Make it Simple
Happy Father's Day! Or post Father's Day for those reading this later in the week. I am going to get a little jump on the posting as I have stuff on my mind. As I have pondered this week, I have had so much personal insight that has enlightened me. I hope that I can share something that will enlighten you or motivate you to find your own enlightenment.
Let's start with the verse in ponder: Mosiah 3:19 - how many times have we read, heard, or referenced this verse of scripture? I don't think I could even count them. As I pondered though, my thoughts were brought first to Adam. I pondered what the world thinks of as "Original Sin". So many times the world thinks that it was carnal, sensual, or sexual. They try to make it complicated, grandioso, or some grave and dark action. But it wasn't. It as just a simple choice. A choice to go against the will of God. Plain and simple.
I have pondered that action over and over again in my mind, maybe I have tried to make it complicated, grandioso, and/or dark and grave. But then I have to repent. Adam and Eve were in the Garden. They had everything provided for them. They were asked to do many things, but there was only ONE thing they were asked NOT to do. Don't partake of the fruit of one tree. Then everyday, they had to walk past the tree. It was there. Though the task seemed easy enough, how hard was it? The natural man crept in to their thoughts and eventually their actions. The temptation was there everyday, but it was not until they gave into the Why? or Why Not? They What If? What would it hurt? The logical battle of "This does not make sense to me? The thoughts of I can handle this? It won't effect me? It is just one small bite. The natural man, Lucifer, thinks or wants us to think that our ways are better than God's way. That is how simple it was.
How many of us do this today? How often do we have this battle with the natural man inside of us every single day?
My thoughts were drawn to President Uchtdorf's talk from priesthood session of General Conference. He talked about one of many battles he faced with the natural man. It was a small and simple battle, but could have had grave consequences none the less. If you have not read, listened to, or studied his words. I encourage you to do so, not just once, but many times in the next several months.
I was inspired to talk about Laman and Lemuel as we read the Book of Mormon together this week. What did they lack? Did they have the characteristics described in the end of Mosiah 3:19? How many times were they humbled? or did they become submissive, full of love, patient, willing to submit in ALL things to the Lord's will? How many times did they do with out questioning Why, What if? What would it hurt? or say, "It doesn't apply to me". "I am stronger than others." or in essence, "The Lord does not know me very well. I will prove Him wrong."
In Ward conference, we were encouraged to read, Elder Clayton's talk from conference "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" We watched it again for Family Home Evening. It happened to be the talk that became part of my daily study today. I would encourage you to read, study, and ponder this one as well.
As I have done so, I am drawn to the servants who had to fill, draw, and bear the water/wine to the Governor of the wedding party. What was on the line for them? What could have happened if the Governor had realized they were giving him foot water? How much faith did they have to have? Are we as faithful in our obedience?
Today I was drawn to many of the comments about Mary. Wow! Do we know the Savior the way she knows Him? Do we trust Him as she trusts Him? Are we as willing to do the simple things without understanding why? Without questioning why? How? or What? Are we willing to wait on His time table of When?
I was reminded of great advice that I think I have mentioned here before. Deliberate Obedience. Do we choose to obey deliberately? Can we learn from Adam and Eve? Doing all the things He asks us to do and not focusing on the things He has asked us Not to do? Can we walk past or overcome the natural man? Can we acquire the child like characteristics? I know I have not talk about Naaman, but can we do the simple things without letting pride get in the way? Can we be less like Laman and Lemuel? Can we overcome temptation and not return to the old habits over and over again? How can we be more like Nephi and Sam? or other great leaders portrayed to us? Remembering, like President Uchtdorf, they too face challenges just like us, it is a matter of walking past the tree without giving in to or entertaining the temptation.
Ok, I will stop. I will let you pursue your own enlightenment. Seek it everyday by deliberately doing the simple things.
It has been a good week.
The Queen and I have worked a little, relaxed a little, cleaned a little, replace sprinkler heads a little, and even went to the temple. I am blessed to be able to share all of these things with her. I am slowly getting stronger. I even edged and mowed the lawn yesterday. I am not up and running yet, but counting the days to when I can be.
The Professor spent some time in the classroom and some time being taught. She is encouraged by the opportunities to try new things.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo stopped by for a quick minute yesterday. They are plugging along and actively seeking improvements. We hope they get to see the fruits of their labors soon.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins doing all they can to be joined at the hip. They are busy with planning, budgeting, and working. So, so much to do, and time keeps moving forward.
That is about all from us. Just a normal week of the mundane.
Cheerios
Let's start with the verse in ponder: Mosiah 3:19 - how many times have we read, heard, or referenced this verse of scripture? I don't think I could even count them. As I pondered though, my thoughts were brought first to Adam. I pondered what the world thinks of as "Original Sin". So many times the world thinks that it was carnal, sensual, or sexual. They try to make it complicated, grandioso, or some grave and dark action. But it wasn't. It as just a simple choice. A choice to go against the will of God. Plain and simple.
I have pondered that action over and over again in my mind, maybe I have tried to make it complicated, grandioso, and/or dark and grave. But then I have to repent. Adam and Eve were in the Garden. They had everything provided for them. They were asked to do many things, but there was only ONE thing they were asked NOT to do. Don't partake of the fruit of one tree. Then everyday, they had to walk past the tree. It was there. Though the task seemed easy enough, how hard was it? The natural man crept in to their thoughts and eventually their actions. The temptation was there everyday, but it was not until they gave into the Why? or Why Not? They What If? What would it hurt? The logical battle of "This does not make sense to me? The thoughts of I can handle this? It won't effect me? It is just one small bite. The natural man, Lucifer, thinks or wants us to think that our ways are better than God's way. That is how simple it was.
How many of us do this today? How often do we have this battle with the natural man inside of us every single day?
My thoughts were drawn to President Uchtdorf's talk from priesthood session of General Conference. He talked about one of many battles he faced with the natural man. It was a small and simple battle, but could have had grave consequences none the less. If you have not read, listened to, or studied his words. I encourage you to do so, not just once, but many times in the next several months.
I was inspired to talk about Laman and Lemuel as we read the Book of Mormon together this week. What did they lack? Did they have the characteristics described in the end of Mosiah 3:19? How many times were they humbled? or did they become submissive, full of love, patient, willing to submit in ALL things to the Lord's will? How many times did they do with out questioning Why, What if? What would it hurt? or say, "It doesn't apply to me". "I am stronger than others." or in essence, "The Lord does not know me very well. I will prove Him wrong."
In Ward conference, we were encouraged to read, Elder Clayton's talk from conference "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" We watched it again for Family Home Evening. It happened to be the talk that became part of my daily study today. I would encourage you to read, study, and ponder this one as well.
As I have done so, I am drawn to the servants who had to fill, draw, and bear the water/wine to the Governor of the wedding party. What was on the line for them? What could have happened if the Governor had realized they were giving him foot water? How much faith did they have to have? Are we as faithful in our obedience?
Today I was drawn to many of the comments about Mary. Wow! Do we know the Savior the way she knows Him? Do we trust Him as she trusts Him? Are we as willing to do the simple things without understanding why? Without questioning why? How? or What? Are we willing to wait on His time table of When?
I was reminded of great advice that I think I have mentioned here before. Deliberate Obedience. Do we choose to obey deliberately? Can we learn from Adam and Eve? Doing all the things He asks us to do and not focusing on the things He has asked us Not to do? Can we walk past or overcome the natural man? Can we acquire the child like characteristics? I know I have not talk about Naaman, but can we do the simple things without letting pride get in the way? Can we be less like Laman and Lemuel? Can we overcome temptation and not return to the old habits over and over again? How can we be more like Nephi and Sam? or other great leaders portrayed to us? Remembering, like President Uchtdorf, they too face challenges just like us, it is a matter of walking past the tree without giving in to or entertaining the temptation.
Ok, I will stop. I will let you pursue your own enlightenment. Seek it everyday by deliberately doing the simple things.
It has been a good week.
The Queen and I have worked a little, relaxed a little, cleaned a little, replace sprinkler heads a little, and even went to the temple. I am blessed to be able to share all of these things with her. I am slowly getting stronger. I even edged and mowed the lawn yesterday. I am not up and running yet, but counting the days to when I can be.
The Professor spent some time in the classroom and some time being taught. She is encouraged by the opportunities to try new things.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo stopped by for a quick minute yesterday. They are plugging along and actively seeking improvements. We hope they get to see the fruits of their labors soon.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins doing all they can to be joined at the hip. They are busy with planning, budgeting, and working. So, so much to do, and time keeps moving forward.
That is about all from us. Just a normal week of the mundane.
Cheerios
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