I've been reading in the Book of Mormon and re-discovered Mosiah 2 last week. I still can't get over how moved I was as I read this chapter. I love the chiasma seen in this particular chapter. As it is broken down the theme of indebtedness is so prevalent. However what really caught my attention were some notes which I'd jotted in the margins previously about this chapter.
The notes were in regards to the definitions of the terms, granted and loaned. While a grant is something that is generally freely given, generally there are no specifications regarding the repayment. While something may be anticipated, it is not generally completely spelled out. Loaned however generally has a specific connotation in regards to repayment. If something is loaned, repayment is expected and exacted.
Therefore, as this chapter speaks about our lives being granted to us, and our breath loaned to us, I really stopped to consider - what is the expected repayment?
As I contemplated this, I contemplated the chapter and King Benjamin's words on service. As he explains, when we are in the service of our fellow men, we are in the service of God. We repay our loan for our life and our breath in serving other people.
I believe that service is the key to life. Instead of focusing on what we have or want, we share what we have and help to lift others. Jesus Christ is such an amazing example of giving His life in our service. Everything He did was to help others. He had no ulterior motives, nor any focus on himself. His great expiation was an act of service for each one of us so that we can return to our Father in Heaven. He gave His life so that we might live.
What greater sermon could King Benjamin have given? I'm not sure why this was so poignant for me, but I've fallen in love with this chapter like never before. My gratitude for the Savior has grown while my determination to serve more, be more selfless and do better has increased.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Betrayal
I noticed that this blog still receives a couple of visits here and there, and so I thought that I would work a little harder to keep it going.
Yesterday I was having a tough day and was struggling with some interpersonal relationships. As my thoughts turned to Christ, I began to think about his life and wondered if he had gone through any of the same issues which I have been dealing with. Of course the answer is yes - he went through it all so that he could succor us.
However, I really began to ponder how he may have gone through some of my concerns. I was struck with the thought of Judas Iscariot. Christ knew that Judas would betray Him, and He knew that it had to be done. As Judas went to betray Him, Christ asked him to go quickly and get it done. What mental anguish must have been involved.
I know as I've struggled with my personal feelings that the theory is always much easier to master rather than the action.
I grew yesterday in knowing that there is One who knows. He has been there and felt my pain and anguish, and He indeed loves me and knows how to succor me. What peace and joy I gain from such knowledge.
Yesterday I was having a tough day and was struggling with some interpersonal relationships. As my thoughts turned to Christ, I began to think about his life and wondered if he had gone through any of the same issues which I have been dealing with. Of course the answer is yes - he went through it all so that he could succor us.
However, I really began to ponder how he may have gone through some of my concerns. I was struck with the thought of Judas Iscariot. Christ knew that Judas would betray Him, and He knew that it had to be done. As Judas went to betray Him, Christ asked him to go quickly and get it done. What mental anguish must have been involved. I know as I've struggled with my personal feelings that the theory is always much easier to master rather than the action.
I grew yesterday in knowing that there is One who knows. He has been there and felt my pain and anguish, and He indeed loves me and knows how to succor me. What peace and joy I gain from such knowledge.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Trek - Martin's Cove Youth Conference 08
We are back from an amazing experience. What a blessing it is to take time out of life for spiritual rest and remembrance. Three years ago, we went on the same trek, to the same place, even with some of the same youth. For some reason however, this trek was SO different. I'm sure the difference was me - but it is something that has become very special to me.
We left our girls with some friends in our ward - thanks SO MUCH!! We are blessed to have them as friends that we feel comfortable leaving the girls with. We had dinner with them on Sunday night and then left the girls there. We got up VERY early on Monday morning and met everyone at 6:00 am at the church. Drove to another pick up
spot and approximately 7 hours later arrived at our destination - Martin's Cove in Wyoming.
There, we were divided into families and the fun began. At first we were pretty apprehensive. Our 8 'kids' didn't appear to like each other, get along, or want to even be near each other. I think our thoughts were along the lines of - oh brother - what have we gotten ourselves into? Three days of this might be pretty tough. However, we packed all of our belongings onto the handcart.
We had a brief orientation, where inside one of the cabins I was able to locate some of my ancestors. I learned that William Stimpson was 33 years old when he traveled through Martin's Cove in 1856. Approximately one week prior to his arrival there, he had buried his 2 year old son after crossing the North Platte River (now near Casper) and then while there in the cove, he buried his wife Rebecca who was 31, and a newborn baby boy who was premature.
Well, we as we traveled, our stuff constantly fell off of the cart- it was ALMOST humorous. We arrived and figured out our tent situations and got our camp set up. Had dinner, watched the kids do some square dancing, had a devotional, and then we had a family home evening around the campfire. We asked our kids to share a pioneer story, or a favorite scripture story. I was grateful as they began to open up and share some of themselves with everyone. We had a beautiful sunset, and the stars were gorgeous.
As we went to bed, the wind picked up - it was CRAZY. Sometime after 1:00 it died down and we were all finally able to get to sleep.
The next morning we hitched up our handcarts and traveled to the Veil Bridge which connects the present with the past. The original land owner requested that his posterity never allow a plow to touch the ground there, and so the landscape is the same as it was back in the 1850's. We had a devotional in Dan's Cove, and then spent time in Martin's Cove. When President Hinckley dedicated the Cove in 1997, he stated that the spirits of those who gave their lives there were there. Although Wyoming doesn't have a temple, this land was dedicated as a temple and hallowed ground - made hallowed by the sacrifices. While in the Cove, I had some very distinctive experiences, and I think I took care of 6 months worth of crying(and for the record - I really don't cry.) It was a very special experience for both myself and my husband.
Later, we had the opportunity to cross the Sweetwater river. The young men were given the opportunity to carry people across the river if they so desired - which I believe was a very special experience for many of the, and then the men were called away to the Mormon Battalion. The women had a short devotional with a very interesting topic. It was pointed out that most women at some time in their lives will have to pull their carts on their own. Whether through lack of finding a worthy mate, divorce, or death the likelihood is great. They talked about the similarity of the YW values as pioneer values, and then - the Young Women were asked to pull their carts on their own. The men lined the path, took of their hats and silently watched as these strong young women carried all of their belongings as well as a 'sick' person up the steepest and sandiest hill. My young sisters told me it was the hardest thing they had ever done in their lives.
Most were hot and tired when we got back to camp. My daughters and I slipped away to quickly shampoo our hair, and then we were informed about a last minute change of plans which allowed us to go (girls first, then boys) play in the river for 30 minutes to cool down. That was a blast!
We then had dinner, more square dancing, a fireside, then a bonfire testimony meeting. That night after the kid's chatting died down, the wind picked back up - it was another tough sleep night.
In the morning, we broke down our camp, and reloaded our cart. One of our daughters had a great idea on how to do it, but the stuff STILL seemed to fall off - just not as often as previously. We started talking about movies and everyone finally started to really laugh, bond, and have lots of fun together. We got back to the pick up area a little bit early, and had some extra time, so 4 of the youth in our family and we decided to go an extra couple of miles and visit Devil's Gate. What a BEAUTIFUL area - probably the most pretty of it all - definitely worth the extra mileage! Afterwards, we loaded up and headed home.
I'm so grateful for the wonderful experience we had. We really were able to connect with several of our 'children' and it was truly and amazing experience.
Although - the shower and clean bed were REALLY nice last night too! I must be getting older, cause I really like my own bed A LOT!
We left our girls with some friends in our ward - thanks SO MUCH!! We are blessed to have them as friends that we feel comfortable leaving the girls with. We had dinner with them on Sunday night and then left the girls there. We got up VERY early on Monday morning and met everyone at 6:00 am at the church. Drove to another pick up
spot and approximately 7 hours later arrived at our destination - Martin's Cove in Wyoming.
There, we were divided into families and the fun began. At first we were pretty apprehensive. Our 8 'kids' didn't appear to like each other, get along, or want to even be near each other. I think our thoughts were along the lines of - oh brother - what have we gotten ourselves into? Three days of this might be pretty tough. However, we packed all of our belongings onto the handcart.
We had a brief orientation, where inside one of the cabins I was able to locate some of my ancestors. I learned that William Stimpson was 33 years old when he traveled through Martin's Cove in 1856. Approximately one week prior to his arrival there, he had buried his 2 year old son after crossing the North Platte River (now near Casper) and then while there in the cove, he buried his wife Rebecca who was 31, and a newborn baby boy who was premature.
Well, we as we traveled, our stuff constantly fell off of the cart- it was ALMOST humorous. We arrived and figured out our tent situations and got our camp set up. Had dinner, watched the kids do some square dancing, had a devotional, and then we had a family home evening around the campfire. We asked our kids to share a pioneer story, or a favorite scripture story. I was grateful as they began to open up and share some of themselves with everyone. We had a beautiful sunset, and the stars were gorgeous.
As we went to bed, the wind picked up - it was CRAZY. Sometime after 1:00 it died down and we were all finally able to get to sleep.
The next morning we hitched up our handcarts and traveled to the Veil Bridge which connects the present with the past. The original land owner requested that his posterity never allow a plow to touch the ground there, and so the landscape is the same as it was back in the 1850's. We had a devotional in Dan's Cove, and then spent time in Martin's Cove. When President Hinckley dedicated the Cove in 1997, he stated that the spirits of those who gave their lives there were there. Although Wyoming doesn't have a temple, this land was dedicated as a temple and hallowed ground - made hallowed by the sacrifices. While in the Cove, I had some very distinctive experiences, and I think I took care of 6 months worth of crying(and for the record - I really don't cry.) It was a very special experience for both myself and my husband.
Later, we had the opportunity to cross the Sweetwater river. The young men were given the opportunity to carry people across the river if they so desired - which I believe was a very special experience for many of the, and then the men were called away to the Mormon Battalion. The women had a short devotional with a very interesting topic. It was pointed out that most women at some time in their lives will have to pull their carts on their own. Whether through lack of finding a worthy mate, divorce, or death the likelihood is great. They talked about the similarity of the YW values as pioneer values, and then - the Young Women were asked to pull their carts on their own. The men lined the path, took of their hats and silently watched as these strong young women carried all of their belongings as well as a 'sick' person up the steepest and sandiest hill. My young sisters told me it was the hardest thing they had ever done in their lives.
Most were hot and tired when we got back to camp. My daughters and I slipped away to quickly shampoo our hair, and then we were informed about a last minute change of plans which allowed us to go (girls first, then boys) play in the river for 30 minutes to cool down. That was a blast!
We then had dinner, more square dancing, a fireside, then a bonfire testimony meeting. That night after the kid's chatting died down, the wind picked back up - it was another tough sleep night.
In the morning, we broke down our camp, and reloaded our cart. One of our daughters had a great idea on how to do it, but the stuff STILL seemed to fall off - just not as often as previously. We started talking about movies and everyone finally started to really laugh, bond, and have lots of fun together. We got back to the pick up area a little bit early, and had some extra time, so 4 of the youth in our family and we decided to go an extra couple of miles and visit Devil's Gate. What a BEAUTIFUL area - probably the most pretty of it all - definitely worth the extra mileage! Afterwards, we loaded up and headed home.
I'm so grateful for the wonderful experience we had. We really were able to connect with several of our 'children' and it was truly and amazing experience.
Although - the shower and clean bed were REALLY nice last night too! I must be getting older, cause I really like my own bed A LOT!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Cool experience
So - yes, I'm still working on Isaiah, but I had a cool experience today that I wanted to write about.
I see in my life, over and over again the Lord's hand.
Today we spent the day up valley because we'd spent the night there. The girls and I ran to Wally's for some $2.00 flip flops since someone didn't bring any shoes with us at all. On our way back, I was planning on going and hanging out in the village, but the girls began shouting - No..you promised we could go to ...park - we really want to go there. I thought they'd changed their minds or forgotten. So, we went to the park.
While the girls played, I sat down in some shade and watched. A woman walked up and sat down nearby.
After several minutes, we began to converse. In the back of my head I had the thought - ask her if she has a church to go to - I wasn't sure about that, but kept it there, in the back of my head. We talked about music and many things. Turns out she is from Columbia (the country.) She is here seeking political asylum and is a single mom working 2 jobs. She had a pretty sad story, which I heard a very small fraction of.
As we were talking, I brought it up. I asked if she had support, or a church to go to. She was sort of surprised, and asked if I had one? I told her yes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She looked really shocked and told me that she had just been baptized into this church 3 months ago - it was the most beautiful experience of her life. She has been struggling because she has not been able to get off of work on Sundays to attend church.
She said that she had been praying today that the Lord would bring her something or uplift her at the park today, and there I was - her sister. It was pretty trippy. I shared with her some encouragement and we hugged several times etc. Before I left, she asked if I would say a prayer with her. So, right there in the park, we sat down and said a prayer together for her and her struggles.
I am amazed at how well the Lord knows us, and how often He sends others to answer our prayers. This sister of mine and I connected - and I had such a great opportunity to share my faith in a Heavenly Father who loves us with her. Some might call it a coincidence, but I don't, I call it an answer to a prayer.
What a blessing to have the Lord use you as such!
It reminds me of a talk by President Eyring - he said something to the effect that each day we need to pray to be the Lord's instrument - if we are prepared and willing, the Lord will use us - but it is up to us and our willingness!
What a special lesson I had today.
I see in my life, over and over again the Lord's hand.
Today we spent the day up valley because we'd spent the night there. The girls and I ran to Wally's for some $2.00 flip flops since someone didn't bring any shoes with us at all. On our way back, I was planning on going and hanging out in the village, but the girls began shouting - No..you promised we could go to ...park - we really want to go there. I thought they'd changed their minds or forgotten. So, we went to the park.
While the girls played, I sat down in some shade and watched. A woman walked up and sat down nearby.
After several minutes, we began to converse. In the back of my head I had the thought - ask her if she has a church to go to - I wasn't sure about that, but kept it there, in the back of my head. We talked about music and many things. Turns out she is from Columbia (the country.) She is here seeking political asylum and is a single mom working 2 jobs. She had a pretty sad story, which I heard a very small fraction of.
As we were talking, I brought it up. I asked if she had support, or a church to go to. She was sort of surprised, and asked if I had one? I told her yes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She looked really shocked and told me that she had just been baptized into this church 3 months ago - it was the most beautiful experience of her life. She has been struggling because she has not been able to get off of work on Sundays to attend church.
She said that she had been praying today that the Lord would bring her something or uplift her at the park today, and there I was - her sister. It was pretty trippy. I shared with her some encouragement and we hugged several times etc. Before I left, she asked if I would say a prayer with her. So, right there in the park, we sat down and said a prayer together for her and her struggles.
I am amazed at how well the Lord knows us, and how often He sends others to answer our prayers. This sister of mine and I connected - and I had such a great opportunity to share my faith in a Heavenly Father who loves us with her. Some might call it a coincidence, but I don't, I call it an answer to a prayer.
What a blessing to have the Lord use you as such!
It reminds me of a talk by President Eyring - he said something to the effect that each day we need to pray to be the Lord's instrument - if we are prepared and willing, the Lord will use us - but it is up to us and our willingness!
What a special lesson I had today.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
June 15, 2008
I haven't posted for a while - a very long while. I've been working my way through Isaiah - VERY SLOWLY. I think I'm on Chapter 11 now (maybe.) But I've been enjoying it. Isaiah is a literary genius and I've really enjoyed slowing down and learning to appreciate him - and his distinctive writing style.
I've been thinking a lot lately in regards to the parable of the vineyard. Israel/Us today have been preserved and put in a choice spot. The husbandman (Christ) watches over us. The vine, the grapes and the press are all symbolic of Christ's atonement. He gives his ALL for all of us - through the atonement. However, we often give sour fruit.. we don't apply the atonement or use it in our lives - we just ignore it and think we can do it on our own. It's true but unfortunately not the case in reality.
Anyways - I always thought about Israel when I read this, but I think it is very applicable to us today.
Today my husband and I sat down to watch a movie. As I started to wash the dishes afterwards, I was thinking about it. One of the characters said - "what kind of adult doesn't even swear?", there were references to drugs, infidelity, fornication, alcohol, promiscuity, language, and homosexuality. As I add it up - it looks pretty bad.. as I thought about the show I realized how callused we can become to this stuff and how quickly it happens. Despite all of this - I would maybe term the movie as middle of the road. (We do have a filthy filter though - so I may be way off). I was just really disappointed in the show. Disappointed that movies have to have this crap in them, and that this is what our society teaches is okay, good, and acceptable. Totally delusional.
So - back to Isaiah... I found a verse that I've always loved - rather a phrase.
I keep seeing it here and there and I always seem to fall in love with it again each time I see it. It says, " and His arm is stretched out still." Our Heavenly Father loves us no matter What we do. Sure, we disappoint Him, but His love doesn't change.
His arm (a symbol of his power) is ALWAYS stretched out to us. It is like we are on a hill, trying to ascend. He is reaching out, always ready to grab on and help pull us up to the top, but He can't do that unless we put our hand in His. Pretty simple in theory - so difficult in practice.
Anyways - it is a good thing to remember - His arm is stretched out still..
I've been thinking a lot lately in regards to the parable of the vineyard. Israel/Us today have been preserved and put in a choice spot. The husbandman (Christ) watches over us. The vine, the grapes and the press are all symbolic of Christ's atonement. He gives his ALL for all of us - through the atonement. However, we often give sour fruit.. we don't apply the atonement or use it in our lives - we just ignore it and think we can do it on our own. It's true but unfortunately not the case in reality.
Anyways - I always thought about Israel when I read this, but I think it is very applicable to us today.
Today my husband and I sat down to watch a movie. As I started to wash the dishes afterwards, I was thinking about it. One of the characters said - "what kind of adult doesn't even swear?", there were references to drugs, infidelity, fornication, alcohol, promiscuity, language, and homosexuality. As I add it up - it looks pretty bad.. as I thought about the show I realized how callused we can become to this stuff and how quickly it happens. Despite all of this - I would maybe term the movie as middle of the road. (We do have a filthy filter though - so I may be way off). I was just really disappointed in the show. Disappointed that movies have to have this crap in them, and that this is what our society teaches is okay, good, and acceptable. Totally delusional.
So - back to Isaiah... I found a verse that I've always loved - rather a phrase.
I keep seeing it here and there and I always seem to fall in love with it again each time I see it. It says, " and His arm is stretched out still." Our Heavenly Father loves us no matter What we do. Sure, we disappoint Him, but His love doesn't change.
His arm (a symbol of his power) is ALWAYS stretched out to us. It is like we are on a hill, trying to ascend. He is reaching out, always ready to grab on and help pull us up to the top, but He can't do that unless we put our hand in His. Pretty simple in theory - so difficult in practice.
Anyways - it is a good thing to remember - His arm is stretched out still..
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