Rick sees Jonah after he preaches to the people of Nineveh. Grandfather tells him that Jonah likes to preach of their destruction because he wants them to be destroyed. The worse they feel, the happier it makes HIM feel. But, to his surprise, they repent and are saved from destruction! Jonah asks that the Lord dishes out his punishment as He said he would. But when the Lord doesn't (because they repented at the last minute) Jonah gets angry. This is where the story of Jonah ends. The Lord asks Jonah a questions and He is left waiting for the answer. The stops because Jonah's answer is only important to Jonah, not us. What is important to us is our answer to the Lord's question. Rick asks, "What's the question?" His father responds with "Should not I spare Nineveh?"
When we want "punishment" to come to someone, and the LORD feels they have repented, should He continue to "punish" them?
Grandfather lays out the sequence of events for Rick to see before him:
1. The Lord commands Jonah to preach against the wicked Ninevites.
2. Jonah sins, not wanting Nineveh to be saved.
3. Jonah reprents and the Lord saves Jonah.
3. Nineveh repents and the Lord saves Nineveh.
2. Jonah sins, not wanting Nineveh to be saved.
1. The Lord asks Jonah: Should not I spare Nineveh?
The discussion continues with the form of writing called "chiasms." What I thought was interesting was when Grandfather said he didn't know anything about this until he came HERE, which tells me we still learn while in heaven.
Grandfather continues to guide Rick to see that if he deserves forgiveness, then so did Nineveh, and if they shouldn't be spare, whom else should not be spared?
"Youyre saying that if Jonah can't be happy at the thought of Nineveh's salvation, then he makes HIMSELF unworthy of salvation."
But as Grandfather reminds him, everyone is unworthy of salvation. Salvation is an act of mercy. Mercy can be extended only to those who are willing to extend it themselves. Isn't that a grand statement? If we want mercy and forgiveness, we must extend it to others. That is what we are here for, to learn to forgive. I have need of forgiveness, so therefore, I must forgive others.
Grandfather also explains that the important verses of the Book of Jonah appears in the middle of the center eements of the chiasm, with 24 verses preceding it and twenty-three verses following.
Quote from the book: "Jonah sits in that booth observing lying vanities: He has forgotten his own prior sin; he has forgotten the mercy extended to him by the mariners, who tried to spare him even when they knew he was the cause of their troubles; he has forgotten the ultimate mercy of the Lord, who delivered him even though he didn't deserve it; and he is therefore blind to his own"Nineveh-ness" - to how he, himself, is Nineveh. Failing to see moercifully, his heart, mind, and eyes are lying to him. All he can see is that he is 'right,' 'entitled,' 'deserving.' Observing 'lying vanieties,' he is in danger of 'forsaking his own mercy.' And feeling no personal mercy, he is locked in despair."
As Grandfather says, is there any way "I" am forgetting my own sins? Any way I am not seeing the mercies that others have shown to me? Any way that I am forgetting the Lord? Any way that I have become blind to my own Nineveh-ness? Any way that I persist in feeling entitled?
My own escape from despair lies in my answer to these questions. So why is it so hard to answer? Because I am afraid if I answer one way I am not being truthful myself. How do I know which way I am? Not that I am "entitled" but that I am innocent in some ways others think I am not. Does that make me "un-humble"?
I see things going on in my own family that I know are mistaken judgements, and what can I do about it? By trying to help others see am I closing my own eyes? I just don't know how to come to a conclusion about it. I am standing at the fork in the road and just don't know which way to turn.
Monday, January 28, 2008
What storm?
The storm that came during the night left about 1.5 inches here and was over by 5:00am.Except for the power outage that went from 4:45 to 5:45. We haven't had any more except for the blowing snow that makes it look horrible. I understand from the weather reports that Mesa is getting lots of rain, that Logan is not looking very good, and Salt Lake is very windy and snowing. So maybe Emery has the best weather after all!
Random Thoughts
I was in the middle of writing about 2 hours ago when the power went off here in Orangeville again. Seems to be doing that a lot lately. I showered in the romatic candlelight then read by flashlight. I now need to get ready for school so I will try to get a few minutes during the day to rewrite what I had completed. But for now, it is a snowy stormy moring in Emery County, but I guess we WILL be having school.
Random Thoughts
I had the first of a new math class on Saturday. Seems like lots of "small" assignments for this teacher. Might as well just get started and stay ahead. So this afternoon I will organize my stuff and see what I will be doing the next two weeks.
Yesterday in church I just coughed my head off during sacrament meeting and Sunday school, getting weird looks from everyone. I hate not being able to move the junk in my lungs. As I was walking - slowly - up to the organ for prelude music Dad and Lowell (the local PA) watched me. Lowell said to get to the clinic for a shot because he could tell I was in trouble. I went home during the last hour and tried to sleep, which was good because I did't cough as much. But the day wasn't so good and we ended up going down for a medrol shot. I didn't know it came in a shot form. I am breathing a bit better, but still coughing.
I keep wondering, what are we missing here. Coughing for 5 months straight can't be too good. We keep medicating for asthm or infections but I still cough. Most of the time it doesn't come from my lung but my throat, like my vocal chords have a tickle all the time. Coughing so hard and nothing moves in my lungs, just my vocal chords get terribly irriated. I do get relief after a 6 day dose of medrol. The next three weeks are great, but then sinus infections or asthma kicks in again and the coughing comes back. I wish spring would come!
And what do we have this morning....snow! The storm is finally here. I wonder just how much we will get with this one because it is coming from the south.
I didn't get much sleep last night because I was watching all the news about President Hinkley. I can't say I was shocked because we knew it would come before too much longer. What a happy reunion in heaven with his beloved wife. I am sure this will bring lots of questions in the media because of the public view of Mormons at this time.
(This is where the power went off.)
Yesterday in church I just coughed my head off during sacrament meeting and Sunday school, getting weird looks from everyone. I hate not being able to move the junk in my lungs. As I was walking - slowly - up to the organ for prelude music Dad and Lowell (the local PA) watched me. Lowell said to get to the clinic for a shot because he could tell I was in trouble. I went home during the last hour and tried to sleep, which was good because I did't cough as much. But the day wasn't so good and we ended up going down for a medrol shot. I didn't know it came in a shot form. I am breathing a bit better, but still coughing.
I keep wondering, what are we missing here. Coughing for 5 months straight can't be too good. We keep medicating for asthm or infections but I still cough. Most of the time it doesn't come from my lung but my throat, like my vocal chords have a tickle all the time. Coughing so hard and nothing moves in my lungs, just my vocal chords get terribly irriated. I do get relief after a 6 day dose of medrol. The next three weeks are great, but then sinus infections or asthma kicks in again and the coughing comes back. I wish spring would come!
And what do we have this morning....snow! The storm is finally here. I wonder just how much we will get with this one because it is coming from the south.
I didn't get much sleep last night because I was watching all the news about President Hinkley. I can't say I was shocked because we knew it would come before too much longer. What a happy reunion in heaven with his beloved wife. I am sure this will bring lots of questions in the media because of the public view of Mormons at this time.
(This is where the power went off.)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dallas
Now that the day is almost over and I finally have a minute to sit down and do something for just me, I want to tell Dallas happy birthday! Hope you have a good day in the warm Arizona sun while we are freezing here in Utah.
I want to use everyone's birthday to tell them how special they are in our family. (Sorry, Nicky, you will have to wait until October!:)
Thank you Dallas for being such a great husband to Nancy and a wonderful father to Tyler. You have always made us feel welcome when we stopped by to visit, or drove to Mesa for a few days. You always know the best places to eat! You know more about computers than anyone else I know and I admire that knowledge. I can work most programs, but I can't do what you can do so I really admire you in that area. Again, have a happy birthday!
I just realized that all my children's spouses birthdays come first in the year, before any grandchildren or children. I think that is quite a coincidence. Now if someone will just be sure to remind me what a birthday is coming up!
I want to use everyone's birthday to tell them how special they are in our family. (Sorry, Nicky, you will have to wait until October!:)
Thank you Dallas for being such a great husband to Nancy and a wonderful father to Tyler. You have always made us feel welcome when we stopped by to visit, or drove to Mesa for a few days. You always know the best places to eat! You know more about computers than anyone else I know and I admire that knowledge. I can work most programs, but I can't do what you can do so I really admire you in that area. Again, have a happy birthday!
I just realized that all my children's spouses birthdays come first in the year, before any grandchildren or children. I think that is quite a coincidence. Now if someone will just be sure to remind me what a birthday is coming up!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Excuse me?
As I was reading through some of my posts I realize the importance of an editor. I see so many mistakes! Why don't I catch them as I am typing? Yes, I know, I'm a teacher, but I will be the first to admit my fingers can go faster than my brain. So, here is a disclaimer.....Please excuse my grammar, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation and other mistakes that I will always be making. As I tell my students, "Just read for the meaning." Thanks!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Chapter 11 What We Deserve
So what is all this leading to? I had a difficult time figuring that out, too. What do we deserve?
So how could Jonah be Nineveh? Grandpa takes time to show Rick just how Jonah is like Nineveh, in the only way that really matters.
"Jonah feels that Nineveh doesn't deserve to be seaved. That's why he's running. But guess who else doesn't deserve to be saved?" Us....and Jonah.
"If Jonah demands that everydoby gets only what they deserve, then he must also accept what HE deserves, and that is what he is getting."
Rick thinks about his wife, be we can all think about anyone who we feel is treating us wrongly. We deserve better. We don't "deserve" anything, we aren't "entitled" to it just because of who we are. "The truth is that there is only one thing we truly deserve, and that's to be sent to hell." Because of the Savior's atonement, we are offered more than what we deserve. His atonement is given, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us.
Rick still doesn't see why Jonah is wrong. Grandfather explains that Nineveh being righteous is important only to Nineveh, not to Jonah. By thinking we are better than someone else, we are more like like Nineveh than the people in Nineveh. But what if the other people really are more wicked than we are?
If we indeed are more righteous, we would never THINK we are, because by THINKING we are better, we are worse. Kind of like humility. You can never admit you are Humble because then you aren't.
The question isn't who is better or worse. We each have to work out our own salvation. We need to work on ourselves. We need to stop getting upset at little things others do and work on ourselves. Ourself is what is important to us. We can't change others, only ourself.
So how could Jonah be Nineveh? Grandpa takes time to show Rick just how Jonah is like Nineveh, in the only way that really matters.
"Jonah feels that Nineveh doesn't deserve to be seaved. That's why he's running. But guess who else doesn't deserve to be saved?" Us....and Jonah.
"If Jonah demands that everydoby gets only what they deserve, then he must also accept what HE deserves, and that is what he is getting."
Rick thinks about his wife, be we can all think about anyone who we feel is treating us wrongly. We deserve better. We don't "deserve" anything, we aren't "entitled" to it just because of who we are. "The truth is that there is only one thing we truly deserve, and that's to be sent to hell." Because of the Savior's atonement, we are offered more than what we deserve. His atonement is given, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us.
Rick still doesn't see why Jonah is wrong. Grandfather explains that Nineveh being righteous is important only to Nineveh, not to Jonah. By thinking we are better than someone else, we are more like like Nineveh than the people in Nineveh. But what if the other people really are more wicked than we are?
If we indeed are more righteous, we would never THINK we are, because by THINKING we are better, we are worse. Kind of like humility. You can never admit you are Humble because then you aren't.
The question isn't who is better or worse. We each have to work out our own salvation. We need to work on ourselves. We need to stop getting upset at little things others do and work on ourselves. Ourself is what is important to us. We can't change others, only ourself.
Chapter 9 &10 The Cause of the Storm, and Who We Are
As I read further into the book I didn't underline or mark as much as I did at the front. It seemed to be a bit harder to connect with, but still has such an interesting message.
At the beginning of this chapter Rick is on a boat. He learns he is on a boat to Tarshish, in what we now know as Spain but the westernmost point of the old world. When he asks his grandfather why he is there Grandfather tells him that he is getting what he deserves, just like he asked for.
The boat is in a big storm, so wild that the men begin to throw cargo overboard to keep it upright. The men finally call to the gods to deliver them from the storm. As the storm progresses they determine that some of the men have caused the storm because of their wickedness and that they need to be thrown overboard in order to save the rest of the ship. The man who they choose to pay the price says, "My name is Jonah, son of Amittai. The lot has been well cast. I have offended the God of heaven and earth." He explains that he was told by the Lord to go to the Assyrians in Nineveh, to give them a warning, but he would not go because they were so wicked. So he ran away from the Lord and didn't do as commanded. This was the cause of the "calamity." "The God of heaven and earth is wroth."
The men ask him where he is from and who is the God he worships. He replies that he is a Hebrew and worships Jehovah, the God of heaven. He says he is commended to die because he has offended the Lord. He tells the men to cast him into the sae and then the sea will be calmed. But the captain says "We will not add to our troubles with your blood." They try to get out of the storm but finally decide they have no choice but to save themselves by casting Jonah into the sea.
Chapter 10:
Grandfather helps Rick see what it means to flee to Tarshish. Rick thinks it means to run from the Lord, but Grandfather wants to know WHY he was fleeing from the Lord. Jonah didn't want to go, and he didn't like the Ninevites because of what they had done to his people and what they were going to do.
Nineveh didn't deserve to be saved. And Jonah, one of those who had been mistreated by them, didn't deserve to be required to go help them.
Ricky asks Grandfather, "So you are saying I am upset because I think I deserve better than I'm getting, and in that respect I'm like Jonah." As he thinks about it, he agrees that perhaps he is like Jonah. It beats being Nineveh. In response, Grandfather says, "Actually, Ricky, that's who you are."
"Who?"
"Nineveh."
"I'm Nineveh?"
"Yes."
At the beginning of this chapter Rick is on a boat. He learns he is on a boat to Tarshish, in what we now know as Spain but the westernmost point of the old world. When he asks his grandfather why he is there Grandfather tells him that he is getting what he deserves, just like he asked for.
The boat is in a big storm, so wild that the men begin to throw cargo overboard to keep it upright. The men finally call to the gods to deliver them from the storm. As the storm progresses they determine that some of the men have caused the storm because of their wickedness and that they need to be thrown overboard in order to save the rest of the ship. The man who they choose to pay the price says, "My name is Jonah, son of Amittai. The lot has been well cast. I have offended the God of heaven and earth." He explains that he was told by the Lord to go to the Assyrians in Nineveh, to give them a warning, but he would not go because they were so wicked. So he ran away from the Lord and didn't do as commanded. This was the cause of the "calamity." "The God of heaven and earth is wroth."
The men ask him where he is from and who is the God he worships. He replies that he is a Hebrew and worships Jehovah, the God of heaven. He says he is commended to die because he has offended the Lord. He tells the men to cast him into the sae and then the sea will be calmed. But the captain says "We will not add to our troubles with your blood." They try to get out of the storm but finally decide they have no choice but to save themselves by casting Jonah into the sea.
Chapter 10:
Grandfather helps Rick see what it means to flee to Tarshish. Rick thinks it means to run from the Lord, but Grandfather wants to know WHY he was fleeing from the Lord. Jonah didn't want to go, and he didn't like the Ninevites because of what they had done to his people and what they were going to do.
Nineveh didn't deserve to be saved. And Jonah, one of those who had been mistreated by them, didn't deserve to be required to go help them.
Ricky asks Grandfather, "So you are saying I am upset because I think I deserve better than I'm getting, and in that respect I'm like Jonah." As he thinks about it, he agrees that perhaps he is like Jonah. It beats being Nineveh. In response, Grandfather says, "Actually, Ricky, that's who you are."
"Who?"
"Nineveh."
"I'm Nineveh?"
"Yes."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sacrament Meeting Talk
When I got to church this morning I took out my little notetablet I have been using and looked through the talks from last week. I then remembered that I wanted to write something about them. The speakers were Amber and Michael Reed. I had Michael in my third grade class a while ago. Amber is the granddaughter of a family in our ward. Dick and Lynn went on a mission and Amber and Michael have moved into their home while they are gone.
Amber spoke on their previous ward and a calling they had there to visit the patients at Primary Children's. They learned to love the people there and were sorry to leave that ward but they love it here in Emery County. (Amber works as a PT assistant at ProRehab.) She gave a very good talk.
Michael spoke on forgiveness and he did a wonderful job. He mentioned the talk of Bro. Bednar where he spoke about the two men having water disputes and how it led to one of the men killing the other. We should never let someone escalate into such a terrible crime. He also spoke about getting bitten by a snake and that there are two ways to respond: Run after the snake to kill it, or get the poision out of our systems. Only one way will result in us living. We need to work to get the poision out of our own systems. He reminded us that others cannot make us hurt,upset, or offended but that we choose to be so. We can also choose NOT to be offended, hurt, or upset. When we feel hurt, offended, or upset in reality we are hoping that others will feel the same way. We want others to take our pains away. But when we have chosen those pains, we must make them go away ourselves.
As he was speaking these words I felt the spirit testify that what he was saying was true. We make our choices and we have to live by them. If we want the feelings gone, we have to work on that ourselves.
I know others have been offended by what I have said or done, but I have never intended to hurt or offend anyone. I really just want peace and love in my family. I know that sometimes others don't think I am going about it in the right way, and that is perhaps true, but I just want everyone to understand each other and appreciate, or understand, others positions and feelings, without taking offense.
That is my desire, a family that will try to understand each other and be tolerant of others.
Amber spoke on their previous ward and a calling they had there to visit the patients at Primary Children's. They learned to love the people there and were sorry to leave that ward but they love it here in Emery County. (Amber works as a PT assistant at ProRehab.) She gave a very good talk.
Michael spoke on forgiveness and he did a wonderful job. He mentioned the talk of Bro. Bednar where he spoke about the two men having water disputes and how it led to one of the men killing the other. We should never let someone escalate into such a terrible crime. He also spoke about getting bitten by a snake and that there are two ways to respond: Run after the snake to kill it, or get the poision out of our systems. Only one way will result in us living. We need to work to get the poision out of our own systems. He reminded us that others cannot make us hurt,upset, or offended but that we choose to be so. We can also choose NOT to be offended, hurt, or upset. When we feel hurt, offended, or upset in reality we are hoping that others will feel the same way. We want others to take our pains away. But when we have chosen those pains, we must make them go away ourselves.
As he was speaking these words I felt the spirit testify that what he was saying was true. We make our choices and we have to live by them. If we want the feelings gone, we have to work on that ourselves.
I know others have been offended by what I have said or done, but I have never intended to hurt or offend anyone. I really just want peace and love in my family. I know that sometimes others don't think I am going about it in the right way, and that is perhaps true, but I just want everyone to understand each other and appreciate, or understand, others positions and feelings, without taking offense.
That is my desire, a family that will try to understand each other and be tolerant of others.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tender Mercies
Sometimes we need to pause and give credit to the tender mercies of the Lord, times when He is watching over us and we never realize it until after. The Lord blessed us with one of these tender mercies.
Garth has been driving a small Ford pick-up for several years. Last year we purchased a new camp trailer so that we might be able to enjoy our beautiful mountains. Although our truck was able to pull the trailer, it was slow going. After discussion we decided we would take the leap and get a new truck. Garth was able to find one he liked well within our budget. Last night we signed papers and drove it home.
Garth leaves for work at about 4:30am. On his way to work a herd of deer ran across the road and, you guessed it, one was right in the way of the truck. Luckily only minimal damage was done to the truck. However, if he had been in the other truck it would have been a lot worse. The Lord was looking out for him. Is that the reason we decided to purchase the truck? Probably not, but in any case, we realize the blessings that come from above. We will replace the damaged part without going through insurance because it will cost much less than the deductible, thank goodness. We will be sure to give thanks for this blessing tonight.
Garth has been driving a small Ford pick-up for several years. Last year we purchased a new camp trailer so that we might be able to enjoy our beautiful mountains. Although our truck was able to pull the trailer, it was slow going. After discussion we decided we would take the leap and get a new truck. Garth was able to find one he liked well within our budget. Last night we signed papers and drove it home.
Garth leaves for work at about 4:30am. On his way to work a herd of deer ran across the road and, you guessed it, one was right in the way of the truck. Luckily only minimal damage was done to the truck. However, if he had been in the other truck it would have been a lot worse. The Lord was looking out for him. Is that the reason we decided to purchase the truck? Probably not, but in any case, we realize the blessings that come from above. We will replace the damaged part without going through insurance because it will cost much less than the deductible, thank goodness. We will be sure to give thanks for this blessing tonight.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Chapter 8 The Storm Continues
On the second page Ricky outlines three things he learned from his grandfather:
1. "Christ took upon his own head the sins of those who have wronged us."
2. "Because of this, he stands between us and those whom we think have wronged us, asking us to realize that the atonement is sufficient for those sins and to therefore repent of our grudges and give up our enmity." (I think I need a better understanding of enmity.)
3. "If we forgive, the atonement fills us with what we have lacked and either washes away our pain, or sustains us in it."
Ricky's thinking and analyzing leads him to think that maybe we sometimes don't want to feel the relief of the pains of sin. Maybe we don't want the pain and suffering to go away. He thinks that if we don't think both parties of a problem don't think it will happy, then you don't really want it to happen but you want something else. And if we don't want the pain, why do we keep allowing it?
In the story, Rick and his wife are having problems, but it could be family problems of any kind, or any relationship problem. If we feel the other person doesn't understand us, or they aren't listening to us, why do we just turn a deaf ear to them? Why don't we try to understand? What do we want instead of understanding? Rick insists he doesn't deserve the way she it treating him. A voice asks him, "So you only want what you deserve, do you?" "Are you sure you'd be willing to live with that?"
Maybe that is another great question. Sometimes we think we deserve more, but do we really? Are we as innocent as we think we are? We all need to look inside ourselves and see what others see. Each of us. I need to see what you feel, and at the same time, you need to feel what I feel. We need to decide for ourselves what we deserve. And it might not be very much.
1. "Christ took upon his own head the sins of those who have wronged us."
2. "Because of this, he stands between us and those whom we think have wronged us, asking us to realize that the atonement is sufficient for those sins and to therefore repent of our grudges and give up our enmity." (I think I need a better understanding of enmity.)
3. "If we forgive, the atonement fills us with what we have lacked and either washes away our pain, or sustains us in it."
Ricky's thinking and analyzing leads him to think that maybe we sometimes don't want to feel the relief of the pains of sin. Maybe we don't want the pain and suffering to go away. He thinks that if we don't think both parties of a problem don't think it will happy, then you don't really want it to happen but you want something else. And if we don't want the pain, why do we keep allowing it?
In the story, Rick and his wife are having problems, but it could be family problems of any kind, or any relationship problem. If we feel the other person doesn't understand us, or they aren't listening to us, why do we just turn a deaf ear to them? Why don't we try to understand? What do we want instead of understanding? Rick insists he doesn't deserve the way she it treating him. A voice asks him, "So you only want what you deserve, do you?" "Are you sure you'd be willing to live with that?"
Maybe that is another great question. Sometimes we think we deserve more, but do we really? Are we as innocent as we think we are? We all need to look inside ourselves and see what others see. Each of us. I need to see what you feel, and at the same time, you need to feel what I feel. We need to decide for ourselves what we deserve. And it might not be very much.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Chapter 7 Forgiveness
This chapter opened my eyes to things I have been wrong in thinking. What I read here totally changed my life. I have so much underlined in my book that it is difficult to decide what to discuss here.
Ricky starts out saying that he doesn't feel the Lord is helping him out with his burdens. How often have I felt the same thing? I have so much to worry about, so much I need help to endure? Where do I begin? Grandpa helps him see that if he doesn't see the Lord helping him, he isn't looking in the right place because the Lord is there. OK..hit me between the eyes! Am I the same way? If I don't see the Lord, where am I looking? That needs to be my question. I guess I need to work on that!
Grandpa goes on to say, "Although the Lord stands before us offering the help we need, there is a condition we must meet in order to see and receive of his atonement offering." When Ricky asks what that condition is Grandpa says he has to find out himself. Through his deep thinking and contemplating, Ricky discovers that Abigail took on herself the sins of Nabal. In that act she resembled the Savior. Grandpa says he is right, but there is more to it than just that. The second thing she did was the key to understanding. "It will illuminate what it means to have taken another's sins on one's own head." As he keeps recounting what happens, Ricky realizes that Abigail asked David to forgive her own trespasses. She didn't ask him to forgive Nabal's trespasses, but her trespasses, and she had done nothing wrong.
And so it is with the Savior. "Christ did the same--that having taken upon himself the sins of those who have wronged us, Christ now comes to us and asks us to forgive him the trespasses." This doesn't strike Ricky as being right. Why should Christ ask us to forgive him? He didn't do anything wrong. He doesn't need our forgiveness. Grandpa says, "That one who didn't need forgiveness nevertheless asked for it--illuminates something very important about forgiveness. It illustrates who forgiveness is for."....."Abigail asked for forgiveness not because she needed to be forgiven but because Davd needed to forgive."
"Abigail's message was that forgiveness was for the one who was forgiving, not the one who was being forgiven. David needed to forgive so that, in the words of Abigail, 'he would continue to be found without evil, so that the Lord could make him a sure house.'" Abigail took on the sins, was willing to pay the price, so David would not sin. If he forgave her, he would be free from the effects of holding grudges.
"The Lord, by taking the sins of our Nabals upon his head, extends us the same mercy. 'Upon me let this iniquity be,' he pleases. "let me deal with it if there is any dealing to be done. But you, my dear son or dear daughter, let it go. Let me take it, as I alreay have done. Forgive.'"
We know that the Lord isn't actually asking us to forgive him, but the atonement is like that is what he is asking. "Inas much as you have done it (or not done it) unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."
This is what struck me so hard: "When we withhold forgiveness from others, we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin. We are holding out for more. We are finding fault with the Lord's offering. We are in essence demanding that the Lord repent of an insufficient atonement. So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive the Lord--who, as you already rightly said, needs no forgiveness." (p. 66)
"You must repent of your own sin of failing to forgive." "The Lord has already forged forgiveness for her. What more could your forgiveness add?" "The atonement applies as much to (others) as it does to you, my son. I have claimed (their) sins and taken them upon me. Let it go." "You should consider how your failure to forgive is in effect a withholding from the Lord--he who has claimed and atoned for the sins and weaknesses in (others) that you insist on carrying with grudge." So what if the other person doesn't forgive you.....it doesn't matter. Not forgiving them is not really an option if we want to be free from sin. Although we can't be completely sinless in this life, we can at least work toward it.
Christ will show us what pain others are feeling. He wants us to see others as he sees and loves them. "He begs you not merely to ungird your sword but to ungird your heart. If you do, the miracle of his atonement will flow freely, and you, like David, will put down war and take up bread and drink and sheep and figs."
Here are some key points to remember:
1. The Lord has taken the sins of others on his own head.
2. He has atoned for those sins. Our failure to forgive is, therefore, in essence a witholding from the Lord.
3. If we grant this forgiveness in full, he atones in full for the pain and burdens that have come at others' hands.
4. He will bless us with his own love, his own appreciation, his own companionship, his own strength to endure.
If we have these, what more do we need?
I am far from perfect, and I have been "accused" (I say that lovingly) in my own family of too often saying, "Just forget what the other has done." Maybe I really knew that this is how true forgiveness can come. You can't feel good with yourself if you aren't willing to forgive. Withholding forgiveness causes us pain and suffering, heavy hearts, and saddness. We don't need that. The Lord has paid the price for the wrong they did to us. We need to forgive. For our own sakes. This is so important, but so hard.
I have been so blessed that some members of my family have learned to love this message, this book, as much as I. I feel our family relationships have improved so much. There are still others I pray will be able to see the importance of forgiving. It is not just for us, but for others as well. And in forgiving, we are so blessed. Everyone needs blessings. We shouldn't deny ourselves this freedom from the sin of not forgiving.
I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with some amazing insights into the atonement. I have so much more to learn, but I feel I am beginning to see a little bit of what it really means.
Ricky starts out saying that he doesn't feel the Lord is helping him out with his burdens. How often have I felt the same thing? I have so much to worry about, so much I need help to endure? Where do I begin? Grandpa helps him see that if he doesn't see the Lord helping him, he isn't looking in the right place because the Lord is there. OK..hit me between the eyes! Am I the same way? If I don't see the Lord, where am I looking? That needs to be my question. I guess I need to work on that!
Grandpa goes on to say, "Although the Lord stands before us offering the help we need, there is a condition we must meet in order to see and receive of his atonement offering." When Ricky asks what that condition is Grandpa says he has to find out himself. Through his deep thinking and contemplating, Ricky discovers that Abigail took on herself the sins of Nabal. In that act she resembled the Savior. Grandpa says he is right, but there is more to it than just that. The second thing she did was the key to understanding. "It will illuminate what it means to have taken another's sins on one's own head." As he keeps recounting what happens, Ricky realizes that Abigail asked David to forgive her own trespasses. She didn't ask him to forgive Nabal's trespasses, but her trespasses, and she had done nothing wrong.
And so it is with the Savior. "Christ did the same--that having taken upon himself the sins of those who have wronged us, Christ now comes to us and asks us to forgive him the trespasses." This doesn't strike Ricky as being right. Why should Christ ask us to forgive him? He didn't do anything wrong. He doesn't need our forgiveness. Grandpa says, "That one who didn't need forgiveness nevertheless asked for it--illuminates something very important about forgiveness. It illustrates who forgiveness is for."....."Abigail asked for forgiveness not because she needed to be forgiven but because Davd needed to forgive."
"Abigail's message was that forgiveness was for the one who was forgiving, not the one who was being forgiven. David needed to forgive so that, in the words of Abigail, 'he would continue to be found without evil, so that the Lord could make him a sure house.'" Abigail took on the sins, was willing to pay the price, so David would not sin. If he forgave her, he would be free from the effects of holding grudges.
"The Lord, by taking the sins of our Nabals upon his head, extends us the same mercy. 'Upon me let this iniquity be,' he pleases. "let me deal with it if there is any dealing to be done. But you, my dear son or dear daughter, let it go. Let me take it, as I alreay have done. Forgive.'"
We know that the Lord isn't actually asking us to forgive him, but the atonement is like that is what he is asking. "Inas much as you have done it (or not done it) unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."
This is what struck me so hard: "When we withhold forgiveness from others, we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin. We are holding out for more. We are finding fault with the Lord's offering. We are in essence demanding that the Lord repent of an insufficient atonement. So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive the Lord--who, as you already rightly said, needs no forgiveness." (p. 66)
"You must repent of your own sin of failing to forgive." "The Lord has already forged forgiveness for her. What more could your forgiveness add?" "The atonement applies as much to (others) as it does to you, my son. I have claimed (their) sins and taken them upon me. Let it go." "You should consider how your failure to forgive is in effect a withholding from the Lord--he who has claimed and atoned for the sins and weaknesses in (others) that you insist on carrying with grudge." So what if the other person doesn't forgive you.....it doesn't matter. Not forgiving them is not really an option if we want to be free from sin. Although we can't be completely sinless in this life, we can at least work toward it.
Christ will show us what pain others are feeling. He wants us to see others as he sees and loves them. "He begs you not merely to ungird your sword but to ungird your heart. If you do, the miracle of his atonement will flow freely, and you, like David, will put down war and take up bread and drink and sheep and figs."
Here are some key points to remember:
1. The Lord has taken the sins of others on his own head.
2. He has atoned for those sins. Our failure to forgive is, therefore, in essence a witholding from the Lord.
3. If we grant this forgiveness in full, he atones in full for the pain and burdens that have come at others' hands.
4. He will bless us with his own love, his own appreciation, his own companionship, his own strength to endure.
If we have these, what more do we need?
I am far from perfect, and I have been "accused" (I say that lovingly) in my own family of too often saying, "Just forget what the other has done." Maybe I really knew that this is how true forgiveness can come. You can't feel good with yourself if you aren't willing to forgive. Withholding forgiveness causes us pain and suffering, heavy hearts, and saddness. We don't need that. The Lord has paid the price for the wrong they did to us. We need to forgive. For our own sakes. This is so important, but so hard.
I have been so blessed that some members of my family have learned to love this message, this book, as much as I. I feel our family relationships have improved so much. There are still others I pray will be able to see the importance of forgiving. It is not just for us, but for others as well. And in forgiving, we are so blessed. Everyone needs blessings. We shouldn't deny ourselves this freedom from the sin of not forgiving.
I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with some amazing insights into the atonement. I have so much more to learn, but I feel I am beginning to see a little bit of what it really means.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Chapter 6 Atonement
Here we learn that the war can begin before the actual fighting. David and his men started seeking revenge in their hearts, that was the beginning. How many times do we think about doing something for revenge? We need to look in our own hearts to see what we are doing.
Rick has a hard time understanding about Abigail being a "type" of Christ so Grandpa tries to explain it to him. He reminds him of the time he made a mistake in a ballgame that was going to cost the team the championship. But his friend then hit a homerun, which lead to their team winning. Rick said "When Jason hit that homerun, it was the sweetest feeling. It was probably all the sweeter to me because of what he saved me from--not just a loss but also from a personal but very public failure. I felt redeemed." Grandpa explained, "Your error would result in a stinging loss for the team unless someone could do something to make up for it." Jason was a "type" of Christ.
There are so many times that we realize we have done something we shouldn't and we wish someone would divert others attention away from us, from our wrong doings.
David sees Abigail as saving Nabal from his sin of not taking care of David and his men. Nabal was saved from David killing him. Grandpa tries to lead Rick to see that David was also a sinner. We need to look into our hearts. David was sinning when he wanted to kill Nabal. Abigail saved him from doing that.
Grandpa said, "What about our hearts? Remember the Pharisees--they of the perfect actions. Their hearts were corrupt and the Savior branded them as the vilest sinners of the day, notwithstanding their outwardly righteous acts. We sin when our hearts are sinful, no matter what we do on the surface." So what did David do? He carried a sinful heart. "So the story if Abigail is not merely the story of a single sinner, is it? It is rather the story of David responding sinfully to the sin of another."
"The story of Abigail suggests that the atonement is as much for the benefit of the sinned against--the victim of sin--as for the sinner. One of the effects of sin is to invite those who have been sinned against--to become sinful themselves, and that the atonement provides the escape from such provocation to sin."
"Normally we think of the atonement as something that Christ has done for us--for ourselves. But Abigail invites us to look at the atonement from a diferent angle--not from the perspective of how Christ has atoned for our own sin, but rather from the equally true perspective that he has atoned for the sins of others.
That was how Joseph was able to love his brothers when he saw them again after they sold him into slavery. He knew that someone else would pay for their sin. He knew that he needed to accept them. "The Lord packs for each of us, as it were, living bread, water, sheep, corn, raisins, and figs, and comes to us with that offering, inviting us to accept of his atonement for others' sins.
This is one step of the atonement that I never thought of. I always just thought "Christ atoned for my sins." I need to remember that he atoned for the sins of others who sin against me, who hurt my feelings, who want bad things to happen to me and my family. I need to accept Christ's atonement was for them, also, and not harbor feelings against them. Remember actions, perhaps, so I don't put myself in difficult situations, but not expect more from them in order for them to pay the price for their wrong. Christ already did that. I have more thoughts on that, but will address that later.
Rick has a hard time understanding about Abigail being a "type" of Christ so Grandpa tries to explain it to him. He reminds him of the time he made a mistake in a ballgame that was going to cost the team the championship. But his friend then hit a homerun, which lead to their team winning. Rick said "When Jason hit that homerun, it was the sweetest feeling. It was probably all the sweeter to me because of what he saved me from--not just a loss but also from a personal but very public failure. I felt redeemed." Grandpa explained, "Your error would result in a stinging loss for the team unless someone could do something to make up for it." Jason was a "type" of Christ.
There are so many times that we realize we have done something we shouldn't and we wish someone would divert others attention away from us, from our wrong doings.
David sees Abigail as saving Nabal from his sin of not taking care of David and his men. Nabal was saved from David killing him. Grandpa tries to lead Rick to see that David was also a sinner. We need to look into our hearts. David was sinning when he wanted to kill Nabal. Abigail saved him from doing that.
Grandpa said, "What about our hearts? Remember the Pharisees--they of the perfect actions. Their hearts were corrupt and the Savior branded them as the vilest sinners of the day, notwithstanding their outwardly righteous acts. We sin when our hearts are sinful, no matter what we do on the surface." So what did David do? He carried a sinful heart. "So the story if Abigail is not merely the story of a single sinner, is it? It is rather the story of David responding sinfully to the sin of another."
"The story of Abigail suggests that the atonement is as much for the benefit of the sinned against--the victim of sin--as for the sinner. One of the effects of sin is to invite those who have been sinned against--to become sinful themselves, and that the atonement provides the escape from such provocation to sin."
"Normally we think of the atonement as something that Christ has done for us--for ourselves. But Abigail invites us to look at the atonement from a diferent angle--not from the perspective of how Christ has atoned for our own sin, but rather from the equally true perspective that he has atoned for the sins of others.
That was how Joseph was able to love his brothers when he saw them again after they sold him into slavery. He knew that someone else would pay for their sin. He knew that he needed to accept them. "The Lord packs for each of us, as it were, living bread, water, sheep, corn, raisins, and figs, and comes to us with that offering, inviting us to accept of his atonement for others' sins.
This is one step of the atonement that I never thought of. I always just thought "Christ atoned for my sins." I need to remember that he atoned for the sins of others who sin against me, who hurt my feelings, who want bad things to happen to me and my family. I need to accept Christ's atonement was for them, also, and not harbor feelings against them. Remember actions, perhaps, so I don't put myself in difficult situations, but not expect more from them in order for them to pay the price for their wrong. Christ already did that. I have more thoughts on that, but will address that later.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Beautiful Morning
We woke up this morning to a dusting of snow and three deer in our front yard. It looks cold outside, so I am not looking forward to walking out to the car and into the school. I am so thankful for a great faculty and staff to work with. They have all agreed to save me the front parking spot so I don't have to walk around cars and over the gutter to get to my classroom. No need for a handicapped spot, they just agreed to save that spot for me. Cory and Mavarene make sure there is ice melt on the sidewalk and everything is clear for me to walk. I couldn't believe how unsettled I was the first time I had to walk in the snow. My knee is still unsure on some mornings and very painful by the evening, but it lightens my load when I know my co-workers are so helpful.
This afternoon I have a language arts committee meeting, then more work at school because the end of the quarter is on Friday and conferences from 3-9 on Tuesday. So I have lots of work to do just to get down to the top of my desk!
Have a great sparkley day!
More on The Peacegiver tomorrow.
This afternoon I have a language arts committee meeting, then more work at school because the end of the quarter is on Friday and conferences from 3-9 on Tuesday. So I have lots of work to do just to get down to the top of my desk!
Have a great sparkley day!
More on The Peacegiver tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Chapter 5 A Peace Offering
Here is where we find the story of Abigail from the Old Testament. This is the chapter that really opened my eyes to what the atonement really means. It is very powerful. Abigail brought to David the things her husband should have given him, the things he needed and deserved. But in giving these items to him, she is also making it possible that David, himself, will not sin. He will not advance and kill her husband. She is stopping him from sinning, something that he would be punished for later. David recognizes this fact and thanks her for caring so much about him that she would sacrifice herself for him. He steps back, accepts what she is giving him, and thanks her for stopping his actions toward her family.
So many times that is what we need to do. Like David, we feel we deserve something better than we are getting, something more from others. And that is probably true. But we need to step back and stop our own sinning, stop ourselves from doing what is wrong. Someone else, like Abigail, has already paid the price we are demanding. Someone else came forward and paid what we demand, or deserve, from others. Abigail (Christ) paid what was demanded from Napal (those hurting us), so David (myself) would not sin any more. By accepting Christ's atonement, we see the price is paid and we do not need to "demand" any more payment. Turn it over to Christ because He has already paid the price. I don't need to ask for more.
So many times that is what we need to do. Like David, we feel we deserve something better than we are getting, something more from others. And that is probably true. But we need to step back and stop our own sinning, stop ourselves from doing what is wrong. Someone else, like Abigail, has already paid the price we are demanding. Someone else came forward and paid what we demand, or deserve, from others. Abigail (Christ) paid what was demanded from Napal (those hurting us), so David (myself) would not sin any more. By accepting Christ's atonement, we see the price is paid and we do not need to "demand" any more payment. Turn it over to Christ because He has already paid the price. I don't need to ask for more.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Chapter 4 The Peacegiver by James Ferrell
Tammy's comment on the previous post was about a part that also caught my eye. I will address it when I get to that part of the book again. Tammy, what you said was so much my thoughts, too.
On p. 29 Grandpa discusses how we justify our thoughts and actions and how we can be right and still wrong. "There are ways to be right on the surface and entirely mistaken beneath. That was what the Savior announced to the world. 'The law, alone, cannot save you', he said. "I require the heart." He reserved his most blistering criticism for the most outwardly correct people of the day, the Pharisees, whom he accused of being 'whited sepulchres'--beautiful, law-abiding, 'in the right' on the outside, yet entirely corrupt within." How many times do we say something to be right but still harbor feelings inside? How many times do we not notice our true thoughts?
And then Grandpa talked about the time he spent away from his brother because of poor feelings toward him. He said he was wrong in his war toward his brother: "My parents did not bequeath me a warring heart. I took that upon myself."
Grandpa teaches Ricky about how/why we mistreat others:"I know Carol has mistreated you. That's what we do to each other--all of us--we mistreat each other, and especially those we live with, for we have more opportunities to mistreat them than anyone else." And I want to add that we mistreat those we should love. Althought it is true we all do it to each other, it is sad if we can't find a way to stop. That is why we were sent to earth, to learn to love each other.
Grandpa goes on to say the quote I have at the top of this blog, my new outlook: "Ricky, I'm going to suggest something to you that you probably have never thought of and will want to resist, but I'm going to say it anyway because it's the truth. Here it is: Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us."
On p. 29 Grandpa discusses how we justify our thoughts and actions and how we can be right and still wrong. "There are ways to be right on the surface and entirely mistaken beneath. That was what the Savior announced to the world. 'The law, alone, cannot save you', he said. "I require the heart." He reserved his most blistering criticism for the most outwardly correct people of the day, the Pharisees, whom he accused of being 'whited sepulchres'--beautiful, law-abiding, 'in the right' on the outside, yet entirely corrupt within." How many times do we say something to be right but still harbor feelings inside? How many times do we not notice our true thoughts?
And then Grandpa talked about the time he spent away from his brother because of poor feelings toward him. He said he was wrong in his war toward his brother: "My parents did not bequeath me a warring heart. I took that upon myself."
Grandpa teaches Ricky about how/why we mistreat others:"I know Carol has mistreated you. That's what we do to each other--all of us--we mistreat each other, and especially those we live with, for we have more opportunities to mistreat them than anyone else." And I want to add that we mistreat those we should love. Althought it is true we all do it to each other, it is sad if we can't find a way to stop. That is why we were sent to earth, to learn to love each other.
Grandpa goes on to say the quote I have at the top of this blog, my new outlook: "Ricky, I'm going to suggest something to you that you probably have never thought of and will want to resist, but I'm going to say it anyway because it's the truth. Here it is: Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us."
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Peacegiver page 3-25.
I have so many new books I want to read that I have them lined up on my nightstand. However, I want to talk about a book that has changed the way I look at myself. It has helped me see what I need to do to be a better person. I have just finished reading it for the third time and I found new things during this reading that really have helped me out. And, no, it isn't the Book of Mormon but it helps me understand some of the passages in the Book of Mormon. (Which is another book I am working on right now, along with a study companion, but that is another story.)
I was given the book The Peacegiver by my visiting teacher, Joann Ehler. She is such a special person and gave me a listening ear so many times. She has moved to Roosevelt now (sorry if I didn't pass that on to some of you), and I will be eternally grateful for her letting me borrow her book. I since purchased my own and have it all marked up, like I teach my students to do, jotting down thoughts in the margins and writing my thinking. That is what I would like to do here. If you are, or have been, or would like to read the book, join in on my discussion, but only telling about how it is helping you see yourself so you can better yourself. Because, in reality, we can't change anyone but ourself. Darn it! :)
Did you notice in my heading that I quoted page 33 from this book? That sentence just jumped out at me the first time I read it. I think that is the message of this life written in one sentence. We all get mistreated. There isn't a person on this earth that hasn't had others say, do, write, think, or act toward them in a negative way. But how we react is the key to our lives.
I have told my own children many times as they were growing up that the "second" response is the most important. Someone says something to us and how we react sets the mood for the rest of the interaction. So true. How we react to someone's treatment of us tells so much about us. It doesn't matter if we are justified in our reactions or words, we must still learn to react the way the Lord would want us. Even HE was treated poorly, spit upon, accused of wrong doing, called names, spoken about falsely,yet he still treated his accusers with kindness. That is His example to us.
On page 19 I thought it was interesting that the Grandfather (who has died)states: "I've been watching you, Ricky. I ask for reports as often as possible, and occasionally I am even allowed to check in on you." I have often wondered if this is possible because so many times I feel my mother so close. It's a nice thought. But then, sometimes I probably haven't made her too happy. I guess I need to think "Would you do that if your mother were standing next to you?" Maybe she is!
A few paragraphs down it says "You've been in my prayers for years, and never more so than now. There are many who are praying for you, my boy." Isn't it a nice thought that those on the other side have concern for us? But I never thought of them praying. I guess that is their way of communicating with our Father in Heaven. Makes sense to me.
The rest of the chapter talks about the story of Abigail and David in First Samuel 25. I need to read it so I can compare it with the story in the book. I am sure they are the same, but I need to read it from the source.
So much for one night. I would like to write more about the next part of the book another time. I will continue to go through this page by page from the notes I took. Join in if you would like.
I was given the book The Peacegiver by my visiting teacher, Joann Ehler. She is such a special person and gave me a listening ear so many times. She has moved to Roosevelt now (sorry if I didn't pass that on to some of you), and I will be eternally grateful for her letting me borrow her book. I since purchased my own and have it all marked up, like I teach my students to do, jotting down thoughts in the margins and writing my thinking. That is what I would like to do here. If you are, or have been, or would like to read the book, join in on my discussion, but only telling about how it is helping you see yourself so you can better yourself. Because, in reality, we can't change anyone but ourself. Darn it! :)
Did you notice in my heading that I quoted page 33 from this book? That sentence just jumped out at me the first time I read it. I think that is the message of this life written in one sentence. We all get mistreated. There isn't a person on this earth that hasn't had others say, do, write, think, or act toward them in a negative way. But how we react is the key to our lives.
I have told my own children many times as they were growing up that the "second" response is the most important. Someone says something to us and how we react sets the mood for the rest of the interaction. So true. How we react to someone's treatment of us tells so much about us. It doesn't matter if we are justified in our reactions or words, we must still learn to react the way the Lord would want us. Even HE was treated poorly, spit upon, accused of wrong doing, called names, spoken about falsely,yet he still treated his accusers with kindness. That is His example to us.
On page 19 I thought it was interesting that the Grandfather (who has died)states: "I've been watching you, Ricky. I ask for reports as often as possible, and occasionally I am even allowed to check in on you." I have often wondered if this is possible because so many times I feel my mother so close. It's a nice thought. But then, sometimes I probably haven't made her too happy. I guess I need to think "Would you do that if your mother were standing next to you?" Maybe she is!
A few paragraphs down it says "You've been in my prayers for years, and never more so than now. There are many who are praying for you, my boy." Isn't it a nice thought that those on the other side have concern for us? But I never thought of them praying. I guess that is their way of communicating with our Father in Heaven. Makes sense to me.
The rest of the chapter talks about the story of Abigail and David in First Samuel 25. I need to read it so I can compare it with the story in the book. I am sure they are the same, but I need to read it from the source.
So much for one night. I would like to write more about the next part of the book another time. I will continue to go through this page by page from the notes I took. Join in if you would like.