I have so much fun reading my kid's blogs that by the time I'm through them (and watch the videos more than once!) I feel like I can't justify spending any more time on the computer! But I have a few minutes tonight, and with gentle prodding from Zach I realize it's been almost a month since I put anything new on! Good gracious, where does the time get to?
I've been thinking on an idea that occurred to me last time I went to the temple, and I'd like to try to put it into words. I may not be able to make myself clear, but you have to promise not to make fun of me if I try. Everyone promised? (and 'crosses' don't count). Here goes:
When Adam and Eve were in the garden they were perfectly happy, and perfectly perfect. They had just been made by God, and were clean and pure and innocent. You're all too young to remember the old bumper sticker that said, "God don't make junk", but really, do you think Heavenly Father made any mistakes with them? Of course not. There they are, smelling the beautiful flowers, petting the soft lambies, and enjoying the wonders of nature in their perfect home. Satan comes into the picture, uninvited, and stirs up all manner of trouble. Genesis 3: 1 says that Satan is "more subtle than any best of the field" (footnote, "crafty, sly") That's worse than a wolf, worse than a hyena, worse than anything. When Heavenly Father sees the need to come and check in with his kids Satan interrupts and says to Adam and Eve, "See, thou art naked, hide yourself!" And without thinking it through, they decide he must be right, and cover themselves and hide from the presence of the Lord. Is that because Satan seemed more experienced? Did he come off as having some knowledge or authority? Heavenly Father asks, "Adam, where art thou?" I think Heavenly Father knows exactly where they are, the question is for Adam's own introspection, to ask himself; " What is my standing before God? Where am I?" Adam's response is that because he was naked he hid himself. Heavenly Father asks him, "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" Do you think Heavenly Father really didn't know? I think that this question is again for Adam and Eve to ponder. And this is the heart of my thought: Satan told Adam and Eve they were imperfect and had need to hide, to be ashamed.
How many times in our modern society has Satan told you that you were imperfect? That you should be embarrassed, perhaps feel less than someone else, magnified your flaws, encouraged your insecurities, or in any one of his thousand ways told you that you were not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, WHATEVER enough? His assaults are everywhere, all the time, saturated in every media.
I want you all to consider how perfect you are, that you are made in your Father in Heaven's image. You are doing good and wholesome things with your lives. Every one of you is working, and growing, and striving to improve day by day. I see amazing things, even miracles, occuring in our own family. Never, never believe Satan when he tries to get into your head and tell you, "See, you are naked." He knows your weaknesses, and will pick at the tiniest flaw in your armour. I know, he works on me all the time. Don't believe it. You are strong, and beautiful, and wonderful. I am proud of you every day. Gird yourselves up with the armor of God; you know the ones. Scriptures, prayer, temple, service. Be faithful! You are awesome!! Love, mama
