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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.

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