Reading so much about the definition of marriage and knowing that so many people disagree with what I believe a marriage is and should be is somewhat upsetting. I have a lot of friends and family that believe in same sex marriages and hope for the change in the definition of marriage. I have a very hard time discussing it with them as I love them and want them to be happy, but at the same time I want them to choose the right and be obedient. I have just ignored their choices, while I haven’t openly supported them, I haven’t shared my testimony with them or my personal beliefs. That is why I so appreciated Elder Neslson’s talk in our reading. Especially where he said

“Ponder that! It means that during these perilous times, life will not be comfortable for true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. But we will have His approval. He gave us this assurance:

And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

I know that I should make sure my friends are aware of the truth and what I believe in. This quote in particular gives me confidence and hope to do just that, become an active defender of marriage.

Another thing that was very interesting was the discussion with Ryan Anderson. He totally agrees with freedom; he wants people to have freedoms to have the choice to vote, but he wants people to choose marriage between a man and a woman because that is the way it is supposed to be. I was so impressed by him, he stood by what he believes. People were sitting in front of him calling him uneducated, ignorant, and sad. But he stood by his belief even though it was difficult. He was very educated and didn’t say any negative things about people who want same sex relationships, but was persecuted for being kind and honest to himself and others. I  really admire this man and how he fought so hard for his beliefs and was kind even in the face of hate and ridicule.

We Marry Potential

Divorce is a very common thing, unfortunately. The idea that half of all marriages end in divorce seems frightening to me. HALF!! 50%!! You or Me!! 1/ 2!! This statistic means 1 out of 2 marriages will end in divorce. Right?

…BUT

75% of people who are married never get divorced.

Wait a second 50%+75% =125%

? ? ?

They may seem contradictory, but they are both true.

Those who have been divorced are likely to be divorced a second, third, or fourth time. This is where the 50% comes from.

Marriage is a series of beautiful and eternal promises we have made with someone we love. It should be cherished and esteemed above all other things.

There is a funny & thoughtful quote

When I heard Robert D. Hales say this I immediately thought of my husband. I know he is wonderful, but he is not perfect. I thought about our future together and all the things I wanted! I thought how will my husband fulfill this grand potential I see in him; but more importantly how will he fulfill it the way I want him to?

Why did I think that when I should have been thinking, “How lucky am I that my husband chose to marry me!? I wonder what I can do to fulfill the potential my husband sees in me?”

Unfortunately, people are very selfish (myself included). Thinking of my husband’s potential doesn’t seem selfish, it seems like I am thinking about him and how can he be amazing? But we’re really thinking is how can the other person’s potential make my life better and how I want it to be?

So, how do we overcome the unbearable and difficult times? We sacrifice, we forgive, we love.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks tells of an LDS Bishop who counsels troubled couples to; stay active in their church attendance, pray, read the scriptures, and work on their personal shortcomings. The Bishop reported “healing was achieved 100 percent of the time.” when this counsel was followed.

I am sure it was hard for these people to fight for their marriage, but I know it would’ve been harder to give up.

An advocate and fighter for marriage once said;

“There were three parties to our marriage – my husband and I and the Lord. I told myself that if two of us could hang in there, we could hold it together.”

I believe that marriage is of God and with Him we can save anything. 

This is how he shares his love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlcIpC-FxNs