It is pure cotton. I found it on pinterest, but it is sold by People Tree, a website based in the UK. I am just about dying of cuteness right now. Can I have it?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Adorable
I just have to share this dress with you that I am currently obsessed with. it is 45 Euros, which apparently is roughly $65. If I had a good reason to spend $65 on a dress, I would buy this in an instant. Can't you see it with a cute little cardigan or jacket? Or maybe I could just make sleeves for it?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Cross
A couple of months ago, I had an interesting discussion with a friend about the aversion to the use of the symbol of the cross in Latter Day Saint culture. Together we wondered, when did that happen? When did it become a big deal? When did Latter-day Saints decide, "we aren't going to use this symbol"? Obviously it had to be a conscious decision because it is so common in most other Christian faiths. I think it is safe to say that almost all of the original converts to the church, including Joseph Smith, came from Christian backgrounds where the cross was a heavily used symbol and it meant a lot to them. There are pictures of Brigham Young's wives wearing crosses, two temples are the shape of crosses, and the list goes on. What happened? When was it publicly announced that we as a church should stop using that symbol?
My World Religions professor talked about it, and today I found an article entirely about the subject. Here is a link to that article, but I will quote parts of it in my post. I think it is a fascinating subject.
Apparently, it was used as much in Utah as anywhere in the beginning. Even the official church cattle brand was a cross. There was a proposed monument to honor the pioneers in the shape of a huge cross on Ensign Peak. But it was never built, because right about then (the beginning of the 20th century), LDS attitudes toward the cross as a symbol changed. It was due to an anti-Catholic sentiment. Missionary work was rough going, and Catholics had played a role in that, so they began to have an aversion to any catholic symbol, i.e. the cross.
It became a really polarizing issue. Some people had no problem with it (a This Is The Place Monument at the mouth of Immigration Canyon featured a cross and so on) and others questioned if it was appropriate for Mormon girls to wear. The question was taken to President David O. McKay, and he settled the issue (a bit) by saying "Latter-day Saint girls should not purchase and wear them. ... Our worship should be in our hearts." The church did settle the anti-Catholic feeling later, which is good, but the taboo against the cross stayed.
Then in 1975 President Gordon B. Hinckley, then only an apostle, said in general conference, "...for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ." I've found that this is the quote most people remember, and the reason most LDS members give for not using the symbol of the cross.
I would like to make a comment, though. Something I learned in my World Religions class was that Protestants and Catholics use the the symbol of the cross, remembering that the cross is empty (that is the difference between the cross and the crucifix, by the way). Having an empty cross reminds them that indeed, "He is risen". So for them, the cross is a symbol of the living Christ. They also use the symbol to remind them of what Christ has done for them. He gave His life for them and then he rose from the dead. I think it is beautiful. To say that the only symbol we as Latter-day saints use is the way we live our lives is obviously not true (CTR rings, anyone? They are a little less meaning loaded than crosses). I realize that it is practically a church expectation and standard to not wear crosses, especially since Gordon B. Hinckley made his statement. In a way, it is a little sad. I think it is a beautiful symbol. I'm not saying that you need to go out and buy one - I think the Mormon culture backlash would be shocking - but please realize how wonderful this portrayal of faith is for some people. I think it is awesome that they are willing to wear their religion around their necks. They are simply trying to "always remember Him", which is one of our goals, too.
My World Religions professor talked about it, and today I found an article entirely about the subject. Here is a link to that article, but I will quote parts of it in my post. I think it is a fascinating subject.
Apparently, it was used as much in Utah as anywhere in the beginning. Even the official church cattle brand was a cross. There was a proposed monument to honor the pioneers in the shape of a huge cross on Ensign Peak. But it was never built, because right about then (the beginning of the 20th century), LDS attitudes toward the cross as a symbol changed. It was due to an anti-Catholic sentiment. Missionary work was rough going, and Catholics had played a role in that, so they began to have an aversion to any catholic symbol, i.e. the cross.
It became a really polarizing issue. Some people had no problem with it (a This Is The Place Monument at the mouth of Immigration Canyon featured a cross and so on) and others questioned if it was appropriate for Mormon girls to wear. The question was taken to President David O. McKay, and he settled the issue (a bit) by saying "Latter-day Saint girls should not purchase and wear them. ... Our worship should be in our hearts." The church did settle the anti-Catholic feeling later, which is good, but the taboo against the cross stayed.
Then in 1975 President Gordon B. Hinckley, then only an apostle, said in general conference, "...for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ." I've found that this is the quote most people remember, and the reason most LDS members give for not using the symbol of the cross.
I would like to make a comment, though. Something I learned in my World Religions class was that Protestants and Catholics use the the symbol of the cross, remembering that the cross is empty (that is the difference between the cross and the crucifix, by the way). Having an empty cross reminds them that indeed, "He is risen". So for them, the cross is a symbol of the living Christ. They also use the symbol to remind them of what Christ has done for them. He gave His life for them and then he rose from the dead. I think it is beautiful. To say that the only symbol we as Latter-day saints use is the way we live our lives is obviously not true (CTR rings, anyone? They are a little less meaning loaded than crosses). I realize that it is practically a church expectation and standard to not wear crosses, especially since Gordon B. Hinckley made his statement. In a way, it is a little sad. I think it is a beautiful symbol. I'm not saying that you need to go out and buy one - I think the Mormon culture backlash would be shocking - but please realize how wonderful this portrayal of faith is for some people. I think it is awesome that they are willing to wear their religion around their necks. They are simply trying to "always remember Him", which is one of our goals, too.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Mind Itch
Okay. I've had an itch on my brain that I have been trying to ignore since Sunday. I guess I will just scratch it.
What happened was that a guy in my Sunday School class very confidently and clearly declared some false doctrine. It's bothering me. Sometimes other people say false doctrine unthinkingly because they are nervous talking in front of everyone, or because they meant the truth, and it just came out wrong. Other people seems to be still grasping the meaning of the gospel, so they can be excused, too, because they are still learning. This was not the case for this guy. I'm not sure why this one is bothering me so badly. Maybe because what he said is part of the Mormon culture mindset that gets us in trouble.
He said, "Even if you do good things all of your life, you could still be damned."
Not true! All good things come of Christ (Moroni 7:24). The only way that a person can do good things is through Christ. If they know of Christ, then it is through Him. If they don't know of Christ and are doing good things because it is the best they know, I don't believe that they will be "damned". I believe that even in not knowing His name, by doing good things they are coming to know Him.
The guy's point was that people can't be saved on their own. They need to do it together, with Zion, with a group of good people. I would still disagree. What about Moroni? He was very much alone. No one can be saved without Christ, if that is what he was getting at, but no one can do good things without Him, to some degree, in their lives. Thus, they cannot be damned.
The bottom line is this: you cannot do good things your entire life and be damned. God is a just god, and that would not be just.
I think the reason this bothers me so much is that some Mormons take on the belief that we are so much better than everyone else because we have the true gospel, the fullness. And we do. But some people do the best with what they have, and are doing good their entire lives. I don't believe, no, I know that God won't damn them for not belonging to the church in this life. In fact, there are some Muslims in this world that are doing a lot better than a lot of Mormons. Their religion is beautiful and helps them live good, moral lives. If they truly follow their religion, and devote themselves to God, and do good their whole lives, they will not be damned. They might recognize the truth, and recognize Christ in the second coming, because by living good lives they have come to know Him.
Whew. That feels better. If you disagree with me (or believe I am preaching false doctrine somewhere), please comment. I welcome the discussion. :)
What happened was that a guy in my Sunday School class very confidently and clearly declared some false doctrine. It's bothering me. Sometimes other people say false doctrine unthinkingly because they are nervous talking in front of everyone, or because they meant the truth, and it just came out wrong. Other people seems to be still grasping the meaning of the gospel, so they can be excused, too, because they are still learning. This was not the case for this guy. I'm not sure why this one is bothering me so badly. Maybe because what he said is part of the Mormon culture mindset that gets us in trouble.
He said, "Even if you do good things all of your life, you could still be damned."
Not true! All good things come of Christ (Moroni 7:24). The only way that a person can do good things is through Christ. If they know of Christ, then it is through Him. If they don't know of Christ and are doing good things because it is the best they know, I don't believe that they will be "damned". I believe that even in not knowing His name, by doing good things they are coming to know Him.
The guy's point was that people can't be saved on their own. They need to do it together, with Zion, with a group of good people. I would still disagree. What about Moroni? He was very much alone. No one can be saved without Christ, if that is what he was getting at, but no one can do good things without Him, to some degree, in their lives. Thus, they cannot be damned.
The bottom line is this: you cannot do good things your entire life and be damned. God is a just god, and that would not be just.
I think the reason this bothers me so much is that some Mormons take on the belief that we are so much better than everyone else because we have the true gospel, the fullness. And we do. But some people do the best with what they have, and are doing good their entire lives. I don't believe, no, I know that God won't damn them for not belonging to the church in this life. In fact, there are some Muslims in this world that are doing a lot better than a lot of Mormons. Their religion is beautiful and helps them live good, moral lives. If they truly follow their religion, and devote themselves to God, and do good their whole lives, they will not be damned. They might recognize the truth, and recognize Christ in the second coming, because by living good lives they have come to know Him.
Whew. That feels better. If you disagree with me (or believe I am preaching false doctrine somewhere), please comment. I welcome the discussion. :)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dating can be Awkward
Yep. A post about April's dating life (another one? yes).
I was talking to a friend the other day and I realized what a strange dating life I have had. I have some pretty amazing stories. Amazing meaning abnormal.
See, I have a strange talent for attracting two kinds of guys (with some exceptions. Clearly.)
Nerds/Weirdos
Bad boys who are fascinated by my Molly Mormon-ness
I thought it was about time my blog got a taste of some of the strange dates I've been on/been asked on. On the bright side, I am getting much better at saying no when I really don't want to go.
Let's start with the Nerd/Weirdos category. I have been asked on a date to the Physics lab (dinner first, lab homework after), I have been shown a 25 year old's high school year books on a date(*yawn*), been asked through email, text, and facebook (which I understand there are circumstances that make that okay, but there are circumstances where that isn't okay), and had high fives, hand shakes and guys that stay 10 feet away at the door step. I've even been just dropped off. I've had dates where my date said maybe two sentences to me the whole time, or disappeared for half of the date. One guy put me in a head lock and gave me a noogie. Don't worry, I punched him. Oh, and don't forget the Freshman who took me out on his meal plan (I was a Junior at the time).
Then there was Elvis Jr. (yes, he was named after his father) visiting from Tennessee. It was a blind date that Claire was supposed to go on, but backed out to go on a date with her boyfriend (fair move). So I went. It was for a dance, so we had a day date the night before the dance date. For the day date, we went to a corn maze (it was a group date). Problem: Elvis was meeting us there. His family lives in Utah, so he was spending some time with them. So while everyone was chatting it up with their dates, I was staring out of the window of the 15 passenger van for a half an hour. I sure felt cool. When we got there, it turned out that Elvis' family came along. They did the corn maze with us. His little sisters were running everywhere giggling, and his dad gave me a handful of corn to throw at Elvis. I didn't. Awkward. Elvis didn't talk to me much. He seemed a little strange. Then we left, and he stayed with his family. Another half an hour back by myself. Great. The huge van stopped to get everyone Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The guys tried to quietly discuss who would be paying for me. They were all just paying for their dates, but at this point, I had no date. Fabulous. I made up a new rule on the spot: I don't eat doughnuts after 10. It's unhealthy. Relieved, I was ignored once again.
The next day was the dance. It was an informal Homecoming dance, so the guys decided to do matching shirts like Sadie Hawkins in High School. Elvis bought us Yoda shirts. That's not embarrassing to show up to dance in. He didn't talk much, and when he did, it was phrases like, "I don't believe in love". Oh. Okay. Great. Not that I was thinking this was going anywhere, but isn't that a bit strange to say on a date? Anyway, then we went to the dance. Oh, dear. Elvis did his model walk impression. great. Then he "sprained his ankle". He would sit on the floor for a while, but then he would forget it was sprained, and jump up and dance. Then he would remember again how hurt he was (10 minutes later or so), and the cycle continued. Fabulous. Man, I think I'm getting really tired - is it time to go yet?? Ugh. Anyway, after it was over, I was left with a green Yoda shirt, some awesome memories, and an aversion to the middle seat of 15 passenger vans.
For a short period of my life I went Blues dancing. Blues can be fun when it is with clean, fun guys, but the problem is that there is no guarantee that only good guys will want to dance. That's actually why I stopped going. One guy in particular that used to go was particularly fascinated by me. He enjoyed seeing if he could freak me out, awkward me out, or in general push my boundaries. He was a nice guy, but not my normal type (tattoos, earrings, beard, etc.). He liked to ask me if we were friends or if I was afraid of him. Then I stopped going to Blues and he moved, so I thought I would never hear from him again. Then yesterday on Facebook, I got this message: "I remember you. I always thought you were so cute". That's all. Ooookay. "I remember you. I always thought you were weird"...
Sometimes I am just surprised by who asks me out. I have found that if I meet a guy and have a horrible first impression ("you drive me nuts!" "you are not my type" or "what a oddball!"), it is guaranteed that they will ask me out. I think I must be very attractive when I am rude, or something (This has happened many times). In my last ward there was a guy who kinda bugged me. As soon as I had mentioned this to my roommates, he was assigned to be my home teacher (thanks, up there, I get the point), and he asked me out. I had something going that night, so I couldn't go, but he couldn't take that as an answer - he kept questioning me. "Are you sure? I bet that will get out in time for you to go. Concerts always run short. You could come if you really wanted to." Umm, I still can't go. Now I feel awkward...
Oh, and I haven't even mentioned my high school stalker! For starters, he had some features in common with Napoleon Dynamite (the 'fro, the jeans...). I gave a talk in a Seminary Assembly in ninth grade, and the next day (the day after my birthday), he gave me a note thanking me for my talk, and saying "he would like to marry someone like me someday", and closed by giving me advice on being more humble with some included scriptures. He started eating lunch with my friends, and giving me more notes. Long story short there were several confrontations where I told him to leave me alone, but he continued to call me, write me notes, and ate lunch with my friends. One of his notes said that whenever he called or wrote me a note, he prayed about it first. Most of the notes included scriptural advice about what I should do with my life. Early on he told me I was a great girl, but I was "feisty". In context, I thought of it as a compliment. Once he gave me an "I'm sorry" rose. My dad and I thought I really needed to get rid of it, so we gave it to our neighbor for her birthday. She probably thought we were really strange.
Hahaha, well, that was fun to reminisce about. And really, there are so many more awkward and funny stories in my dating life. Maybe I'm the only one that thinks they are funny. *shrug* I am excited for the someday when I won't have to worry about any of it anymore. Then my stories will be even funnier. I will tell my teenage daughters about the good old days, and make them laugh. Hopefully they will realize that I've been through it too, and hopefully I won't forget what it was like to be here. Someday maybe someone normal and attractive will ask me out, and maybe I won't be too afraid of their awesomeness, and I will finally be done with the silly rules and non-communication and awkwardness of dating. But for now, I will build up my reservoir of I've-been-theres for my daughters, and hopefully make some funny memories. I think a mission would be a nice break, too. :)
I was talking to a friend the other day and I realized what a strange dating life I have had. I have some pretty amazing stories. Amazing meaning abnormal.
See, I have a strange talent for attracting two kinds of guys (with some exceptions. Clearly.)
Nerds/Weirdos
Bad boys who are fascinated by my Molly Mormon-ness
I thought it was about time my blog got a taste of some of the strange dates I've been on/been asked on. On the bright side, I am getting much better at saying no when I really don't want to go.
Let's start with the Nerd/Weirdos category. I have been asked on a date to the Physics lab (dinner first, lab homework after), I have been shown a 25 year old's high school year books on a date(*yawn*), been asked through email, text, and facebook (which I understand there are circumstances that make that okay, but there are circumstances where that isn't okay), and had high fives, hand shakes and guys that stay 10 feet away at the door step. I've even been just dropped off. I've had dates where my date said maybe two sentences to me the whole time, or disappeared for half of the date. One guy put me in a head lock and gave me a noogie. Don't worry, I punched him. Oh, and don't forget the Freshman who took me out on his meal plan (I was a Junior at the time).
Then there was Elvis Jr. (yes, he was named after his father) visiting from Tennessee. It was a blind date that Claire was supposed to go on, but backed out to go on a date with her boyfriend (fair move). So I went. It was for a dance, so we had a day date the night before the dance date. For the day date, we went to a corn maze (it was a group date). Problem: Elvis was meeting us there. His family lives in Utah, so he was spending some time with them. So while everyone was chatting it up with their dates, I was staring out of the window of the 15 passenger van for a half an hour. I sure felt cool. When we got there, it turned out that Elvis' family came along. They did the corn maze with us. His little sisters were running everywhere giggling, and his dad gave me a handful of corn to throw at Elvis. I didn't. Awkward. Elvis didn't talk to me much. He seemed a little strange. Then we left, and he stayed with his family. Another half an hour back by myself. Great. The huge van stopped to get everyone Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The guys tried to quietly discuss who would be paying for me. They were all just paying for their dates, but at this point, I had no date. Fabulous. I made up a new rule on the spot: I don't eat doughnuts after 10. It's unhealthy. Relieved, I was ignored once again.
The next day was the dance. It was an informal Homecoming dance, so the guys decided to do matching shirts like Sadie Hawkins in High School. Elvis bought us Yoda shirts. That's not embarrassing to show up to dance in. He didn't talk much, and when he did, it was phrases like, "I don't believe in love". Oh. Okay. Great. Not that I was thinking this was going anywhere, but isn't that a bit strange to say on a date? Anyway, then we went to the dance. Oh, dear. Elvis did his model walk impression. great. Then he "sprained his ankle". He would sit on the floor for a while, but then he would forget it was sprained, and jump up and dance. Then he would remember again how hurt he was (10 minutes later or so), and the cycle continued. Fabulous. Man, I think I'm getting really tired - is it time to go yet?? Ugh. Anyway, after it was over, I was left with a green Yoda shirt, some awesome memories, and an aversion to the middle seat of 15 passenger vans.
For a short period of my life I went Blues dancing. Blues can be fun when it is with clean, fun guys, but the problem is that there is no guarantee that only good guys will want to dance. That's actually why I stopped going. One guy in particular that used to go was particularly fascinated by me. He enjoyed seeing if he could freak me out, awkward me out, or in general push my boundaries. He was a nice guy, but not my normal type (tattoos, earrings, beard, etc.). He liked to ask me if we were friends or if I was afraid of him. Then I stopped going to Blues and he moved, so I thought I would never hear from him again. Then yesterday on Facebook, I got this message: "I remember you. I always thought you were so cute". That's all. Ooookay. "I remember you. I always thought you were weird"...
Sometimes I am just surprised by who asks me out. I have found that if I meet a guy and have a horrible first impression ("you drive me nuts!" "you are not my type" or "what a oddball!"), it is guaranteed that they will ask me out. I think I must be very attractive when I am rude, or something (This has happened many times). In my last ward there was a guy who kinda bugged me. As soon as I had mentioned this to my roommates, he was assigned to be my home teacher (thanks, up there, I get the point), and he asked me out. I had something going that night, so I couldn't go, but he couldn't take that as an answer - he kept questioning me. "Are you sure? I bet that will get out in time for you to go. Concerts always run short. You could come if you really wanted to." Umm, I still can't go. Now I feel awkward...
Oh, and I haven't even mentioned my high school stalker! For starters, he had some features in common with Napoleon Dynamite (the 'fro, the jeans...). I gave a talk in a Seminary Assembly in ninth grade, and the next day (the day after my birthday), he gave me a note thanking me for my talk, and saying "he would like to marry someone like me someday", and closed by giving me advice on being more humble with some included scriptures. He started eating lunch with my friends, and giving me more notes. Long story short there were several confrontations where I told him to leave me alone, but he continued to call me, write me notes, and ate lunch with my friends. One of his notes said that whenever he called or wrote me a note, he prayed about it first. Most of the notes included scriptural advice about what I should do with my life. Early on he told me I was a great girl, but I was "feisty". In context, I thought of it as a compliment. Once he gave me an "I'm sorry" rose. My dad and I thought I really needed to get rid of it, so we gave it to our neighbor for her birthday. She probably thought we were really strange.
Hahaha, well, that was fun to reminisce about. And really, there are so many more awkward and funny stories in my dating life. Maybe I'm the only one that thinks they are funny. *shrug* I am excited for the someday when I won't have to worry about any of it anymore. Then my stories will be even funnier. I will tell my teenage daughters about the good old days, and make them laugh. Hopefully they will realize that I've been through it too, and hopefully I won't forget what it was like to be here. Someday maybe someone normal and attractive will ask me out, and maybe I won't be too afraid of their awesomeness, and I will finally be done with the silly rules and non-communication and awkwardness of dating. But for now, I will build up my reservoir of I've-been-theres for my daughters, and hopefully make some funny memories. I think a mission would be a nice break, too. :)
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