29 January 2009

KBFUMS

Ok, so a few of you know about my little work thing known as KBFUMS, even fewer of you know what it REALLY stands for....well, the time has come to reveal it to the world...

KBFUMS was created about 12 1/2 yrs ago when I worked a job that although it was fun with several good people was not the best job I have ever had...I have this problem with opening my mouth and causing problems! So, one day, in my frustration, I made this sign and taped it to the top of my monitor, it simply said, KBFUMS. When this temp job was coming to an end, there were two guys who were desperate to find out exactly what KBFUMS stood for and I refused to tell them. So, they tried guessing...I don't remember the vast majority of the things they came up with, but one was perfect and stuck. Their brilliance changed my not so positive KBFUMS into Keep Being Faithful Under Mormon Standards! I have used KBFUMS many times since then, but always think of both the above and the original meaning....

Ok, I will digress for a moment: I am so grateful to have such wonderful neighbors and friends including Jim, Nancy, their boys and Linda!!! Nancy presented this idea (admittedly a month or so ago) that she took from her cousin and has then encouraged all of us to take from her and I will....it is to have a word for the year that you focus on, that becomes you...my word for 2009 is FAITH. When I first read Nancy's post, this is the first word that came to me. I thought it over and over and over toying with other words that were also coming to me, and it always went back to FAITH, so there it is....my word of focus for 2009!!!


The Merriam Webster dictionary defines FAITH as: 1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions 2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust 3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction ; especially : a system of religious beliefs


The (LDS) Bible Dictionary says: Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true, and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation. Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith. Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith. Faith is a principle of action and of power, and by it one can command the elements and/or heal the sick, or influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants. Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God. All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for. A lack of faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity. Although faith is a gift, it must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed to a great tree. The effects of true faith in Jesus Christ include 1 an actual knowledge that the course of life one is pursuing is acceptable to the Lord; 2 a reception of the blessings of the Lord that are available to man in this life; and 3 an assurance of personal salvation in the world to come. These things involve individual and personal testimony, guidance, revelation, and spiritual knowledge. Where there is true faith there are miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God that he gives to his saints.

Ok, now that we have FAITH defined, I have been focusing on this word and concept of FAITH for a few weeks already. My thoughts are always drawn back to FAITH and in many things, including movies, there is a lot of talk about and focus on FAITH reminding me even more to keep my focus.

I am choosing during this year of FAITH to not only work on maintaining and growing my FAITH in a spiritual sense, but in those closest to me and myself. I need them, including my Steve (yes TL, MY Steve) to know that I have always had the upmost FAITH in him and that FAITH and trust continues on and grows each day! I am at a point in my life where I am focusing on FAITH in myself as I embark on new adventures. Yes, you will hear about some of these on this very blog throughout the year! I have to thank Nancy, again, for bringing this great idea to my life. I came across this quote this morning and feel the need to share this for her and anyone else out there that I know this will help: ""It is hope that maintains most of mankind." ---Sophocles

So, for 2009, I will leave behind the Keep My Big Fat Ugly Mouth Shut and I will choose to Keep Being Faithful Under Mormon Standards and focus on FAITH! Steve, Jo, Maura and any others that have been enlightened to the original silliness of KBFUMS over the years...you can pick your jaw up off the floor and know that I am perfectly ok with the world now knowing the original meaning! If only, I knew where those guys from so many years ago were, eh?! Oh and just so you know, this doesn't mean I will be keeping my mouth shut, I just caution the world to beware, you never know what will come out of this mouth!

1 comment:

Melinda said...

That's a neat post, Rebecca. Very meaningful story. I like the idea of choosing one word for the year, since I'm not any good at making and keeping New Year's resolutions. Best wishes with the new focus on faith. I'll have to go think of a word I want to focus on this year.