My Choice

There is a new movie out there that is getting a lot of attention, it is called Paranormal Activity, and it seems that many of my students are watching it. I keep hearing from my students how scary it is, how they couldn't sleep all weekend, they were crying during the movie, etc. Personally, I don't try to do things that cause me to miss sleep, I have a hard enough time getting the little bit of sleep I happen to get.
For those of you who haven't heard much about this movie, I don't know much about it, but I do know that it received an "R" rating, and that is enough to keep me from seeing it. I have been told by multiple students (including active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that I should "make an exception" and go see it. "It isn't that bad." "I don't know why you won't watch 'R' rated movies." Etc.
To me it is is simple, I made a decision and I am going to stick by that decision. I am sure there are plenty of 'R' rated movies that overall are pretty good movies, but that doesn't mean I am going to run out there and see it because it is "good." They are rated 'R' for various reasons, I understand this. Here is how I see it: 1. The prophet has counseled us to not see 'R' rated movies and use caution with all other ratings. 2. Our world has enough of that stuff in it, why should I go subject myself to it, pay $8 or more to attend, and give it my undivided attention. 3. I prefer to see movies that are uplifting and inspiring, last I checked, there aren't many uplifting and inspiring movies that are rated 'R.'
This is not to say that I will go out and watch any movie that is rated 'G', 'PG', or 'PG-13.' I try to educate myself on what the movie is about and evaluate what the content of the movie is. I try to be a discriminative viewer and make a decision that I am comfortable with. I'm not saying I am anywhere close to being perfect, because I know that I am far from it. All I know is that I want to always be worthy of having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.
I am sure some of you out in the blogging world are thinking that I am a prude, sheltered, and intolerant. To this I say, I hope I am intolerant to those things, sheltered from the world as much as possible.
We have plenty of things around us trying to lead us away from the influence of the Holy Ghost and the comfort of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's love. I CHOOSE to do everything within my power to always be worthy of the influence, comfort, and guidance of the Holy Ghost. I CHOOSE to do all I can to be close to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I CHOOSE to not subject myself to those influences that the world markets. I CHOOSE to stand up for what I believe. I CHOOSE to follow the prophet.
(Sorry to get on a soapbox with this issue, but I had to get it out.)

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

I LOVE General Conference weekend, a time when the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to hear messages from the leaders of the Church. This is always a time of reflection, self-evaluation, and sincere prayer for me. A time when many of the questions of the soul can be answered as you listen to the messages with an open heart and mind, while heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

This morning when President Thomas S. Monson, prophet, announced the construction of a temple in Sapporo, Japan, my heart was full of gratitude. The Church members in Japan are amazing and dedicated in their faith. The Church members on the island of Hokkaido (where Sapporo is located) must either fly to Tokyo, or ride the train or drive for the better part of a day to arrive at the temple.


What a wonderful time we are blessed to live in, a time when revelation continues and our Heavenly Father sends prophets, seers, and revelators to the Earth.