Quote Journal: Pornography

1."Pornography, the carrier, is big business. It is evil. It is contagious. It is addicting. It is estimated that in recent years Americans alone spent 8–10 billion dollars per year on hard-core pornography —a fortune siphoned away from noble use and diverted to a devilish purpose!" (Thomas S. Monson, Pornography- The Deadly Carrier, 2001 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


2."Along with losing the Spirit, pornography users also lose perspective and proportion. Like King David, they try to conceal their sin, forgetting that nothing is hidden from the Lord (see 2 Nephi 27:27). Real consequences start to accumulate as self-respect ebbs away, sweet relationships sour, marriages wither, and innocent victims begin to pile up. Finding that what they have been viewing no longer satisfies, they experiment with more extreme images. They slowly grow addicted even if they don’t know it or they deny it, and like David’s, their behavior deteriorates as their moral standards disintegrate." (L. Whitney Clayton, Blessed are the Pure in Heart, 2007 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


3."Pornography, though billed by Satan as entertainment, is a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up in magazines, the Internet, and the television." (David E. Sorensen, You Can’t Pet a Rattlesnake, 2001 July Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

4."I plead with you boys tonight to keep yourselves free from the stains of the world. You must not indulge in sleazy talk at school. You must not tell sultry jokes. You must not fool around with the Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with pornography of any kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is as destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive." (Gordon B. Hinckley, Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry, 1998 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

5."I believe human sexuality cannot be continually portrayed as just another physical appetite that has to be satisfied—whenever and with whomever the urge strikes—without diminishing respect for God and His commandments. And I believe that the desensitizing effect of such media abuses on the hearts and souls of those who are exposed to them results in a partial fulfillment of the Savior’s statement that ‘because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.’ …Pornography is rampant and is absolutely destructive.” (M. Russell Ballard, “When Shall These Things Be?”, 1996 December Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

6."Members of the Church everywhere are urged to not only resist the widespread plague of pornography, but as citizens to become actively and relentlessly engaged in the fight against this insidious enemy of humanity around the world. Last year billions of dollars were spent worldwide on obscene motion pictures and literature. This smut is surfacing in bookstores, magazine shops, motion picture theaters, and unfortunately, in some department stores, food markets, and even drugstores." (Spencer W. Kimball, A Report and a Challenge, 1976 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

7."Pornographic or erotic stories and pictures are worse than filthy or polluted food. The body has defenses to rid itself of unwholesome food. With a few fatal exceptions, bad food will only make you sick but do no permanent harm. In contrast, a person who feasts upon filthy stories or pornographic or erotic pictures and literature records them in this marvelous retrieval system we call a brain. The brain won’t vomit back filth. Once recorded, it will always remain subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind and drawing you away from the wholesome things in life." (Challenges for the Year Ahead (pamphlet, 1974), 4–5; reprinted in “Things They’re Saying,” New Era, Feb. 1974)” (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, 2005 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

8."The scriptures repeatedly teach that the Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in an unclean tabernacle. When we worthily partake of the sacrament, we are promised that we will “always have his Spirit to be with [us].” To qualify for that promise we covenant that we will “always remember him” (D&C 20:77). Those who seek out and use pornography for sexual stimulation obviously violate that covenant." (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, 2005 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

9."Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others." (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, 2005 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

10."Next, the evil one also dangles before us the maka-feke of pornography. He would have us believe that the viewing of pornography really hurts no one. How applicable is Alexander Pope’s classic, An Essay on Man:

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,

As to be hated needs but to be seen;

Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,

We first endure, then pity, then embrace." (Thomas S. Monson, True to the Faith, 2006 April Addresses, http://www.lds.org) 

Quote Journal: Temples

1."The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling." (Thomas S. Monson, Blessings of the Temple, 2010 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

2."As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives." (Thomas S. Monson, Blessings of the Temple, 2010 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

3. "As we do temple work, we develop a spiritual kinship with our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ that brings us peace, happiness, and eternal joy." (Franklin D. Richards, Happiness and Joy in Temple Work, 1986 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

4. "Fundamental to temple worship is the principle that “God is no respecter of persons.” Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position, wealth, status, race, or education. All dress in white. All receive the same instruction. All make the same covenants and promises. All receive the same transcendent, eternal blessings if they live worthy to claim them. All are equal before their Creator. Those who are single through no fault of their own, if worthy, will be given the blessings, if they wish, of an eternal family relationship." (James E. Faust, Eternity Lies before Us, 1997 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

5. "The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families." (Russell M. Nelson, Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings, 2001 July Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

6. "Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs from modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds." (Russell M. Nelson, Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings, 2001 July Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

7.“There exists a righteous unity between the temple and the home. Understanding the eternal nature of the temple will draw you to your family; understanding the eternal nature of the family will draw you to the temple. President Howard W. Hunter stated, ‘In the ordinances of the temple, the foundations of the eternal family are sealed in place’ (Howard W. Hunter, “A Temple-Motivated People,” Liahona, May 1995, 4; Ensign, Feb. 1995, 2).” (Gary E. Stevenson, Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples, 2009 May Ensign, http://lds.org)

8. “Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have described the house of the Lord!” (Boyd K. Packer, The Temple, the Priesthood, 1993 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

9.“Under the definition of ‘Temple’ in the Bible Dictionary, we read the following: ‘It is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth,’ followed by this insightful statement: ‘Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.’ For me this suggests a sacred relationship between the temple and the home. Not only can we turn the doors of our homes to the temple, or the house of the Lord; we can make our homes a ‘house of the Lord.’ ” (Gary E. Stevenson, Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples, 2009 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

10. "The temple is the binding link between generations, in this life and for eternity. All the temples have been dedicated for the same purpose: to assist in accomplishing the divine work and glory of God, our Eternal Father, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). These temples are sacred structures in which eternal questions are answered, truths are taught, and ordinances performed so that we can live with an understanding of our divine inheritance as children of God and with an awareness of our potential as eternal beings. The house of the Lord helps you to see the end from the beginning." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, See the End from the Beginning, 2006 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

October General Conference 2011

Last weekend was full of wonderful, spiritual lessons and words of wisdom from our beloved prophet and apostles. I felt so blessed to be able to sit and watch and listen to those wonderful men. I enjoyed all the talks given and felt spiritually uplifted. I always enjoy listening to anything and everything Thomas S. Monson has to say. I loved every talk given by him.

One of the talks I really enjoyed was in the saturday afternoon session. Elder L. Tom Perry talked about sharing our testimonies and not being afraid to do so. He gave us three things that we can do.

1. We must be bold in our testimony of Jesus Christ. Elder Perry talked about sharing our testimony of Christ with our knowledge of the Bible and the Book of Mormon and how they work hand in hand. The Book of Mormon is a SECOND witness and testimony of Jesus Christ's life and ministry.

2. We must be righteous examples to others. Elder Perry quoted 1 Timothy 4:12 which says "Let no man ^adespise thy youth; but be thou an ^bexample of the believers, in word, in ^cconversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in ^dpurity."

3. We must speak up about the church. We shouldn't be afraid to talk about the church in any conversation. Elder Perry said "perfect love casteth out fear." I don't know if he quoted someone else or what... but either way, its an awesome quote. Don't be afraid to talk about the fact that your a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I want to bear my testimony. I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and restored this gospel. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true and living prophet today who speaks to God and directs us through revelation. I know that Jesus is my Savior. I know He loves me and atoned for my sins. I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me as well and blesses me everyday. I love my family. I know that we are eternal and will be together forever. I know the priesthood is true. It works. I've been blessed with it so many times. I love this gospel with all my heart. There's no doubt in my mind that it's true.

May we all remember the words of our Prophet and Apostles. Pray for and bless them. They love you and pray for you and hope the best for you.

General Conference October 2010

In my Teachings of the Living Prophets class, we had an assignment to write a paper about our favorite General Conference talk. This talk could be from any session in any year. I chose to write my paper about President Thomas S. Monson's talk entitled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude." I would like to share that paper with

you and hope that you feel the spirit as you read. General Conference is currently going on this weekend, and later I will have thoughts regarding this current Conference.

My Paper:

President Thomas S. Monson gave one of my favorite General Conference talks in October of 2010. His talk was titled “The Divine Gift of Gratitude.” I remember thinking at the end of his talk, “man, that was such a good talk!!” I could feel the power of his words as he spoke and bore his testimony of the importance of gratitude.

President Monson started his talk off with the parable of the 10 lepers. They came unto Christ saying “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Christ said unto them “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” When they did so, they were cleansed. The parable continues with only one of the 10 lepers, who was a Samaritan, comes back to Jesus giving him thanks. Jesus then says “Arise, go thy way: they faith hath made the whole.” President Monson said, “My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thinks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” I absolutely love this quote. It gave me a new meaning and insight to thinking about being sincerely grateful. I had never thought of being grateful helps me ponder my blessings.

President Gordon B. Hinckley was quoted and said, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.” When this was said, I imagined myself during my daily routine. I recall saying thank you to those who hold doors open, or help me find where I need to go. Then I thought about the times that I could say thank you more than when I already do. I definitely can be more grateful in my life.

While listening to this talk, I thought back to my Seminary teacher. Every year when thanksgiving was just a few weeks away, she would remind us of her annual ritual. She told us that every year on thanksgiving, all her prayers would be full of gratitude. She never asked for anything in those prayers. She only thanked our Heavenly Father for everything that she was blessed with. President Monson summarized a quote of President Joseph F. Smith. He said, “President Smith is telling us that a prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude.”

President Monson closed his talk with this, “My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His words. By doing so, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.” I had never thought of obeying the Lord as showing him gratitude. Gratitude has a complete new meaning and worth to me. I was always taught to write my thank you notes after my birthday or Christmas. I always dreaded writing those. However, after this talk, I never forget and I do not delay.

I love this gospel with all my heart. I know it is true. I know that what President Monson said comes from my Heavenly Father. I know He loves me and wants the best for me. I rejoice in the day that I will be with Him again. I hope and pray everyday for the spirit to be with me. I hope and pray for gratitude not only for myself, but also for everyone else.

Come, Thou Fount

Yesterday was also the first sunday I was back in my student ward. I really missed my bishopric and the love that I can feel from them. We had a really good sacrament meeting yesterday and I felt the spirit very strongly. The name of this post is "Come, Thou Fount" because there was a special musical number that was performed very beautifully yesterday of this song. It was the same arrangement as Freddy Ashby during the Reflections of Christ photography exhibit. I have that soundtrack and this song is by far my absolute favorite!!! The lyrics are so powerful and I always feel the spirit when I hear this song. If you have not heard the song I strongly encourage you. I posted the video for you to listen and to see the beautiful pictures!

1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing,   tune my heart to sing thy grace;   streams of mercy, never ceasing,   call for songs of loudest praise.   Teach me some melodious sonnet,   sung by flaming tongues above.   Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,   mount of thy redeeming love.   2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;   hither by thy help I'm come;   and I hope, by thy good pleasure,   safely to arrive at home.   Jesus sought me when a stranger,   wandering from the fold of God;   he, to rescue me from danger,   interposed his precious blood.   3. O to grace how great a debtor   daily I'm constrained to be!   Let thy goodness, like a fetter,   bind my wandering heart to thee.   Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,   prone to leave the God I love;   here's my heart, O take and seal it,   seal it for thy courts above.

Gemma Annabelle Howell

I meant to post this days ago... but life got pretty busy!! Anyways, On July 29, 2011 at 4:05pm, my beautiful new niece was brought into this world. She weighed 6 pounds and 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is the newest addition to the Howell Family and is very very precious. I like to call her my precious gem. Her name is Gemma (pronounced like Jemma) Annabelle Howell. She (and babies in general) are amazing miracles and are such a blessing. Chris and Laurie are such great parents. I could tell from the very first day. I'm so excited to be a new auntie again!!! YAY!!

3 Years Today

3 years ago today a great husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away. He was a great man who is greatly missed. Auburn Howell is now in heaven and better than ever. I am SO grateful for the knowledge I have of what happens after death. I know that I will be with my family forever and that we'll all be happy! I know that I will see my grandpa again. Its what makes the whole "death process" so much easier. Even though we didn't see my grandpa Howell as often as I would have liked anyways, I knew he still loved me and supported me in everything I did. I only wish I could get to know him a little bit better and express my love for him more. After he died, I was really upset. I was so jealous of my older siblings at their weddings with pictures of both sets of grandparents. I always imagined that part of my wedding and was pretty sad about it after. However, I know that my grandpa is always there and looking out for me and is always with me in spirit. I cant express enough how much I love this gospel and the comfort it brings on so many different levels and so many different aspects of life.

I'm sorry I haven't posted lately. I'm hoping that will change.

Keep smiling and enjoying life!!