advantage technology may have to reach a vast audience in order to make a difference. In Aker’s example, social media enabled her to reach 20,000 South Asians in order to find the donor. Bednar’s initiative is similar in the way that he is asking all members of Christ’s church to spread His message of hope. In this manner, we may be confident that as we participate in this initiative, we will be able to make a difference and accomplish the goal of spreading forth the Lord’s kingdom to all corners of the earth.