Skip to main content

The Oxen

2 Corinthians 6:14 and 17

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

17 Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

I know my children are living in a very different world than the one in which I grew up. This is not only due to the generation/time difference, but the geography. Growing up in Utah was a very unique experience. I was blessed with many great friends who supported me and shared my values and standards. I frequently contemplated what it would have been like for me if I had stayed in California. I did not like California, but I wondered how things may have been different - better or worse.

Now I can see the affect it is having on my children and their progression. The people in our community are for the most part very good people. Their standards (if not the same as what is taught in LDS families) are very high, and my children enjoy a certain amount of respect for their different beliefs. For that, I am grateful. I am also grateful for the opportunities they have to grow strong in defending their faith and standing up for what they believe. Many times the truest conversion happens when sharing one's faith and experiences with others.

But on the other hand, I wish that they grew up in the same kind of protective environment. It was a safe place to grow up. The Gospel was easily accessibly, both at school and among friends. I am finding, however, that my children DO have similar, if not exactly the same, access to these resources. I am very grateful for that, too.

I was talking to a good friend about this the other day. He mentioned that he was glad he grew up here in Texas because it did cause him to have greater strength and conviction. He mentioned that there are those who may only be able to thrive in the "Utah environment" while others find that strength that they need anywhere they may be. This is an encouraging thought. I feel like the Lord has had a hand in bringing me here with my family, and He surely did not send us hear to fail.

God is good. He is faithful. And if we are yoked with Him we will surely overcome all things.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...
7 comments
Read more

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.
12 comments
Read more

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...
4 comments
Read more