"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Sunday, September 13, 2015
A Warning of Secret Combinations
Have you ever wanted to get closer to God? Have you ever found someone who says they have found God, and if you listen to them, or mentor with them, or pay them money, you can become more enlightened?
Have you ever found friends who spoke quietly about God, and told you that the things they have shared really need to be kept secret? For privacy's sake, because it was so holy? But because you are so special, so trusted, that they can share their secret with you in confidence?
Have you ever found a group of friends, who spoke privately about God, and joined up together to talk privately about God, to the exclusion of inviting others?
Have you ever made an agreement with a group of friends, such as a head nod in understanding, or a verbal, "No, I won't tell," or even an "No, I promise I won't tell," that you would not disclose the private information to anyone outside of the circle? Not just because it was private and personal, but because it was "sacred"? Maybe you wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings for not inviting them, or you wouldn't want their company in the first place?
Ether 4:11-14:
But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.
And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me – that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world.
Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.
Christ lays the invitation to us to come directly to Him. No intermediary. No mentor, paid guru, or enlightened master. The invitation is free, unrestrained or unrestricted. He asks us to lay aside our unbelief, and HE will show us line upon line, until we find Him. HE will be our teacher, that we may learn the knowledge which has been hidden because of unbelief.Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.
Perhaps He will give us help along the way by means of people. But they will not need share information in secret, nor exclusively at the exclusion of others.
One reason I am outside the bounds of being a "worthy recommend holder" is that I will not ascribe to an oath-like indication for sustaining the leaders of the Church. Oaths made to any man are suspect, and potentially dangerous. It is fascinating how easy it is to build and participate in a secret combination. I have seen them among the Mormons. I have seen them among my friends, among sisters I visit taught, and among sisters that visit teach me. I have been a part of some unknowingly, and being kicked out and excluded was ugly. I see those I care about being invited in to some, and observe their sudden quietness, secrecy, and inability to discuss anything going on in their lives.
When Moses went up to the mount to talk with the Lord, he invited others to come too. He did not exclude them.
Christ's invitation is OPEN. It is not CLOSED. It is not private. It does not need time to ponder over one's worthiness. It does not need the approval of a group of other enlightened masters. Christ invited not only the Jews, but also the Gentiles to come to Him. That encompasses the whole world. In fact, he invited the Gentiles first in the verses above.
If you believe you need to be in the right "circle", the right "club", the right "church", or even to follow the right "prophet" or "apostle", "pastor" or "teacher", rather than going DIRECTLY to the Lord Jesus Christ, I propose and suspect you might have missed the boat. I only speak it from my own experience. Belonging to such things is encouraged and promoted in our culture. It feels good to be included and revered. However if you are in such a group which intentionally excludes others, consider the possibility that you might be involved in a "secret" combination. And likewise if you risk expulsion from such a group by talking about it openly with those outside the group, you're likely in one too.
I share this not to judge anyone, but simply realized this is a predominant theme of the Book of Mormon, which no one ever discusses the dangers of. I was in one and not even realize it.
Christ wants us to come direct, uninvolved and unentangled with oaths of secrecy.
A city on a hill cannot be hid. It will be powerful because of the Light, Life, and Truth which it contains.
Works of darkness will be destroyed when the light shines on them. Come to Him, please, I beg.
With love, in Jesus' name.
~Jen
Monday, May 25, 2015
Bulgarian Rose
Yesterday was a very interesting day of sorts. I had a busy day planned, but things fell into place in ways I wasn't expecting.
A sweet friend brought me a very exquisite gift. I don't know that I can convey how much it means to me. She served a church mission in Bulgaria, and later married a man from there, and he joined her in the States. When she came to visit me yesterday, she brought me a small vial of Bulgarian Rose oil, held in a Bulgarian Muskal.
There is a lot of grey area in the world of essential oils. I'm really not much of an expert in this area, however I understand minimal basics. To purchase a vial of 100% absolute is very expensive. The company I work with values a 5 mL bottle of their Bulgarian Rose Absolute at over $375. However they don't sell it; they offer it as a sales incentive to those who reach a certain level of sales. I am not keen on stressing over those things, so I have never earned it. However my friend bringing me this Muskal with Rose Oil in it is more valuable to me than had I done the work to earn the more potent version, because there is friendship attached to it. It is a true, heartfelt gift, which words cannot describe.
Rose is well known for being one, if not the highest vibrational oil on the planet. Symbolically it represents Divine Love, and helps one connect in feeling that Diving Love. (See Emotions & Essential Oils for more info.) Tonight I used it as inspired, to assist my efforts in clearing out negative influences, and the felt the Savior cleanse my body. It was certainly something I would consider anointed oil.
Oils are such a precious gift. My friend likely had no idea of the significance this gift would hold for me, but she played a very instrumental part in real Christ-centered healing. Thank you friend. Thank you Jesus. What precious gifts You bestow. <3
A sweet friend brought me a very exquisite gift. I don't know that I can convey how much it means to me. She served a church mission in Bulgaria, and later married a man from there, and he joined her in the States. When she came to visit me yesterday, she brought me a small vial of Bulgarian Rose oil, held in a Bulgarian Muskal.
There is a lot of grey area in the world of essential oils. I'm really not much of an expert in this area, however I understand minimal basics. To purchase a vial of 100% absolute is very expensive. The company I work with values a 5 mL bottle of their Bulgarian Rose Absolute at over $375. However they don't sell it; they offer it as a sales incentive to those who reach a certain level of sales. I am not keen on stressing over those things, so I have never earned it. However my friend bringing me this Muskal with Rose Oil in it is more valuable to me than had I done the work to earn the more potent version, because there is friendship attached to it. It is a true, heartfelt gift, which words cannot describe.
Rose is well known for being one, if not the highest vibrational oil on the planet. Symbolically it represents Divine Love, and helps one connect in feeling that Diving Love. (See Emotions & Essential Oils for more info.) Tonight I used it as inspired, to assist my efforts in clearing out negative influences, and the felt the Savior cleanse my body. It was certainly something I would consider anointed oil.
Oils are such a precious gift. My friend likely had no idea of the significance this gift would hold for me, but she played a very instrumental part in real Christ-centered healing. Thank you friend. Thank you Jesus. What precious gifts You bestow. <3
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Mosiah's Sons and The Second Comforter
In the book, The Second Comforter, Denver Snuffer lays out the difference and need to seek the face of Jesus Christ, personally. A additional reference has been jumping off the pages at me for the last several days, held in the Book of Mormon.
As the sons of Mosiah were leaving their father and the land of Zarahemla, they are described as taking their "numbers", their bows, arrows, etc. to obtain food as they journeyed towards the Lamanites to preach. It is assumed that by now they have experienced baptism of water, and of fire, and received the conferral of the Holy Ghost in some form or ordinance. I cannot imagine them attempting to go preach to a wild and ferocious people without having received such.
Alma 17:9 describes how they fast and pray much that the Lord would give them a "portion of HIS Spirit to go with them, and ABIDE with them". In verse 10, it says that "the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted."
They are receiving Christ through the veil.
This is before Christ was born upon the earth, receiving his mortal or immortal tabernacle. To have HIS Spirit come and abide with them is also known as "The Second Comforter", which is again promised later by Christ in St. John 14:23, and explained further in D&C 130:3. Although worded slightly different, there is another reference I recently stumbled across in Moses 5:10, relating to Adam's experience. "...And again in the flesh I shall see God."
It is to be accomplished in this life, if possible. The invitation is for now, not just when we die.
As the sons of Mosiah were leaving their father and the land of Zarahemla, they are described as taking their "numbers", their bows, arrows, etc. to obtain food as they journeyed towards the Lamanites to preach. It is assumed that by now they have experienced baptism of water, and of fire, and received the conferral of the Holy Ghost in some form or ordinance. I cannot imagine them attempting to go preach to a wild and ferocious people without having received such.
Alma 17:9 describes how they fast and pray much that the Lord would give them a "portion of HIS Spirit to go with them, and ABIDE with them". In verse 10, it says that "the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted."
They are receiving Christ through the veil.
This is before Christ was born upon the earth, receiving his mortal or immortal tabernacle. To have HIS Spirit come and abide with them is also known as "The Second Comforter", which is again promised later by Christ in St. John 14:23, and explained further in D&C 130:3. Although worded slightly different, there is another reference I recently stumbled across in Moses 5:10, relating to Adam's experience. "...And again in the flesh I shall see God."
It is to be accomplished in this life, if possible. The invitation is for now, not just when we die.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Nephite Woman
Dear Austin,
I had a really unique opportunity in Primary today. One of the counselors teaching Sharing Time asked me to pretend I was a Nephite woman, present when the Saviour appeared after His resurrection. All the parts were written out for me; I could read the card if I wanted, but it was requested that I pretend to be the woman.
As I read through the card I pondered what it might have been like for that woman. Enduring three days of earthquakes, tempests, lightnings... I think of the scariest of storms we have experienced in our lives, and I imagine this was much, much worse. Houses toppling, land shifting, rains, fires, and complete darkness for three days. Can you imagine three days of cries, sobbings, fear and hunger? We struggle to fast for 24 hours! What did they do for those three days?
The card said that after three days, a light appeared in the heavens. I've learned that it was probably many months after the darkness that the Saviour appeared. Probably more like 10, and it was at the temple at Bountiful. What was powerful to me is that last night I stumbled across this site, and the author shared his powerful experiences of touching the nail prints in Jesus's hands, feet, and side. Reading it last night brought me to tears, and I found it a miracle that today, reading the card and what I was being asked to "pretend" was just too coincidental to not be a miracle.
So with some trepidation I stood up at my turn to "pretend" to be this Nephite woman. Imagining losing children or spouse in this earthquake, or surviving such an ordeal. Waiting 10 months to wonder what would happen next. Traveling to the temple for worship, trusting that what I was doing was still correct, despite the wait, the death, the destruction apparent all around, and trying to reconstruct it all. Showing up at the right time and there, as luck and privilege would have it, I get to be present for when my God appears. Hearing the testimonies of leaders and prophets testify of this moment for years, and finally getting to see for my own eyes! And then to be invited to touch those hands, those feet, and that side for myself. Tears were the only thing that came today. What a powerful privilege and blessing that must have been for that Nephite woman. I hope someday that we too can experience that. Strive for it. Believe it can happen, and do everything you can to get there.
Love you baby!
~Mom<3
I had a really unique opportunity in Primary today. One of the counselors teaching Sharing Time asked me to pretend I was a Nephite woman, present when the Saviour appeared after His resurrection. All the parts were written out for me; I could read the card if I wanted, but it was requested that I pretend to be the woman.
As I read through the card I pondered what it might have been like for that woman. Enduring three days of earthquakes, tempests, lightnings... I think of the scariest of storms we have experienced in our lives, and I imagine this was much, much worse. Houses toppling, land shifting, rains, fires, and complete darkness for three days. Can you imagine three days of cries, sobbings, fear and hunger? We struggle to fast for 24 hours! What did they do for those three days?
The card said that after three days, a light appeared in the heavens. I've learned that it was probably many months after the darkness that the Saviour appeared. Probably more like 10, and it was at the temple at Bountiful. What was powerful to me is that last night I stumbled across this site, and the author shared his powerful experiences of touching the nail prints in Jesus's hands, feet, and side. Reading it last night brought me to tears, and I found it a miracle that today, reading the card and what I was being asked to "pretend" was just too coincidental to not be a miracle.
So with some trepidation I stood up at my turn to "pretend" to be this Nephite woman. Imagining losing children or spouse in this earthquake, or surviving such an ordeal. Waiting 10 months to wonder what would happen next. Traveling to the temple for worship, trusting that what I was doing was still correct, despite the wait, the death, the destruction apparent all around, and trying to reconstruct it all. Showing up at the right time and there, as luck and privilege would have it, I get to be present for when my God appears. Hearing the testimonies of leaders and prophets testify of this moment for years, and finally getting to see for my own eyes! And then to be invited to touch those hands, those feet, and that side for myself. Tears were the only thing that came today. What a powerful privilege and blessing that must have been for that Nephite woman. I hope someday that we too can experience that. Strive for it. Believe it can happen, and do everything you can to get there.
Love you baby!
~Mom<3
Sunday, December 22, 2013
A Moving Christmas Rendition
Dear Magdalene,
Today we showed up late for church. Since it was the Sunday before Christmas, showing up late meant there were no empty seats, except for the front corner pew. We made it in time to sit before the sacrament hymn ended, and all six of us squished in the small space.
The meeting was beautiful, as it always is for Christmas. But I must report that my favorite part was the last two songs. The full choir was in front of us. There were two of the best piano players sitting at the piano (meaning two men with big, strong hands), an organist at the organ, three violinists and one bass violinist, all with instruments ready to go. Sister Mecham (my fav) warned the congregation that once the song starts, "Get ready cause it's really gonna move." The pianists began the introduction to the song, and then it began. The large choir, the two pianists, one organist, three violinists, one bass violinist, and one large, packed congregation began singing Angels We Have Heard On High. And it moved.
The we switched into Hark The Herald Angels Sing. And it moved.
I don't think I've sat in a sacrament meeting so powerful. Maybe I have, but it's been a very long time since such power has been sustained. I think Daddy was moved from the get go, as was I. I don't know how anybody sang, but it seemed everyone was.
Because we were in the front corner pew, we had the best seats in the house. We got the fullness of sound from the strings, the bulk of volume from the choir, and the rest of the congregation coming from behind. This is praise! This is faith. This is inspiration. This is what a heavenly host might begin to sound like. I envisioned that Christ could have appeared in the space between me and the choir on the podium, and none of us would have been surprised.
If that's what heavenly choirs sound like, I think I should much like to participate. Definitely something worth sitting in the front left few for the rest of my time at church, if that's what it sounds like there.
Moving, indeed.
~Mom<3
Today we showed up late for church. Since it was the Sunday before Christmas, showing up late meant there were no empty seats, except for the front corner pew. We made it in time to sit before the sacrament hymn ended, and all six of us squished in the small space.
The meeting was beautiful, as it always is for Christmas. But I must report that my favorite part was the last two songs. The full choir was in front of us. There were two of the best piano players sitting at the piano (meaning two men with big, strong hands), an organist at the organ, three violinists and one bass violinist, all with instruments ready to go. Sister Mecham (my fav) warned the congregation that once the song starts, "Get ready cause it's really gonna move." The pianists began the introduction to the song, and then it began. The large choir, the two pianists, one organist, three violinists, one bass violinist, and one large, packed congregation began singing Angels We Have Heard On High. And it moved.
The we switched into Hark The Herald Angels Sing. And it moved.
I don't think I've sat in a sacrament meeting so powerful. Maybe I have, but it's been a very long time since such power has been sustained. I think Daddy was moved from the get go, as was I. I don't know how anybody sang, but it seemed everyone was.
Because we were in the front corner pew, we had the best seats in the house. We got the fullness of sound from the strings, the bulk of volume from the choir, and the rest of the congregation coming from behind. This is praise! This is faith. This is inspiration. This is what a heavenly host might begin to sound like. I envisioned that Christ could have appeared in the space between me and the choir on the podium, and none of us would have been surprised.
If that's what heavenly choirs sound like, I think I should much like to participate. Definitely something worth sitting in the front left few for the rest of my time at church, if that's what it sounds like there.
Moving, indeed.
~Mom<3
Friday, September 13, 2013
Helaman 5:12
Dear Daniel,
This is for you and everyone.
This morning I was led to read Helaman 5:10. It turns out my friend (who doesn't really know me, but I'd like to consider him my friend) got spanked and excommunicated by the church. Amazingly, he seems to feel no hostility or resentment toward anyone involved. I am amazed by his pure love of Christ.
Helaman 5:10 tells me
And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom (these are pretty awesome words, and I do remember them) in the city of Ammonihah (which had since become destroyed, as he and Alma warned/prophecied); for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
Big difference noted. The Lord will not come to redeem us in our sins, but from our sins. What, exactly, does that mean? The next verse tells us that the difference is repentance. And I learned from Denver and my other friend Daniel that repent means "to turn" to God. Denver wrote that to repent in Greek means "to come home". I really love that, much better than the Latin translation, "to feel sorrow" or "to feel pain". Interesting, indeed, that we choose the negative connotation. God would have us return home, wouldn't he?
I love you.
~Mom<3
This is for you and everyone.
"And now, Daniel, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that you must build your foundation that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which you are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12, adapted to your name)
This morning I was led to read Helaman 5:10. It turns out my friend (who doesn't really know me, but I'd like to consider him my friend) got spanked and excommunicated by the church. Amazingly, he seems to feel no hostility or resentment toward anyone involved. I am amazed by his pure love of Christ.
Helaman 5:10 tells me
And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom (these are pretty awesome words, and I do remember them) in the city of Ammonihah (which had since become destroyed, as he and Alma warned/prophecied); for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
Big difference noted. The Lord will not come to redeem us in our sins, but from our sins. What, exactly, does that mean? The next verse tells us that the difference is repentance. And I learned from Denver and my other friend Daniel that repent means "to turn" to God. Denver wrote that to repent in Greek means "to come home". I really love that, much better than the Latin translation, "to feel sorrow" or "to feel pain". Interesting, indeed, that we choose the negative connotation. God would have us return home, wouldn't he?
I love you.
~Mom<3
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb
Dear Austin,
My grandmother used to have a favorite song that she always wanted to sing for others in Sacrament Meeting. It was a song called "Redeemed". I may have written about it before but it points out that the singer is "Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb". Especially after my last post, I have something to write about being redeemed from.
Last week was pretty tough. When I wrote the post to Magdalene, I felt about as low as I'd felt in a very long time. I could have been very content to go live under a rock somewhere, and forget all our financial worries. Having felt ridiculously horrible I called a friend and asked for some help. I was given some very wise counsel, which helped me arise from my stupor of depression.
Interestingly enough, the next day something incredible happened. I got to attend a field trip with Magdalene to a butterfly museum. The day was hot and sticky, and sitting on a bus with 45 screaming first graders was not what I expected. However I got to observe and enjoy the beauty of butterflies while chaperoning 6 very unique children. It was enough to stress me out, to say the least.
However I took a few pictures, and shared them with my friend. It was pointed out to me, that the butterfly is representative of "transformation". When I arrived home from the trip, I had received an unexpected bill. Several months before, I had applied for "charity aid" to cover the remainder of my hospital bill from when my appendix had been removed last November. I hadn't heard anything since a month or two ago, so receiving the bill signaled that I had not qualified for the assistance. One more bill to add to the pile.
But my heart was calm. I wasn't worried, and I knew God would take care of me. I had been transformed, from even just the day before.
Opening up the bill, I saw the $13,000+ amount due for hospital services. I also knew there was another one sitting somewhere in my home which was $500+ for the physician's bill. Flipping the bill over, I found the number for the financial services department. I figured if anything, I'd better get on a payment plan; first though, I would inquire about what happened with the charitable thing.
When I spoke with Todd, he put me on hold for a few minutes. I started cleaning the kitchen while I waited. He came back on, and said something that was half cut off. "What?" I asked him. "The charges are dropped. You owe nothing," he said.
Shut the heck up. WHAT??? The charges are cleared??? We qualified. $13,500+ in medical bills were wiped completely away. It was as if we had won the lottery. (Your dad had actually purchased a ticket a few nights prior. It was the first time I was ever glad he did.) But this was better. I knew this came straight from the hand of God. I cried, but this time, as opposed to the day before, they were tears of sheer joy.
I have heard my friend say that we must know the bitterness of hell to understand the joys of heaven. That was indeed the case. I don't know that I've ever felt such pure love from Christ as I have last week. It would take us months, if not years to pay off that bill. We could have not done it without a miracle. Receiving this miracle was one of the most powerful feelings in the world. It made feeling poor entirely worth it, to know that what I experienced was completely, sheerly, wholly the goodness and complete MERCY of GOD. There is no other way around it. God is so, so, so, so good.
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I cannot even begin to fathom, when all is said and done, and we meet God at His judgment bar, how incredible it will feel to know that we will be redeemed from sin because of the work of redemption He has given to us. What an incredible, priceless gift that not even money can buy.
~Mom<3
My grandmother used to have a favorite song that she always wanted to sing for others in Sacrament Meeting. It was a song called "Redeemed". I may have written about it before but it points out that the singer is "Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb". Especially after my last post, I have something to write about being redeemed from.
Last week was pretty tough. When I wrote the post to Magdalene, I felt about as low as I'd felt in a very long time. I could have been very content to go live under a rock somewhere, and forget all our financial worries. Having felt ridiculously horrible I called a friend and asked for some help. I was given some very wise counsel, which helped me arise from my stupor of depression.
Interestingly enough, the next day something incredible happened. I got to attend a field trip with Magdalene to a butterfly museum. The day was hot and sticky, and sitting on a bus with 45 screaming first graders was not what I expected. However I got to observe and enjoy the beauty of butterflies while chaperoning 6 very unique children. It was enough to stress me out, to say the least.
However I took a few pictures, and shared them with my friend. It was pointed out to me, that the butterfly is representative of "transformation". When I arrived home from the trip, I had received an unexpected bill. Several months before, I had applied for "charity aid" to cover the remainder of my hospital bill from when my appendix had been removed last November. I hadn't heard anything since a month or two ago, so receiving the bill signaled that I had not qualified for the assistance. One more bill to add to the pile.
But my heart was calm. I wasn't worried, and I knew God would take care of me. I had been transformed, from even just the day before.
Opening up the bill, I saw the $13,000+ amount due for hospital services. I also knew there was another one sitting somewhere in my home which was $500+ for the physician's bill. Flipping the bill over, I found the number for the financial services department. I figured if anything, I'd better get on a payment plan; first though, I would inquire about what happened with the charitable thing.
When I spoke with Todd, he put me on hold for a few minutes. I started cleaning the kitchen while I waited. He came back on, and said something that was half cut off. "What?" I asked him. "The charges are dropped. You owe nothing," he said.
Shut the heck up. WHAT??? The charges are cleared??? We qualified. $13,500+ in medical bills were wiped completely away. It was as if we had won the lottery. (Your dad had actually purchased a ticket a few nights prior. It was the first time I was ever glad he did.) But this was better. I knew this came straight from the hand of God. I cried, but this time, as opposed to the day before, they were tears of sheer joy.
I have heard my friend say that we must know the bitterness of hell to understand the joys of heaven. That was indeed the case. I don't know that I've ever felt such pure love from Christ as I have last week. It would take us months, if not years to pay off that bill. We could have not done it without a miracle. Receiving this miracle was one of the most powerful feelings in the world. It made feeling poor entirely worth it, to know that what I experienced was completely, sheerly, wholly the goodness and complete MERCY of GOD. There is no other way around it. God is so, so, so, so good.
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I cannot even begin to fathom, when all is said and done, and we meet God at His judgment bar, how incredible it will feel to know that we will be redeemed from sin because of the work of redemption He has given to us. What an incredible, priceless gift that not even money can buy.
~Mom<3
Monday, April 29, 2013
Seer Stones
Dear Josten,
Today my scripture study led me someplace really unique, and some big words are sticking out at me.
Last week in the mail, you saw how I received a big box of stones. They were a graduation gift, and WaWa let me open them up early. They were a set of 57 massage stones, to be used in a "hot stone" massage. We were all overjoyed, even though you and your siblings really didn't know what we all so excited about.
Yesterday, when doing some blog exploring, I can across a really interesting site called One Climbs. The author created an image of what s/he believes the interpreters used by Joseph Smith looked like, when he translated the Book of Mormon. (If s/he gives me permission, I'll update this post and include the artwork.) They included "seer stones", and the depiction is quite fascinating. Made me want to explore the topic some more.
So this morning, as I opened up my scriptures, I knew it was time again to do my time tested method of deciding where to read: close my eyes and ask "where should I read today?" It's been a few weeks since I had the time to just sit and listen to the answer, even though it usually pops in my head before I get to finish asking the question. D&C 32.
This section is quite short actually. And some words and phrases impressed me. It's a revelation given to Parley P. Pratt. Love him. (Read The Key to the Science of Theology on my bookshelf, or for free on the Kindle App by clicking that link. He has some marvelous thoughts on angels, spirits, and dreams, which few contemporary authors have expounded upon. Love that book.) Anyways, using the footnotes next to Parley's name, I went to D&C 50:37 and started skimming what was going on there for him. A few verses down, verse 44 says
Did somebody just say stone? Last night after thinking about the seer stones used for translation, I remember learning somewhere along the way about two of the stones used by the brother of Jared. When preparing to cross the ocean, the brother of Jared was perplexed as to how there would be light within the barges which the Lord instructed him to build. The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch 16 stones so that they would give light within the barges. After the Nephite civilization was destroyed (whether it be their structure, or their lives in general), Moroni deposited the plates he inscribed upon, along with a breatsplate, the sword of Laban, and the Urim and Thummim. My understanding is that there were two of these stones, touched by the finger of the Lord, which made up the U&T.
Back to the verse, the Lord is the good shepherd, the stone of Israel. It was His light, his finger touching stones, that gave literal light within the barges. It was these stones, touched by his finger, that allowed for the Book of Mormon to be translated. If we build upon Him, we shall never fall.
I flipped back to D&C 32, and skimmed the page. On the right side, I found D&C 33:13.
We used to refer to this idea on my mission, when teaching the 3rd discussion. We would say that Christ was the foundation, Peter the chief cornerstone, and then start building a makeshift church with Dixie cups. We would end up focusing the remainder of the discussion on the church as a whole, and less on the idea that Christ is the rock. But for this post, I want to re-focus back on the rock. What does that mean, really? If we build on Him? Feel free to let that sit with you for awhile. There are lots of references to Him being the rock EVERYwhere.
In some of the random classes I've been to over the years, I've learned some fun properties about rocks. This year in school you learned all about the rock cycles. How rocks are forms, how long they take to form, and different things they can/can't do. In my classes, I've learned how some rocks like quartz are actually some of the best conductors of electricity on the planet. How interesting that the Source of Light would touch His finger on 16 rocks, at the request of Jared's brother, and those stones would hold the energy from his touch for months while they crossed the ocean(s).
Another thought I saw someone present on another blog's comment thread is that we need to depend more upon God Himself, rather than people, an institution, or even our own intuition. That last one struck me. So very true. I should not be trusting my intuition so wholly as I should be trusting God Himself. I do not know of any source in the scriptures where I am told to trust myself, but only the Spirit of God within me. Perhaps that's what I'm getting at, when I say or am told to "trust your/my gut". Perhaps my intuition is based upon my connection to God, but even my intuition has been known to make mistakes.
Anyways, very long post. I hope you get the idea. Run with it!
Love you!
~Mom<3
Today my scripture study led me someplace really unique, and some big words are sticking out at me.
Last week in the mail, you saw how I received a big box of stones. They were a graduation gift, and WaWa let me open them up early. They were a set of 57 massage stones, to be used in a "hot stone" massage. We were all overjoyed, even though you and your siblings really didn't know what we all so excited about.
Yesterday, when doing some blog exploring, I can across a really interesting site called One Climbs. The author created an image of what s/he believes the interpreters used by Joseph Smith looked like, when he translated the Book of Mormon. (If s/he gives me permission, I'll update this post and include the artwork.) They included "seer stones", and the depiction is quite fascinating. Made me want to explore the topic some more.
 |
| (When I took this pic, I had no idea this post would be written a few days later... or that this would have such a fun connotation to this post!) |
So this morning, as I opened up my scriptures, I knew it was time again to do my time tested method of deciding where to read: close my eyes and ask "where should I read today?" It's been a few weeks since I had the time to just sit and listen to the answer, even though it usually pops in my head before I get to finish asking the question. D&C 32.
This section is quite short actually. And some words and phrases impressed me. It's a revelation given to Parley P. Pratt. Love him. (Read The Key to the Science of Theology on my bookshelf, or for free on the Kindle App by clicking that link. He has some marvelous thoughts on angels, spirits, and dreams, which few contemporary authors have expounded upon. Love that book.) Anyways, using the footnotes next to Parley's name, I went to D&C 50:37 and started skimming what was going on there for him. A few verses down, verse 44 says
Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.
Did somebody just say stone? Last night after thinking about the seer stones used for translation, I remember learning somewhere along the way about two of the stones used by the brother of Jared. When preparing to cross the ocean, the brother of Jared was perplexed as to how there would be light within the barges which the Lord instructed him to build. The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch 16 stones so that they would give light within the barges. After the Nephite civilization was destroyed (whether it be their structure, or their lives in general), Moroni deposited the plates he inscribed upon, along with a breatsplate, the sword of Laban, and the Urim and Thummim. My understanding is that there were two of these stones, touched by the finger of the Lord, which made up the U&T.
 |
| (Not quite like the Urim & Thummim... but close?:) |
Back to the verse, the Lord is the good shepherd, the stone of Israel. It was His light, his finger touching stones, that gave literal light within the barges. It was these stones, touched by his finger, that allowed for the Book of Mormon to be translated. If we build upon Him, we shall never fall.
I flipped back to D&C 32, and skimmed the page. On the right side, I found D&C 33:13.
And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
We used to refer to this idea on my mission, when teaching the 3rd discussion. We would say that Christ was the foundation, Peter the chief cornerstone, and then start building a makeshift church with Dixie cups. We would end up focusing the remainder of the discussion on the church as a whole, and less on the idea that Christ is the rock. But for this post, I want to re-focus back on the rock. What does that mean, really? If we build on Him? Feel free to let that sit with you for awhile. There are lots of references to Him being the rock EVERYwhere.
In some of the random classes I've been to over the years, I've learned some fun properties about rocks. This year in school you learned all about the rock cycles. How rocks are forms, how long they take to form, and different things they can/can't do. In my classes, I've learned how some rocks like quartz are actually some of the best conductors of electricity on the planet. How interesting that the Source of Light would touch His finger on 16 rocks, at the request of Jared's brother, and those stones would hold the energy from his touch for months while they crossed the ocean(s).
Another thought I saw someone present on another blog's comment thread is that we need to depend more upon God Himself, rather than people, an institution, or even our own intuition. That last one struck me. So very true. I should not be trusting my intuition so wholly as I should be trusting God Himself. I do not know of any source in the scriptures where I am told to trust myself, but only the Spirit of God within me. Perhaps that's what I'm getting at, when I say or am told to "trust your/my gut". Perhaps my intuition is based upon my connection to God, but even my intuition has been known to make mistakes.
Anyways, very long post. I hope you get the idea. Run with it!
Love you!
~Mom<3
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year's in the Book of Mormon
Dear Daniel,
It's a New Year! While you may not have known or understood why we were celebrating, it's a New Year! I hope this one is filled with wonderful things for you.
New Year's always come with celebrations. Here in PA, it's a tradition for things to be "dropped". In New York City, they "drop" an apple, because it's the "Big Apple". In PA, we drop all sorts of random things, depending on the town you're in. In Lebanon, they drop a giant 13 foot bologna. (You pronounce this "baloney", as we should.:) In Hershey, they "raise" a kiss, and no one knows why they don't "drop" it. Harrisburg drops a strawberry, York a white rose, Lancaster a red rose. Palmyra drops a shoe, and from time to time, Cleona drops a pretzel. Dillsburg drops a pickle, Foulmouth drops a goat. What else is there? I think Elizabethtown drops a giant M&M. I'm sure I'm forgetting somewhere. Yes, we Pennsylvanians are weird!
When I was thinking of what I wanted to share with you, while things are festive, this time of year I often remember the stories in the Book of Mormon that relate. I know we're likely on different calendars. There is no place, to my knowledge, that says that when Mormon and Moroni abridged the plates, that they correlated the calendar of the Nephites and Lamanites to our modern-day calendar. Despite this, there are traditions that seem to take place in the Book of Mormon in relation to months. I would like to highlight one to you.
There are a few significant events tied into the end of the year. There are two, in particular, that I can recite by memory, because they tie into one of my favorite persons, which is Teancum. In Alma 51:34, Teancum puts an end to the evil Amalickiah on the eve of the new year, putting a javelin to his heart.
In the book War in the Book of Mormon, (I can't find the author now. I believe it's either Nibley or Sorenson), the author expounds on the theory that there was great significance to this event. I wish I could quote directly for you. He points out that in Arabian countries, for a leader to perish on the eve of the new year, it is considered a terrible omen for the upcoming year. For Teancum to take out Amalickiah, an apostate Nephite, on New Year's eve, surely meant devastation for the likely superstitious Lamanites that he had been leading. Following his assassination, the Lamanites backed up their evil war plan for many days, even months. (Alma 52:2)
Following this event, the war continued off and on. This war totaled about seven years, when all was said and done. And what ended it? Again, this man Teancum.
In Alma 62, it appears to be two days before the new year. Once again, Teancum and his army (along with the armies of Moroni and Lehi) seem to be all gathered together, preparing for more fighting the next day. Teancum does his super-sleuthing maneuvers, and kills Ammoron (Amalickiah's brother, who succeeded him as the Lamanite leader). Ammoron, however, unlike his brother, was alive long enough to have his guards (or whoever) chase down Teancum, and "slew him".
The next day, which was the eve of the new year, as Moroni and Lehi and the others mourned Teancum's death, they defeated the remaining Lamanite army, thus ending the war. (Alma 62:37-38).
What does this have to do with New Year's? Often we talk about the New Year being a new beginning. Here we have a story of one of the most patriotic, effective warriors and leaders in the Book of Mormon, drasticly changing the course of the war, giving his own life in the process. He likely knew he would die, and he likely knew the war would end when Amalickiah's ridiculous brother Ammoron died. What Teancum gave up, we don't know for sure. But rarely in the Book of Mormon do we see a martyr, and it is apparent to me that he was one. In essence, he was a type, or symbol for Christ. He gave up his life so that others could live. Whether or not you respect him or not is up to you. Only a few dozen years later, Christ would come, and do the same thing.
As you start your "New Year" each year, I hope that as Teancum symbolically allowed an "end" to the war and a fresh start for those surviving, Christ also allows an "end" to our personal wars, giving us a fresh start for the days ahead.
As for you, little Daniel, you are a warrior, just like Teancum. Don't ever give up.
~Mom <3
It's a New Year! While you may not have known or understood why we were celebrating, it's a New Year! I hope this one is filled with wonderful things for you.
New Year's always come with celebrations. Here in PA, it's a tradition for things to be "dropped". In New York City, they "drop" an apple, because it's the "Big Apple". In PA, we drop all sorts of random things, depending on the town you're in. In Lebanon, they drop a giant 13 foot bologna. (You pronounce this "baloney", as we should.:) In Hershey, they "raise" a kiss, and no one knows why they don't "drop" it. Harrisburg drops a strawberry, York a white rose, Lancaster a red rose. Palmyra drops a shoe, and from time to time, Cleona drops a pretzel. Dillsburg drops a pickle, Foulmouth drops a goat. What else is there? I think Elizabethtown drops a giant M&M. I'm sure I'm forgetting somewhere. Yes, we Pennsylvanians are weird!
When I was thinking of what I wanted to share with you, while things are festive, this time of year I often remember the stories in the Book of Mormon that relate. I know we're likely on different calendars. There is no place, to my knowledge, that says that when Mormon and Moroni abridged the plates, that they correlated the calendar of the Nephites and Lamanites to our modern-day calendar. Despite this, there are traditions that seem to take place in the Book of Mormon in relation to months. I would like to highlight one to you.
There are a few significant events tied into the end of the year. There are two, in particular, that I can recite by memory, because they tie into one of my favorite persons, which is Teancum. In Alma 51:34, Teancum puts an end to the evil Amalickiah on the eve of the new year, putting a javelin to his heart.
 |
| (photo source - James H. Fullmer. Really enjoy his work.) |
In the book War in the Book of Mormon, (I can't find the author now. I believe it's either Nibley or Sorenson), the author expounds on the theory that there was great significance to this event. I wish I could quote directly for you. He points out that in Arabian countries, for a leader to perish on the eve of the new year, it is considered a terrible omen for the upcoming year. For Teancum to take out Amalickiah, an apostate Nephite, on New Year's eve, surely meant devastation for the likely superstitious Lamanites that he had been leading. Following his assassination, the Lamanites backed up their evil war plan for many days, even months. (Alma 52:2)
| (photo source) |
Following this event, the war continued off and on. This war totaled about seven years, when all was said and done. And what ended it? Again, this man Teancum.
In Alma 62, it appears to be two days before the new year. Once again, Teancum and his army (along with the armies of Moroni and Lehi) seem to be all gathered together, preparing for more fighting the next day. Teancum does his super-sleuthing maneuvers, and kills Ammoron (Amalickiah's brother, who succeeded him as the Lamanite leader). Ammoron, however, unlike his brother, was alive long enough to have his guards (or whoever) chase down Teancum, and "slew him".
The next day, which was the eve of the new year, as Moroni and Lehi and the others mourned Teancum's death, they defeated the remaining Lamanite army, thus ending the war. (Alma 62:37-38).
What does this have to do with New Year's? Often we talk about the New Year being a new beginning. Here we have a story of one of the most patriotic, effective warriors and leaders in the Book of Mormon, drasticly changing the course of the war, giving his own life in the process. He likely knew he would die, and he likely knew the war would end when Amalickiah's ridiculous brother Ammoron died. What Teancum gave up, we don't know for sure. But rarely in the Book of Mormon do we see a martyr, and it is apparent to me that he was one. In essence, he was a type, or symbol for Christ. He gave up his life so that others could live. Whether or not you respect him or not is up to you. Only a few dozen years later, Christ would come, and do the same thing.
As you start your "New Year" each year, I hope that as Teancum symbolically allowed an "end" to the war and a fresh start for those surviving, Christ also allows an "end" to our personal wars, giving us a fresh start for the days ahead.
As for you, little Daniel, you are a warrior, just like Teancum. Don't ever give up.
~Mom <3
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Images of Christ
Dear Austin,
You probably won't read this for many years, but when you do, I hope it helps you in some way. Today I was in Magdalene's class, and the other teacher gave a great year-end wrap up of lessons taught. Most of the lessons were taught before I got called as a co-teacher. She did an excellent job, and brought a great love to the class. Your teacher carries the same love for you, and always tell me what a "sweet little boy" you are, and how she just loves you and your cute little cheeks. But imagine that being said with a thick southern accent. That's how your teacher tells us she loves your sweet guts. haha!
In Magdalene's class, there was something I wanted to share with you. Actually from the whole of Primary. During song time, the sister leading the music showed a picture that was meant to be baby Jesus. I kind of laughed, because it's clearly a photo, and from what I can tell, there were no cameras in Jesus' day, but the sweet sister cooed at cute baby Jesus, and lots of the kids did too. Kinda fun. Anyways, I went to Maggie's class and we saw more "pictures", which were more in the form of paintings. And guess what. ALL of the pictures of Jesus were pretty much the same. The same face, same beard, same body, same hair color... same Jesus! Oddly enough, while I know it's a painting of Jesus, he didn't look familiar to me.
There's a book I was reading a few weeks ago called Nephi's Isaiah (written by a man named Denver Snuffer). I hope you read it when you're older. In it, the author spends some time writing about how Jesus is often referred to by many names, one being the Lamb of God. This was a really neat section, because he talked about how Jesus looked young, like a "lamb". He differentiated between a sheep and a lamb, and made the clear distinction that Christ was everything that the older, wiser people didn't expect. He was teaching Priests in the temple when he was twelve years old. Did they want to hear someone preaching to them, expounding what only the Scribes should have known (Scribes were the guys who kept the records)? At this time, Jesus was only barely older than Josten is now. I think they probably didn't like that.
To continue that idea, Jesus didn't look the part, and didn't always act the part. He hung out with harlots, thieves, poor people, lepers... you name it. Perhaps if He came to America, He might hang out with people with tattoos, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless people. People who clearly needed help and love. But when he was mortal, Jesus didn't please the elites or the rich, despite being much wiser than they were.
As I thought about that in these paintings, it doubly made me think, and wonder why Jesus didn't look familiar to me, even though I've seen these pictures hundreds of times. In these paintings, it looks like the same person was used to represent Christ, but he looks old. Does Jesus really look that old? He looks at least 40-something, nearing 50-something. Not that that's old, but it's certainly not early 30s, which is when his ministry took place. That's younger than me, and you should know, I look young. In fact, Jesus is said to have been killed about 33 years old. That's a year younger than me now. I bet you won't even remember me looking this young, by the time you read this! In any event, personally, I know that more respect is generally given to someone who looks older, even if they're not older.
For example, Daddy and I are near the same age, but Daddy will get treated more like an adult at times than I do. Why? I suspect at times it's because I'm short, and I look young. I look like a kid. Perhaps more like a sheep than a lamb, despite having four children. At times the lack of respect is obvious.
This makes me wonder, if Snuffer's descriptions are correct, was the lack of respect given to Christ added upon by the fact that he looked young? I don't know. Just something for you to think about.
The reason I'm writing this to you is that you have a sensitive spirit, and I expect that as you grow, you will always have a close relationship with the Savior, no matter what happens in your life. Despite seeing these pictures, I hope you will envision your own picture of Jesus, and I hope his face is more familiar to you than this man, who appears to be much older than a "lamb". He appears more like a "sheep".
Another part of the sister's lesson was spent a bit on this, and how Jesus was crucified. She explained that of all the ways to die, crucifixion is one of the most painful. Jesus not only suffered for our sins in Gethsemane, but also severely on the cross. For hours, from what we are told in the scriptures. Can you imagine? I remember feeling the most severe pain in my life that came and went for a few hours, but it wasn't constant like this must have been. Excruciating.
Following this picture, the sister showed this one.
She asked why Jesus kept the marks on his hands and feet and side. She answered that they were scars that Jesus would be "proud" of, so he could always remember what he had done for us. That made me raise an eyebrow, and wonder if I agreed. (I always keep an ear our for the word "proud". Maybe "honored" might be a better word?) I always understood that these marks were for us to recognize Him. This made me wonder how much of our scars will be taken away. Some of them are meant for us to remember what we have learned. This is true on not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual levels.
Lastly, this picture was shown. (I was really enthralled by her storytelling, probably more so than the rest of the class. It was as if I'd never heard these stories before. She did a really good job.) She said that when Jesus comes again, it won't be quietly, in a stable when he first came. She said that the angels said when he comes again, it will be coming down from the heavens, as he had ascended, and will be done in great glory, as this picture depicts. What a wonderful thought.
It made me wonder if it would be while I'm yet alive. I always thought, as a teenager, that He would come by the time I was the age I am now. And here I am, the world is changing rapidly, but He still has not come. There are many more signs and prophecies that need to be fulfilled, but I still look forward to that day with hope, whether or not it is in my lifetime.
I hope that if it's during your lifetime, you're prepared. There's a lot to experience before that happens, and I hope that we do everything we can to help you do whatever your mission is in life. We love you lots.
~Mom <3
p.s. - all these photos are by Harry Anderson, and while I copied them from various sites, I believe the LDS Church holds the rights to their use. xo
You probably won't read this for many years, but when you do, I hope it helps you in some way. Today I was in Magdalene's class, and the other teacher gave a great year-end wrap up of lessons taught. Most of the lessons were taught before I got called as a co-teacher. She did an excellent job, and brought a great love to the class. Your teacher carries the same love for you, and always tell me what a "sweet little boy" you are, and how she just loves you and your cute little cheeks. But imagine that being said with a thick southern accent. That's how your teacher tells us she loves your sweet guts. haha!
In Magdalene's class, there was something I wanted to share with you. Actually from the whole of Primary. During song time, the sister leading the music showed a picture that was meant to be baby Jesus. I kind of laughed, because it's clearly a photo, and from what I can tell, there were no cameras in Jesus' day, but the sweet sister cooed at cute baby Jesus, and lots of the kids did too. Kinda fun. Anyways, I went to Maggie's class and we saw more "pictures", which were more in the form of paintings. And guess what. ALL of the pictures of Jesus were pretty much the same. The same face, same beard, same body, same hair color... same Jesus! Oddly enough, while I know it's a painting of Jesus, he didn't look familiar to me.
There's a book I was reading a few weeks ago called Nephi's Isaiah (written by a man named Denver Snuffer). I hope you read it when you're older. In it, the author spends some time writing about how Jesus is often referred to by many names, one being the Lamb of God. This was a really neat section, because he talked about how Jesus looked young, like a "lamb". He differentiated between a sheep and a lamb, and made the clear distinction that Christ was everything that the older, wiser people didn't expect. He was teaching Priests in the temple when he was twelve years old. Did they want to hear someone preaching to them, expounding what only the Scribes should have known (Scribes were the guys who kept the records)? At this time, Jesus was only barely older than Josten is now. I think they probably didn't like that.
To continue that idea, Jesus didn't look the part, and didn't always act the part. He hung out with harlots, thieves, poor people, lepers... you name it. Perhaps if He came to America, He might hang out with people with tattoos, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless people. People who clearly needed help and love. But when he was mortal, Jesus didn't please the elites or the rich, despite being much wiser than they were.
As I thought about that in these paintings, it doubly made me think, and wonder why Jesus didn't look familiar to me, even though I've seen these pictures hundreds of times. In these paintings, it looks like the same person was used to represent Christ, but he looks old. Does Jesus really look that old? He looks at least 40-something, nearing 50-something. Not that that's old, but it's certainly not early 30s, which is when his ministry took place. That's younger than me, and you should know, I look young. In fact, Jesus is said to have been killed about 33 years old. That's a year younger than me now. I bet you won't even remember me looking this young, by the time you read this! In any event, personally, I know that more respect is generally given to someone who looks older, even if they're not older.
For example, Daddy and I are near the same age, but Daddy will get treated more like an adult at times than I do. Why? I suspect at times it's because I'm short, and I look young. I look like a kid. Perhaps more like a sheep than a lamb, despite having four children. At times the lack of respect is obvious.
This makes me wonder, if Snuffer's descriptions are correct, was the lack of respect given to Christ added upon by the fact that he looked young? I don't know. Just something for you to think about.
The reason I'm writing this to you is that you have a sensitive spirit, and I expect that as you grow, you will always have a close relationship with the Savior, no matter what happens in your life. Despite seeing these pictures, I hope you will envision your own picture of Jesus, and I hope his face is more familiar to you than this man, who appears to be much older than a "lamb". He appears more like a "sheep".
Another part of the sister's lesson was spent a bit on this, and how Jesus was crucified. She explained that of all the ways to die, crucifixion is one of the most painful. Jesus not only suffered for our sins in Gethsemane, but also severely on the cross. For hours, from what we are told in the scriptures. Can you imagine? I remember feeling the most severe pain in my life that came and went for a few hours, but it wasn't constant like this must have been. Excruciating.
Following this picture, the sister showed this one.
She asked why Jesus kept the marks on his hands and feet and side. She answered that they were scars that Jesus would be "proud" of, so he could always remember what he had done for us. That made me raise an eyebrow, and wonder if I agreed. (I always keep an ear our for the word "proud". Maybe "honored" might be a better word?) I always understood that these marks were for us to recognize Him. This made me wonder how much of our scars will be taken away. Some of them are meant for us to remember what we have learned. This is true on not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual levels.
Lastly, this picture was shown. (I was really enthralled by her storytelling, probably more so than the rest of the class. It was as if I'd never heard these stories before. She did a really good job.) She said that when Jesus comes again, it won't be quietly, in a stable when he first came. She said that the angels said when he comes again, it will be coming down from the heavens, as he had ascended, and will be done in great glory, as this picture depicts. What a wonderful thought.
It made me wonder if it would be while I'm yet alive. I always thought, as a teenager, that He would come by the time I was the age I am now. And here I am, the world is changing rapidly, but He still has not come. There are many more signs and prophecies that need to be fulfilled, but I still look forward to that day with hope, whether or not it is in my lifetime.
I hope that if it's during your lifetime, you're prepared. There's a lot to experience before that happens, and I hope that we do everything we can to help you do whatever your mission is in life. We love you lots.
~Mom <3
p.s. - all these photos are by Harry Anderson, and while I copied them from various sites, I believe the LDS Church holds the rights to their use. xo
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
1 Nephi 1:9 - "ONE" and His Luster
Lehi's experience in being "carried away in the spirit" continues (previous post here).
1 Nephi 1:9:
The One descended out of the midst of heaven. From Lehi's perspective, this tells us a little about his viewpoint. While the heavens had opened to Lehi, he is apparently still lower (physically) than where Christ came from. The "midst of heaven" implies, as in verse eight, that He had been surrounded. Likewise, He is the center of all, including the angels. He is the center of the plan of salvation, the center of why we are here, and the center of where we are going. He is.
He beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. I have lots of thoughts about "luster". We use this term to describe diamonds, gold, and sparkly things. We often judge quality of a rare item based on this trait. If we find silver with no luster, it is judged as old, tarnished, or difficult to utilize without bringing shame. (Imagine pulling out tarnished silver for Christmas dinner and using it to serve guests with. "Ooh, I LOVE your beautiful silver!" Um, not quite.) How did Christ shine like this?
A lot of people only believe what they see. We have a body, and many believe when we die, that's just it. They mourn the passing of their loved ones, often going to their grave site to display flowers and such. On Memorial Day in particular, I don't know that I saw one grave in Utah without flowers. I wonder why such attention is given to graves, when so many believe that death is not the end. It's just a resting place. Do these people believe that the spirit still hangs out there, as its new residence? Or that such a place is the only way to get a message to the passed loved one?
I believe we have a spirit, and this scripture testifies to that. Our skin does not naturally shine. Skin is typically matte in appearance. But Christ's "luster" was above that of the sun at noon-day. It was shining, startlingly bright, such that surely Lehi couldn't even stare at it without his natural eyes burning out of their sockets. (Also indicating that Lehi was likely taken in spirit, so that he could behold these things?) So was his skin just shiny? Or did he glow? Did this light come from the cells of his then pre-mortal body? Does this indicate that there is more to our bodies, and even our spirits, than meets the naked eye?
To me, this indicates that his body is intelligence. The most minute particles of his body must have been so powerful as to emit this magnificent light. Seeing that he came to earth to show us the way in all forms, and that he took on a mortal body, I think this is a great example that our spirits are and can be like this, if we follow him. Some people are said to "glow", and I have met a few like that, although it wasn't anything physical I saw, I could see a radiance about their spirit.
Luster. Definitely something worth looking into.
1 Nephi 1:9:
Lehi saw "One". One, with a capital "O". I just had a funny thought come to me, just as I wrote that O. In the last four years, it's been used heavily in the United States as a symbol to represent now President Barack Obama. If you're reading from around the world, you may not be aware of all the bumper stickers, yard signs, and other paraphernalia in which the letter O is turned into an Obama symbol. Even the Pepsi (cola) symbol was said to have been patterned after Obama's symbol, to show their support for the "first black president". I won't wax political, but only comment that all politicians seem to act as if they are the Savior. So many politicians are Anti-Christ – meaning they attempt to take the position of Christ, as if they will solve our problems. Here, in just the 9th verse of this first chapter of the Book of Mormon, we already have a testament of Christ's nature. He is the ONE, capital O. He is the Savior, the God who will redeem us from our pitiful and fallen states. If we let Him, I believe He would fix our financial situation, or wars, our broken families. He would heal our disease, eradicating the need for a "health care system". There would be no need for lawyers to fix problems of disputes, because if we truly followed Him, there would be none. There would be no immigration problems to solve, no poverty, no abandonment if we truly followed Him. How far we have come in the 21st century, haven't we?And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his aluster was above that of the sun at noon-day.
The One descended out of the midst of heaven. From Lehi's perspective, this tells us a little about his viewpoint. While the heavens had opened to Lehi, he is apparently still lower (physically) than where Christ came from. The "midst of heaven" implies, as in verse eight, that He had been surrounded. Likewise, He is the center of all, including the angels. He is the center of the plan of salvation, the center of why we are here, and the center of where we are going. He is.
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| (photo source - I really like this guy's zeal, and his website) |
He beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. I have lots of thoughts about "luster". We use this term to describe diamonds, gold, and sparkly things. We often judge quality of a rare item based on this trait. If we find silver with no luster, it is judged as old, tarnished, or difficult to utilize without bringing shame. (Imagine pulling out tarnished silver for Christmas dinner and using it to serve guests with. "Ooh, I LOVE your beautiful silver!" Um, not quite.) How did Christ shine like this?
A lot of people only believe what they see. We have a body, and many believe when we die, that's just it. They mourn the passing of their loved ones, often going to their grave site to display flowers and such. On Memorial Day in particular, I don't know that I saw one grave in Utah without flowers. I wonder why such attention is given to graves, when so many believe that death is not the end. It's just a resting place. Do these people believe that the spirit still hangs out there, as its new residence? Or that such a place is the only way to get a message to the passed loved one?
I believe we have a spirit, and this scripture testifies to that. Our skin does not naturally shine. Skin is typically matte in appearance. But Christ's "luster" was above that of the sun at noon-day. It was shining, startlingly bright, such that surely Lehi couldn't even stare at it without his natural eyes burning out of their sockets. (Also indicating that Lehi was likely taken in spirit, so that he could behold these things?) So was his skin just shiny? Or did he glow? Did this light come from the cells of his then pre-mortal body? Does this indicate that there is more to our bodies, and even our spirits, than meets the naked eye?
To me, this indicates that his body is intelligence. The most minute particles of his body must have been so powerful as to emit this magnificent light. Seeing that he came to earth to show us the way in all forms, and that he took on a mortal body, I think this is a great example that our spirits are and can be like this, if we follow him. Some people are said to "glow", and I have met a few like that, although it wasn't anything physical I saw, I could see a radiance about their spirit.
Luster. Definitely something worth looking into.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Being Ashamed
Tonight I did the most ridiculous thing, and I'm not even sure why.
I was meeting at a class, and sharing with someone about my efforts at the work I engage in. I shared some business cards, and then clarified the email address on the: ilovejesus @ amajorshift dot com. "It says 'I love Jesus' but I'm open to people of any beliefs,'" I said to her. WHY did I feel the need to say that?
After I walked out, I realized just how pathetic that was. Did I feel that my cards would not be passed on to others, once the email address was viewed? Was I ashamed of the address? It was exactly to clarify who I am and who I worship that this email was designed. It is so that neither I nor the people I work with ever have to question who I worship, and my motive for the work I engage in. And in passing out my measly business card, I essentially apologized in order to appear tolerant and open and accepting of all faiths. Not that that's a bad thing, but for someone who made promises to stand as a witness for the Savior, I'm ashamed. More than the minute before I said what I said.
With this realization, I have become incredibly aware of how much those in healing circles fall back on "your higher power". Why? Do we think that we're being pushy? Or is it acting "tolerant"? I don't know for sure. But I do know that I felt like I gave myself a mudbath the minute after I realized my thought process. That's not how I choose to think.
It gave me empathy for Peter. Surely he didn't want to deny Christ. But when the cock crowed thrice, he realized that Jesus' prophecy had come true, and he wept bitterly.
I kinda felt the same tonight. Hopefully my shame at being ashamed will remind me never to walk that road again.
I was meeting at a class, and sharing with someone about my efforts at the work I engage in. I shared some business cards, and then clarified the email address on the: ilovejesus @ amajorshift dot com. "It says 'I love Jesus' but I'm open to people of any beliefs,'" I said to her. WHY did I feel the need to say that?
After I walked out, I realized just how pathetic that was. Did I feel that my cards would not be passed on to others, once the email address was viewed? Was I ashamed of the address? It was exactly to clarify who I am and who I worship that this email was designed. It is so that neither I nor the people I work with ever have to question who I worship, and my motive for the work I engage in. And in passing out my measly business card, I essentially apologized in order to appear tolerant and open and accepting of all faiths. Not that that's a bad thing, but for someone who made promises to stand as a witness for the Savior, I'm ashamed. More than the minute before I said what I said.
With this realization, I have become incredibly aware of how much those in healing circles fall back on "your higher power". Why? Do we think that we're being pushy? Or is it acting "tolerant"? I don't know for sure. But I do know that I felt like I gave myself a mudbath the minute after I realized my thought process. That's not how I choose to think.
It gave me empathy for Peter. Surely he didn't want to deny Christ. But when the cock crowed thrice, he realized that Jesus' prophecy had come true, and he wept bitterly.
I kinda felt the same tonight. Hopefully my shame at being ashamed will remind me never to walk that road again.
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