We Claim the Privilege . . .

Sunday was like foot race to the pulpit for testimony sharing in our ward. We have some very eager youngsters who are very faithful in their monthly testimony bearing. So if you don't have a great start off the line you may not get a chance. Apparently I was a little sluggish as time ran out and I had not managed to find my way to the pulpit. Normally, I wouldn't care but I have a few things nagging me about it this month. So I decided to share my thoughts here so at least it's written down for posterity.
We recently attended a funeral of a family friend. She graduated high school with Trent and has children who are friends with Isabelle and Brennan. This funeral service was held at a church that was not our denomination. That's okay. However, they worship in a way we are not accustomed and I would on occasion get a glance from one of my kids with a "Is this okay?" look in their eyes.
It was a great opportunity to discuss the 11th Article of Faith.
"We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege. Let them worship how, where, or what they may."
On Sunday morning, since we have 1:00 pm church, I have been watching on BYUTV a program called "Our Savior in the Gospels". This is a program where BYU religion professors discuss the Savior in the Gospels, in case that wasn't obvious. But it has been fascinating to listen to their insight and deeper meaning about Christs actions and teachings in the last few days of His life on this earth. I realize there is so much I don't know, but I also learned something very important.
The way we worship, what we do each Sunday, how we sing our hymns, how we pray, how we take the sacrament and how we reverence Him and our Heavenly Father are because that is how Jesus Christ taught us. Exactly.
I find peace in knowing this is truth.

I don't Hate BYU . . .

I have a dirty, little secret . . .
I love
GONZAGA!!!!!
Specifically Gonzaga Men's Basketball.
I have watched them for a few years now, back when Adam Morrison played for them, onto Matt Bouldin, to Steven Gray and now David Stockton.
They are a local team, as local as you can get for little old Moses Lake. Neither I, nor any member of my family has attended there. I just like them.
So, as any true blue fan should, I faithfully cheer them on every year, into the finals and hope and yes, pray that they will go as absolutely far as they possibly can through the NCAA tournament. My bracket this year has them proudly in the Final Four. (I have not picked a champion yet)
I did see a very small dilemma when I realized that there was a good probability they would face BYU. But honestly, I knew from the very beginning my efforts at cheering would be directed to "MY TEAM" . . .Gonzaga. My brothers, the sports aficionado's that they are, have always taught me that you have to be true to "your" team. So I was.
But why not choose BYU? I have absolutely nothing against BYU. But here in Moses Lake I can't watch their games. At least not on any channel I get. Also, I don't happen to be an alum nor is any member of my family. My dad went 1 year. Really, if I were to root for anyone

Steven Gray

it should be Oregon State.
I do think Jimmer is a very amazing player! Is there anywhere on the court where he can't make a shot? It didn't seem like it Saturday night.
I was not a Jimmer fan Saturday night and found my dislike was met by quite a bit of hostility!!!!!
So I am here to clarify, I have NOT Apostatized. I DO NOT HATE BYU OR JIMMER! I will be cheering the BYU Cougars on in their next game and as far as they will go. But . . . even next year . . .when BYU joins the WCC, I will be cheering on
Gonzaga!

There must needs be opposition . . .

I hate opposition. It is so frustrating. I shouldn't complain, actually life has been pretty dang good. We have been blessed with many blessings lately. Some I have been praying for for awhile and am so very grateful. Truth be told it's technically not even "my" opposition. It's London's. She plays soccer and loves it. She has played soccer since she was seven. We did Moses Lake Youth Soccer until she was 11.

She's #2

Then shifted to the traveling IAL (Inter-Association League) team.

The Stryotes (don't ask) . . .

and of late the Varsity team for MLHS.

This picture was taken at the first game of the 2010 Season. ML was down 0-1 with less than 8 minutes left in the game and London scored twice and won the game!!!!! It was an awesome night! Go Chiefs!!!!!

She does well and really loves the sport and the girls she plays with. In fact, she does well enough, that she was invited to tryout and subsequently made a club team. We have, in the past, stayed away from club teams, for a variety of reasons, which included the time commitment, and Sunday games. When the coaches approached London, they mentioned that these girls were busy, i.e. jobs, high school team etc. so they just wanted the girls there when they could and specifically to London, they respected that she didn't play on Sunday and that was fine with them. So we talked it over and decided to try it out.CB United 94

It's has been a good experience. Her coach is very knowledgeable and has taught London a lot.
So where's the opposition?
The season for this team just started and ALL but 1 game is on Sunday. . .ugghhh!
On the positive side, we visited with the coach about it and he has been true to his word and still respects London's decision to not play. No pressure. In fact, he has been working to get a few of the games rescheduled to Saturdays which is a HUGE pain.
The opposition . . . the other players who plead with London to play. (They haven't won yet, they can't score and she's a forward, the one who scores). The parents who out of the goodness of their heart offer, to take London to the games, "If that would help you out?" Another teammates parent who is guest coaching and takes his frustration at her not being at games out on her at practice and treats her not so nicely.
It's only soccer. Right? Will she do anything with it after high school? We'll see.
She is a good sport about it. She knows the commandment . . .Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. I think she hopes she will be blessed for being obedient, so do I.
And I want her to be a successful soccer player, but more than that I want her to be a young woman of integrity.
So for now, we stand strong, remembering that other gospel principle - There must needs be opposition in All things.