If we could all say this a whole lot more and with a whole lot more sincerity, the world would definitely be a much more loving place to reside in.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
1 Nephi 1:17 - Nephi's account
1 Nephi 1:17:
Nephi also points out he is making an abridgment - or a summary, or more brief record - of his father's experiences. Why does he do this? It seems that much of this record already is sharing what happened to his father Lehi. Is it possible for Nephi to share his story, without first talking about his father, and how he was influenced?
Once again, he is also setting himself up as a second witness. His father is one. Nephi makes two. In scripture we are told that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall all things be established (2 Cor. 13:1). Nephi is fulfilling that law.
It is also awesome to think that somewhere, also likely on metal plates, is Lehi's full, unabridged version of what happened to him. How cool would it be to have that record revealed, as we know Lehi witnessed a LOT of things that are not contained in this record.
Also we find out that Nephi made these plates. Have you ever tried to make metal plates? would you know how to start? Would it take a long time? Where would you find metal to create plates out of? And why would you use metal? Nephi surely knew that other means of writing were not going to be able to be preserved. This tells us (before he tells us) that he knew these records would be shared with a people who would live LONG after he passed from this earth.
So he found metal. He had to have dug it from the earth, somehow. Then he had to melt the metal, and have a means to form it into metal plates. Can you imagine the process to do this? Were there college courses for Nephi to learn how to meld metal? Or how to remove it from the mold?
And how did Nephi know how to inscribe his language onto metal plates? Did he learn reformed Egyptian/Hebrew in college? How long did it take him to form the best tools to do so efficiently?
As far as words are concerned, do you think that Nephi felt his weakness, knowing that millions of people would eventually find his words at the beginning of a foreign book? that millions of people would memorize "I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents"? Did he wonder if his work would be criticized, or judged? At very least he seemed to recognize the importance of pointing out the need to testify that what he is writing is his, and it is true.
Lastly, Nephi shows a great example of how to write a bit of family history. First he writes about his father's experience, and shows how it has impacted him. While this might seem natural to those familiar with writing, those who are just beginning to analyze their lives might not realize the importance of one's parentage. Nephi starts it from the get go.
17 But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, I make an aabridgment of the record of my bfather, uponcplates which I have made with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my dfather then will I make an account of mine own life.Nephi begins here by expressing that this is his account. This is his life he's talking about, and it's him doing the recording. Although this Book of Nephi is held in the Book of Mormon, these are Nephi's words, unabridged at this point. I feel this is a testament to the law of witnesses. Perhaps there is some import at the judgment day that Nephi takes the time to make this point clear, and not just to be redundant. But they are his days. This is not the account of Laman, Lemuel, Sam, or Nephi's sisters. He wrote it.
Nephi also points out he is making an abridgment - or a summary, or more brief record - of his father's experiences. Why does he do this? It seems that much of this record already is sharing what happened to his father Lehi. Is it possible for Nephi to share his story, without first talking about his father, and how he was influenced?
Once again, he is also setting himself up as a second witness. His father is one. Nephi makes two. In scripture we are told that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall all things be established (2 Cor. 13:1). Nephi is fulfilling that law.
It is also awesome to think that somewhere, also likely on metal plates, is Lehi's full, unabridged version of what happened to him. How cool would it be to have that record revealed, as we know Lehi witnessed a LOT of things that are not contained in this record.
Also we find out that Nephi made these plates. Have you ever tried to make metal plates? would you know how to start? Would it take a long time? Where would you find metal to create plates out of? And why would you use metal? Nephi surely knew that other means of writing were not going to be able to be preserved. This tells us (before he tells us) that he knew these records would be shared with a people who would live LONG after he passed from this earth.
So he found metal. He had to have dug it from the earth, somehow. Then he had to melt the metal, and have a means to form it into metal plates. Can you imagine the process to do this? Were there college courses for Nephi to learn how to meld metal? Or how to remove it from the mold?
And how did Nephi know how to inscribe his language onto metal plates? Did he learn reformed Egyptian/Hebrew in college? How long did it take him to form the best tools to do so efficiently?
As far as words are concerned, do you think that Nephi felt his weakness, knowing that millions of people would eventually find his words at the beginning of a foreign book? that millions of people would memorize "I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents"? Did he wonder if his work would be criticized, or judged? At very least he seemed to recognize the importance of pointing out the need to testify that what he is writing is his, and it is true.
Lastly, Nephi shows a great example of how to write a bit of family history. First he writes about his father's experience, and shows how it has impacted him. While this might seem natural to those familiar with writing, those who are just beginning to analyze their lives might not realize the importance of one's parentage. Nephi starts it from the get go.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Raw - No Edits
Our life has been crazy lately. Words will not begin to describe it. I have been wanting to write on this and my other blog for weeks, and life has been so chaotic there has been not even a moment to think of what to write.
We have been living on faith, hope, and the literal charity of others.
Our decisions have been based on humility and trust. We have no idea what we're doing, besides that we're trusting in the minimal inspiration we feel we have received.
We are nearly penniless, but are living at the mercy of loving family members, and legal promises made from documents signed years ago. I should correct myself. We are living at the sheer mercy of God.
We are scrounging up hope where there is very little. So often people in a tough situation are just going through the motions. I know God requires more, but sometimes, we are in positions where we hang by a thread. My hope is about the size of that thread, but even threads are strong. Without them, there is no rope.
I have no point to this post, besides to say that I'm tired. Nearly every nightly prayer begins with "I feel so tired." This "major shift" has been in the works for many months now, and we trust that in the end things will work out. For now, I'm burning the candle at 5 ends, not just 2. Perhaps my prayers should be more faithful, rather than hopeless.
Anyways... perhaps this appears a bit raw, but sometimes I think we need to put out there how we feel so that when we're back up high on the mountain, we can see where we once stood. God willing.
Many thanks to my friends who pray for us. I am thankful for the words of Chrissy: "I hold you high to the Father." I love that. Gives me joy.
We have been living on faith, hope, and the literal charity of others.
Our decisions have been based on humility and trust. We have no idea what we're doing, besides that we're trusting in the minimal inspiration we feel we have received.
We are nearly penniless, but are living at the mercy of loving family members, and legal promises made from documents signed years ago. I should correct myself. We are living at the sheer mercy of God.
We are scrounging up hope where there is very little. So often people in a tough situation are just going through the motions. I know God requires more, but sometimes, we are in positions where we hang by a thread. My hope is about the size of that thread, but even threads are strong. Without them, there is no rope.
I have no point to this post, besides to say that I'm tired. Nearly every nightly prayer begins with "I feel so tired." This "major shift" has been in the works for many months now, and we trust that in the end things will work out. For now, I'm burning the candle at 5 ends, not just 2. Perhaps my prayers should be more faithful, rather than hopeless.
Anyways... perhaps this appears a bit raw, but sometimes I think we need to put out there how we feel so that when we're back up high on the mountain, we can see where we once stood. God willing.
Many thanks to my friends who pray for us. I am thankful for the words of Chrissy: "I hold you high to the Father." I love that. Gives me joy.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Tripling Down
Today I got to teach the Relief Society lesson in church. It was Lesson #15 in the Teachings of Presidents of the Church, George Albert Smith Manual, titled "Advancing the Work of the Lord".
From the beginning of the chapter, it reads:
In the lesson today, I questioned why the growth of the church seemed to triple in the nearly 50 years of George Albert Smith's presidency, but it isn't tripling now. I think my math abilities shows their ugly faces, because the church membership is around 16 million at present. If we were at 1 million in the 50s, and we're at 16 million now, I do believe that is more than tripling the rate.
I really love the above quote, because it illustrates many things. One, are we ready to enter doors of other countries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we even willing to sacrifice our time for a night out with the missionaries, much less give up prosperous living conditions to drudge through the deserts of Iran, or the jungles of North Korea? I'm not sure. Are we willing to take to teaching among a somewhat hostile people, just to find the select? (I say "hostile" because due to current media portrayals, Christians are not well received in those countries. That doesn't mean my interpretation is correct.)
I love the it indicates that the Lord will change hearts of kings, magistrates, emperors. He will divert rivers, open seas (perhaps via tsunami, as in 2004?), and open gates. I never thought to ask Him to do that, but why not? And why not pray that we can be ready and prepared to take on such challenges? It may not necessarily mean the folks with nametags are going in, but as I see it, once uncensored internet access is allowed in many of these countries, there's no stopping the message.
Definitely an awesome, prophetic quote!
From the beginning of the chapter, it reads:
When George Albert Smith was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903, Church membership stood at just over 300,000. By the end of his service as President of the Church, it had surpassed 1 million. President Smith rejoiced in such growth because it meant that the message of salvation was reaching more and more people. "How happy we should be," he said to a general conference audience in 1950, "not that we have increased in numbers in the organization that we belong to, but that more of our Father's children, more of his sons and daughters, have been brought to an understanding of the truth, and are coming into his organization that he prepared to teach us the way of life and lead us along the pathway of eternal happiness." (p.157)That set the scene for the lesson. Later this evening, I came across this really great quote, by President Spencer W. Kimball. I love it.
The Spirit of the Lord is brooding over these nations under a new regime that is certainly more open and more receptive to western ideas than ever before. Such cultural and educational interchanges will offer opportunities for exposure to the gospel. We must be prepared. The Lord is doing his part and is waiting for us to open the doors. There are almost three billion people now living on the earth in nations where the gospel is not now being preached. If we could only make a small beginning in every nation, soon the converts among each kindred and tongue could step forth as lights to their own people and the gospel would thus be preached in all nations before the coming of the Lord. I believe the Lord can do anything he sets his mind to do. But I can see no good reason why the Lord would open doors that we are not prepared to enter. Why should he break down the Iron Curtain or the Bamboo Curtain or any other curtain if we are still unprepared to enter? God will bless expanded effort to teach all nations. If we do all we can, and I accept my own part of that responsibility, I am sure the Lord will bring more discoveries to our use. He will bring a change of heart into kings and magistrates and emperors, or he will divert rivers or open seas or find ways to touch hearts. He will open the gates and make possible the proselytizing. Of that, I have great faith. (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 584; from Denver Snuffer's Nephi's Isaiah, Kindle copy, 37% mark).
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| (photo source) |
I really love the above quote, because it illustrates many things. One, are we ready to enter doors of other countries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we even willing to sacrifice our time for a night out with the missionaries, much less give up prosperous living conditions to drudge through the deserts of Iran, or the jungles of North Korea? I'm not sure. Are we willing to take to teaching among a somewhat hostile people, just to find the select? (I say "hostile" because due to current media portrayals, Christians are not well received in those countries. That doesn't mean my interpretation is correct.)
I love the it indicates that the Lord will change hearts of kings, magistrates, emperors. He will divert rivers, open seas (perhaps via tsunami, as in 2004?), and open gates. I never thought to ask Him to do that, but why not? And why not pray that we can be ready and prepared to take on such challenges? It may not necessarily mean the folks with nametags are going in, but as I see it, once uncensored internet access is allowed in many of these countries, there's no stopping the message.
Definitely an awesome, prophetic quote!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Family History Bus: I Found Her!
Many months ago I wrote how I was looking for information on one of my ancestors. It's my great great great grandmother, Kate Clouser. I was looking for her supposed husband's name, who was the father of her son, George. Searching high and low, I have come no closer to finding anything about him, besides the fact that his information is elusive.
Today, however, I took a trip to the Lebanon County Historical Society. The place rocks! The historian, Brian (?) was so very helpful in leading me to the information I needed to solve some pieces of the puzzle. He spent hours helping me dig for information, and I am so thankful for his time and expertise! While we were not able to find anything about George's biological father, we did find that Kate got married in 1885, when George was about 18 years old. He (Brian) found the name of the church she attended, the marriage information – to whom, and when. He found where she's buried, and even a copy of a last will and testament of her father.
It turns out, her father bequeathed (nice word, eh?:) his entire estate to her. I assume this is where she lived out the rest of her life. Who would give up something like that? When I put these two pieces of information together – that she received his estate, and that she married Andrew Hasser – I was able to clearly see her information on the census records I already have printed for George Shindel, post-1885. There she was, on ALL my print outs. Right next to her son, living in the same house my parents now own, was Andrew and Catherine Hasser.
I don't know why I never noticed there were more people living in the house before. It's as if their names were invisible, but right there in front of my face. How wild is that? I can't quite get over it.
So months and months of searching have finally brought me some awesome information. The house that my parents are currently trying to sell has been in my family for generations and generations and generations. How far back, I have yet to explore. Ever since I have been searching for information on Kate and her family, I have been drawn to this house, particularly with the idea that I'd like to use it for my private facilitating work. I'm not entirely sure how that will work, but I'm still drawn to it. I hope it can be a place not only for healing within my own family, but perhaps for others as well.
Awesome find!
Today, however, I took a trip to the Lebanon County Historical Society. The place rocks! The historian, Brian (?) was so very helpful in leading me to the information I needed to solve some pieces of the puzzle. He spent hours helping me dig for information, and I am so thankful for his time and expertise! While we were not able to find anything about George's biological father, we did find that Kate got married in 1885, when George was about 18 years old. He (Brian) found the name of the church she attended, the marriage information – to whom, and when. He found where she's buried, and even a copy of a last will and testament of her father.
It turns out, her father bequeathed (nice word, eh?:) his entire estate to her. I assume this is where she lived out the rest of her life. Who would give up something like that? When I put these two pieces of information together – that she received his estate, and that she married Andrew Hasser – I was able to clearly see her information on the census records I already have printed for George Shindel, post-1885. There she was, on ALL my print outs. Right next to her son, living in the same house my parents now own, was Andrew and Catherine Hasser.
I don't know why I never noticed there were more people living in the house before. It's as if their names were invisible, but right there in front of my face. How wild is that? I can't quite get over it.
So months and months of searching have finally brought me some awesome information. The house that my parents are currently trying to sell has been in my family for generations and generations and generations. How far back, I have yet to explore. Ever since I have been searching for information on Kate and her family, I have been drawn to this house, particularly with the idea that I'd like to use it for my private facilitating work. I'm not entirely sure how that will work, but I'm still drawn to it. I hope it can be a place not only for healing within my own family, but perhaps for others as well.
Awesome find!
Monday, August 6, 2012
1 Nephi 1:16 - A Partial Account
1 Nephi 1:16 reads:
And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in avisions and in bdreams; and he also hath written many things which he cprophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account.
Nephi starts by reminding us that it's still him writing. This serves as both a witness, and also clarification, since he had been referring to what happened to his father thus far.
Nephi points out that what he has written thus far is not a full account. There is more. Much more! He wrote many things, which he saw in visions. Have you ever seen a vision? Denver Snuffer wrote a very interesting blog post on how information is passed along in such visions. It is often not communicated using language or words which carry a vibrational frequency, but loads of information is passed from one being to the mortal. It's fascinating.
The same principle applies in dreams, which Lehi also wrote many things regarding. Have you ever tried recording a dream? I have a journal dedicated to my frequent dreams, but it is one of the most difficult thing to do - to write about the contents of a dream. How do you write, describe, or properly communicate in writing the things which are so visual, so abstract, or so unclear of their meaning? This must certainly have been challenging for Lehi, and Nephi to repeat or abridge.
Lehi also wrote many things which he prophesied and spake to his children. Have you ever tried to record the important events of the day with clarity? I cringe to think what my children or descendants will think of me, when they read my abstract journal entries. They are so vague. I refer to people and places, with no real allusion even to who or what these places are. I travel to other states, and visit people in random places, but I never really explain full details in my journal. So very abstract it is.
But it had to be different for Nephi, to re-record Lehi's visions, dreams, prophecies and preaching. He had to be inspired to know what to share. What's worth repeating? Surely God directed him, because each and every verse is so loaded with meaning. The trick is taking the time to decipher, understand, ponder, and ask even more questions about what these important verses mean. God does, indeed, reveal mysteries about these verses to those who take time to sincerely search, ponder and pray sincerely over them.
xo
And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in avisions and in bdreams; and he also hath written many things which he cprophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account.
Nephi starts by reminding us that it's still him writing. This serves as both a witness, and also clarification, since he had been referring to what happened to his father thus far.
 |
| (photo source) |
The same principle applies in dreams, which Lehi also wrote many things regarding. Have you ever tried recording a dream? I have a journal dedicated to my frequent dreams, but it is one of the most difficult thing to do - to write about the contents of a dream. How do you write, describe, or properly communicate in writing the things which are so visual, so abstract, or so unclear of their meaning? This must certainly have been challenging for Lehi, and Nephi to repeat or abridge.
Lehi also wrote many things which he prophesied and spake to his children. Have you ever tried to record the important events of the day with clarity? I cringe to think what my children or descendants will think of me, when they read my abstract journal entries. They are so vague. I refer to people and places, with no real allusion even to who or what these places are. I travel to other states, and visit people in random places, but I never really explain full details in my journal. So very abstract it is.
But it had to be different for Nephi, to re-record Lehi's visions, dreams, prophecies and preaching. He had to be inspired to know what to share. What's worth repeating? Surely God directed him, because each and every verse is so loaded with meaning. The trick is taking the time to decipher, understand, ponder, and ask even more questions about what these important verses mean. God does, indeed, reveal mysteries about these verses to those who take time to sincerely search, ponder and pray sincerely over them.
xo
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Mosiah 3:17 - saved by Christ
Often times I'll get thinking about what I'm going to read in the scriptures, and a book, chapter and verse will come distinctly into my head. That's what just happened with this one. I hope this post helps someone, besides myself. :)
Mosiah 3:17:
Mosiah 3:17:
17 And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be ano other name given nor any other way nor means whereby bsalvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the cLord Omnipotent.
Yesterday I read an online news article (dated back from 4/26/12) about a man who went into a grocery store in Utah, and began stabbing random people with a knife. After he had harmed many people, a man who was carrying a gun pointed it at the stabber and yelled for him to stop, which he did. I commented on a friend's Nerdbook wall that that guy likely saved lots of lives by having a gun with him. It occurred to me that it was not proper to write that he "saved lives", but I did it anyways. How else would you phrase that?
It's funny/cool that this verse is what came to mind when I sat down at my computer to write. I had started editing a post on 1 Nephi 1:16, (which is long overdue), but Mosiah 3:17 came to mind. When I read the verse, it all made sense.
The man prepared with the gun did not save those lives. God did.
I'd like to know what passed through the gun carrier's mind that day. Does he always carry a gun? What prompted him to be certified to carry? Did the Spirit lead him in years of preparation, to take proper classes on how to hold, safely carry, and properly NOT use it? He clearly used self restraint, as my friend who passed the story (and is a cop) said he would have shot the man if it had been him. (And in his state, he would have been legally allowed to do so.) The gun carrier clearly listened to the Spirit that day. He was well prepared, well controlled, and no doubt inspired by God. I don't care what god he may or may not serve; I know God was the "salvation" of those lives.
It also makes me wonder what the shoppers in the store were thinking. Were they praying for their safety, once they realized what was going on? Will they survive their wounds? Were the prayers of parents, brothers, and sisters answered? Are those wounded now drawing closer to God, or instead blaming him for the madman's use of agency?
It's interesting that in Mosiah 3:17, King Benjamin tells us ever so clearly, that salvation is the Lord Omnipotent's. We can choose to believe in him, or rely on our own "arm" for our safety. I believe the gun carrier was prepared by God, as the Nephites so often were. This story is simply referring to a temporal salvation of the grocery shopper's mortal lives. But in an eternal sense, it is only in and through Christ that we are saved.
xo
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Favorite Numbers
Do you have a favorite number? Ever wonder why people choose "lucky numbers" that they prefer to gamble with? I read a book about a year ago where Doreen Virtue shares "angel numbers", and what angels might be trying to tell us by placing certain numbers or number patterns in our pathways.
Some people believe this is beyond hokey. I've heard radio personalities disparage numerologists (people who translate numbers into meaning everywhere) for what the radio hosts view as a comical belief. But who are they to say that what's a significant belief structure to someone isn't true, especially if it causes no harm?
Today I get to celebrate a special day with a special love, and mark an anniversary of 10 years with this person. This person's favorite numbers are combinations of 1 and 0. I never knew this until about a year ago, but it was remarkable to learn and remember that this was his number.
So happy anniversary sweetheart. I love you more than you'll ever know or think or believe. Hopefully with it being a combo with your favorite numbers, it will be even more special. And hopefully I can convince you more in the years to come.
xoxo
Some people believe this is beyond hokey. I've heard radio personalities disparage numerologists (people who translate numbers into meaning everywhere) for what the radio hosts view as a comical belief. But who are they to say that what's a significant belief structure to someone isn't true, especially if it causes no harm?
Today I get to celebrate a special day with a special love, and mark an anniversary of 10 years with this person. This person's favorite numbers are combinations of 1 and 0. I never knew this until about a year ago, but it was remarkable to learn and remember that this was his number.
So happy anniversary sweetheart. I love you more than you'll ever know or think or believe. Hopefully with it being a combo with your favorite numbers, it will be even more special. And hopefully I can convince you more in the years to come.
xoxo
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