Thank you to all who attended the Fireside on January 13. We appreciate your support in our efforts to provide uplifting events that strengthen and support all who are seeking to choose the Lord's pathway in this life. All who attended were richly rewarded for being there.

Dr. John Lund talked about his belief in the "Satanic" philosophy of "Perfectionism." (This is a view of perfection as the "unattainable" ideal.) He discussed the historical origins of this in the Greek, Roman, and Jewish philosophies, and how it is finding increasing influence in the beliefs of members of the LDS Church today.

He directed us to the scripture in Matthew 5:48, and said in order to understand it, it must be read within the context of the entire paragraph in which it is the concluding sentence. Beginning with verse 43 (the double backwards P indicates the beginning of a paragraph), Jesus explains the example of perfect (unconditional) LOVE which God the Father has for all of us. It ends with telling us to "be ye therefore perfect (in LOVE), even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect." That is the goal we should be striving for, rather than trying to be (and feeling hopeless about) perfection in every thought, choice, and action. The mistakes we make in this life can be corrected through the gift of the Atonement and the process of repentance. Our lesson in this life is to learn how to LOVE ("…cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all…").