It has been an interesting thing, this renting business. As I moved from one place to another, and have felt what I perceived as "limitations" in using other people's things, I have learned a great deal.
A little background: we bought some of our own plates and dishes, not to mention a microwave and some other bigger items, when we moved to our new rental house in Biatorbagy. I felt relief the first time using them, feeling freedom from responsibility to others in caring for them (and replacing them, if needs be).
However, then the thought came, "but what of Quinn, who worked so hard to provide the money for this item...are you not beholden to him to take the best care you can of these things?"
And, then, I came across this scripture in my scripture reading this morning:
D&C 136:27 Thou shalt be adiligent in bpreserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise csteward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward.
As much as I felt chafed by this whole rental arrangement, it has helped me more fully feel what it means to be a steward over something, verses full ownership. It has helped me realize that all the things I have are truly gifts of God, turned over to me for temporary stewardship, and I am accountable for my use (or misuse) of them. As I clean up the house extra well, be more mindful of things that could break or be scratched by misuse, or try harder to keep markers out of Maia's reach :)...it has been cause for more reflection on my part.
Now, my mom has always taught me through example that people are more important than things. As grandkids have accidentally broken things that are very precious to her, she has lovingly consoled the grandchild first, and then, if she has mourned, she has done it in private. The child comes away knowing it was special to grandma, but they learn that they are more important to grandma than any object.
So how to balance this? Right now, I am trying :) to lovingly teach responsibility to the kids, a respect for others and their things...not just "jumping through hoops to keep someone happy," like my first attitude was. I think it has also shown me a principle behind this teaching--this principle of stewardship and accountability to the Lord who also loves us more than things, but also expects us to be "diligent in preserving" what we have, so that we can be "a wise steward." And I always like it when I am acting on principle...it is more sure.
This whole concept is a little new to me, but has made me be more humble and more mindful of the care I take of things--from the brand-new microwave, to the holey, dirty socks that I am washing by hand and putting a little more effort into keeping nice and whiter. Acting on principle is definitely more rewarding than out of grudging obligation, but I think I will have to continue to think about how to balance "stewardship" and "charity" in our house...
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Funny international item from my dad...
I got this from my dad, who saw it from his friend on Facebook. I loved it and love the humor things like this (and people like Quinn!) do to brighten our days :)...enjoy!
"Mary,
I thought you would get a kick out of this. For a little background, John Halleck (a co-worker for many years from the Computer Center) lived a number of years in Greece, so he knows the language some. Anyway, this is a recent posting he made on Facebook:
John Halleck
Yesterday, when leaving work, I encountered a very old frail Chinese man wearing a baseball cap. On the front it said "μολὼν λαβέ"
This is a very famous, very defiant Greek expression. When Persia asked the Spartans to lay down their arms, surrender, and give tribute, king Leonidas is claimed to have said this. The English translation is (more or less) "Come and take it!".
I asked the Chinese man if he know what it said. He said "No, is it French?".
Only in America."
"Mary,
I thought you would get a kick out of this. For a little background, John Halleck (a co-worker for many years from the Computer Center) lived a number of years in Greece, so he knows the language some. Anyway, this is a recent posting he made on Facebook:
John Halleck
Yesterday, when leaving work, I encountered a very old frail Chinese man wearing a baseball cap. On the front it said "μολὼν λαβέ"
This is a very famous, very defiant Greek expression. When Persia asked the Spartans to lay down their arms, surrender, and give tribute, king Leonidas is claimed to have said this. The English translation is (more or less) "Come and take it!".
I asked the Chinese man if he know what it said. He said "No, is it French?".
Only in America."
Sunday, November 4, 2012
How does God answer YOUR prayers?
Before I get into this, I want to tell you one of my favorite children's stories...
(And when I say "favorite," I have about one hundred such favorites...I'll share the list sometime :). And, yes, it is 3 am in the morning where I am, but since I can't sleep, I'll put something into writing I have been meaning to do for a little while now...)
It's called "The Happy Dromedary," as told by Berniece Frescher.
"Millions and millions of years ago, when the birds and beasts first came upon the earth, the King of the Animals said "Go and look throughout the land and find a place to live--for you may make your home wherever you choose."
The leopard and the tiger chose to live in the leafy jungle. The bear and the wolf chose the cool, shady forest. The rabbit and the mouse chose the grassy meadow. And the birds chose the trees and the air above the earth in which to make their home.
Not many creatures wanted to live in the hot, sandy desert.
But when the dromedary went out into the world to find her place and came to the desert, she said, "This is where I want to live. Here in the beautiful desert--where the eye can see from horizon to horizon--where there is no sound but silence...and where no snow falls to chill my body and no cold winds blow to weaken my bones."
But, in the beginning, the dromedary, also called camel, did not look the same as she does today, and when she tried to walk upon the desert, her feet sank into the sand.
So the dromedary went to the King of the Animals and she said, "Oh, Great King. I want to live in the beautiful desert where the sky is as blue as the blue, blue sea, and where the morning sun turns the hills of sand from pink to gold.
"But my feet are so small that when I try to walk upon the desert they sink into the sand and I cannot go far. Please--would you make my feet bigger?"
"As you wish," said the busy Animal King, adn the great King changed the dromedary's feet--making them large, and flat, and floppy.
And the dromedary was very happy.
She went back to the desert. Now she could walk upon the sand PLOP--PLOP--PLOP! went her large, flat feet.
But the way was far between the water holes. And soon the dromedary became hungry and thirsty.
So she went to the Animal King and she said, "Oh, great King. Now I can walk upon the sand, but the was is far between the water holes, and I soon get hungry and thirsty. Please, would you give me a large hump on my back to store food and water?"
And the tired King said, "As you wish." He gave the dromedary a large hump on her back to store food and water.
And the dromedary was very happy. Now she could walk upon the sand with her large, flat feet--and she could go long distances without food or water.
But the other animals laughed at her.
"Look at those funny, floppy feet," said the goat.
"Look at that lumpy hump on her back," said the horse.
"Look how UGLY she is!" cried the tortoise.
The dromedary was very sad.
She went to the King of the Animals again. "Oh, great King," she said. "Now the others call me ugly, and they laugh at the way I look. Please change me back to the way I was before."
And the Animal King said, "You came ot me and asked for large, flat feet to walk upon the desert sand, and I gave them to you. Then you asked for a large hump on your back to store food and water, and I gave you that. Now you come and ask me to undo all that I have done--that even I cannot do."
The Animal King turned away. "Go," he said. "I have much work to finish. Do not bother me again."
The unhappy dromedary hung her head. She went away and hid from the other animals. She wouldn't eat--she wouldn't drink. She just sat and thought.
More than anything else, the dromedary wanted to live in the golden desert, but it made her sad when the others laughed at the way she looked. After much thought, she finally decided that she must go away and find a new place to live. Her head bent low, she plodded slowly back to the Animal King.
"I am sorry to trouble you again, great King, but I must leave the beautiful desert. I cannot be happy there where everyone laughs at me."
The Animal King looked up with weary eyes. "Dromedary," he said, "no other animals was clever enough to think of the special gifts that you thought of for living in the desert. You must not leave, for you will be a most valuable friends to the people who one day will come to live there."
Then the tired King closed his eyes and for a long while was silent. Just as the dromedary had decided that he must have fallen asleep, the Animal King opened his eyes.
"Hummmmmmmm--I have an idea. I'll just make your neck longer and push back your nose a bit--that should do it." And when he was done, he told the dromedary, "Now go and live in your beautiful desert--and be happy."
When next the dromedary met the other animals, she lifted her long neck high. Her chin went up and she sniffed. She pretended that she didn't see the others. At first, the animals laughed--but then a strange thing happened. As they stood looking up at the tall dromedary, one by one, they stopped laughing.
"How very proud she looks," said the goat.
"And so important," said the horse.
"She is important," said the tortoise. "No other animal can walk as far across the hot desert without tiring as she, or travel as many days without food or water."
"My," sighed the animals, "how great and beautiful she is."
And so it is, with her long neck stretched high, and her chin tilted up toward the sky, the happy dromedary walks across her golden desert--
PLOP--PLOP--PLOP!
********************************
Now, like with all fables and allegories, it has its faults, but it has stayed on my bookshelf over the years for various reasons. Like all classics, I have learned many lessons from this one, and, the last few times I have read it to my kids here in Hungary, the following has really stood out.
In the story, the dromedary has a dream,...she has a vision of her "mission" you could say, and what she wants to do...live in the desert.
So, she approaches the Animal King to help shape her so that dream will come to pass.
Her entreaties are met with answers, and she finds out that those answers didn't look exactly as she had planned...or at least she seems to get discouraged at some point with the result of those answers.
It has made me think.
Over the years, Quinn and I have prayed for various things for ourselves and our children. Some of them are probably familiar to other parents: that they will get along, see the good in each other, seek to serve others, come to love God and trust Him, see the good in themselves, both now and as they can become...etc, and etc, and etc. (I love "The King and I" :)...)
Anyway, I have seen so many good things in our little family already, just being in Hungary for a month. Maybe our "cultural adventure" (as Quinn puts it) in Hungary, as different looking as the camel was strange to the other animals, is an answer to so many of our prayers over the years. I know that I have heard many times about people getting answers that don't look the way they expect, and have experienced the same thing as I...as though I really have the perspective to fix my own problems the best way!
Of course, God wants us to be pro-active in seeking solutions and opportunities, much like the camel had ideas for meeting her challenges. However, so many times, the answers we seek only come through taking paths we didn't expect,...and trusting God.
For instance, I used to pray for patience. I stopped that a long time ago...not because I was patient, but because it seemed that whenever I really and sincerely prayed for it, all of a sudden there were in front of me so many ways to test my patience to make it better. Not so fun :).
However, the more I trust that God truly knows the best way to answer my prayers, to make me into that mansion C.S. Lewis talks about in the quote at the bottom of this blog, the more I become the camel, capable and content to be where I was born to be, serve who I can serve, and become whom God sees I can become...uniquely and beautifully so.
I love children's books :)...
(And when I say "favorite," I have about one hundred such favorites...I'll share the list sometime :). And, yes, it is 3 am in the morning where I am, but since I can't sleep, I'll put something into writing I have been meaning to do for a little while now...)
It's called "The Happy Dromedary," as told by Berniece Frescher.
"Millions and millions of years ago, when the birds and beasts first came upon the earth, the King of the Animals said "Go and look throughout the land and find a place to live--for you may make your home wherever you choose."
The leopard and the tiger chose to live in the leafy jungle. The bear and the wolf chose the cool, shady forest. The rabbit and the mouse chose the grassy meadow. And the birds chose the trees and the air above the earth in which to make their home.
Not many creatures wanted to live in the hot, sandy desert.
But when the dromedary went out into the world to find her place and came to the desert, she said, "This is where I want to live. Here in the beautiful desert--where the eye can see from horizon to horizon--where there is no sound but silence...and where no snow falls to chill my body and no cold winds blow to weaken my bones."
But, in the beginning, the dromedary, also called camel, did not look the same as she does today, and when she tried to walk upon the desert, her feet sank into the sand.
So the dromedary went to the King of the Animals and she said, "Oh, Great King. I want to live in the beautiful desert where the sky is as blue as the blue, blue sea, and where the morning sun turns the hills of sand from pink to gold.
"But my feet are so small that when I try to walk upon the desert they sink into the sand and I cannot go far. Please--would you make my feet bigger?"
"As you wish," said the busy Animal King, adn the great King changed the dromedary's feet--making them large, and flat, and floppy.
And the dromedary was very happy.
She went back to the desert. Now she could walk upon the sand PLOP--PLOP--PLOP! went her large, flat feet.
But the way was far between the water holes. And soon the dromedary became hungry and thirsty.
So she went to the Animal King and she said, "Oh, great King. Now I can walk upon the sand, but the was is far between the water holes, and I soon get hungry and thirsty. Please, would you give me a large hump on my back to store food and water?"
And the tired King said, "As you wish." He gave the dromedary a large hump on her back to store food and water.
And the dromedary was very happy. Now she could walk upon the sand with her large, flat feet--and she could go long distances without food or water.
But the other animals laughed at her.
"Look at those funny, floppy feet," said the goat.
"Look at that lumpy hump on her back," said the horse.
"Look how UGLY she is!" cried the tortoise.
The dromedary was very sad.
She went to the King of the Animals again. "Oh, great King," she said. "Now the others call me ugly, and they laugh at the way I look. Please change me back to the way I was before."
And the Animal King said, "You came ot me and asked for large, flat feet to walk upon the desert sand, and I gave them to you. Then you asked for a large hump on your back to store food and water, and I gave you that. Now you come and ask me to undo all that I have done--that even I cannot do."
The Animal King turned away. "Go," he said. "I have much work to finish. Do not bother me again."
The unhappy dromedary hung her head. She went away and hid from the other animals. She wouldn't eat--she wouldn't drink. She just sat and thought.
More than anything else, the dromedary wanted to live in the golden desert, but it made her sad when the others laughed at the way she looked. After much thought, she finally decided that she must go away and find a new place to live. Her head bent low, she plodded slowly back to the Animal King.
"I am sorry to trouble you again, great King, but I must leave the beautiful desert. I cannot be happy there where everyone laughs at me."
The Animal King looked up with weary eyes. "Dromedary," he said, "no other animals was clever enough to think of the special gifts that you thought of for living in the desert. You must not leave, for you will be a most valuable friends to the people who one day will come to live there."
Then the tired King closed his eyes and for a long while was silent. Just as the dromedary had decided that he must have fallen asleep, the Animal King opened his eyes.
"Hummmmmmmm--I have an idea. I'll just make your neck longer and push back your nose a bit--that should do it." And when he was done, he told the dromedary, "Now go and live in your beautiful desert--and be happy."
When next the dromedary met the other animals, she lifted her long neck high. Her chin went up and she sniffed. She pretended that she didn't see the others. At first, the animals laughed--but then a strange thing happened. As they stood looking up at the tall dromedary, one by one, they stopped laughing.
"How very proud she looks," said the goat.
"And so important," said the horse.
"She is important," said the tortoise. "No other animal can walk as far across the hot desert without tiring as she, or travel as many days without food or water."
"My," sighed the animals, "how great and beautiful she is."
And so it is, with her long neck stretched high, and her chin tilted up toward the sky, the happy dromedary walks across her golden desert--
PLOP--PLOP--PLOP!
********************************
Now, like with all fables and allegories, it has its faults, but it has stayed on my bookshelf over the years for various reasons. Like all classics, I have learned many lessons from this one, and, the last few times I have read it to my kids here in Hungary, the following has really stood out.
In the story, the dromedary has a dream,...she has a vision of her "mission" you could say, and what she wants to do...live in the desert.
So, she approaches the Animal King to help shape her so that dream will come to pass.
Her entreaties are met with answers, and she finds out that those answers didn't look exactly as she had planned...or at least she seems to get discouraged at some point with the result of those answers.
It has made me think.
Over the years, Quinn and I have prayed for various things for ourselves and our children. Some of them are probably familiar to other parents: that they will get along, see the good in each other, seek to serve others, come to love God and trust Him, see the good in themselves, both now and as they can become...etc, and etc, and etc. (I love "The King and I" :)...)
Anyway, I have seen so many good things in our little family already, just being in Hungary for a month. Maybe our "cultural adventure" (as Quinn puts it) in Hungary, as different looking as the camel was strange to the other animals, is an answer to so many of our prayers over the years. I know that I have heard many times about people getting answers that don't look the way they expect, and have experienced the same thing as I...as though I really have the perspective to fix my own problems the best way!
Of course, God wants us to be pro-active in seeking solutions and opportunities, much like the camel had ideas for meeting her challenges. However, so many times, the answers we seek only come through taking paths we didn't expect,...and trusting God.
For instance, I used to pray for patience. I stopped that a long time ago...not because I was patient, but because it seemed that whenever I really and sincerely prayed for it, all of a sudden there were in front of me so many ways to test my patience to make it better. Not so fun :).
However, the more I trust that God truly knows the best way to answer my prayers, to make me into that mansion C.S. Lewis talks about in the quote at the bottom of this blog, the more I become the camel, capable and content to be where I was born to be, serve who I can serve, and become whom God sees I can become...uniquely and beautifully so.
I love children's books :)...
Emotionally...done.
Been a hard day.
Not because of things around me...
The kids have been sweet and mindful. Quinn is, of course, wonderful and helpful.
It's just me.
Emotionally tired, with no emotional reserve to meet anything...
A woman in my old ward once said that, if she was to be in a pioneer company, she would have wanted to cross the plains with me..."because you are so strong." ("Built for hard labor" as it says in "Ever After"...) I just keep going.
And I do. I keep going. I feel the fruits of work, see the chaos that happens when I choose not to, and feel the joy of being "anxiously engaged." However, I guess the events of the last week combined with just being 38 weeks along in a new country, trying to maintain has just finally sapped my reserves. And, maybe it's just "my time of the month" :), eh, Quinn? Sometimes, I get tired of being strong. :S
For instance, this morning, as we were lumbering quickly to church (well, I was lumbering), I thought, "There is no way I am going to run for a train today. I will be an hour late to church...I just cannot make myself lumber any faster right now." So what happens? The train pulls up a few minutes early, and we get to hurry. Fortunately, Quinn ran ahead and stalled his way on, so I could cross the tracks and get on. Without a fast lumber. Normally, I can just mentally push myself and do it. Not today, apparently.
All through church, if anyone was slightly nice, the words to a hymn even remotely applicable to me, or, really, if a crayon fell on the floor and I felt too overwhelmed to pick it up, it seemed to open the floodgates of tears. Awesome womanliness :).
During Sunday School, we talked about being like the Savior, and the teacher asked the question, "How can we be like Jesus?" Of course, it was in Hungarian, so I wasn't going to reply aloud and disrupt the flow by having someone translate for me, but it made me think. I came to the conclusion that, to truly be like Jesus, it is to find out the will of God and to do it. Think of Gethsemane, and that poignant plea to heaven, "Let this cup pass,...nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done..." Was there ever a more defining moment of the Savior's ministry than at that moment?
It made me think about bending my will to His, and how, sometimes, it is soooo hard. But, just like Peter returning to his nets and being called back to the work of disciple, this life is truly a matter of making our wills coincide with His. (See the amazing talk by Elder Holland at http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng. I love to listen to it, because his voice is so moving!)
But then, as I was thinking about how emotionally done I felt at that moment, the next verse in 3 Nephi 27 that caught my eye said something like, "whomsoever doeth this, shall be lifted up at the last day," and I realized...we don't lift ourselves up. In a very real sense, I saw myself very literally being lifted up to meet my Maker, much like a babe in arms, a very imperfect, a very needy babe in arms, and brought to be with Him. It is a totally dependent phrase, and reminds me of one of my favorite songs of all time,..."I can only imagine" by MercyMe.
I can only imagine
I know that this moment will pass, that my cup will be replenished. I have experienced the calm after the storm before, and know it will come. (The sun will rise, right :)?) However, in this moment, the words of "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" are such a comfort:
It's amazing how much these words can reach us..in our reaching. I am so grateful for the hymns, grateful for tears that cleanse, grateful for power naps,...
...but, truly, grateful for one who knows.
Not because of things around me...
The kids have been sweet and mindful. Quinn is, of course, wonderful and helpful.
It's just me.
Emotionally tired, with no emotional reserve to meet anything...
A woman in my old ward once said that, if she was to be in a pioneer company, she would have wanted to cross the plains with me..."because you are so strong." ("Built for hard labor" as it says in "Ever After"...) I just keep going.
And I do. I keep going. I feel the fruits of work, see the chaos that happens when I choose not to, and feel the joy of being "anxiously engaged." However, I guess the events of the last week combined with just being 38 weeks along in a new country, trying to maintain has just finally sapped my reserves. And, maybe it's just "my time of the month" :), eh, Quinn? Sometimes, I get tired of being strong. :S
For instance, this morning, as we were lumbering quickly to church (well, I was lumbering), I thought, "There is no way I am going to run for a train today. I will be an hour late to church...I just cannot make myself lumber any faster right now." So what happens? The train pulls up a few minutes early, and we get to hurry. Fortunately, Quinn ran ahead and stalled his way on, so I could cross the tracks and get on. Without a fast lumber. Normally, I can just mentally push myself and do it. Not today, apparently.
All through church, if anyone was slightly nice, the words to a hymn even remotely applicable to me, or, really, if a crayon fell on the floor and I felt too overwhelmed to pick it up, it seemed to open the floodgates of tears. Awesome womanliness :).
During Sunday School, we talked about being like the Savior, and the teacher asked the question, "How can we be like Jesus?" Of course, it was in Hungarian, so I wasn't going to reply aloud and disrupt the flow by having someone translate for me, but it made me think. I came to the conclusion that, to truly be like Jesus, it is to find out the will of God and to do it. Think of Gethsemane, and that poignant plea to heaven, "Let this cup pass,...nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done..." Was there ever a more defining moment of the Savior's ministry than at that moment?
It made me think about bending my will to His, and how, sometimes, it is soooo hard. But, just like Peter returning to his nets and being called back to the work of disciple, this life is truly a matter of making our wills coincide with His. (See the amazing talk by Elder Holland at http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng. I love to listen to it, because his voice is so moving!)
But then, as I was thinking about how emotionally done I felt at that moment, the next verse in 3 Nephi 27 that caught my eye said something like, "whomsoever doeth this, shall be lifted up at the last day," and I realized...we don't lift ourselves up. In a very real sense, I saw myself very literally being lifted up to meet my Maker, much like a babe in arms, a very imperfect, a very needy babe in arms, and brought to be with Him. It is a totally dependent phrase, and reminds me of one of my favorite songs of all time,..."I can only imagine" by MercyMe.
I can only imagine
I know that this moment will pass, that my cup will be replenished. I have experienced the calm after the storm before, and know it will come. (The sun will rise, right :)?) However, in this moment, the words of "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" are such a comfort:
1. Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?
2. Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
3. He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
Text: Emma Lou Thayne, b. 1924. © 1973 IRIReaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
It's amazing how much these words can reach us..in our reaching. I am so grateful for the hymns, grateful for tears that cleanse, grateful for power naps,...
...but, truly, grateful for one who knows.
Friday, November 2, 2012
"And the sun rises!"
One of my favorite moments in all the movies I have watched is when, trapped in Helm's Deep by hoards of evil creatures bent on destroying humankind, the King of the Rohirim (sp?) makes the critical decision to charge out to meet them, facing certain death.
He doesn't know what the end will be, but, inspired by Aragorn, he decides to meet it with courage.
As he charges out, calling out to his dispirited soldiers and sounding the battle horn in defiance of that evil, he sees the first rays of the sun, and says one of my favorite lines of all time...
"...and the sun rises!"
I have thought of that moment, that beautiful gift we are given each day that offers such hope to me. I love the feeling of charging out to meet whatever overwhelming forces may lie before me..."and the sun rises." I love the newness of each day, the lightening of soul that comes with those first precious rays of the sun, and the promise of hope that each day brings with it.
That line gives such hope and faith to me, and I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that clarion call in my head in the morning with the sunshine pouring through my window... "and the sun rises!"
Now, I may have it worded wrong :), and the sequence of events in the movie a little askew, but it is the message of hope, strength, and courage that come with it that inspire me when the days can seem so dark or overwhelming.
And the sun rises!
He doesn't know what the end will be, but, inspired by Aragorn, he decides to meet it with courage.
As he charges out, calling out to his dispirited soldiers and sounding the battle horn in defiance of that evil, he sees the first rays of the sun, and says one of my favorite lines of all time...
"...and the sun rises!"
I have thought of that moment, that beautiful gift we are given each day that offers such hope to me. I love the feeling of charging out to meet whatever overwhelming forces may lie before me..."and the sun rises." I love the newness of each day, the lightening of soul that comes with those first precious rays of the sun, and the promise of hope that each day brings with it.
That line gives such hope and faith to me, and I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that clarion call in my head in the morning with the sunshine pouring through my window... "and the sun rises!"
Now, I may have it worded wrong :), and the sequence of events in the movie a little askew, but it is the message of hope, strength, and courage that come with it that inspire me when the days can seem so dark or overwhelming.
And the sun rises!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Things that last...
In D&C 132:12, the Lord tells us that "everything...that is not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down." Just think. We work on things that we think are important, that we want to last, whether it be a house decoration to bring beauty, joy and peace to the home, a job that makes a difference in providing for our family or "makes a mark," or say things that we think are important and want people to listen to...not to mention the millions of other things we do that we tell ourselves are meaningful.
Just think...if we are doing it on our own, and not in His name, it won't last...it won't make a difference in the long run.
How awesome it is that we can seek to know His will concerning us, even in the seemingly little things of our day, and know that it matters...from exercise, to service, to the way we look at people around us. We can make a difference and be working with Him in His glory.
******
The end of the Doctrine and Covenants seems full of promises of things that truly last, and I thought about why that might be. Joseph Smith and the saints have been surrounded by the unpredictable, the terrible, the worldly as they are driven about, persecuted, starved, and uprooted time and again before the exodus to Salt Lake. How reassuring it must be to Joseph Smith, a man who has seen his children die, his friends betray him, the things he sets up (banks, temples, etc.) seemingly either come to naught or left behind to find out that, having lived his life in accordance with the will of God, he matters. What he does will last.
It particularly struck me the words of the Lord concerning marriage in the covenant of the Lord in section 131: "And in order to obtain the highest (degree of glory in the celestial kingdom), a man must enter into this...covenant of marriage; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it."
That's it. No equivocation. There is no other way.
It made me think, first, about how everyone will have that chance. He would never say that unless everyone would have the opportunity to enter into a meaningful covenant with someone, whether in this life or the next. Of course, if someone chooses not to, essentially turning away from His gift out of choice, that is their choice, and He will not force them.
However, it made me further think, why marriage? Why not baptism or something else? Then it struck me, it is through the bonds of marriage that we are able to enter in that wonder of creation with the Creator--bringing souls into existence. That is God's work and glory...it's what He does! Day in and day out (figuratively speaking in His timeless sense), He is involved only in this: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of souls! To be properly sealed gives us the legitimacy to procreate, participating in a god's work and glory!
How do we regard this supernal gift? How is it portrayed in society...on the screens? He has given all His children the opportunity to show how they treat this final step, this essential characteristic of godhood, in this life,... and how do we treat it?
Worlds without number, children without end...
[Fortunately, I don't think I will need sleep at that point, so that will be nice :).]
Just think...if we are doing it on our own, and not in His name, it won't last...it won't make a difference in the long run.
How awesome it is that we can seek to know His will concerning us, even in the seemingly little things of our day, and know that it matters...from exercise, to service, to the way we look at people around us. We can make a difference and be working with Him in His glory.
******
The end of the Doctrine and Covenants seems full of promises of things that truly last, and I thought about why that might be. Joseph Smith and the saints have been surrounded by the unpredictable, the terrible, the worldly as they are driven about, persecuted, starved, and uprooted time and again before the exodus to Salt Lake. How reassuring it must be to Joseph Smith, a man who has seen his children die, his friends betray him, the things he sets up (banks, temples, etc.) seemingly either come to naught or left behind to find out that, having lived his life in accordance with the will of God, he matters. What he does will last.
It particularly struck me the words of the Lord concerning marriage in the covenant of the Lord in section 131: "And in order to obtain the highest (degree of glory in the celestial kingdom), a man must enter into this...covenant of marriage; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it."
That's it. No equivocation. There is no other way.
It made me think, first, about how everyone will have that chance. He would never say that unless everyone would have the opportunity to enter into a meaningful covenant with someone, whether in this life or the next. Of course, if someone chooses not to, essentially turning away from His gift out of choice, that is their choice, and He will not force them.
However, it made me further think, why marriage? Why not baptism or something else? Then it struck me, it is through the bonds of marriage that we are able to enter in that wonder of creation with the Creator--bringing souls into existence. That is God's work and glory...it's what He does! Day in and day out (figuratively speaking in His timeless sense), He is involved only in this: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of souls! To be properly sealed gives us the legitimacy to procreate, participating in a god's work and glory!
How do we regard this supernal gift? How is it portrayed in society...on the screens? He has given all His children the opportunity to show how they treat this final step, this essential characteristic of godhood, in this life,... and how do we treat it?
Worlds without number, children without end...
[Fortunately, I don't think I will need sleep at that point, so that will be nice :).]
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23, a day of remembrance in Hungary
Ever since WWII had ended several years earlier, Hungary had felt the
weight of Soviet influence, with the "disappearance" of their educated
people and anyone else who said anything against communism, and the
introduction of a secret police force that made the people afraid to
vote and act for themselves.
Well, in October of 1956, young students, encouraged by the problems that had become evident with the few years of communism they had already experienced (the story of "Animal Farm" comes to mind), rose up with demands of independence. Among these demands were the ability to a secret ballot for voting, the removal of a huge statue of Stalin in their government square, the removal of the Soviet star on the Hungarian flag, and the removal of Soviet troops from Hungarian soil.
On the 23rd, the students brought these demands to Parliament in Budapest, where they were flatly refused. By now, the Hungarian people had rallied behind them, and rose up in protest. The students went to the Soviet-controlled radio station to broadcast their demands to the country and were taken prisoner. Rumors said that the students had been killed. Outraged, the Hungarian people brought down the huge statue of Stalin, and a battle between the secret police in the radio station and the Hungarian people began.
Barely armed Hungarians took on Soviet tanks, fired with passion for freedom.
And they won.
They drove out the Soviets and turned to the world, pleading with the United Nations to look at their situation and support them. The United States had challenged the Soviet-controlled countries to try and break away from the Soviet influence and the Hungarians had done just that!
For 12 days, the Hungarians waited for the world.
For 12 days, the Soviets watched the world for its reaction.
Other than a token: "We should do something for the Hungarians" in the United Nations, the world was silent. I am sure there were many, complicated reasons. The cold war was in full force with the introduction of atomic bombs that had just been used to end the Pacific front of the war. However, the result was heart-wrenching.
12 days later, Soviet tanks and troops rolled into Budapest, surrounding the city. In that same square where, 12 days earlier, the Hungarians had done the impossible and driven out the Soviet forces, the Soviets slaughtered Hungarian freedom fighters. In that same square you can still see today the bullet holes in the walls of the buildings where the Hungarian students fought to the end,...and were defeated.
The other Soviet-block countries learned "the lesson": don't resist Soviet take over. Czechoslovakian leaders cautioned their people to not fight back: "After all, look at what happened in Hungary."
It was not until 1989, 32 years later that Hungarians were able to once again throw off the shackles of Soviet oppression.
Let us never be silent again.
The following is actual footage of the events of that day.
http://archive.org/details/
Remember our freedom, how priceless and how precious it is...that it is worth dying for, and remember those who fought in vain, and gain courage from their determination to do so, in the face of such horrible odds.
Well, in October of 1956, young students, encouraged by the problems that had become evident with the few years of communism they had already experienced (the story of "Animal Farm" comes to mind), rose up with demands of independence. Among these demands were the ability to a secret ballot for voting, the removal of a huge statue of Stalin in their government square, the removal of the Soviet star on the Hungarian flag, and the removal of Soviet troops from Hungarian soil.
On the 23rd, the students brought these demands to Parliament in Budapest, where they were flatly refused. By now, the Hungarian people had rallied behind them, and rose up in protest. The students went to the Soviet-controlled radio station to broadcast their demands to the country and were taken prisoner. Rumors said that the students had been killed. Outraged, the Hungarian people brought down the huge statue of Stalin, and a battle between the secret police in the radio station and the Hungarian people began.
Barely armed Hungarians took on Soviet tanks, fired with passion for freedom.
And they won.
They drove out the Soviets and turned to the world, pleading with the United Nations to look at their situation and support them. The United States had challenged the Soviet-controlled countries to try and break away from the Soviet influence and the Hungarians had done just that!
For 12 days, the Hungarians waited for the world.
For 12 days, the Soviets watched the world for its reaction.
Other than a token: "We should do something for the Hungarians" in the United Nations, the world was silent. I am sure there were many, complicated reasons. The cold war was in full force with the introduction of atomic bombs that had just been used to end the Pacific front of the war. However, the result was heart-wrenching.
12 days later, Soviet tanks and troops rolled into Budapest, surrounding the city. In that same square where, 12 days earlier, the Hungarians had done the impossible and driven out the Soviet forces, the Soviets slaughtered Hungarian freedom fighters. In that same square you can still see today the bullet holes in the walls of the buildings where the Hungarian students fought to the end,...and were defeated.
The other Soviet-block countries learned "the lesson": don't resist Soviet take over. Czechoslovakian leaders cautioned their people to not fight back: "After all, look at what happened in Hungary."
It was not until 1989, 32 years later that Hungarians were able to once again throw off the shackles of Soviet oppression.
Let us never be silent again.
The following is actual footage of the events of that day.
http://archive.org/details/
Remember our freedom, how priceless and how precious it is...that it is worth dying for, and remember those who fought in vain, and gain courage from their determination to do so, in the face of such horrible odds.
Monday, October 22, 2012
"Love you forever"
One of the books I brought with us was "Love you Forever." As I snuggled with Pipalicious and Hava, with Avot lying on the bed in front of me, reading this book, I was touched once again by the simple and beautiful message of the book: the progression of time, the growth and departure of our children, and how priceless each stage is.
As I look to the birth of this new little one, I am moved with so many emotions at the thought of being able to share this journey with yet another of our Heavenly Father's precious children. I love the stages, with the cantankerous-ness of 11 year olds, fighting and clawing for their individuality, the spunkiness of two-year-olds and their quest to explore the world by touch, taste, smell, and the simple expediency of dumping out everything they can as fast as they can. There is so much to enjoy in each stage, and what an honor it is to be with our children as they move through them.
I guess to the key is to try and see where they are at and not where we "want them to be"...to see that when my 14 year old son is frustrated about a question in Seminary that he wants to answer his own way and is being marked "wrong," it is him trying to be his own person, define his own spirituality, find merit in his own opinion and experience...it is not anger at Seminary itself. I am grateful for the Spirit that can step in and help a tired and uncertain mother know what to do, to go over and rub his shoulders and quietly be there with him as he makes his own resolutions and finds his own solutions to the frustration before him. It is an honor to see the man growing there in that chair, a man that will be faced with so many other, far more serious dilemmas in life, and to see where a woman's role can be best felt in that man's life...in quiet support and understanding as he faces those fights that only he can fight.
I love my children, each and every one of them, as much as they drive me insane at times, and as much as I am enjoying these precious moments of quiet right now while they are all out hiking with Quinn in the nearby woods. :) I love them for their unique choices, their unique gifts, but it has taken a lot of humility, letting go, and trust to get to that point...and I still have so far to go! It is too easy to think that I always know what is best, because there are so many times that I have to make the call for what I feel is best to be done in a given moment (and far too often make a poor choice :)...).
The other message of the book that is so precious to me is the constancy of the mother's love, throughout the stages, the way she simply acknowledges her bond and love to her child through her song and comfort each evening. What a challenge parenting is! To love without expectation of love given in return.
Yet, I have yet to see an instance of that parental love, given freely, unconditionally, and consistently, that is not eventually returned to and treasured. I guess it is the "eventually" that is so hard to wait for at times, is it not?
As I look to the birth of this new little one, I am moved with so many emotions at the thought of being able to share this journey with yet another of our Heavenly Father's precious children. I love the stages, with the cantankerous-ness of 11 year olds, fighting and clawing for their individuality, the spunkiness of two-year-olds and their quest to explore the world by touch, taste, smell, and the simple expediency of dumping out everything they can as fast as they can. There is so much to enjoy in each stage, and what an honor it is to be with our children as they move through them.
I guess to the key is to try and see where they are at and not where we "want them to be"...to see that when my 14 year old son is frustrated about a question in Seminary that he wants to answer his own way and is being marked "wrong," it is him trying to be his own person, define his own spirituality, find merit in his own opinion and experience...it is not anger at Seminary itself. I am grateful for the Spirit that can step in and help a tired and uncertain mother know what to do, to go over and rub his shoulders and quietly be there with him as he makes his own resolutions and finds his own solutions to the frustration before him. It is an honor to see the man growing there in that chair, a man that will be faced with so many other, far more serious dilemmas in life, and to see where a woman's role can be best felt in that man's life...in quiet support and understanding as he faces those fights that only he can fight.
I love my children, each and every one of them, as much as they drive me insane at times, and as much as I am enjoying these precious moments of quiet right now while they are all out hiking with Quinn in the nearby woods. :) I love them for their unique choices, their unique gifts, but it has taken a lot of humility, letting go, and trust to get to that point...and I still have so far to go! It is too easy to think that I always know what is best, because there are so many times that I have to make the call for what I feel is best to be done in a given moment (and far too often make a poor choice :)...).
The other message of the book that is so precious to me is the constancy of the mother's love, throughout the stages, the way she simply acknowledges her bond and love to her child through her song and comfort each evening. What a challenge parenting is! To love without expectation of love given in return.
Yet, I have yet to see an instance of that parental love, given freely, unconditionally, and consistently, that is not eventually returned to and treasured. I guess it is the "eventually" that is so hard to wait for at times, is it not?
More...
I may have posted about this song before, but it is worth reposting.
https://www.lds.org/youth/music?lang=eng
...and scroll down for "More" by Kenneth Cope. It is an amazing song introduced to me by my dear friend RaNae. There is a part that goes something like, "I've stretched this far...you've raised the bar."
I feel like I have stretched so much in the last few years, pushing myself and trusting Him more than I ever have in my life, doing what He wants me to do.
And, now, it feels like there is more stretching to do :).
More...it all boils down to that word, and that song just captures what blessedness can come from doing it.
I sit through church, without saying a single word, listening for the scrap or two of Hungarian I understand, and wonder if this is what He wants for me. It would be easy enough to grab a translator and capture it all, but all who know me know that to hear and understand is not enough for me :). I crave interaction, so maybe this is the motivation I need to really learn this language.
More, hmmmm? I really appreciate Elder Eyring's talk from April of 2012, where he mentions "asking the Lord for trial to stretch him." I know better than that, after Isaak died without any "special request" for growing, but I do know I want to be doing His work and be worthy of His service--maybe this is the price that needs to be paid for me?
https://www.lds.org/youth/music?lang=eng
...and scroll down for "More" by Kenneth Cope. It is an amazing song introduced to me by my dear friend RaNae. There is a part that goes something like, "I've stretched this far...you've raised the bar."
I feel like I have stretched so much in the last few years, pushing myself and trusting Him more than I ever have in my life, doing what He wants me to do.
And, now, it feels like there is more stretching to do :).
More...it all boils down to that word, and that song just captures what blessedness can come from doing it.
I sit through church, without saying a single word, listening for the scrap or two of Hungarian I understand, and wonder if this is what He wants for me. It would be easy enough to grab a translator and capture it all, but all who know me know that to hear and understand is not enough for me :). I crave interaction, so maybe this is the motivation I need to really learn this language.
More, hmmmm? I really appreciate Elder Eyring's talk from April of 2012, where he mentions "asking the Lord for trial to stretch him." I know better than that, after Isaak died without any "special request" for growing, but I do know I want to be doing His work and be worthy of His service--maybe this is the price that needs to be paid for me?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Through the weak things of the earth...
A couple days ago I came across this scripture, and it was so humbling:
&C 124: 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your aoffering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my bwisdom through the cweak things of the earth.
It struck me powerfully...God didn't "raise the prophet Joseph Smith up" so that He could use Joseph's talents, dazzle everyone with his abilities, or to put him forward as an example of all that is perfect and wonderful. The Lord "raised him up" so that He could show forth His wisdom and His power to the earth...even calling attention to Joseph as a "weak thing."
It was very touching to me, who feels so weak and inadequate in this foreign land. I can talk to almost no one, help almost no one but my family through the ways I am used to, and even them I am more limited in what I can do. I feel very weak :).
However, this scripture brings me such joy and consolation. God will take this weak thing, this Mary, and hopefully use me so that He may show forth His power and His wisdom. It is not always our strengths that He uses, but sometimes those very weaknesses that are so obvious to us, so that He can do His wonders.
I am reminded of Enoch in the Book of Moses, whom people ridiculed for his slowness and stuttering of speech, who, through the power of God, did so many wonders. I am reminded of Moses, who relied upon Aaron as his mouthpiece, such were his feelings of inadequacy of his ability to speak...and he, through God's grace and power, led a people to freedom from hundreds of years of slavery in one of the most powerful societies in the ancient world.
How much He can do!
&C 124: 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your aoffering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my bwisdom through the cweak things of the earth.
It struck me powerfully...God didn't "raise the prophet Joseph Smith up" so that He could use Joseph's talents, dazzle everyone with his abilities, or to put him forward as an example of all that is perfect and wonderful. The Lord "raised him up" so that He could show forth His wisdom and His power to the earth...even calling attention to Joseph as a "weak thing."
It was very touching to me, who feels so weak and inadequate in this foreign land. I can talk to almost no one, help almost no one but my family through the ways I am used to, and even them I am more limited in what I can do. I feel very weak :).
However, this scripture brings me such joy and consolation. God will take this weak thing, this Mary, and hopefully use me so that He may show forth His power and His wisdom. It is not always our strengths that He uses, but sometimes those very weaknesses that are so obvious to us, so that He can do His wonders.
I am reminded of Enoch in the Book of Moses, whom people ridiculed for his slowness and stuttering of speech, who, through the power of God, did so many wonders. I am reminded of Moses, who relied upon Aaron as his mouthpiece, such were his feelings of inadequacy of his ability to speak...and he, through God's grace and power, led a people to freedom from hundreds of years of slavery in one of the most powerful societies in the ancient world.
How much He can do!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Emotions and moving
I think I am at such a mixed state of emotions, that when people ask kindly "how are you?" I think a blank stare best fits how I feel :)...
Tired, emotionally imbalanced, at peace, nervous, uncertain, trusting, ready to cry, enjoying the moment, ready for the moment to pass so I can see what happens next, calculating, befuddled...
You name it: I am probably feeling or have felt it :).
Needless to say, sleep is sporadic, and, whenever I have a few minutes, I wander around, from suitcase to suitcase--rearranging and calculating--, room to room, aimlessly thinking I am doing something, but in reality not doing very much :).
This morning, driving away from dropping off dear Quinn at the airport, I started humming through hymns. One I had looked up the other day was "When Faith Endures" and my garbled memory of the first verse went through my mind:
"I will not doubt. I will not fear. God's love and strength are always near. His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. I give my Father willingly, my trust, my prayers, humility. Something, Something, and love assures that fear departs when faith endures."
As if turning the pages in the hymn book it went to another hymn near that section, "Where Can I Turn For Peace", with the first part of the third verse standing out:
"He answers privately, reaches my reaching...
"In my Gethsemane, Savior and friend."
This is no where near a Gethsemane experience. In fact, I read over D&C 122 this morning and my many blessings were brought back to my mind. Really, after reading the Lord's tender answer to an anguished prophet separated from his family and people, my humble gratitude for how easy and wonderful my life is overwhelmed me. This section is worth reading again and again in its entirety :). Such a great reminder of all we have to be grateful for.
Tired, emotionally imbalanced, at peace, nervous, uncertain, trusting, ready to cry, enjoying the moment, ready for the moment to pass so I can see what happens next, calculating, befuddled...
You name it: I am probably feeling or have felt it :).
Needless to say, sleep is sporadic, and, whenever I have a few minutes, I wander around, from suitcase to suitcase--rearranging and calculating--, room to room, aimlessly thinking I am doing something, but in reality not doing very much :).
This morning, driving away from dropping off dear Quinn at the airport, I started humming through hymns. One I had looked up the other day was "When Faith Endures" and my garbled memory of the first verse went through my mind:
"I will not doubt. I will not fear. God's love and strength are always near. His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. I give my Father willingly, my trust, my prayers, humility. Something, Something, and love assures that fear departs when faith endures."
As if turning the pages in the hymn book it went to another hymn near that section, "Where Can I Turn For Peace", with the first part of the third verse standing out:
"He answers privately, reaches my reaching...
"In my Gethsemane, Savior and friend."
This is no where near a Gethsemane experience. In fact, I read over D&C 122 this morning and my many blessings were brought back to my mind. Really, after reading the Lord's tender answer to an anguished prophet separated from his family and people, my humble gratitude for how easy and wonderful my life is overwhelmed me. This section is worth reading again and again in its entirety :). Such a great reminder of all we have to be grateful for.
1 The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy aname, and fools shall have thee in bderision, and hell shall rage against thee;
2 While the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous, shall seek acounsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under thy hand.
4 And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in ahonor; and but for a smallbmoment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce clion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever.
5 If thou art called to pass through atribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in bperils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
6 If thou art aaccused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to bprison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like cwolves for the blood of the lamb;
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the apit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the bdeep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to chedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of dhell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give theeeexperience, and shall be for thy good.
9 Therefore, ahold on thy way, and the priesthood shall bremainwith thee; for their cbounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy ddaysare known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,efear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever
Here's a great mormon message that goes right along with it...the Parable of the Current Bush: http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#the-will-of-god
Quinn gave me a wonderful blessing before he left, using that wonderful priesthood that he is worthy of, and, among other things...well, first and foremost actually,...gave me a blessing of peace. (Second in importance to that, in my mind, was that I would have a mind that was clear and active and that I would be able to keep track of all the kids :).)
It reminds me of the mormon message about a young man and a lightning strike while at football practice:
Like that young man, Quinn was ready and worthy to administer to me, using God's mighty power. The moment may not have seemed so powerful and dramatic, yet it was powerfully personal and poignant, and his worthiness made it possible. Tender mercy. I will miss him, but am excited for what he will be getting ready while he is away!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Amazing children's book
"The Sugar Child" by Monique De.Varennes- an incredible
children's book about a girl made of sugar (kind of like the idea of the
gingerbread man) and her parents, knowing that any kind of bad weather
or crying will make her sugar melt, protects her from the weather and
from grief. However, it turns out that it is by crying for the sickness
of a friend, that the girl find out that her tears do indeed melt the
sugar away and transform her into a real girl. A powerful parable about
how a meaningful life and one full of happiness is not found in
protecting us from sorrow or pain, but from experiencing the good and
the sad... "A time to weep, a time to mourn..." Eccles. 3:1-8
Even the pictures are oh, so tender. Beautiful.
Even the pictures are oh, so tender. Beautiful.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Poem "When Nature Wants a Man"
I loved this poem I came across in the Ensign the other day. It only had an excerpt (the part around the bold part that I lengthened to include a little more that I liked), but I included the whole thing. It's about sacrifice and tribulation before the blessing, the refining by fire that life can be...
When Nature Wants a Man
When Nature wants to drill a man
And thrill a man,
And skill a man,
When Nature wants to mould a man
To play the noblest part;
When she yearns with all her heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall praise--
Watch her method, watch her ways!
How she ruthlessly perfects
Whom she royally elects;
How she hammers him and hurts him
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which only Nature understands--
While his tortured heart is crying and he lifts beseeching hands!--
How she bends, but never breaks,
When his good she undertakes....
How she uses whom she chooses
And with every purpose fuses him,
By every art induces him
To try his splendor out--
Nature knows what she's about.
When Nature wants to take a man
And shake a man
And wake a man;
When Nature wants to make a man
To do the Future's will;
When she tries with all her skill
And she yearns with all her soul
To create him large and whole....
With what cunning she prepares him!
How she goads and never spares him,
How she whets him and she frets him
And in poverty begets him....
How she often disappoints
Whom she sacredly anoints,
With what wisdom she will hide him,
Never minding what betide him
Though his genius sob with slighting and his pride may not forget!
Bids him struggle harder yet.
Makes him lonely
So that only
God's high messages shall reach him
So that she may surely teach him
What the Hierarchy planned.
Though he may not understand
Gives him passions to command--
How remorselessly she spurs him,
With terrific ardor stirs him
When she poignantly prefers him!
When Nature wants to name a man
And fame a man
And tame a man;
When Nature wants to shame a man
To do his heavenly best....
When she tries the highest test
That her reckoning may bring--
When she wants a god or king!--
How she reins him and restrains him
So his body scarce contains him
While she fires him
And inspires him!
Keeps him yearning, ever burning for a tantalising goal--
Lures and lacerates his soul.
Sets a challenge for his spirit,
Draws it higher when he's near it--
Makes a jungle, that he clear it;
Makes a desert, that he fear it
And subdue it if he can--
So doth Nature make a man.
Then, to test his spirit's wrath
Hurls a mountain in his path--
Puts a bitter choice before him
And relentless stands o'er him.
'Climb, or perish!' so she says....
Watch her purpose, watch her ways!
Nature's plan is wondrous kind
Could we understand her mind ...
Fools are they who call her blind.
When his feet are torn and bleeding
Yet his spirit mounts unheeding,
All his higher powers speeding
Blazing newer paths and fine;
When the force that is divine
Leaps to challenge every failure and his ardor still is sweet
And love and hope are burning in the presence of defeat....
Lo, the crisis! Lo, the shout
That must call the leader out.
When the people need salvation
Doth he come to lead the nation....
Then doth Nature show her plan
When the world has found--a man!
And thrill a man,
And skill a man,
When Nature wants to mould a man
To play the noblest part;
When she yearns with all her heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall praise--
Watch her method, watch her ways!
How she ruthlessly perfects
Whom she royally elects;
How she hammers him and hurts him
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which only Nature understands--
While his tortured heart is crying and he lifts beseeching hands!--
How she bends, but never breaks,
When his good she undertakes....
How she uses whom she chooses
And with every purpose fuses him,
By every art induces him
To try his splendor out--
Nature knows what she's about.
When Nature wants to take a man
And shake a man
And wake a man;
When Nature wants to make a man
To do the Future's will;
When she tries with all her skill
And she yearns with all her soul
To create him large and whole....
With what cunning she prepares him!
How she goads and never spares him,
How she whets him and she frets him
And in poverty begets him....
How she often disappoints
Whom she sacredly anoints,
With what wisdom she will hide him,
Never minding what betide him
Though his genius sob with slighting and his pride may not forget!
Bids him struggle harder yet.
Makes him lonely
So that only
God's high messages shall reach him
So that she may surely teach him
What the Hierarchy planned.
Though he may not understand
Gives him passions to command--
How remorselessly she spurs him,
With terrific ardor stirs him
When she poignantly prefers him!
When Nature wants to name a man
And fame a man
And tame a man;
When Nature wants to shame a man
To do his heavenly best....
When she tries the highest test
That her reckoning may bring--
When she wants a god or king!--
How she reins him and restrains him
So his body scarce contains him
While she fires him
And inspires him!
Keeps him yearning, ever burning for a tantalising goal--
Lures and lacerates his soul.
Sets a challenge for his spirit,
Draws it higher when he's near it--
Makes a jungle, that he clear it;
Makes a desert, that he fear it
And subdue it if he can--
So doth Nature make a man.
Then, to test his spirit's wrath
Hurls a mountain in his path--
Puts a bitter choice before him
And relentless stands o'er him.
'Climb, or perish!' so she says....
Watch her purpose, watch her ways!
Nature's plan is wondrous kind
Could we understand her mind ...
Fools are they who call her blind.
When his feet are torn and bleeding
Yet his spirit mounts unheeding,
All his higher powers speeding
Blazing newer paths and fine;
When the force that is divine
Leaps to challenge every failure and his ardor still is sweet
And love and hope are burning in the presence of defeat....
Lo, the crisis! Lo, the shout
That must call the leader out.
When the people need salvation
Doth he come to lead the nation....
Then doth Nature show her plan
When the world has found--a man!
Angela Morgan
Friday, August 24, 2012
Homeschooling at our House: "Master plans"
On my family blog (link), I am in the process of posting a four part series of my....
*drumroll, please.....*
MASTER PLAN!!!!! MWA-HA-HA-HA!!!
In the first one, I have the "intro" or "why," and then I am breaking it down into:
Part 1-Daily
Part 2-Weekly
Part 3-Monthly
Part 4-Yearly
If I was as cool as my good friend Marni, I would have it in a cool spreadsheet, complete with awesome quotes and a cool picture of "cheerio lady" somewhere, but, as it is, at least it is posted :)...
(You should see her post on "The Cheerios Lady (aka a Mother's sweet revenge)"(link) --so hilarious!)
*drumroll, please.....*
MASTER PLAN!!!!! MWA-HA-HA-HA!!!
In the first one, I have the "intro" or "why," and then I am breaking it down into:
Part 1-Daily
Part 2-Weekly
Part 3-Monthly
Part 4-Yearly
If I was as cool as my good friend Marni, I would have it in a cool spreadsheet, complete with awesome quotes and a cool picture of "cheerio lady" somewhere, but, as it is, at least it is posted :)...
(You should see her post on "The Cheerios Lady (aka a Mother's sweet revenge)"(link) --so hilarious!)
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Trivium: three stages of classical education
I posted this on my Vanguard Youth site, but wanted to include it here, because it applies so well to my homeschooling. When I am engaged in a "family discussion," it is challenging to engage my entire family. I have the "littles," who just want to repeat the story back to me ("grammar stage"), my "middles," who like to make connections with other things they have learned, and my "olders," who are beyond rote-repetition and are more eager to see application. I see the boredom of the littles (or even middles!) as I excitedly talk about application. It was a good reminder, as a parent and as a teacher, to be aware of what they are ready for in their learning.
I came across this great article by Susan Wise Bauer, that helps us understand why our 12 year olds in Vanguard don't reason or process information the same way our 15 year olds do :)...why when we ask them to reason and apply it is so challenging at a younger age, when they are just getting into using logic to reason about what they are learning. I included the entire first part of the article, and give complete credit to her and her genius with no profit to myself, other than the betterment of the world around me, and therefore a benefit to myself :)...
The first years of schooling are called the “grammar stage” — not because you spend four years doing English, but because these are the years in which the building blocks for all other learning are laid, just as grammar is the foundation for language. In the elementary school years — what we commonly think of as grades one through four — the mind is ready to absorb information. Children at this age actually find memorization fun. So during this period, education involves not self-expression and self-discovery, but rather the learning of facts. Rules of phonics and spelling, rules of grammar, poems, the vocabulary of foreign languages, the stories of history and literature, descriptions of plants and animals and the human body, the facts of mathematics — the list goes on. This information makes up the “grammar,” or the basic building blocks, for the second stage of education.
By fifth grade, a child’s mind begins to think more analytically. Middle-school students are less interested in finding out facts than in asking “Why?” The second phase of the classical education, the “Logic Stage,” is a time when the child begins to pay attention to cause and effect, to the relationships between different fields of knowledge relate, to the way facts fit together into a logical framework.
A student is ready for the Logic Stage when the capacity for abstract thought begins to mature. During these years, the student begins algebra and the study of logic, and begins to apply logic to all academic subjects. The logic of writing, for example, includes paragraph construction and learning to support a thesis; the logic of reading involves the criticism and analysis of texts, not simple absorption of information; the logic of history demands that the student find out why the War of 1812 was fought, rather than simply reading its story; the logic of science requires that the child learn the scientific method.
The final phase of a classical education, the “Rhetoric Stage,” builds on the first two. At this point, the high school student learns to write and speak with force and originality. The student of rhetoric applies the rules of logic learned in middle school to the foundational information learned in the early grades and expresses his conclusions in clear, forceful, elegant language. Students also begin to specialize in whatever branch of knowledge attracts them; these are the years for art camps, college courses, foreign travel, apprenticeships, and other forms of specialized training.
Of course, there are kids that are more logical and more ready for "rhetoric" sooner than others, but it can explain the struggle (hence, blank stares) that younger scholars experience when asked to reason and apply what they are learning.
I came across this great article by Susan Wise Bauer, that helps us understand why our 12 year olds in Vanguard don't reason or process information the same way our 15 year olds do :)...why when we ask them to reason and apply it is so challenging at a younger age, when they are just getting into using logic to reason about what they are learning. I included the entire first part of the article, and give complete credit to her and her genius with no profit to myself, other than the betterment of the world around me, and therefore a benefit to myself :)...
What is Classical Education?
Classical education depends on a three-part process of training the mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts, systematically laying the foundations for advanced study. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments. In the high school years, they learn to express themselves. This classical pattern is called the trivium.The first years of schooling are called the “grammar stage” — not because you spend four years doing English, but because these are the years in which the building blocks for all other learning are laid, just as grammar is the foundation for language. In the elementary school years — what we commonly think of as grades one through four — the mind is ready to absorb information. Children at this age actually find memorization fun. So during this period, education involves not self-expression and self-discovery, but rather the learning of facts. Rules of phonics and spelling, rules of grammar, poems, the vocabulary of foreign languages, the stories of history and literature, descriptions of plants and animals and the human body, the facts of mathematics — the list goes on. This information makes up the “grammar,” or the basic building blocks, for the second stage of education.
By fifth grade, a child’s mind begins to think more analytically. Middle-school students are less interested in finding out facts than in asking “Why?” The second phase of the classical education, the “Logic Stage,” is a time when the child begins to pay attention to cause and effect, to the relationships between different fields of knowledge relate, to the way facts fit together into a logical framework.
A student is ready for the Logic Stage when the capacity for abstract thought begins to mature. During these years, the student begins algebra and the study of logic, and begins to apply logic to all academic subjects. The logic of writing, for example, includes paragraph construction and learning to support a thesis; the logic of reading involves the criticism and analysis of texts, not simple absorption of information; the logic of history demands that the student find out why the War of 1812 was fought, rather than simply reading its story; the logic of science requires that the child learn the scientific method.
The final phase of a classical education, the “Rhetoric Stage,” builds on the first two. At this point, the high school student learns to write and speak with force and originality. The student of rhetoric applies the rules of logic learned in middle school to the foundational information learned in the early grades and expresses his conclusions in clear, forceful, elegant language. Students also begin to specialize in whatever branch of knowledge attracts them; these are the years for art camps, college courses, foreign travel, apprenticeships, and other forms of specialized training.
Of course, there are kids that are more logical and more ready for "rhetoric" sooner than others, but it can explain the struggle (hence, blank stares) that younger scholars experience when asked to reason and apply what they are learning.
Trusting and Waiting on the Lord...a parable
I have been praying for faith to match my situation right now, and "happened" across this scripture in my morning study yesterday: (Doctrine & Covenants 101)
"After many days," hmmmm? How long did Elijah and the widow of Nain have to live off that cruse of oil and grain? How long were the Jaredites blown upon the waters of the ocean? How long was the trek across the United States for the early morning pioneers? HowHow many years of Joseph Smith's life was spent in persecution?
May my faith be equal to the Lord's bidding...
44 A certain anobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my bvineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;
45 And set awatchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
So the master of the vineyard gives specific instructions, his servants begin to do it, and then they begin to question the why of it all.
48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very aslothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the ahedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
What a terrible result from not faithfully, literally faith-fully, following seemingly obscure directions! So the Lord takes further steps:
Notice the difference between this servant and the others:52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the avineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a awatchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his aservants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take ball the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the awalls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, aavenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.
60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; (Hard Answer) go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;61 And this shall be my seal and ablessing upon you—a faithful and bwise steward in the midst of mine house, a cruler in my kingdom.62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and aafter many days all things were fulfilled.
"After many days," hmmmm? How long did Elijah and the widow of Nain have to live off that cruse of oil and grain? How long were the Jaredites blown upon the waters of the ocean? How long was the trek across the United States for the early morning pioneers? HowHow many years of Joseph Smith's life was spent in persecution?
May my faith be equal to the Lord's bidding...
The power of "Intentionally recreating"
I was talking to a friend yesterday, and she said that so often we of the LDS faith underestimate a line in " The Family: a Proclamation to the World": "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles...[among other things] wholesome recreational activities."
This was brought up as I was sharing some insights I got from a BYU devotional talk I came across not too long ago while listening to the radio in my car. It was a broadcast on k-BYU on July 17, given by Patti Freeman and titled "Intentional recreation and Things that Matter Most."
Here is a link where, for now, you can either listen to or watch it. (I believe the transcript will be up later.) I only came in towards the end, but it was incredible...all about the many benefits we get with intentionally recreating as a family (or as mentors with our youth!).
Intentional recreation and Things that Matter Most
When the transcripts are up, I will try and put in my favorite sections for those who don't have the time to listen to, watch, or read the whole thing.
One part that stuck out to me was only a small part of the talk, but she spoke about how when we recreate as a family, it is an opportunity for our sons and daughters (or youth!) to see how men and women appropriately treat each other. I thought about last May, when Quinn and the kids and I hiked the slot canyons Ding and Dang down by Goblin Valley. Quinn had to both lower and raise me up several times, offered to help with things, and I deferred to his judgment several times with trust and appreciation for his perspective in the best path for our family. I had never thought of this blessing of "recreating" together!
Anyway, there were a whole bunch of other great points to it, and to at least listen to the last 20 minutes, in my mind, would be incredibly valuable--seeing as that is all I got from it :).
This was brought up as I was sharing some insights I got from a BYU devotional talk I came across not too long ago while listening to the radio in my car. It was a broadcast on k-BYU on July 17, given by Patti Freeman and titled "Intentional recreation and Things that Matter Most."
Here is a link where, for now, you can either listen to or watch it. (I believe the transcript will be up later.) I only came in towards the end, but it was incredible...all about the many benefits we get with intentionally recreating as a family (or as mentors with our youth!).
Intentional recreation and Things that Matter Most
When the transcripts are up, I will try and put in my favorite sections for those who don't have the time to listen to, watch, or read the whole thing.
One part that stuck out to me was only a small part of the talk, but she spoke about how when we recreate as a family, it is an opportunity for our sons and daughters (or youth!) to see how men and women appropriately treat each other. I thought about last May, when Quinn and the kids and I hiked the slot canyons Ding and Dang down by Goblin Valley. Quinn had to both lower and raise me up several times, offered to help with things, and I deferred to his judgment several times with trust and appreciation for his perspective in the best path for our family. I had never thought of this blessing of "recreating" together!
Anyway, there were a whole bunch of other great points to it, and to at least listen to the last 20 minutes, in my mind, would be incredibly valuable--seeing as that is all I got from it :).
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
"Let it begin"...
Listen to this song, really listen to what it says. The message is incredibly powerful. It is called "Let it Begin" and it's message is ageless and timeless. I love the beauty of sacred, inspired music!
For instance, one of the lines goes: "The mistakes of the past don't define you...they refine you."
https://www.lds.org/youth/music?lang=eng
Enjoy!
For instance, one of the lines goes: "The mistakes of the past don't define you...they refine you."
https://www.lds.org/youth/music?lang=eng
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Amazing, inspiring video!
Be Strong
I love videos about youth, about diversity, and about faithful courage...this one met all three :).
I love videos about youth, about diversity, and about faithful courage...this one met all three :).
That "Mary-spunkiness"...
Tonight, I went to do temple work and had an interesting experience.
It is a very amazing spiritual experience, to attend the temple, and normally I just relish it.
However, tonight, I was informed at the desk that there had been a "change in policy" with how that temple did certain things with a change in that temple's presidency. My first thought was "Really! Isn't the spirit of the law more important than the letter of the law? Which one is this serving?" It was followed by a quick second, "Well, at least the Gospel is still true."
It made me think:
-I am soooo much like my little Hava, my stubborn 3 year old that is a mirror-image of Constance Contraire in "Mysterious Benedict Society" (the name captures the basic personality, for those who haven't read that delightful book). I guess I cannot wonder where she gets it from :)! Just don't tell me to jump through a hoop for convenience if it is not principle-based, or please share with me the principle so I can understand...and this tendency of mine is getting worse with age--to get riled up over "letter over spirit" of the law actions. (Don't get me started on the Salt Lake County Library System employees,...sorry, Mom :)!)
-This spunkiness is one reason that I was saved for the last days: My sheer spunky passion for truth and doing what is right for the right reason.
-I am definitely not a member of my church because I am a follower, conformer, or "it is the easiest way." :) I don't think conforming for the sake of conforming is within my make-up.
-What was the motivation for the change in policy? To coerce conformity to an ideal of someone? Then came the uncomfortable follow-up thought: How often do I do this kind of thing in my home-- "kind of" give someone their agency, while exercising huge powers of coercion and "consequences" to try and get them to do what I want them to do anyway? Hmmmmm.....For an agency-passionate person, how do I allow for agency in my home? Satan's plan of force and control vs. God's plan of painful agency...the war goes on, doesn't it :)?
I ended up having a marvelous night...I just learned and thought about concepts that I might not have expected to, coming into the evening :).
I also got to see my parents, who volunteer there on Saturdays, and Quinn got to read some Hungarian names...loved it!
It is a very amazing spiritual experience, to attend the temple, and normally I just relish it.
However, tonight, I was informed at the desk that there had been a "change in policy" with how that temple did certain things with a change in that temple's presidency. My first thought was "Really! Isn't the spirit of the law more important than the letter of the law? Which one is this serving?" It was followed by a quick second, "Well, at least the Gospel is still true."
It made me think:
-I am soooo much like my little Hava, my stubborn 3 year old that is a mirror-image of Constance Contraire in "Mysterious Benedict Society" (the name captures the basic personality, for those who haven't read that delightful book). I guess I cannot wonder where she gets it from :)! Just don't tell me to jump through a hoop for convenience if it is not principle-based, or please share with me the principle so I can understand...and this tendency of mine is getting worse with age--to get riled up over "letter over spirit" of the law actions. (Don't get me started on the Salt Lake County Library System employees,...sorry, Mom :)!)
-This spunkiness is one reason that I was saved for the last days: My sheer spunky passion for truth and doing what is right for the right reason.
-I am definitely not a member of my church because I am a follower, conformer, or "it is the easiest way." :) I don't think conforming for the sake of conforming is within my make-up.
-What was the motivation for the change in policy? To coerce conformity to an ideal of someone? Then came the uncomfortable follow-up thought: How often do I do this kind of thing in my home-- "kind of" give someone their agency, while exercising huge powers of coercion and "consequences" to try and get them to do what I want them to do anyway? Hmmmmm.....For an agency-passionate person, how do I allow for agency in my home? Satan's plan of force and control vs. God's plan of painful agency...the war goes on, doesn't it :)?
I ended up having a marvelous night...I just learned and thought about concepts that I might not have expected to, coming into the evening :).
I also got to see my parents, who volunteer there on Saturdays, and Quinn got to read some Hungarian names...loved it!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Karate Kid and "Inspire not Require"
Growing up, I enjoyed watching the original "Karate Kid" with Mr. Miagee (sp?). Something about the underdog mentored by a man wholly dedicated to his principles really intrigued me.
As I was cleaning up the kitchen tonight, I had half an ear out for the new version of this movie playing in my living room. I saw this little "punk" kid doing repetitive, senseless motions...just because someone told him to. Now, this kid didn't do it just for kicks--he wanted what the man had to offer to teach him. He wanted it so much, he was willing to do things that didn't make sense, didn't seem worthwhile.
It made me think of my kids and their education and the power of the Thomas Jefferson Education principle, "inspire not require." The basic concept of this is that, scholastically, you seek to inspire your children by exposing them to greatness--great ideas, great people--rather than "requiring" them to learn a set curriculum you place before them. Inspiring is a lot of work. Yet, tonight, I caught a glimpse of the power of it.
As I study, learn, make connections, create pieces of art, work on my music, get excited about history, math, and science, they see me exploring the world, learning, and making a difference. I hear them say things like "I wish I could do that!" and "When can I be in your class, mommy?" I see that young boy on "Karate Kid" putting in so much effort, time, sweat, and dedication to doing what his mentor tells him to do, knowing he can show him the way, and the power of "inspire not require" hits home...as well as it's sister-concept: "you not them" (work on your own education if you want your kids to work on their's...).
As I watched the mentoring in "Karate Kid," I caught a glimpse of my kids writing, practicing laborious, repetitive exercises in math, putting in the hard work of outlining, mapping, and "time-lining" history, wanting to be more physically fit, eating better, studying the scriptures, sacrificing for what is right...just because they wanted what I had, and wanted to be what I am or am becoming (or other people they can be mentored by, thankfully!).
Inspiring is definitely not the easy path, but how rewarding! that I can pursue things that God wants me to learn for my mission, and my kids can join me in that process. When a person owns their own education, wants it for themselves and for the real fruits it has to offer, the learning curve spikes, and their reception and learning capacity is greatly enlarged. That's the power of leadership education.
Funny, the strange places you can find truth. :)
As I was cleaning up the kitchen tonight, I had half an ear out for the new version of this movie playing in my living room. I saw this little "punk" kid doing repetitive, senseless motions...just because someone told him to. Now, this kid didn't do it just for kicks--he wanted what the man had to offer to teach him. He wanted it so much, he was willing to do things that didn't make sense, didn't seem worthwhile.
It made me think of my kids and their education and the power of the Thomas Jefferson Education principle, "inspire not require." The basic concept of this is that, scholastically, you seek to inspire your children by exposing them to greatness--great ideas, great people--rather than "requiring" them to learn a set curriculum you place before them. Inspiring is a lot of work. Yet, tonight, I caught a glimpse of the power of it.
As I study, learn, make connections, create pieces of art, work on my music, get excited about history, math, and science, they see me exploring the world, learning, and making a difference. I hear them say things like "I wish I could do that!" and "When can I be in your class, mommy?" I see that young boy on "Karate Kid" putting in so much effort, time, sweat, and dedication to doing what his mentor tells him to do, knowing he can show him the way, and the power of "inspire not require" hits home...as well as it's sister-concept: "you not them" (work on your own education if you want your kids to work on their's...).
As I watched the mentoring in "Karate Kid," I caught a glimpse of my kids writing, practicing laborious, repetitive exercises in math, putting in the hard work of outlining, mapping, and "time-lining" history, wanting to be more physically fit, eating better, studying the scriptures, sacrificing for what is right...just because they wanted what I had, and wanted to be what I am or am becoming (or other people they can be mentored by, thankfully!).
Inspiring is definitely not the easy path, but how rewarding! that I can pursue things that God wants me to learn for my mission, and my kids can join me in that process. When a person owns their own education, wants it for themselves and for the real fruits it has to offer, the learning curve spikes, and their reception and learning capacity is greatly enlarged. That's the power of leadership education.
Funny, the strange places you can find truth. :)
Rest to my soul
I came across this scripture today, and it stuck with me today...
So my tired body got to work, thinking about this scripture.
Sometimes it is so hard, as a mom, as a wife, as a person to keep going, to do those seemingly small things that can make the difference of gladness in the lives of those we love. Yet, His promise is a glorious one, blessing us where it really counts...rest to our souls.
Having done that small labor of love in my kitchen this night, with a vision of a more restful Sabbath before me, I feel rested in my soul. Good, better, best--it is different for everyone, and, for me tonight, it wasn't to sit and read or rest,...it was to prepare my home for the Sabbath. As I worked, going through those sometimes monotonous, unthinking motions that I have done so many times before, my mind pondered on wonderful things, and I feel rest in my soul.
(The blessings of work are many, and the activity of engaging in menial, repetitive labor allows our minds to ponder is one of those blessings: see life-changing article on Family Work in the BYU magazine Spring 2000 issue: Article on Family Work . There is also a great shorter version at the next link: Family Work quickie.)
Alma 37: 34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find arest to their souls.It made me realize that God knows how hard it can be to do good works...He knows it is not easy! Yet, the offer is rest to our souls...not our bodies, our souls. As I faced a dirty kitchen tonight, getting home late after a wonderful time at a reception for an old, dear friend, and knowing that tomorrow is the Sabbath day, I had a split second debate. I was tired, true, but I knew that I really wanted a day of rest, both for me and for my family.
So my tired body got to work, thinking about this scripture.
Sometimes it is so hard, as a mom, as a wife, as a person to keep going, to do those seemingly small things that can make the difference of gladness in the lives of those we love. Yet, His promise is a glorious one, blessing us where it really counts...rest to our souls.
Having done that small labor of love in my kitchen this night, with a vision of a more restful Sabbath before me, I feel rested in my soul. Good, better, best--it is different for everyone, and, for me tonight, it wasn't to sit and read or rest,...it was to prepare my home for the Sabbath. As I worked, going through those sometimes monotonous, unthinking motions that I have done so many times before, my mind pondered on wonderful things, and I feel rest in my soul.
(The blessings of work are many, and the activity of engaging in menial, repetitive labor allows our minds to ponder is one of those blessings: see life-changing article on Family Work in the BYU magazine Spring 2000 issue: Article on Family Work . There is also a great shorter version at the next link: Family Work quickie.)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Is it truly that easy...just to look?
A little while ago, my family came across the scriptural story of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness in our family scripture study. God had sent poisonous serpents, and people were dying all around. Moses constructed a staff with a serpent at the top and promised that if the Israelites would just look, they would be healed. That's it...just look up.
Verse 41 of 1 Nephi of the Book of Mormon offers this insight:
These thoughts stuck with me for a few days, as I wondered how I can look to Him in my life.
Then I watched the Olympics and, as I watched the women gymnastics, I noticed something that struck me. When the young ladies came off of their event, having committed some error that seemed beyond their ability to cope with, I watched their coaches. Their coach would put their hands on their shoulders or on either side of their faces, gaze with intense focus into those young, hurting eyes, and reach them. I can only imagine what they said, but I imagine it was something like: "You messed up, but you can do it! Don't give up! Keep going! Keep your focus! You have trained your whole life for this! You can do it!"
I thought, when we look to Christ, He wants to do the same for us, our faces between His hands, His face focused on ours: "You can do it! You messed up, you're hurting, you're worried...don't lose hope! Keep your focus! I am here! Don't give up!"
It became real to me one night as I felt overwhelmed with a new development and consideration in going to Hungary. I felt despair seeking entrance to my mind, and I was tired enough that I was ready to give in at the moment. Then, the thought entered my mind, "Look to me..." I remember distinctly sitting tiredly on the chair, lifting my eyes up towards the wall, and imagining my Savior and Elder Brother before me, looking down at me. I focused on that thought, and, in a very real way, I felt the worry dissolve away, and perspective come back. In the long scheme, my worries are very small, and I felt such peace enter my heart...just by looking.
To look to Him....what stops us? Where do we tend to look? At the dying, struggling masses around us? Comparing ourselves or seeking help from them? How easy is it, really, to look?
Alma 47:46-47 :
He is there. He is more real than those coaches at the Olympics, and He is ready, in a very real way, to take our faces in His hands and gaze into our hurting eyes and souls to reach us: "You messed up...but you can do it! I am here! Trust me! You have trained your whole life for this moment! Don't give up!"
Verse 41 of 1 Nephi of the Book of Mormon offers this insight:
...He sent fiery flying bserpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be chealed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the dsimpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.It made me think about Alma 33:
19 Behold, he (Christ) was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.So what does it mean to "look"? How do we "cast our eyes about" that we might be healed? I have thought a great deal about this. I thought about reading my scriptures, saying my prayers...anything that makes me "look in the direction of Christ"...temple worship, beautiful art of Him and God's creations, going to church...and I thought about how simple and easy these things are. I think we make it hard our ourselves, thinking that, somehow, something so easy as opening those pages to read a couple verses, something so simple as kneeling when we are hurting or joyful, couldn't possibly do something as miraculous as heal us.
20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.
21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?
These thoughts stuck with me for a few days, as I wondered how I can look to Him in my life.
Then I watched the Olympics and, as I watched the women gymnastics, I noticed something that struck me. When the young ladies came off of their event, having committed some error that seemed beyond their ability to cope with, I watched their coaches. Their coach would put their hands on their shoulders or on either side of their faces, gaze with intense focus into those young, hurting eyes, and reach them. I can only imagine what they said, but I imagine it was something like: "You messed up, but you can do it! Don't give up! Keep going! Keep your focus! You have trained your whole life for this! You can do it!"
I thought, when we look to Christ, He wants to do the same for us, our faces between His hands, His face focused on ours: "You can do it! You messed up, you're hurting, you're worried...don't lose hope! Keep your focus! I am here! Don't give up!"
It became real to me one night as I felt overwhelmed with a new development and consideration in going to Hungary. I felt despair seeking entrance to my mind, and I was tired enough that I was ready to give in at the moment. Then, the thought entered my mind, "Look to me..." I remember distinctly sitting tiredly on the chair, lifting my eyes up towards the wall, and imagining my Savior and Elder Brother before me, looking down at me. I focused on that thought, and, in a very real way, I felt the worry dissolve away, and perspective come back. In the long scheme, my worries are very small, and I felt such peace enter my heart...just by looking.
To look to Him....what stops us? Where do we tend to look? At the dying, struggling masses around us? Comparing ourselves or seeking help from them? How easy is it, really, to look?
Alma 47:46-47 :
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live...
He is there. He is more real than those coaches at the Olympics, and He is ready, in a very real way, to take our faces in His hands and gaze into our hurting eyes and souls to reach us: "You messed up...but you can do it! I am here! Trust me! You have trained your whole life for this moment! Don't give up!"
Monday, August 6, 2012
Heroes
Beautiful quotes from a book I am reading, "Circle of Quiet" by Madeleine L'Engle:
To anyone reading this, I would love to hear who your heroes are, your points of reference! Thanks!
The common man lives within his capacity; he is probable as well as common; because of this he will choose the safe way. But mankind has progressed only when an uncommon man has done the improbable, and often the impossible, has had the courage to go into the darkness, and has been willing, out of the nettle, danger, to pluck the flower, safety...
But this is the Age, among other things, of the Anti-hero. This is the Age of Do-it-yourself; Do-it-yourself Oil Paintings; Just Follow the Numbers; Do-it-yourself Home Organ Lessons; Do-it-yourself Instant Culture.
But I can't do it myself. I need a hero. Sometimes, I have chosen pretty shoddy ones, as I have chosen faulty mirrors in which to see myself. But a hero I must have. A hero shows me what fallible man, despite and even with his faults, can do...
In looking towards a hero, we are less restricted and curtailed in our own lives. A hero provides us with a point of reference...
Amazing! The courage to be! The need for heroes...All teachers [and parents!] must face the fact that they are potential points of reference. The greatest challenge a teacher has to accept is the courage to be; if we are, we make mistakes; we say too much where we should have said nothing; we do not speak where a work might have made all the difference. If we are, we will make terrible errors. But we still have to have the courage to struggle on, trusting in our own points of reference to show us the way.
To anyone reading this, I would love to hear who your heroes are, your points of reference! Thanks!
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