In He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, we find the phrase: “who appeared to be as productive and happy as the Latter-day Saints” (p. 1) Productive and happy. Those are the words that jumped out at me. I can be productive, but I’m not happy while I’m doing it. I’m driving myself, pushing myself. I’m […]
Read More abstinence, agency, faith, grace, humility, perfectionismTherefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord. (D&C 98:3) As I consider the pain of those who hurt so badly over experiences in their […]
Read More agency, atonement, challenges, comfort, faith, hope, mortality, peaceIn the 4th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous (the AA Big Book), on pp.407–420 there is the most amazing sharing entitled, “Acceptance Was the Answer.” There is a quote that twelve-steppers often reference. “Nothing, absolutely NOTHING happens in God’s world by mistake.” (p. 417) In the previous edition, that quote was found on page 449, hence […]
Read More agency, atonement, faith, imperfection, truth“…wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.” (2 Nephi 9:38) This verse is immediately preceded by a list of sins and their terrible consequences—specifically hell and damnation. I think one of the reasons we are so strongly […]
Read More agency, choices, consequences, pride, sinRead Part 1 Yesterday, we discussed how recovery often comes in an ebb and flow pattern of sanity and serenity. We find peace through Christ, and then we wander off to try life on our own again. I have to confess that it has been very hard for me to accept that is is the […]
Read More agency, amends, ebb & flow, hope, imperfection, perfectionism, repentanceI have found that peace which passeth understanding, which only Christ can give (Philippians 4:7). In Him I have found a perfect brightness of hope that shines through even the deepest darkness. I have sanity and serenity because of His living presence in my life. (He Did Deliver Me From Bondage, p. v.) I wasn’t […]
Read More agency, idolatry, imperfection, peace, perfectionism, repentance