This came from a dear missionary in my ward who is currently serving in the Philippines. His point certainly applies to more than just 9/11 but it was what caused him to reflect:
I have never found any peace or comfort in memories of 9-11. It has always brought feelings of anger, sadness, disappointment, and any other imaginable variation of these emotions. It is easy to classify such disgusting acts as evil and unforgivable. But such thoughts are drinking poison to our own souls and hoping that our enemies die from it. The Lord commanded:
"Wherefore, I say unto you, ye ought to forgive one another... I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." - DC 64:9-10.
As I have begun to attempt to let go all things of which I have no power to change, it has empowered me and relieved this angry burden. And if you will open your Doctrine and Covenants and check the date on which this revelation was received, you will see that it was given on September 11, 1831 - exactly 170 years before this tragedy would take place. And if you still believe in coincidences, you don't understand the Gospel of Christ.
The Lord has commanded us to have charity for all men. The pure love of Christ. This commandment was given for our benefit and blessing as much as it was for others. In the military version of "Principles of the Gospel" the first Presidency said: "If you must go to war, go in the spirit of truth and righteousness. Go with love in your heart for all God's children, including those on the opposing side." And I know if this is how we allow ourselves to think, we will be able to live more fully in this world, without feeling the evil effects of the world.
We tend to have differing thoughts than most of the world on how and why 9/11 came to occur. But the principle of forgiveness remains constant, regarding of the source of the tragedy. If I believe my own government had a hand in facilitating that day, I have to forgive them as well as those that celebrated our suffering around the world. I think about those leaders and decision makers and think: what happened to that person as a child, as an adorable baby that I would have cuddled and cooed over, to turn them into someone capable of calculating such atrocities? How have they been hurt and manipulated so their heart turned so cold and dark? I have no choice but to feel sorrow for them and I feel so grateful that I can let go of my hard feelings and let the Lord decide whom He will forgive.
But to carry that principle to a more personal level, if the Savior is asking us to forgive for the cruel, unexpected murders on 9/11, what and who is He asking me to forgive in my own life? If He gave that commandment in D&C 64 as a foreshadowing for 9/11, what does that process symbolize (as Sarah likes to look for)? If that event was a macrocosm for the smaller hurts and tragedies in our own lives, are we not commanded to extend the same forgiveness to our brothers and sisters and trust to our God to fix all things?
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Symbols of Monotony
The harsh reality is that I struggle every day. I don't love the tasks that make up the bulk of a mother's life. Do I love my life? Yes. Do I love my children? Uh, yeah...who doesn't love my kids? Do I love motherhood? Not quite yet.
So, in an effort to see my day as a tad more meaningful, I started making a list of the tasks I don't like to do and seeing what they mean/represent/symbolize. These are just quick thoughts and they may not even make sense to you but I thought I'd share them anyway. I'd love your additions.
Cleaning of all sorts= represents baptism/purification, repentance
Dishes= nourishment to bodies (representing nourishment of spirit), natural consequences (dishes follow food), abundance and variety
Laundry= clothe (shield and protect) our children, beautify, abundance
Cooking= again representing nourishment (which comes one small meal at a time), you are what you put into yourself (the purer the better), abundance and variety
Tidying= order, all things have a purpose in their sphere (if not, give it to someone for whom it will be able to fulfil the measure of its creation), abundance
Playing with kids= being WITH them (if God's work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life, He must actually WANT to be with us- there's no accounting for some People's taste), learning through symbolism, creative/imaginative power of human mind, abundance of time and freedom
Disciplining= all choices have consequences, my efforts represent God's constant teaching and redirecting, reminds me to learn lessons while the price is small
Meal planning/shopping= agency, planning lowers risk of temptation, thought/plans create reality, abundance of choices (this abundance is less cheery than the others- this one can be more a burden than a blessing and we must remember that each thing we put in our "shopping cart" will end up inside us eventually)
Okay, Cozy just woke up and is growling in her crib. I'd love to hear any additions you have. But before I go, I'll add one that just rose to the surface:
End of naptime= life is full of undulations, work always follows rest, and there is nothing better than a post-nap smile (assuming the munchkin isn't grumpy)
So, in an effort to see my day as a tad more meaningful, I started making a list of the tasks I don't like to do and seeing what they mean/represent/symbolize. These are just quick thoughts and they may not even make sense to you but I thought I'd share them anyway. I'd love your additions.
Cleaning of all sorts= represents baptism/purification, repentance
Dishes= nourishment to bodies (representing nourishment of spirit), natural consequences (dishes follow food), abundance and variety
Laundry= clothe (shield and protect) our children, beautify, abundance
Cooking= again representing nourishment (which comes one small meal at a time), you are what you put into yourself (the purer the better), abundance and variety
Tidying= order, all things have a purpose in their sphere (if not, give it to someone for whom it will be able to fulfil the measure of its creation), abundance
Playing with kids= being WITH them (if God's work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life, He must actually WANT to be with us- there's no accounting for some People's taste), learning through symbolism, creative/imaginative power of human mind, abundance of time and freedom
Disciplining= all choices have consequences, my efforts represent God's constant teaching and redirecting, reminds me to learn lessons while the price is small
Meal planning/shopping= agency, planning lowers risk of temptation, thought/plans create reality, abundance of choices (this abundance is less cheery than the others- this one can be more a burden than a blessing and we must remember that each thing we put in our "shopping cart" will end up inside us eventually)
Okay, Cozy just woke up and is growling in her crib. I'd love to hear any additions you have. But before I go, I'll add one that just rose to the surface:
End of naptime= life is full of undulations, work always follows rest, and there is nothing better than a post-nap smile (assuming the munchkin isn't grumpy)
Monday, September 5, 2011
Finally finished Les Miserables
I finally finished reading Les Miserables. It has been quite a journey which began several years ago when I listened to it on tape. But I have to admit that I only heard about an eighth of it because as soon as it would go into one of Hugo's detours from the main plot, my mind would wander. When Tiffany raved about it being one of her all-time favorites, I decided I had better read it. I started about four years ago and got about half way through it. Then I got derailed by other books and selling our house, moving, and remodel project. I finally got back to it about a year and a half ago by...brace yourself...keeping it in the bathroom. That's right, I read the last half a paragraph at a time while using the bathroom. I think Victor would be insulted. But at least I finished it, which testifies to the power of eating an elephant a bite at a time.
I wish I could say I loved it, but I didn't. I do love the characters, especially Jean Valjean. I'm always enthralled with multifaceted characters who are complicated, not all good and all bad. Jean Valjean, however, comes close to being all good, but not without paying a terrible price. My favorite parts are when he struggles mightily to overcome temptation and finally does the right thing, time and time again. I love the lofty values that are depicted, the marvelous example of true integrity. I also love, love, love the plot. It is just such a classic tale of love, sacrifice and honor with wonderful foils of corruption and evil.
Having said all that, why, you ask, don't I adore the book? Because I am lazy, for one thing. All those rants by Hugo were exhausting to me. And as the king of Austria said to Mozart, "Aren't there too many notes?", I want to say to Hugo, "Aren't there too many words?" He took twenty pages to tell something that could have been covered nicely in one (sometimes. I have to admit there were times when his explosion of words was breathtakingly wonderful). Besides being lazy, I'm also lacking in enough education to understand all the French words, the historical facts, figures, places and events. I felt like I was in a foreign country trying to understand a foreign language half the time.
As for the heart-wrenching conclusion of the book, the one that had Oliver DeMille and Tiff in tears...well, surprise, surprise...(we are talking about me, ya know)...nope, not even a lump in the throat. Actually, I found it to be somewhat melodramatic. I am always a little bugged when someone tries to play my emotions like that (yes, I do have them).
Still, all kidding aside, it is a marvelous book and I will surely recommend it to others, but I will encourage them to read a condensed version. Sorry Victor...and Tiff.
I wish I could say I loved it, but I didn't. I do love the characters, especially Jean Valjean. I'm always enthralled with multifaceted characters who are complicated, not all good and all bad. Jean Valjean, however, comes close to being all good, but not without paying a terrible price. My favorite parts are when he struggles mightily to overcome temptation and finally does the right thing, time and time again. I love the lofty values that are depicted, the marvelous example of true integrity. I also love, love, love the plot. It is just such a classic tale of love, sacrifice and honor with wonderful foils of corruption and evil.
Having said all that, why, you ask, don't I adore the book? Because I am lazy, for one thing. All those rants by Hugo were exhausting to me. And as the king of Austria said to Mozart, "Aren't there too many notes?", I want to say to Hugo, "Aren't there too many words?" He took twenty pages to tell something that could have been covered nicely in one (sometimes. I have to admit there were times when his explosion of words was breathtakingly wonderful). Besides being lazy, I'm also lacking in enough education to understand all the French words, the historical facts, figures, places and events. I felt like I was in a foreign country trying to understand a foreign language half the time.
As for the heart-wrenching conclusion of the book, the one that had Oliver DeMille and Tiff in tears...well, surprise, surprise...(we are talking about me, ya know)...nope, not even a lump in the throat. Actually, I found it to be somewhat melodramatic. I am always a little bugged when someone tries to play my emotions like that (yes, I do have them).
Still, all kidding aside, it is a marvelous book and I will surely recommend it to others, but I will encourage them to read a condensed version. Sorry Victor...and Tiff.
Friday, August 26, 2011
summer fun
so, I'm having trouble uploading any videos (grrrrr) - I'll try again later. But here are a few photos in the meantime - great summer!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Random Report
Hi darling girls. I have been remiss in contributing here, but honestly, time is a real problem. I thought I would try to do a quick and cursery review of the things I've been reading and learning recently. I am frustratingly behind on the reading I would like to be doing, including the articles you've emailed to me. But I have managed to read a few things. I finished a book Sarah passed on to me called (sorry, but there doesn't seem to be the underlining option at the top of the page so I will have to use quotation marks) "To Them That Believe" by Frederick and June Babbel. Bro. Babbel was a secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve and a companion to Ezra Taft Benson when Elder Benson went to Europe after WWII. It begins with some very inspiring and amazing stories of healing by faith. Then he outlines the necessary actions and attitudes that will create faith and healing in our lives. It is a very positive and encouraging book which gave me the desire to experience this power in my life. As Sarah put it recently in a conversation, "We have been living our religion passively". This book teaches how to be more proactive in claiming the blessings the Lord wants to give us. I am going to buy this book because I want to read it again with Jack so that we can internalize the principles in it.
I recently finished a book I started over a year ago. It is an older book called "A Thoughtful Faith". It is a compilation of essays written by about twenty LDS scholars expressing their personal beliefs and describing their spiritual journeys. It came at a time for Jack of inner turmoil and doubt. Reading of these people's struggles with faith was very theraputic for him. He was comforted to realize that everyone has a crisis of their faith at one time or other and is, indeed, part of the process. If we don't ever have to do some real soul-searching, our testimonies are probably pretty shallow. I really enjoyed the essays because I love conversion stories and that is basically what these are. Ultimately, we must all become converts. I love to hear about the process others go through to come to a place of faith and peace. Even though I didn't recognize the names of most of these scholars, I was still fascinated by their deep and thoughtful mental and spiritual work. It is particularly impressive because they live in the intellectual world of academia and have been able to keep their spiritual bearings.
I am now reading another book Sarah gave me written by a second cousin of mine, Garth Allred. It is entitled "Unlocking the Powers of Faith". Sometimes his writing style is a little boring and can feel like a generic conference talk. But if I pay careful attention, I discover that he is teaching profound principles of drawing on the powers of heaven to be healed from our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical illnesses. This is another book I will buy because I am looking for help to implement the things we have been learning lately about mind/body connections, energy, vibrations, meditaton, intention and so on. Brother Allred, as a teacher and therapist, brings together principles of the gospel, truths from science and also, practices from Eastern medicine which coincides with my own personal, current quest.
I feel that some of us in the family have embarked recently on an journey of intensified spiritual discovery which includes learning about the powers of energy and the spirit world. The book by Dr. Melvin Fish, "Healing the Inner Self" has been a powerful introduction to recognizing these invisible forces that influence us constantly. It is exciting to learn that we can exercize our agency in a way to tap into these things to bless, heal, protect and strengthen ourselves. Last week I had lunch with Neill Marriott. I have been reluctant to share these things with her (even though I was longing to since we have been soul-mates for about 30 years now) because I was afraid to bring yet ANOTHER weird idea into their lives. (Her husband just rolls his eyes when he hears that Neill has learned something new from me.) But at lunch, I realized from what she was sharing with me that she, independantly, has been discovering these same principles.
A few years ago, I began to pray that I would be led to move forward on the Path, that I would be prepared for what is coming, that I would be enabled to live higher and deeper principles of the Gospel. Lately, almost every day, I feel I am being quided to more truths which confirm that the Lord is answering my prayers. For instance, I have caught the vision about the importance of preparing to live in Zion. Several books on the subject have come into my life unbidden, which have fired me up on the subject. As we see the world falling apart and wonder how we are going to make it through the coming tribulations, I am learning that Zion is the answer. Of course, we have always known that it is our faith in the Lord and personal righteousness which will be our best defense, but Zion is really going to be our refuge from the storm. I used to think Zion was something for people far, far in the future. It may be many years before Zions cities are actually built, but I am realizing that me must begin now to be Zion people and to teach our children to be Zion people so that we/they will be qualified to live in that environment. Even if we die before Zion is built, if we have become Zion-worthy, we will have qualified to be members of the Church of the First Born. The thing I am realizing more and more is, Zion and Babylon are mutually exclusive. There must be The Great Divorce in our lives. Our desires and tastes and habits cannot straddle the fence. Well, enough of this rant for now, but you will be hearing more from me on this subject.
I have to quit soon, but I wanted to share a little about our weekend. Neill invited Jack and I to join her at the Roger Young preparedness fair held at UVU. We have been to several of these, but Neill hadn't and she was just recently called to be Stake Preparedness Specialist so she wanted to go. It was the usual concoction, everything from wonderful to weird. I know you all don't want to hear gloom and doom, so I won't say much about the scary things we heard. But, even the scary talks were filled with hope and encouragement if we stay focused on the Lord.
I thought I would share a couple of my favorite thoughts that came from the lectures:
1. From Ken Moravek, expert on surviving nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, "You can survive these things". He taught us very practical ways to do that. But the thing that will stay with me was "If you don't have faith, don't go to a tent city. If you think a tent will protect you from nuclear fallout, think again. It is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that will protect you if you live in a tent city." Amen.
2. Kevin Reese, military training expert, spoke on urban survival when society really unravels. His lecture was very good. The principle I will remember from him is: "Training trumps gear. (Gear can be improvised, but training can't). Community trumps training. There are just too many skills for one person to learn. The idea of Rambo is utter foolishness. We will need each other to survive."
3. Sarah Menet, who had a near-death experience and saw many of the things that are coming, reminded us again and again that what will make a tent city a city of light will be love. She urged us to be true Christians, to not have any animosity for anyone, any group, any ethnicitiy, anyone with different values. She said, "If you hate anyone, you're not a Christian. You're not!" Her lecture was disorganized but still effective as she alternated between warnings of severe trials and promises of divine intervention for the faithful.
I am glad we went because it was a reminder that we must be ever vigilant and continue to prepare, physically and more importantly, spiritually. We must have faith to do whatever the Lord commands, including moving mountains if that is what He wants.
BTW, I ordered some DVDs from the seminar and would love to share them if anyone is interested.
I apologize that my thoughts here are pretty much on the surface. There is just so much to read and think about and talk about. I love you all and know that our hearts rejoice in the same things.
Friday, June 3, 2011
More reading material
Hey guys - just a heads up - I was downloading Kerri Tibbetts articles; Parenting and Headgates, for Nate and I to read on our getaway trip. While on her site, I noticed she added two days ago four more articles, entitled: Executive Control, Family Dinner Deconstructed, Old Fashioned Play, and Why Children Lie. Here is the address:
http://www.headgates.org/resources/
Let the reading begin!!
http://www.headgates.org/resources/
Let the reading begin!!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Diet Cure by Julia Ross
I just read a review of this book by Sally Fallon on the Weston Price Foundation website. You can read her short review at this link: http://www.westonaprice.org/thumbs-up-book-reviews/373-diet-cure
I was looking for information about yeast but this article popped into view and my big-booty-loathing-subconscious made me read it. The subtitle of the book is "The 8 Step Program to Rebalance Your Body Chemistry and End Food Cravings, Weight Problems and Mood Swings." Sally Fallon gives a nice breakdown of what is in the book so I'll let you rely upon her review if you're interested in more details. I'll just say that I'm interested in her use of specific amino acids as natural mood enhancers so that we don't need a sugar high. She says the use of these is "stronger than will power." I also love the emphasis she gives on our unhealthy body image and how being overly thin isn't safe. So hopefully she can help us find that balance. Those things, along with food choices approved from Sallon Fallon make this potentially very interesting.
I was looking for information about yeast but this article popped into view and my big-booty-loathing-subconscious made me read it. The subtitle of the book is "The 8 Step Program to Rebalance Your Body Chemistry and End Food Cravings, Weight Problems and Mood Swings." Sally Fallon gives a nice breakdown of what is in the book so I'll let you rely upon her review if you're interested in more details. I'll just say that I'm interested in her use of specific amino acids as natural mood enhancers so that we don't need a sugar high. She says the use of these is "stronger than will power." I also love the emphasis she gives on our unhealthy body image and how being overly thin isn't safe. So hopefully she can help us find that balance. Those things, along with food choices approved from Sallon Fallon make this potentially very interesting.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Keri Tibbets' Parenthood Article Discussion
Okay, let the discussion begin. I have lots of thoughts on this but I am still struggling to organize them. Here are a couple of random thoughts I have so far:
1. I love her focus on training her children to use their agency by allowing them to use it now. I know that I tend to be the "carrying" type of parent and I see how that infringes on their agency (and completely wears me out in the process). You all know how strongly I feel about the idea of acting rather than being acted upon.
2. Of course, she nailed it on the head as she addressed the paradox we are faced with to teach yet give unconditional love. I am relatively familiar with Love and Logic so some of her ideas weren't new for me. However, reading her words helped me feel like it is possible to cheerfully discipline my children (and show compassion). A big help was the attention she gave to the fact that we must expect the kids to make mistakes. These are not problems but teaching opportunities. I love how the authors of Love and Logic put it. They say that we love these mistakes because we teach the children when the cost is low. But if we coddle them while they're little the price grows and grows as they get older. A broken leg from climbing a rock is a cheaper way to learn caution than a car accident. Celebrate the mistakes and joyfully use them to teach.
3. It became clear as I was reading this that this method requires so much more of us than we are accustomed to...at least for awhile. But I did feel like it would certainly work best in her Headgates model of home. Trying to consistently use these principles while traveling about the city, visiting friends, shopping, etc would be an exercise in futility. So, that is a large prerequisite...one that I hope to accomplish sooner than later. (Stop laughing) That being said, while the methods might not work for everyone, I think the principles are sound. If her methods don't work, don't throw the article out. Just dig out the principles and find a method that would support them in your environment.
4. Spanking. Well? I dunno. I see her logic. I agree with her logic. I believe it would work. But am I capable of spanking? I don't think my hand could deliver. Is there an alternative? I agree that timeout when a child is disobeying a request is ineffective. It's not fast enough and it gives them what they want...to not do the thing they were asked to do. I did a whole study on spanking in college. The studies showed that spanking, when done lovingly and consistently, did no more harm than any other forms of discipline. In fact, timeout can have all those negative results we mistakenly associate with spanking if it is done inconsistently and with the wrong emotions attached. But that doesn't remove the fact that it would require me to "hit." So, I like the cycle she has created but I wonder if there is something else that could be plugged into the spanking spot. Any thoughts?
4a. When you start thinking about the application of her other methods, they really do seem to rely upon having established a direct obedience to her requests. Thus, the spanking question really does need to be addresssed. Otherwise, there is going to be a lot of picking up my child and making them go to timeout. Such a method can only work so long since Ollie is already breaking my back.
4b. Do the ends justify the means in this case? Like sleep training, is some serious discomfort worth the lesson learned? In my experience with sleep training so far...the answer comes down to a 50/50. Unless, of course, you have the help of angels and then everything looks different.
That's it! I just need a couple concourses of angles hanging around. Sounds nicer.
Anyway, I see that I have a propensity to be a bit on the believing side when something is in writing. And I am on the inexperienced side of mothering. So, I am curious what some experienced mothers have to say about this. What do you disagree with? Do you disagree because of your personal circumstances or because you think the method/principle is off?
Can't wait to hear from all of you! (I even used an exclamation mark, so you'd better plan on responding.)
1. I love her focus on training her children to use their agency by allowing them to use it now. I know that I tend to be the "carrying" type of parent and I see how that infringes on their agency (and completely wears me out in the process). You all know how strongly I feel about the idea of acting rather than being acted upon.
2. Of course, she nailed it on the head as she addressed the paradox we are faced with to teach yet give unconditional love. I am relatively familiar with Love and Logic so some of her ideas weren't new for me. However, reading her words helped me feel like it is possible to cheerfully discipline my children (and show compassion). A big help was the attention she gave to the fact that we must expect the kids to make mistakes. These are not problems but teaching opportunities. I love how the authors of Love and Logic put it. They say that we love these mistakes because we teach the children when the cost is low. But if we coddle them while they're little the price grows and grows as they get older. A broken leg from climbing a rock is a cheaper way to learn caution than a car accident. Celebrate the mistakes and joyfully use them to teach.
3. It became clear as I was reading this that this method requires so much more of us than we are accustomed to...at least for awhile. But I did feel like it would certainly work best in her Headgates model of home. Trying to consistently use these principles while traveling about the city, visiting friends, shopping, etc would be an exercise in futility. So, that is a large prerequisite...one that I hope to accomplish sooner than later. (Stop laughing) That being said, while the methods might not work for everyone, I think the principles are sound. If her methods don't work, don't throw the article out. Just dig out the principles and find a method that would support them in your environment.
4. Spanking. Well? I dunno. I see her logic. I agree with her logic. I believe it would work. But am I capable of spanking? I don't think my hand could deliver. Is there an alternative? I agree that timeout when a child is disobeying a request is ineffective. It's not fast enough and it gives them what they want...to not do the thing they were asked to do. I did a whole study on spanking in college. The studies showed that spanking, when done lovingly and consistently, did no more harm than any other forms of discipline. In fact, timeout can have all those negative results we mistakenly associate with spanking if it is done inconsistently and with the wrong emotions attached. But that doesn't remove the fact that it would require me to "hit." So, I like the cycle she has created but I wonder if there is something else that could be plugged into the spanking spot. Any thoughts?
4a. When you start thinking about the application of her other methods, they really do seem to rely upon having established a direct obedience to her requests. Thus, the spanking question really does need to be addresssed. Otherwise, there is going to be a lot of picking up my child and making them go to timeout. Such a method can only work so long since Ollie is already breaking my back.
4b. Do the ends justify the means in this case? Like sleep training, is some serious discomfort worth the lesson learned? In my experience with sleep training so far...the answer comes down to a 50/50. Unless, of course, you have the help of angels and then everything looks different.
That's it! I just need a couple concourses of angles hanging around. Sounds nicer.
Anyway, I see that I have a propensity to be a bit on the believing side when something is in writing. And I am on the inexperienced side of mothering. So, I am curious what some experienced mothers have to say about this. What do you disagree with? Do you disagree because of your personal circumstances or because you think the method/principle is off?
Can't wait to hear from all of you! (I even used an exclamation mark, so you'd better plan on responding.)
Friday, May 27, 2011
blog updates
k - I've invited Caralee, Kristy Anna, Ellie and my friend Kristin. Now that we've kinda got the kinks figured out, hopefully they can all join in easily. Also, I want to thank Sarah Annie for her posts - they are exactly what I hoped we would be reading and discussing. I'm sorry I haven't been more active in responding and posting my own thoughts - I will repent and do better!
Love you all
Love you all
Friday, May 20, 2011
Book Musings- Return from Tomorrow
I've decided I need to write a little bit about the books I read so there is some record that I have actually read a book. I also know that I will retain more and learn more if I write some of my thoughts down. I shall call these little writings "Book Musings" because I could never rightly call them a "Book Report." Even the word musings might be too generous for what I'll be able to write. Anyway, read them if you want...don't if you don't.
Return from Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie
I ate this book whole. Loved it. I am particularly glad that I had read "Life in the World Unseen" first because I could see many similarities and parallels. There is no part of this book that I didn't like...and frankly, I can't think of any parts that I took issue with.
I don't remember all the things in "Life in the World Unseen" but I do remember learning about the people who were in hell and how sick and warped they were. Ritchie describes this as well. When I had read it in "Life in the World Unseen" I had wondered how those unhappy souls were interacting with us. I now think that they might not be the ones that we are so often bothered by. Ritchie describes the souls who have earthly addictions and appetites and how they live amongst us desperately trying to satisfy those habits and desires through us. Obviously, a whole hoard of things in our world could keep such souls near us. But what I found very interesting was Ritchie's description of the level of light that is here. He talks about souls who are seekers of truth but they have forgotten to seek the Source of truth. These souls are good and actively engaged in good work...but they missed the mark. I believe that it is this level that Monsignor Benson was in when he communicated to Anthony Borgia. Ritchie was taken to see (from a very far distance) the Celestial Kingdom (he doesn't call it that). This Kingdom is not present here like the one described by Benson. I found this interesting because it is clear that Benson has some pretty serious holes in his knowledge. He is still tied to this earlth, albeit in a better state than others who are tied here.
I loved the part when Ritchie becomes aware that everyone, even the darkest of souls, had a being of light hovering over them. He reasoned that each of those beings could have been Christ, since Christ was with him. But he acknowledged that they could have just been angels. I love that he couldn't tell. It made me thing of the mantel of missionaries. When we are set apart as missionaries, we are told that we are representatives of Christ. We used to tell people we met that we were "personal representatives of Jesus Christ." I believe these angels are present and that those in a guardian capacity have likely been set apart and given the directive to stand as a personal representative of Jesus Christ to those they are protecting and serving. So, in essence, the Lord does stand over each of us through His servants.
I loved the description of Christ laughing. I may never ever find a painting of Christ that does the less-serious side of Him any justice. But at least this passage has given me a sense of that gentle sense of humor He might have. Thank goodness. I simply can't believe the Savior lives in a state of doom and gloom and heartache. As we know, there is opposition in all things. I'm glad the Savior laughs.
At first I was disappointed that his experience had ended with so many pages left to read. I wanted there to be so much more. But as I read, I became grateful that he took the time to account what happened after. Of greatest significance to me was the reality that he still had to undergo his conversion. Just like the visitation of an angel is not enough, a near death experience is not enough. We must allow the Holy Ghost to change us. Anything other than that will not be a sufficient testimony. Knowing this, makes me a little bit less envious of those who get to have these experiences.
What I got from this book, aside from yet another testimony that the Gospel is true, is the boiled down principle that charity is everything. Our relationships and the love we have for our fellow man and God's creations are what matters. I feel like a fog has been lifted. Cobwebs have been swept aside. I am nothing without this love. Nothing I do has any significance to me unless I am in the pursuit of charity. How can we waste our lives worrying about Brangelina, our dress size, how much everyone else is making, Obama's birth certificate, etc etc etc?! Who cares? Who cares about those things when we realize that the power to love as Christ loves is within our reach if we just have the faith to ask and receive?
And yet...we still have to keep living. There are bills to pay, handing off children to X's every other weekend, freedoms to maintain, health to pursue, etc. What I see is that these very things exist not to distract us from our goal but they exist to give us a place to practice charity. We are not successful in any of these areas unless the primary/real goal has been met, which is to act with charity. They are not tests, they are opportunities to BECOME as Elder Oaks urges us to do.
Having read "Return from Tomorrow" has seriously affected the state of my heart, my desires and my prayers. The image of a being of light hovering over everyone has been echoing in my head. Whenever I am struggling to feel charity for someone, I picture that personage behind their shoulder and all of a sudden I see a person who is worthy of Christ's love, care, attention, atonement and His very life. How can I NOT love such a person and stand in awe of their worth? Imagine my surpise to stand in front of the mirror this morning and apply this image to my own reflection.
Now that is what a good book can do for a person.
Return from Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie
I ate this book whole. Loved it. I am particularly glad that I had read "Life in the World Unseen" first because I could see many similarities and parallels. There is no part of this book that I didn't like...and frankly, I can't think of any parts that I took issue with.
I don't remember all the things in "Life in the World Unseen" but I do remember learning about the people who were in hell and how sick and warped they were. Ritchie describes this as well. When I had read it in "Life in the World Unseen" I had wondered how those unhappy souls were interacting with us. I now think that they might not be the ones that we are so often bothered by. Ritchie describes the souls who have earthly addictions and appetites and how they live amongst us desperately trying to satisfy those habits and desires through us. Obviously, a whole hoard of things in our world could keep such souls near us. But what I found very interesting was Ritchie's description of the level of light that is here. He talks about souls who are seekers of truth but they have forgotten to seek the Source of truth. These souls are good and actively engaged in good work...but they missed the mark. I believe that it is this level that Monsignor Benson was in when he communicated to Anthony Borgia. Ritchie was taken to see (from a very far distance) the Celestial Kingdom (he doesn't call it that). This Kingdom is not present here like the one described by Benson. I found this interesting because it is clear that Benson has some pretty serious holes in his knowledge. He is still tied to this earlth, albeit in a better state than others who are tied here.
I loved the part when Ritchie becomes aware that everyone, even the darkest of souls, had a being of light hovering over them. He reasoned that each of those beings could have been Christ, since Christ was with him. But he acknowledged that they could have just been angels. I love that he couldn't tell. It made me thing of the mantel of missionaries. When we are set apart as missionaries, we are told that we are representatives of Christ. We used to tell people we met that we were "personal representatives of Jesus Christ." I believe these angels are present and that those in a guardian capacity have likely been set apart and given the directive to stand as a personal representative of Jesus Christ to those they are protecting and serving. So, in essence, the Lord does stand over each of us through His servants.
I loved the description of Christ laughing. I may never ever find a painting of Christ that does the less-serious side of Him any justice. But at least this passage has given me a sense of that gentle sense of humor He might have. Thank goodness. I simply can't believe the Savior lives in a state of doom and gloom and heartache. As we know, there is opposition in all things. I'm glad the Savior laughs.
At first I was disappointed that his experience had ended with so many pages left to read. I wanted there to be so much more. But as I read, I became grateful that he took the time to account what happened after. Of greatest significance to me was the reality that he still had to undergo his conversion. Just like the visitation of an angel is not enough, a near death experience is not enough. We must allow the Holy Ghost to change us. Anything other than that will not be a sufficient testimony. Knowing this, makes me a little bit less envious of those who get to have these experiences.
What I got from this book, aside from yet another testimony that the Gospel is true, is the boiled down principle that charity is everything. Our relationships and the love we have for our fellow man and God's creations are what matters. I feel like a fog has been lifted. Cobwebs have been swept aside. I am nothing without this love. Nothing I do has any significance to me unless I am in the pursuit of charity. How can we waste our lives worrying about Brangelina, our dress size, how much everyone else is making, Obama's birth certificate, etc etc etc?! Who cares? Who cares about those things when we realize that the power to love as Christ loves is within our reach if we just have the faith to ask and receive?
And yet...we still have to keep living. There are bills to pay, handing off children to X's every other weekend, freedoms to maintain, health to pursue, etc. What I see is that these very things exist not to distract us from our goal but they exist to give us a place to practice charity. We are not successful in any of these areas unless the primary/real goal has been met, which is to act with charity. They are not tests, they are opportunities to BECOME as Elder Oaks urges us to do.
Having read "Return from Tomorrow" has seriously affected the state of my heart, my desires and my prayers. The image of a being of light hovering over everyone has been echoing in my head. Whenever I am struggling to feel charity for someone, I picture that personage behind their shoulder and all of a sudden I see a person who is worthy of Christ's love, care, attention, atonement and His very life. How can I NOT love such a person and stand in awe of their worth? Imagine my surpise to stand in front of the mirror this morning and apply this image to my own reflection.
Now that is what a good book can do for a person.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Meditation for Mormons
http://www.sunstonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/141-20-31.pdf
Here is a link to an interesting article about meditation. I feel like it is a good starting point. He touches on the basics and explains why we should take the time to do it. He states that his development of Christlike attributes was vastly improved as the result of his meditation. Perhaps he attributes this development too much to his meditation (there is a lot to be said about the purpose of mortality, experience and relationships in relation to the development of such attributes). However, I am intrigued by the studies among monks that showed their neural activity was off the charts and that the areas of their brains where maternal love, empathy, joy, happiness, etc are centered were anatomically enlarged due to their meditation and lifestyle. (see Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain- I just got it from the library today because I clearly don't have enough to read) So, I do believe there is real value to taking the time to meditate and I am seriously interested in learning how to do it without falling asleep or thinking of 10 million other things. I'm now just waiting to be led to the instruction I need to actually do it.
P.S. This is an article from Sunstone Magazine. So, like all things we read, I felt it was important to read it with care.
P.S.S I contacted the man who did the Meditation for Mormons workshop last year to see if another one was in the works. He informed me that he no longer does them specifically for Mormons because the Church doesn't want its members to be solicited/targeted. He still holds workshops but no longer uses Mormon language. I'd still love to find a way to learn from Catherine Thomas. I don't suppose she does private seminars? Who wants to volunteer their sleuth skills and powers of persuastion to find her and bring her to us?
Here is a link to an interesting article about meditation. I feel like it is a good starting point. He touches on the basics and explains why we should take the time to do it. He states that his development of Christlike attributes was vastly improved as the result of his meditation. Perhaps he attributes this development too much to his meditation (there is a lot to be said about the purpose of mortality, experience and relationships in relation to the development of such attributes). However, I am intrigued by the studies among monks that showed their neural activity was off the charts and that the areas of their brains where maternal love, empathy, joy, happiness, etc are centered were anatomically enlarged due to their meditation and lifestyle. (see Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain- I just got it from the library today because I clearly don't have enough to read) So, I do believe there is real value to taking the time to meditate and I am seriously interested in learning how to do it without falling asleep or thinking of 10 million other things. I'm now just waiting to be led to the instruction I need to actually do it.
P.S. This is an article from Sunstone Magazine. So, like all things we read, I felt it was important to read it with care.
P.S.S I contacted the man who did the Meditation for Mormons workshop last year to see if another one was in the works. He informed me that he no longer does them specifically for Mormons because the Church doesn't want its members to be solicited/targeted. He still holds workshops but no longer uses Mormon language. I'd still love to find a way to learn from Catherine Thomas. I don't suppose she does private seminars? Who wants to volunteer their sleuth skills and powers of persuastion to find her and bring her to us?
Monday, May 16, 2011
We are our own masters
Thought I'd pass along this quote by Spencer W. Kimball:
"Our ill are usually of our own begetting. They must be corrected by ourselves. Man is the master of his destiny, be it good or bad. Man has the inherent capacity to heal himself physically. A doctor may cleanse a wound, sew it up, bandage it well, but the natural power of the body must do the healing. Likewise, a healing process in the spirit and mind must come from within the self will. Others may help to cauterize the wound, suture it, and provide a clean proper environment for the healing, but the body, with the aid of the Spirit, must heal itself."
I love the implications of this. Our society has taught us that we have to go elsewhere for healing, whether it be physical or emotional. I take comfort is knowing that those are only tools. The real thing we need is the Holy Ghost to direct us to our own natural healing done through the Savior. I have felt this going on so much in my life. I feel like I am being led to the information and teachings that are enabling me to see my options and make the decision to heal. It comes back to agency. We have been acted upon so much that we forget the degree to which we CAN choose for ourselves. And, of course, we have forgotten that we have the power available to us to make these changes and choices.
Am I being too repetitive when I saw that we live far beneath our privileges? Maybe if I say it enough, I'll eventually live accordingly.
"Our ill are usually of our own begetting. They must be corrected by ourselves. Man is the master of his destiny, be it good or bad. Man has the inherent capacity to heal himself physically. A doctor may cleanse a wound, sew it up, bandage it well, but the natural power of the body must do the healing. Likewise, a healing process in the spirit and mind must come from within the self will. Others may help to cauterize the wound, suture it, and provide a clean proper environment for the healing, but the body, with the aid of the Spirit, must heal itself."
I love the implications of this. Our society has taught us that we have to go elsewhere for healing, whether it be physical or emotional. I take comfort is knowing that those are only tools. The real thing we need is the Holy Ghost to direct us to our own natural healing done through the Savior. I have felt this going on so much in my life. I feel like I am being led to the information and teachings that are enabling me to see my options and make the decision to heal. It comes back to agency. We have been acted upon so much that we forget the degree to which we CAN choose for ourselves. And, of course, we have forgotten that we have the power available to us to make these changes and choices.
Am I being too repetitive when I saw that we live far beneath our privileges? Maybe if I say it enough, I'll eventually live accordingly.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Mom's Retreat registration!
REMINDER!!! The registration day is tomorrow - so put your letter in the mail and go online to sign up. If you need help - let me know - it'll be worth it!
Friday, May 13, 2011
trying again...
Hi again dear ones - Sarah and I want to get this going again. We feel like the last time we tried the blog idea, the setup got complicated and everyone chickened out, for fear of that terrifying technology stuff. This time we want to KISS (keep it simple, stupid). We want this to be a place of regular thoughts and discussion, to help us keep our fire alive in our goals regarding body, mind and spirit. We can post links to articles, add quotes, whatever floats your boat (short of nudie photos, although even that is allowed if the nudies are under age 3!). Also, if you let us know you want in on this, we can set it up so you have a tab at the top, like ours, to add in or edit your goals. We can also set it up so that you get an email every time someone posts to the blog! That way, you don't have to go searching to see if people are talking - the discussions come to you - along with a set of ginsu knives - not really. Anyway, I've clearly been tinkering with technology too long and am getting crazy. Hope you join in - and if we can get it up and rolling, we can invite others. Let's hear some feedback! Love you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)