October 20, 2010

Well, I finished the Book of Mormon challenge. I completed it between the morning and the afternoon sessions of General Conference on Saturday. It was a great feeling to know that I had completed the challenge and I was excited to get started again. I didn't have any "ah-ha" moments reading this time or during conference, but I felt assured that my Heavenly Father was mindful of what I had accomplished and my desire to live closer to Him.

Conference was awesome. There has been a lot of talk about Elder Packer's talk on same sex attraction. The world would like the L.D.S. Church to change it's view on same sex attraction, but what the world seems to miss is that what is taught by our leaders comes by way of inspiration, you don't just change our beliefs to fit the world's criteria. I don't believe that God will ever change his mind on SSA. When and if God changes his mind, we will be taught through our living Prophet about the changes.

We are taught that we should love everyone, that it's not up to us to judge. We should love as the Savior taught - unconditionally. I don't believe that I will EVER be asked to make the choice between my religion and those I love who have chosen a different lifestyle. A loving, kind Heavenly Father will sort things out. He knows what is in our hearts, and only He can be the judge.

The world always talks about the separation of church and state. Why is it that the different groups don't campaign, harass, push the "state" for the changes they desire? If it's equal rights they want, the stand of the Church on SSA will not affect this.

I know there are those that really suffer trying to reconcile their beliefs with their SSA. I don't have the answer about how we can help them come to terms with either living a straight lifestyle and staying active in the Church, or living the gay lifestyle. What I do know is that they need our love and support.

Okay, soapbox is put away.

Running/walking continues, I'm not seeing as much progress as I would like, but it will come.

I'm spending next week in Salt Lake attending the Utah Association of Public Treasurers' Academy at the University of Utah. We are at their Sandy Campus and staying at the Cottontree Inn on 106th South. I'm really looking forward to getting away and just relaxing. OH - there always a "little" shopping to be done also. We have classes all day, every day, except Friday. I'll be home Friday night.

I'm reading The Book of Mormon again, and I will finish before the end of the year. I'm enjoying reading and remembering the chronology of events. I'll try to post next week and keep myself on track with my exercise. For now I'm done. I think I'll read "My Name is Memory" on my iPad.