I finished reading Standing for Something last night. The other chapters were about Civility, Learning, Forgiveness and Mercy, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism and Faith. These are all important.
As I was reading the chapter about civility, I was thinking about how so true it is that we have lost a lot of the civility in this world. I think of times when I have been at work or at the store and listened to people belittle or criticize others. There is so much incivility in our movies and television shows. Humor is about how much we can make fun of someone or out someone down. There are so many times when I just turn off the tv or movie I am watching because I get so tired of listening or watching people treat each other with disregard. We need to get back to the time when your word was your bond and you never would say anything bad about someone. It's like that old saying, "If you can say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
I loved the chapter on learning. I love to learn. I have always loved school. I did well, but did not go to college right out of high school. I was still learning through life and through books. I love to read and read many different types of books. I am reading more books that are up lifting now, but still read all types. My favorite book besides the scriptures is "Wuthering Heights." Most people think this book is bad and hard to read, but I love it. I also like anything Jane Austin. I went and got my Associates Degree when I was 38 years old. I got my Bachelors Degree when I was 43. Better late than never. I am still thinking about my Masters, too. I think everyone should strive to get an education. We should also be learning everyday of our lives. We should learn something new everyday. I love it when something clicks in my head and I realize I just learned something new.
Forgiveness and Mercy are the next chapter. I love to hear about a someone who has a terrible thing happen in their life that is caused by someone else and they forgive that person. What a great person they are. I know that if I do not forgive someone it festers in me and I am never quite right. Once I show mercy, let it go and forgive, I can get on with my life. I try to remember that I am not perfect and that I would like mercy shown to me. If I do not show mercy and forgiveness I will not be forgiven or have mercy. It reminds me of the scripture story about the man who owed a lot of money to someone. When the man was called before the other man, he begged for forgiveness. He had come on hard times and could not pay it back, but asked for mercy. The other man gave it to him. Then the forgiven man went to collect some money that was owed him for another man. The amount was so small compared to the amount the man had owed himself. The other man begged this man for forgiveness, but the man said no and sent him to prison to pay the debt. Why had the man begged for forgiveness, but not had not shown the mercy to the man who owed him money. How sad for any of us if we cannot come to show mercy and forgiveness.
This book was written before the recent economic crisis came about. However, what President Hinckley said is true. We must be frugal and thrifty. We must get out of debt as soon as we can. Gary and I have been trying to do this. We have been trying to live within our means. We pay our tithing first and then our other bills. We also are putting money away. I have known times when I did not have enough money to pay tithing first. I learned though that I must pay my tithing first and all will be added. We are not rich, but we have what we need to help others and ourselves. I have tried to teach my children this same concept. My girls are great examples of how to watch what you spend. They both are very careful in what they spend. If we would all be careful in what we spend and really think of what our needs are instead of our wants, we could help the country get out of our slump. I know some who want to keep up with their neighbors, but what does that bring us. We have more happiness and peace if we live within our means. Try it, it works.
The first thing we should do when say our prayers is to thank our Heavenly Father for all that we have. I am blessed to have so much. I have the most wonderful husband. He loves me and takes care of me. I love to spend time with him. I have three wonderful children, Doug, Lizzie and Sara. Doug is becoming a strong young man. He is learning to take care of himself and to make great decisions. Lizzie is one of my best friends. We talk all the time and I love this. I love to spend time with her and Luke. Sara is becoming a great friend of mine. She is becoming a promising young woman. I love to have her cook for us and to go shopping and talk. I am grateful for my home. It is truly a home for me. I am grateful for my job and for Gary's job. We are blessed to love our work. I am grateful for my calling as the Young Women president. I am so grateful to be able to help these young women to learn to love themselves and the Lord. As you can see I have so much to be grateful for. Make a list of the things you are grateful for. How can you be unhappy when you realize all that you do have?
We must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the rock our testimony should be built on. Our faith in him will enable us to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. He gave His life for us and atoned for our sins. Without Him we are nothing. Faith in Him is the only solid, sure thing in this world. If we have faith in Him, all will be well. No matter what happens in our life. If we have faith in Him, we will realize how we should treat others and do that.
I loved this book and I recommend that everyone read it. It will give you ideas in how to live your life and how to help make your homes, communities and countries better.
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