The Two Way Street
Greetings All -
I hope that you have all enjoyed this holiday week, well for those who live in the United States. For those who do not, I hope your week has been adventurous. I know that mine has been filled with craziness, and that is not because of the snow.
We really enjoyed having family time this week. I know that some of it was interrupted by other deals, but we survived. Most importantly, we were blessed to be able to be together.
Ok, lets do some pondering: Alma 34:2-3
"My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us."
" And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and patience -"
It is easy to read these verses and say, I am not a dissenter so they do not apply to me, but beg to differ. I think that we all dissent now and again in different ways. Some a little and some a lot, it does not matter, we all dissent. The goal here to not to dispute the words, but to see what we can improve upon.
In the last 30 days, I have witnessed the passing of 4 different individuals in some form or fashion. I have met with them before their passing, I have counselled with their family members in their mourning and in the passing of their loved one. I have mourned the loss of these individuals.
Additionally, I have also been set to much pondering as I look into the eyes of all involved. There has been fear. There has been question. There has been wonder. There has been peace. I wish there was more of the latter than not. A couple of the individuals asked for me as the end of their mortality approached. If nothing else than to hear me say that in the end, it will all work out.
I don't know that I have been able to answer all the questions. I know that I have not been able to give the peace that is always desired, for it is not mine to give. But I have been able to stand of a witness of truth. I have been able to cry with those who mourn and rejoice in the goodness of the legacy of those who have passed. I have learned from them all.
What have I learned?
Promises and covenants are a two way street. We cannot have the one without the other.
Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost know us. They love us. They want nothing more than to meet us on that two way street. A street that may be filled with affliction and blessings at the same time. The come, as Amulek and Alma taught, with faith and patience. May I add deliberate obedience to the end. If we do so, we have nothing to fear.
Our week -
It has been an interesting one at that.
The Queen worked most of the week. It was different having to work on Thanksgiving, but we survived. When she was not working, she was Christmas Shopping in one way or another.
The Professor attended class two of the five days. She has done her best to enjoy the 5 day weekend.
Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego have been working, working, and working. We hope that Tall Man has made the most of his break.
We are still waiting to hear word from Puddin. It was fun to see Lady Hawkins as she was making the most of her time out of the classroom.
SnackPack has been busy. Work has called him every day this week at 6 a.m. except for Thursday. Then he comes home and fills his nights with adventure. Black Thursday worked to his advantage. Then he scooted off to the Great White North.
I think we have all enjoyed a wonderful version of "White Christmas" this year. The Clintonites worked hard to make it happen.
May you all be blessed.
I hope that you have all enjoyed this holiday week, well for those who live in the United States. For those who do not, I hope your week has been adventurous. I know that mine has been filled with craziness, and that is not because of the snow.
We really enjoyed having family time this week. I know that some of it was interrupted by other deals, but we survived. Most importantly, we were blessed to be able to be together.
Ok, lets do some pondering: Alma 34:2-3
"My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us."
" And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and patience -"
It is easy to read these verses and say, I am not a dissenter so they do not apply to me, but beg to differ. I think that we all dissent now and again in different ways. Some a little and some a lot, it does not matter, we all dissent. The goal here to not to dispute the words, but to see what we can improve upon.
In the last 30 days, I have witnessed the passing of 4 different individuals in some form or fashion. I have met with them before their passing, I have counselled with their family members in their mourning and in the passing of their loved one. I have mourned the loss of these individuals.
Additionally, I have also been set to much pondering as I look into the eyes of all involved. There has been fear. There has been question. There has been wonder. There has been peace. I wish there was more of the latter than not. A couple of the individuals asked for me as the end of their mortality approached. If nothing else than to hear me say that in the end, it will all work out.
I don't know that I have been able to answer all the questions. I know that I have not been able to give the peace that is always desired, for it is not mine to give. But I have been able to stand of a witness of truth. I have been able to cry with those who mourn and rejoice in the goodness of the legacy of those who have passed. I have learned from them all.
What have I learned?
Promises and covenants are a two way street. We cannot have the one without the other.
Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost know us. They love us. They want nothing more than to meet us on that two way street. A street that may be filled with affliction and blessings at the same time. The come, as Amulek and Alma taught, with faith and patience. May I add deliberate obedience to the end. If we do so, we have nothing to fear.
Our week -
It has been an interesting one at that.
The Queen worked most of the week. It was different having to work on Thanksgiving, but we survived. When she was not working, she was Christmas Shopping in one way or another.
The Professor attended class two of the five days. She has done her best to enjoy the 5 day weekend.
Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego have been working, working, and working. We hope that Tall Man has made the most of his break.
We are still waiting to hear word from Puddin. It was fun to see Lady Hawkins as she was making the most of her time out of the classroom.
SnackPack has been busy. Work has called him every day this week at 6 a.m. except for Thursday. Then he comes home and fills his nights with adventure. Black Thursday worked to his advantage. Then he scooted off to the Great White North.
I think we have all enjoyed a wonderful version of "White Christmas" this year. The Clintonites worked hard to make it happen.
May you all be blessed.
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