April Showers Bring....Temperance

You thought I was going to say "May Flowers" didn't you...nope!  This time April is showering me with visions of temperance.  Why?  Because I'm teaching a class on temperance at the end of April for church, and because I am so NOT temperate.  My class will be based on this talk by Elder Kent D. Watson  and this talk by President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2009 General Conference.

Dictionary:
Temperance:  the state or quality of being temperate (I so hate definitions like this---and that's just one example of how I am not temperate)

Temperant:  1. Moderate in indulging the appetites; not self-indulgent  2. Moderate in one's actions, speech, etc.; self-restrained  3. characterized by moderation or restraint  4. neither very hot nor very cold; said of climate, etc...

So far I've also learned that In a spiritual sense being temperate includes the following: using moderation in all things, exercising self control; carefully examining our expectations and desires, being diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.  A temperate soul is one who is in control of their temper, pride, anger, and vanity. 

This is a new thing for me, this teaching in church thing I mean-not the temperate thing (although that's new too).  It makes me nervous, it makes me queasy, it makes me want to turn and run...really, really fast.  I don't like public speaking, it freaks me out.  I'm learning  though, and I know I'm stretching beyond my comfort zone, and growing, so that's a good thing.  I thought I'd post some of my journey here.  It helps to write it out, and think about it.  As well as to be held accountable. 

I'm doing an experiment this month, I'm really trying to be temperate.  It's hard.  This is not my nature, this is not the way my soul naturally leans.  I have strong feelings, and don't generally shy from speaking them, and don't always have the most tact when I do.  I anger too easily, I yell too much, patience is not my virtue.  I hold hope in the promise that we can develop these character traits if we want them enough to really work for them. 

I'm hoping that by studying AND practicing temperance I will learn what temperance truly means to ME.  I am sure I will learn more by doing than by simply reading.  I am praying for temperance, and studying about temperance, and SEEKING temperance in all I do this month. 

I'll keep you posted...join with me if you like, and seek the temperate life, it'll be fun!