The truth is out there - Fox Mulder

Brigham Young said, find the truth for yourself

I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Journal of Discourses, 9:150

Some of my friends and family were debating gay marriage on a social media site today. One person argued that the church tells us what to do and what to believe. Brigham Young was one of the early prophets of the restored church. I hope I have instilled in my children the importance of finding out for themselves what their beliefs are, and not blindly following any person, church leader or otherwise.


Also- I love The X-Files and Fox Mulder with all my heart. David Duchovny, why don't you love me?

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians..."

The following is a quote from Gandhi. "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." Sadly, this is far too often the case with both Christians and non Christians alike.

Our lives, our families, and our world can only be improved by living by the principals taught by Jesus, Gandhi, and other spiritual leaders.

I am a Christian. I love the New Testament and I love Christ. Whether you believe that He is the Savior or not, your lives will only be enhanced by reading about his life and ministry, and living by the concepts he teaches. I feel the same way about Gandhi, Buddha, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, and many other peaceful leaders.

I challenge all to choose a peaceful leader and study them this year. Learn about them and do what you can to incorporate their teachings into your life and into your character. You will learn more by doing this than by reading a bookshelf full of self help books.

If you take this challenge, post a reply on my blog, my facebook (tracy.duvall), or send me an email. I would like to know who you choose to study, and at the end of the year, I would like to know how it has affected your life.

Back to church

I went to church today. It was so nice to be there. I feel refreshed and spiritually energized. There are so many great people in my ward, and I have missed them very much. I am grateful to feel strong enough and well enough to be able to go to church again.

Next week is general conference and I am so excited for that! I like to listen and take notes and talk to the boys and eat yummy food while we are listening. I usually make a relish tray and cheese and crackers and lil smokies in bbq sauce. These are a favorite in my house.

Tyrel will be coming over later in the day to hang out with his brothers. It will be good to have all my boys here! I really miss working with Tyrel and seeing him almost every day.

It snowed today. I wish very much for some warm days for me to soak up the sun!

Church

I made it to church today! I haven't been since I started treatment, in an effort to reduce the risk of catching anything while my immune system was down. It was very good to be there today for fast and testimony meeting. Isabel bore her testimony on the scriptures, and it was very inspiring. I need to read more. I need to study more.

After church I took a nap, then Isabel came over. It was great to visit with her. I feel so much better today than I have in a long time. Food tasted much better too. I ate more than I normally do. I made a frozen tuna casserole for dinner, and was telling my boys that I almost finished the whole thing. I was so excited...they weren't quite as impressed. But a few days ago I was only able to get down a few bites of the same dinner.

Tonight I am going back to the church to meet with my bishop. I will be driving myself which feels weird to me after being chauffeured around for so long.

Which reminds me, my car needs to be licensed. It was up in October. I should have taken it in before I started treatment. So Levi, Chris and I are all sharing Levi's Explorer. This can sometimes be complicated. I hope to get the car done this week.

A little visit to the ER

Well, yesterday didn't go so well. After radiation I started throwing up and couldn't stop. I was in the ER for about 4 hours until they finally got it under control. My wonderful home teacher and a neighbor came over and gave me a blessing when I got home. It helped my spirits much! I was actually thinking about quiting treatment...but I know I have to do this. I had no idea how bad the treatment was going to be. I am hoping that I won't have anymore bad days like yesterday. My doctors met today and are changing my treatment a bit to avoid the severe nausea. They let me skip it today, and will resume again tomorrow. Wish me luck!!!!