When it comes to modesty I'm a big believer in it. That was one thing that impressed me about Scott. He would tell me how modesty was something he looked for in girls and felt it was important. Now growing up to me it sometimes felt like I wasn't always wearing what was "in" or "popular" because my mom really pushed it. But as I've grown up I've really seen the importance of it. I could go on forever about bathing suits. Everyone can make their own decisions with what they want to wear but for me, as an endowed member of the church, I would never be seen in something too revealing because of the covenants I have made in the temple and the protection I know that comes from modesty. My bathing suit top feels way too revealing. I feel like there is just too much of my chest exposed. I choose to wear a rash guard over it because I don't want other people staring my chest. My top may cover my stomach but that alone doesn't make it modest. The rash guard makes me feel comfortable and I know my chest isn't getting unnecessary attention. I have a husband and I don't want anyone's attention but his!
So if anyone has has a temple recommend interview in the last 2-3 years you may have noticed a changed in the part about the garment. I can't remember exactly what was said since mine was over a year ago, but I remember them stressing the importance of wearing the garment as much as possible. Like specifying wearing it to do yard work. I guess that was a problem? But I know they were stressing the protection. As I've had the opportunity to do initiatories for a bunch of my ancestors, there was something that started standing out to me and I felt I needed to change. Sometimes I'd wear my garments when I'd exercise and sometimes I wouldn't. My stake president, when I first received my own endowment, instructed me and told me I didn't have to wear it when I exercised to swam or showered. He told me some funny stories! But did stress the importance of the sacredness of the garment and treating it as such. So sometimes I would wear them when I exercised and other times I wouldn't. But this one time, in the temple, listening to the temple worker instruct me on the holy garment. Basically she said that as long as I wore the garment, it would protect me from the destroyer. That got me thinking.
For a long time I've been anti gym. It's all personal reasons. I remember growing up and hearing about relationships being destroyed because of gym memberships. No joke! Apparently it was a problem in our stake. My mom told me how the stake president was actually telling husbands to buy their wives whatever they needed to work out at home because as they got healthy and thin, guys would start picking up on them and before you know it, someone has messed up and a family is torn apart. Sadly, I have seen the same thing here in UT. A guy I worked with told me about a similar thing in their stake. The stake president discouraging people from getting gym memberships and getting healthy on their own because of marriages failing. At one point they actually had people wife swapping in his ward! Wife swapping! Gross! They didn't see anything wrong with it because they all consented. Not how it works folks! I saw a family with very young kids in my parent's old ward split up because the mom was too into herself and how she looked. She'd wear skimpy stuff when she worked out and would be outside in the yard in it too. She eventually left him. I have seen it closer to home like my ex sis in law get all into the gym hype and boom, divorces my brother. Another guy I worked with, told me stories about people in his ward leaving spouses because of people met at the gym then eventually he ends up divorcing his wife who cheated on him. I have seen a pattern. I know I am strong. I know what I believe but if you put yourself in that position long enough, you can wear down your guard. ANYONE can fall.
Cue in my inspiration from the temple. So going along with my no gym policy, I could see a connection. I'm sure there are tons of other people like me out there who took off garments to exercise. But if you're already in a place (and I guess this is more for those who don't exercise with a spouse at the gym) where there can be temptations presented and you aren't wearing the one thing that in your washing and anointing promised you protection against the destroyer, then how strong do you think you really are? I thought about that. It even more confirmed things for me. I can workout from home. I don't need a gym to be healthy. There are dvds and at home programs like daily burn. I can go for walks or runs or ride my bike or play sports. And the best part. I can do it all in my garments. It doesn't inhibit me in any way. Now like I said. Everyone is different and believes their own things. I'm not saying that every person that goes to the gym is destroying their marriage. That is just my belief and to me, its not worth risking. I know myself and I love my husband more than anything. I scored when I found him. I'd be dumb to ever leave him! There is no way I could ever do that good again! :) But I don't trust Satan. So I will maintain my modesty. I don't care how hot it gets or if I have to wear long shorts or capris to cover my garments. I will always keep my garments on when I exercise. I have been promised protection as long as I am wearing them and keep my covenants. A very small price to pay in my opinion. Just thought I'd share this thought that has been on my mind for months now. Hoping it helps someone see the importance of modesty in all things and realize that the protection we have from the garment we wear is real.
One last thought that I have. So Oct 2014 General Conference, I heard this talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng
It made me realize what I am capable of. It has helped me to eat healthier and to start my early am schedule of exercise, prayer and scripture reading before my kids wake up. I realized that is is really important for my spirit to function properly too. I think this sparked all the above stuff. I think sometimes that people just want to be skinny or look like everyone else. But that will never really satisfy you. I know because I've been there. Since this talk, since the early morning stuff, since eating healthier, I have seen and felt a change. I feel more spiritually connected. I understand more than I ever have when it comes to reading the scriptures. I feel like I've wasted years of learning and now finally got the hang of how this whole life thing works. So for all those who never feel like they measure up, forget everything else. Read this talk. Really take it in. Do a self evaluation. Find out what you really want to know. Find out what you really want to be. Set the goal then put it into action. For me, each day is another step. Sometimes its a step backwards but I reevaluate myself each day in my evening prayer and try to move forward again the next day. It's good to see the big picture but sometimes that can be overwhelming. On the days it feels that way. Focus on the little successes. What did you do good? Where did you see the guidance of your Savior and Heavenly Father during the day? Focus on that and start again fresh the next day. Never give up, stay close to our Savior and use prayer! It can get you through anything! Even desiring to eat healthier!
Okay, so now I'm done. I just hope that helped someone. I don't think many people read this but I don't know. I felt I needed to say it all and there it is :)
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