A blogging buddy has recently reminded me of the importance of reading, most specifically teaching children to read at a young age and then continuing to encourage them throughout their lives. What vistas books can provide! What opportunities to learn and stretch our imaginations. It saddens me to realize that in many parts of the world children don’t have access to even a primary school education and that in developing countries females aren’t given the same opportunities as males. Thanks goodness for Oprah and others like her who are actually doing something to remedy this situation.
It’s no secret that I’m a convert to the LDS religion, and among my many reasons is that church doctrine affects my whole lifestyle, not just my “Sunday-go-to-meeting” behavior. An example is that we’re encouraged to get all the education possible. Whatever a person’s chosen profession, he or she needs the knowledge to be effective and successful. Just what are we supposed to learn? Here’s a verse from the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 88, Verse 79 that provides a clue. “Of all things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.”
It’s the kind of scripture that makes you think “Wow.” I think now’s a good time to start learning a little more about this world I live in. Doesn’t it make sense that God would want us to learn as much as possible about this beautiful world that He created for us?
mom's musings 
Yes, it does make sense that Our Creator would want us to know and enjoy as much as possible about what he has given us. Good point!
Thank you for giving us some insight to the LDS doctirne, marlajayne. I love the commercials on TV and have read a little about different beliefs, but there really is no way to undestand until you’re involved, whether literally or vicariously. All belief systems are supposed to be “everyday” but for some reason, it’s considered hard to be “good”. I shudder when a minister (or righteous person) is made into a god, but I shudder harder when the minister(or rp) is weak to the flesh and it’s held up to public scrutiny. I read something the other day that referred to “all believers” as hypocrites…not a fair assessment!
I have met those who think that “secular stuff” doesn’t matter while it affects our very lives!
I’m thinking “information overload”. When I first got in the internet, oh my goodness!!!
I thought the same thing about the information overload. However, I quickly learned that not all information is worth reading. In fact, various posts have made me feel angry, upset (good all purpose word), annoyed, sad, and so forth. Now I’ve gotten to the point that I can tell almost right away whether it’s edifying, thought provoking, or uplifting, and if it’s not, then I quickly go to something else. Who needs the “shadowy” stuff in their brains? Not I.
I’ve also found that many of the blogs posted under religion, Christianity, or spirtuality need to be posted somewhere else…like maybe dogmatism or self-righteousness. Your posts are always positive, well written, and “clean.” Funny word but accurate.
About the LDS faith, it works for us…works well, in fact. Tomorrow I’m traveling to the coast (YAY!), and I’ll have the privilege of attending church with two of my children and the three grandchildren. It’s one of the most sacred and special experiences of my life to sit in a worship service with my loves.
Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox for now.
I must say that I think reading is one of the best pastimes! Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do. I’m not sure whether it was a natural thing, or whether my mother (a school teacher) instilled it in me. Maybe a mixture of both. I love the fact that the LDS church has always encouraged us to get an education, it’s fantastic! My dad has always been big on getting out into the world and experiencing life! How greatful I am for having such wonderful parents that have taught me to think for myself and be independent. However, as much as I learn about this world and how it works, the more I realize that we need our dear Heavenly Father with is! How dreadful this world would be without the His love, I can’t even imagine! But I always love to watch people and see the difference between those that seem to understand this life, and those that are just floating through…. have you ever noticed?
Thanks for stopping by and posting something. I’ve always loved reading too, and I fervently believe that good readers make good writers. About your last few sentences, yes I have noticed the different types of people in the world, even those who are just floating through. Today I visited another ward, and the bishop there asked a question from Alma (34:5, I think), and he asked the question about whether Christ exists or not. If He does, then our path is made more clear. If He does not, then what’s the purpose of our being here? I’m not saying it as well as he did, but you get the point.
Well you know how much I love to read and learn. There is so much information “out there” that I want to know about. Thank goodness Michelle feels the same way. She devotes a lot of time to reading for herself and teaching the children to love books.
Hunter and Anna love books! I think it is critical for parents to teach their children from great books. I have seen far too many children unable to read (even in high school) Sadly most of them have parents that are not interested or unable to read themselves.
It is a vicious cycle.
Here’s a great story (to me anyway). When the most recent Harry Potter book came out, Paul and Amanda were at Barnes and Noble waiting for midnight to buy their books. My nephew Greg came by, and someone took a photograph of Paul and Greg sitting on the floor holding books and wearing these dorky looking Harry Potter glasses. Greg posted the picture on his My Space site and labeled it “Reading, Just Like our Mothers.” My sister and I LOVED it so much that we both have framed copies of our book loving sons.
Not to go on and on and on about this topic, but how in the world do people get by without words to stimulate, entertain, inspire, educate, and so forth? Quick for instance. Last night I retired early just so I could read the book club selection for the month, and I came to a part (can’t tell you which one because you might not be there yet) that was so upsetting that I had to close the book (with a pounding heart and a lump in my throat!). Off and on all day, I’ve thought of the characters and am hoping they’ll all come through this crisis.
Speaking of knowledge and learning did you get to hear the General Relief Society program this afternoon? I love to listen, but didn’t get the chance. I can’t wait for General Conference. We are very spoiled and often get to visit Temple Square.
No, unfortunately, I didn’t. Here in SC we have to drive to the nearest stake center to listen to the broadcast, and it seemed too far to go at night when I knew I could read all about it on the internet. Plus, I was on a date with my sweet husband. Sorry excuses, I know.
Yes, you Utah gals are spoiled to be so close to Temple Square.
I like your latest Avatar.
Oh thanks…I just love halloween.
And a hot date with your sweet heart is always not to be missed, enjoy every min you have together!