Oh What a Beautiful Morning...

Elder Bruce D. Porter told this story in our recent General Conference two weeks ago.  It's made me smile quite a few times since then and has boosted my desire to look for the good, to sing more, to be grateful for beautiful days, and to find peace and joy despite difficult things that may be going on around me and in the world.  These are his uplifting words.

"When I was a student at Brigham Young University, I lived in a house with several young men. My roommate, Bruce, was the most optimistic person I have ever known. We never once heard him say anything negative about any person or any circumstance, and it was impossible not to feel buoyed up in his presence. His good cheer flowed from an abiding trust in the Savior and in His gospel.

One cold, wintry day, another friend of mine, Tom, was walking across the university campus. It was only 7:00 in the morning, and the campus was deserted and dark. Heavy snow was falling, with a brisk wind. “What miserable weather,” Tom thought. He walked farther, and out in the darkness and snow, he heard someone singing.

Sure enough, through the driving snow came our ever-optimistic friend, Bruce. With his arms outstretched to the sky, he was singing a number from the Broadway musical Oklahoma: “Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day! I’ve got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way” (Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” [1943])." 

(Youtube clip; 2 1/2 min. "Oh What a Beautiful Morning"

Well all have reason to find joy and happiness in our lives.  Despite difficulties all of us face, we can be at peace knowing that the Lord loves us and will care for us if we will but turn to Him.  Tears and joy are part of this mortal journey.  Light and darkness are as well.  The more we seek and live in the light, the greater will be our joy and happiness in the end.

April 2013 General Conference; LDS Church

Tears are Good. So...Let me Cry....

My last post was about sending off my missionary daughter.  I probably should have explained more things so as to avoid the comments that wanted me not to be sad; rather to rejoice in the blessing of having a missionary.  Those bothered me as they weren't what I needed - even though I know the authors 'meant' well and were probably trying to be helpful.

I do rejoice and am deeply grateful to have a daughter serve a mission.  Never did I feel otherwise.  But, can I share a truth I've learned - that will, hopefully, help us ponder on being more empathetic with one another?  I believe we'd all do well to show an increase of love as well as increased understanding of each another.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been taught to 'mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.' (see vs. 8-10)  It's to this statement I address my remarks today.

Rain can be Healing....

I've been a single mother for 13 years. It's been the hardest thing ever gone through.  During this time I've raised three children alone and on a very tight budget.  (They were ages 6, 4, and 3 when we left.)  During that same time I've home schooled these children most years.  That was partly because I strongly believed in it and wanted the best for my children, but also because I had one child with special circumstances who could not be in a classroom setting to learn.  A doctor and personal friend told me that this child truly needed to be in a safe home environment - where he could learn and thrive.  So, we did that at great sacrifice and sometimes hardship, but also with tremendous outcome and blessings.

Anyway, my oldest daughter has been my dearest friend.  I was blessed to have her born into my life.  She has been responsible, dependable and very close to me.  Together, and as a family, we've been through more than anyone will ever know and have had to really draw close to one another as well as the Lord. We wouldn't have made it through our trials without much help from above and as we counseled and prayed together.

I won't get into details here - but, will say that only us and the Lord know of the trials and pain we have suffered, as well as the growth and blessings that have come to us because of our turning to Him and our desire to do His will.

Yes, I wanted this daughter to be able to serve a mission. Yes, we fasted and prayed together.  Yes, we rejoiced when she received a call and...rejoiced even more when a dear friend in the ward stepped forward and said that she felt strongly prompted to help this daughter financially be able to get the things she needed to be able to serve.  We couldn't have done it without her!

We've had more miracles than I can number - as well as more trials than I want to re-live.  So, yes, I am happy and grateful and thrilled for this blessing in her life.

But, yes, I will miss her and yes, tears were good.  I needed to cry.  It was a cry to let go of all we've been through. It was a cry of relief as well as sadness and loss of my dearest friend.  I realized later that they were tears of all sorts of emotions that needed to be released as part of a healing and cleansing for me.  Why would it have been otherwise?

I have come to know that our emotions are gifts to us.  We can learn from them and need to actually feel them instead of burying them.

Joy cometh in the morning...

I believe that if we can acknowledge and validate our feelings - we are much better off in learning about ourselves as well as having relationships with others.

What is the outcome if we continually tell one another to 'don't feel that way'?  How do children respond if we teach them not to be sad or fearful or playful or angry?  Would it not be better to learn why they feel as they do, validate it, empathize with them - and teach them correct principles so that they can then move on?  I believe it is in the burying of those thoughts and feelings that we open ourselves up to a lot of disharmony within ourselves - which can then lead to all sorts of physical ailments.  Our bodies are gifts that can teach us true principles.  If we disregard them, or negate spiritual promptings about how to care for them, we go against what we came here to appreciate, care for, and learn from.

So, tears can be good.  They can be a physical, emotional, and mental outlet.  So, let me cry if I need to.    Jesus did. Validation is appreciated - as is empathy (they are sort of the same thing).  Then, once I've learned what I've needed to learn, I can release it, let it go, and move on.  :)

Through many personal trials, experiences, studies, promptings and obedience, I've learned these types of things that have been helpful to me and my family.  I hope they might be of some help to some of you.  :)

Blessings!

Who Knew that Sending off a Missionary Would be so Hard?

Amber, Ashley-Salt Lake Temple- Sat. April 6

My oldest daughter, Amber, entered the MTC yesterday.  She'll be heading to serve in Richmond, Virginia in a few weeks.  I know it will be a great blessing and glorious experience for her.  For that, I am deeply grateful.

But, it was hard on ME.  I cried all afternoon.  :)

We waited in a long line of cars that extended from the entrance of the MTC (Missionary Training Center, in Provo, Utah) to enter one of 24 drop off points.  We were told that we'd have 2 1/2 minutes to get unloaded and say our 'goodbye's.'  So, we were prepared.  Or, so we thought.

We took a few photos at the Provo Temple - and then, got in the car line to wait our drop-off turn. As we visited, expressed our love and support (from her two younger teenage siblings), and talked about saying goodbye, this sweet missionary daughter then, finally, shared that she was somewhat 'scared' - and I started to tear up.

Up to this point we have been so busy with preparations that we scarcely had time to think about the actual day she'd leave.  There was much more preparation than I'd known about, settling things with her schooling at BYU-Idaho and trying to sell her housing contract (which we're still trying to do), selling her little and very hard-earned car, figuring out enough clothing - with skirts that were long enough in length but, not too long, modest blouses and sweaters (often difficult to find), suitable walking shoes that were still 'cute' etc.  :)

Then, the financing of it all.

Lots to do, lots to prepare, lots to think about.

And, now she's gone.  I can't just text her.  Or....go into her room and visit and see how she's doing.  I can't call her on the phone to hear her voice, or hug her when I feel the desire to do so.

I didn't know the depth that I'd feel yesterday or the way my heart would deepen and grow a few more sizes.  Or, the understanding and appreciation I'd gain for the other 65,000 missionary families that have recently done the same as me - and the thousands of others' who've gone through it over the years.

Just when I thought I'd learned most of the life lessons to learn :)  (lots of them over the years), I realize how many more there may be.  And, even through the pain and grief and 'loss', I am grateful.

I am grateful for a loving Father into whose hands I have entrusted this daughter.  (She's really His anyway, after all.)  For a beloved Savior whom I am most deeply grateful that she is able to serve and teach of.  And, for a marvelous plan for all His children. And for so many missionaries who desire to serve and love their fellowman, (fellow brothers and sisters-we are all children of God) and at their own sacrifice, time, talents and means, go all over the world, where-ever they are 'called' - to share this message of love with the world.

I know that I am not a very good writer - nor often good at expressing how I feel in terms worthy of publication.  But, as a mother I do know that there is probably no greater love or sacrifice we could make - than sending our children out into the world to serve.  And, I know that our Father did the same when He sent us all here to earth.  So, for all that, I am grateful and more thankful than I thought possible.

And, my continual prayers will ascend heavenward in her behalf, and for those she will meet and serve and love and possibly teach, and for all others who are serving in the world - striving to bring light and truth to searching souls.

I love you all.

Heidi
'Mormon Moms'



You can follow Amber's mission blog at:  Sister Amber in Virginia.  I will be adding her weekly letters home to the site.  Thanks for your support.  It's nice, at times like these, to know that others' care!  :)

My Road to Emmaus - Easter and The Resurrection

After the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, he appeared to two of his disciples as they walked from Jerusalem - on the road to Emmaus. 

This morning as I was out walking along a peaceful path near my home - I was thinking and pondering on the Savior, His life, His death, His resurrection and...His goodness to me (and to all of us.)  At one point I wondered about the road to Emmaus and why his disciples did not know or recognize Him as He walked and talked with them.  I wondered if I would - and if I do.  Do I listen to him, really hear him and heed his counsels and warnings?  I can honestly say that I currently really try to do so; and that He has blessed me greatly because of it.  It hasn't always been this strong - but, years of practicing, trying, striving, repenting, seeking and humbling myself - has proven to be what was needed to hear him more clearly and more closely.  My personal testimony and witness is of his reality and his goodness and his 'personalness'.  He is here for us - and his whole plan of happiness is for us.  His whole life was as an example for us to follow - and to make it possible for us to overcome all things and to receive greater blessings than we can now imagine.

My hope is that each of us will continue along the path that leads us to walk and talk with Him; to know him, to love and to serve Him.  Nothing else really matters in the end.  All else will fail, but He will not and His teachings will not.  We would be wise to heed them and to turn to Him in all things.  Afterall, He is the true Healer and wants to bless and lift us.   And...He will come again. 

President Ezra Taft Benson wrote the following:

The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number of people for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master.

The literal resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a certainty, and surely one should make careful preparation for this event. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for resurrection will be a reality.

Nothing is more absolutely universal than the Resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).

The scriptural record tells us that on the third day following Jesus’ crucifixion, there was a great earthquake. The stone was rolled back from the door of the tomb. Some of the women, among the most devoted of His followers, came to the place with spices “and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.”

Angels appeared and said simply, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:3–6). Nothing in history equals that dramatic announcement: “He is not here, but is risen.”

The fact of our Lord’s resurrection is based on the testimonies of many credible witnesses. The risen Lord appeared to several women, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, to Peter, to the Apostles; and “after that,” as Paul reported, “he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. … And last of all he was seen of [Paul] also” (1 Cor. 15:6, 8).

Power of the Adversary

Years ago I became acquainted with a man who taught a lot about the power of the adversary and how he works in our lives.  Since that time I have done a lot of reading and studying about his role in these last days and how he seeks to make us miserable like unto himself.

For those not of my faith, let me briefly share our belief in the 'plan of salvation'.  We lived with God, our Father, as spirit children, before we came to earth.  We were taught and nurtured and loved.  Yet, we couldn't fully progress without a body.  We agreed to come to earth - to receive a body and have a mortal experience - to see if we would choose good over evil.  In order to do so most effectively - we'd have to live by faith; meaning that a 'veil' would be drawn over us at birth and we'd forget what we used to know.  But, as we heard it again, or relearned it, it would 'ring true' to our souls.  And, a Savior would be provided for when we made mistakes and needed to repent.

Also, we were given a gift of conscience and the Holy Spirit as our guide.  It would lead us along paths of righteousness - if we would not dismiss it by our unbelief.

Fast forward - years into our lives - and many challenges we each face.  Some face, perhaps, more difficult challenges than others'.  We don't always know all the reasons why but some are because of our own choices and things we may have wanted or 'agreed' to learn, some are because of the choices of others' and life circumstances.

Nevertheless, we are free to choose light or dark, good or evil.  And, the 'Adversary' (Satan) who was with us in the beginning (before we came to earth - and he choose evil) - never received the gift of a body.  And...wants us to hate ours.  He is filled with wrath and all manner of evil.  His whole goal is to destroy us - and 'win' our souls.  All he does is with the purpose of leading us astray and getting us to do things that are destructive and, ultimately, damning (the state of being stopped in one's progress).

Life is a great gift; filled with a mixture of joys and triumphs, sorrows, toils, and griefs.  We are here to 'learn from our own experience' to choose the good over the evil.

Satan, the adversary, father of all lies; etc - seeks for our destruction.  He does this from thousands of years of experience - how to tempt and to try us.  What can he get each of us to do to falter or fail?  How can he cause us discouragement and despair?

Probably most of us have experienced a myriad of emotions on this journey.  I know that I have.  And, I have learned the pain and sorrow and sin as well as the joy of hope and faith - thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  It is the greatest gift we could have.  And, it's accessible to us all.  That is the greatest joy of all.

Repented sin brings a peace and joy that is available in no other way.  In His goodness and mercy - He wants to bless and comfort us.  And, he knows that by us aligning our lives and our will with His - we will have the ultimate blessings of eternal life once again with Him.

This is, perhaps, the biggest difference between us and some other faiths.  We invite all to learn of these things and see if they feel right.  Sincere prayer - to our Father in Heaven who LOVES us - and has made this perfect plan for us (and, who, yes, has a tangible body of flesh and bones - as He is our Father) - is full of grace and truth and will continue to do all He can to help us 'make it back' to Him.  And, part of that is how we choose to live and worship Him in our lives...

Peace in a Troubled World

How do we find Peace in troubled world?  What has caused the world to be troubled?  What are we to learn from it all?

In Doctrine and Covenants section 84 we read: 

 49 And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.

 50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.

 51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.

 52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.

 53 And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, is the 'author' of all peace and righteousness.  If we turn to Him, we too, can have those blessings.  

On the opposite end of that spectrum - is the 'father of all lies: 'the adversary', 'Lucifer', 'Satan' himself.  He is the father of all sin, darkness, wickedness etc.  That would include dishonesty, deception, miscommunication, debauchery, wickedness etc.  

The scriptures teach:  “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."

We may wonder why the world - or even our own families or neighborhoods are not at peace.  Why are things so difficult?  What is happening to cause darkness to reign?

A thorough study of the scriptures coupled with sincere prayer will help us understand that this 'opposition in all things' is a necessary part of our mortal experience.   

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility."  2 Nephi 2:11

'Agency' (the ability to choose for ourselves) is a vital part of our learning and growth.  And, we will be 'rewarded' according to our desires and choices.

Elder Robert D. Hales gave a beautiful talk about the gift of Agency and said:  "Now we are here on earth, where opportunities to use our agency abound; for here “there is an opposition in all things.” This opposition is essential to the purpose of our lives.... “To bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, … the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.”

Here we are - having a mortal experience with the opportunity to choose light or dark.  Our choices will have eternal consequences - though we often don't either know or understand that.  In His goodness and mercy - the Lord wants us to have all the blessings we can enjoy.  He does all in His power to encourage and guide us along paths of peace and righteousness.  On the other hand, Satan and his minions do all they can to entice and lead us down unworthy paths.  They make bad things look good and evil things appear 'fun', enticing, and 'acceptable.'  Yet, look where they lead.  See how things such as drugs, immorality, pornography, abuse etc. at once may appear as 'fine' - yet lead to awful consequences in spiritual and emotional health as well as the disintegration of the family and marriage units - which are actually the things which can bring the greatest personal fulfillment and happiness.

We may be 'mocked on every side" yet know that “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done."  History of the Church 4:540

Despite intense opposition both globally and personally - we must stand firm and steadfast, true in the things we know to be of God, and holy in our callings, families, and neighborhoods.  The Lord will win - though the battle may get sore before it's all over.

I pray for you - my friends across the world - to choose good; to delight in the things of God, to bless and strengthen your homes against the fiery darts of the adversary - which may come in ways that we know not.  If our 'shields' of righteousness are up - we will have the power and the where-with-all to withstand the darts and to be steadfast and true - holding to the Spirit of God to guide us.  We are not alone - and He will help us if we so desire and truly seek.

The Importance of Kindness

For the past few days I've been pondering on the importance of Kindness in our lives.  I've re-learned for myself that it is one of the fruits of the Spirit - along with long-suffering and gentleness.

Galatians 5:22-23  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."

It's 'easy' to become judgmental and critical of others'.  That is true especially if we are without the Spirit in our lives.  On those occasions we may do well to remember that when we're filled with the Spirit of God - we have love for others' and we see them through clearer lenses.

President Thomas S. Monson counseled:

"Unfortunately, there are those who feel it necessary to criticize and to belittle others. You have, no doubt, been with such people, as you will be in the future. My dear young friends, we are not left to wonder what our behavior should be in such situations. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior declared, “Judge not.” At a later time He admonished, “Cease to find fault one with another.” It will take real courage when you are surrounded by your peers and feeling the pressure to participate in such criticisms and judgments to refrain from joining in."

Most of us have probably experienced both sides of criticism; as the criticizer or the recipient.  Either of those brings us turmoil.  And, when we are the recipient of it - it's often difficult to know what to do and how to repair the damage.  Sometimes it's not in our control to do so - and we may suffer in silence.

I recently had an experience like this where the only sure comfort I could get was from the Lord himself.  He answered my deep prayer and comforted my troubled soul.

This morning we discussed the 'fruits of the Spirit' as a family - in our devotional.  I shared with my 3 teenagers my testimony that this is a true principle and that we can find true joy and happiness only through these beloved principles.  Any other way is not of God and will not bring us what we search for; true peace and everlasting happiness.

Only through the gospel of Jesus Christ - can we find the peace and joy that is everlasting and a fulness.  Some other paths may lead in that direction - and those are good.  We are grateful for goodness from wherever it comes.  But, it is my deep belief, and actual conviction, that anything other than these truths - are not the things that will save or really comfort us.  For this understanding I am deeply grateful.  It has changed my whole life.

 

Self-Control in Marriage

I found this compilation of quotes in my files this morning and....felt I was to share them today.  So, I'll type them up and hope that they will be of benefit to any who read them.  I share them, also, by way of personal testimony.  For...anything I post - is because I believe in it.  :) 
Blessings,
Heidi G.

"The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts to (our) organs or attributes.  It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of the Wisdom to their lawful use."  Parley P. Pratt, Key to Theology, p. 100

"Self control means the government and regulation of all our natural appetites, desires, passions, and affections; and there is nothing that gives a man such strength of character as the sense of self-conquest, the realization that he can make his appetites and passions serve him and that he is not a servant to them."  President McKay, CR (Conference Report), April 1968

"There is an effort made in some quarters to destroy all idea of the sanctity of chastity.  In some quarters it is taught that the urge of sex is like the urge of hunger and thirst and should be equally satisfied.  That doctrine is from the devil and will lead to destruction for any many, any woman, any people that espouse it and practice it."  President J. Reuben Clark, DNCH, Oct. 4, 1950, p. 3

"The husband, I feel, must take the lead and recognize the importance of showing great tenderness, sensitivity, control, and patience.  President McKay said, 'Let us instruct young people who come to us, to know that a woman should be queen of her own body.  The marriage covenant does not give him the right to enslave her or abuse her or to use her merely for the gratification of his passion.  Your marriage does not give you that right."  CR, April 1952

"Sexual love, without the accompanying virtues, is not to be indulged, as it leads to evil.  God has ordained that pure and virtuous love should be incorporated with the sexual love; that, by the combination of the two, permanent unions in the marriage covenant may be formed, and the species multiplied in righteousness.  Pure and virtuous love should always exist between a husband and his wife, as well as sexual love; this will have a tendency to impress more permanently these heavenly principles upon the mind and constitution of the offspring; for the offspring will partake, in a greater or less degree, of the propensities and affections of the parents."  The Seer, pp. 154-155

"The object of the union of the sexes in the propagation of their species, or procreation; also for mutual affection, and cultivation of those eternal principles of never ending charity and benevolence, which are inspired by the eternal spirit; also for mutual comfort and assistance in this world of toil and sorrow, and for mutual duties towards their offspring."  Parley P. Pratt, Key to Theology, p. 164

"Young people should be taught that pure love between the sexes is one of the noblest things on earth, and the bearing and rearing of children the highest of all human duties."  David O. McKay, Treasures of Life, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co,. 1962. p. 67

President David O. McKay made the following statement:  "Marriage is a sacred relationship entered into for purposes that are well recognized primarily for the rearing of a family."  CR, April 1964

"The lawful association of the sexes is ordained of God not only as the sole means of race perpetuation, but for the development of the higher faculties and noble traits of human nature which the love inspired companionship of man and woman alone can insure."  Joseph F. Smith, Improvement Era, Vol. XX, p. 738

"Under the accepted plan the first parents were sent to earth -- Adam and Eve.  In order that the other spirits in the kingdom of our Father might be introduced to this plain mortality, Adam and Eve - and this is sacred - had provided in their bodies the power of creation - a light, so to speak, that had power to kindle over other lights.  Under the bonds of marriage, which are also sacred, Adam and Eve were able to invite little boys and girls to live with them, and they assumed the status of parents and became the father and mother of all mankind.  This process by which was created in Adam and Eve is given to almost every individual who has ever been born.  It is a sacred and significant power; it is a power that is good.  And you who are teenagers, like all others who are the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, have this inherent within you.  This was the great plan that was to glorify and benefit all of the children of our Father in heaven.  And that power of creation is not just a part of the plan -- it is the very key to it, the very key."  Address to Seminary and Institute, Boyd K. Packer, July 15, 1958

"I have said many times to young couples at the marriage altar; Never let the tender intimacies of your married life become beastly.  Let your thoughts smell of sunshine.  Let your words be wholesome and your association together be inspiring and uplifting, if you would keep alive the spirit of romance throughout your marriage together.  Harold B. Lee:  Relief Society Conference Oct. 1971, Ensign, February 1972, p. 51

"We urge, with Peter, "...Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."  (1 Peter 2:11)  No indecent exposure or pornography or other aberrations to defile the mine and spirit.  No fondling of bodies, one's own or that of others, and no sex between persons except in proper marriage relationships.  This is positively prohibited by our Creator in all places, at all times, and we reaffirm it.  Even in marriage there can be some excesses and distortions.  No amount of rationalization to the contrary can satisfy a disappointed Father in Heaven.  Spencer W. Kimball:  April Conference 1974.  Ensign May, 1974, pp. 7-8

"Brethren, we who lead the Church are responsible to see that you are taught in plainness.  I, therefore, must make reference to a matter that otherwise I would not present in a meeting such as this.  There are evil and degrading practices which, in the world, are not only condoned but encouraged.  Sometimes married couples in their intimate expression of live to one another are drawn into practices that are unholy, unworthy, and unnatural.  We receive letters from time to time asking for a definition of 'unnatural' or 'unworthy'.  Brethren, you know the answer to that.  If in doubt at all, do not do it."  N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 42

"As I struggled and wrestled to maintain my commitment to the Lord through the dating and courting period of my life, I concluded that surely the main purpose of self-mastery and consistent control over the drives and passions that have been so deeply planted in our bodies by our Heavenly Father, was that we might go into the temple pure in both body and mind and commence our marriage on the basis of complete and total virtue.  Since becoming a married man I now realize that it is true that one of the greatest blessings, if not the greatest blessing, in commencing married life is to come to the altar clean and undefiled in both mind and body -- however, I now realize that it is the self-control, the mastery of one's passions, that ends up being not only the commencing but the great ongoing blessing of married life.  To me it was really significant to discover that self control in marriage is as important as self control before marriage -- that everything we are taught about wise dating and courtship, that is, the sacredness of the body, modesty in dress and manners, sensitivity and consideration at all times, takes on even greater importance and sacredness after marriage.  Indeed, I became mindful that it is possible to be unchaste in marriage simply by allowing passions and drives to run unchecked or uncontrolled."  G.W. Pace

"As a man and woman share their lives with each other in righteousness, there is another beautiful growth and development that inevitably occurs.  Two people can't honor their marriage covenant in righteousness, giving themselves to each other in the spirit and power of the Gospel, making the Savior the third party in their relationship, but what they grow in a deeper and deeper endowment of Godly love.  In that love there is less and less selfishness, a greater desire to lose your life for each other, a greater ability to sacrifice of yourself, a greater sensitivity, patience, and self control, which enable the couple to express themselves deeply and honorably in their physical relationship with each other."  G.W. Pace

"I indicated at the onset the challenge of self-control in marriage; perhaps in appreciating that challenge we can glimpse some reason why the Church has been hesitant about explicitly elaborating on the intimate aspects of husband-wife relationships.  Satan, in an attempt to destroy the very foundation of life itself, has taken from the dignity, sacredness and purposefulness of sex by relegating its function only to the realm of self-satisfaction or pleasure.  The powers of procreation and the human body itself have been made cheap.  Satan has accomplished this in a large measure by artificially stimulating the appetites and passions of the body, and he has done that by exposing the body and talking endlessly about our appetites and passions.  The drives and passions placed in our bodies are of sufficient strength in and of themselves without any artificial stimulation.  Is not this at least in part what President J. Reuben Clark must have had in mind when he said: 
     "Parents are grasping at straws in an effort to hold their children.  The cry is raised that the Church needs a book on sex.  But what should such a book tell?  Already the schools have taught sex facts ad nauseam.  All their teachings have but torn away the modesty that once clothed sex; their discussions tend to make, and sometimes seem to make, sex animals of our boys and girls.  The teachings do little but arouse curiosity for experience.  It is said these courses tell enough about the generation of human beings to enable the youth, largely, to escape parenthood.  Books are written, courses are given about courtship and marriage.  To what point?  We have not too far to get to the heathenish abominations and practices in pre-Christian and early Christian times, against which the Lord again and again lashed out to ancient Israel and to early Christians."  CR, October 1949, p. 194.
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No, this is not out-dated information.  The Lord plan is one eternal round.  True principles are always true principles no matter how or when they are presented. And, even in 'the whole world' is living another way - the Lord's truths are always true.  We would do well to heed them and to learn from them.  For, there is safety in obedience and blessings in honoring what we have been given.