If you have a chance, blog. Would love to hear from you about your inspirations, feelings, thoughts, and activities. I really don't think you are receiving this blog because I know some of you would respond. But will keep tweeking my mistakes and hopefully you will finally see ponderpuddin.blogspot.com

A year of rain brings beautiful landscapes, much needed water, and blessings for a colorful Fall. Blog us some of your summer photos and add your caption. Much love to you!

A Little Whining and The Infinite Atonement

Ok. So I tried to share something, but I can't seem to copy and paste from Word to this blog post. I'm really not a technical neophyte, and I even tried copying it to Notepad to remove any strange formatting, then re-copying and re-pasting, but no luck. I even right-clicked and clicked paste. Nothing seems to allow me to copy from an existing document to this publishing box. So if anyone who's not at odds with the blogosphere can clue me in, please do (email me so I don't get too embarrassed).

So now that the whining is over, here's my real post. I won't bore you with my entire reading journal, but I would like to share something that I wrote "the other day" (yes, I'll take the time to re-type it here):

2011-06-29

Alma 7:11-13

Topics: Atonement, Succor, Personal Failings, Pain, Disease, Sickness, Temptations, Repentance

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind..." (v.11) During His life, and certainly during the Atonement, Jesus Christ suffered every pain, affliction, and temptation that man can suffer. There is nothing that we can go through that Christ has not suffered as well.

"... and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (v.12) This verse is filled with information and love. The definitions of infirmity that I found relevant to this scripture are:

1. Frailty,
2. Disease,
3. Personal failing.

I believe that Jesus Christ knew all these things spiritually (see verse 13), but because he led a life of perfect obedience to the Father, he did not (before the atonement) understand some of these things physically, especially those related to some temptations and personal failings. During the Atonement, our Savior took upon him all pain and suffering related to sickness, disease, frailty (old age and otherwise), and, most astonishingly, the physical pain of temptation and sin (i.e. yielding to temptation). And He did so in order that he might know according to the flesh how to run to, and give aid to, his people according to their infirmities. He knows how too help us, not only spiritually, but also physically, through all our difficulties in life. Most of the time I tend to think that the only way through difficult things is through spiritual means (reading the scriptures, praying, participating in church, fulfilling callings, etc.). However, this scripture sheds light on the fact that Jesus Christ knows how to help us physically as well. He knows how to help us overcome these weaknesses and troubles.

The Savior of the World knows how to help each of us overcome, and learn from, our pain, disease, sickness, personal failings, temptations, and sin. Once we are ready and willing to listen, learn, and obey, he will get us through these things and teach us a lot about ourselves, mortal life, and Eternal Life in the process. Some of these things might not go away until the end of our lives, the Resurrection, or possibly much later, but if we continue on in faith, and faithfully serve, not giving up, at some point the Savior will help us remove these difficulties and temptations. Then verse 13 applies: "... the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

Matthew 19: 13&14: "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Mindy's Moment

Deena,

 

I found a great quote that I was going to post on the family blog, but when I tried to post, it said my invitation was no longer valid.  At any rate, here's the quote that I really like:

 

“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”

–        President Benson, Ensign, December 1988

 

Love,

Mindy

Job 22 12:21-30

21. Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
25. Yea the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almight and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
30. He shall deliver the island of the innocent and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

I just read this yesterday and wanted to share with each of you. May you have a wonderful day. Love you all!

California Reminder-Our Blog

 Everyone, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about your 'summer reading-or not' so we can all be fed spiritually and otherwise. We love each of you and would love to hear from you on this blog.  Pictures will continue to come until we feel the space with other items. I was assigned to do this-I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. Let's hear from you!

                           Yes, we can participate-we read meaningful quotes, scriptures, and thoughts.

 Even with two active Kiddies we will strongly support this blog with our feelings of good happenings.

 Two old kodgers talk shop. Let's hear what they have to say about life, values, and other choice matters.

                                'The Singing Nones' would love to hear from you. Only nice comments please!

 Brett, you are brilliant so please add your innermost thoughts about what is most important in life-not the 'Y'.

                      There is always room for words between these two. What would you like to tell the Clan?

              My most precious possession is family and health. Now I will share with you my experiences.

                                          "Don't beat around the bush. Just tell it the way it is."

 Eternal relationships between family members are what it is all about. Please share your experiences together with us who read and contribute to this blog on a 'regular' basis

 Jump in with all fours and write something you think will inspire and uplift us all. Otherwise, write anyway because we are all in this boat together.

 Grandpa always contemplates the ups-and-downs of life. Share with us Grandpa your thoughts, please.

 Barry and Lisa-let's hear what you think. Need to know some parenting skills that might help Grandparents survive babysitting.

 C'mon Jaxon, it is up to you to spice this blog up a bit. Write about those exciting thoughts you have.

 Ken, just try and survive the family. That is all we ask of you. However, we could use a few suggestions on improvement. Not too many though.

 Even our litte Ones could contribute if helped by parents. Usually they have the most inspiration of all.

So get the fingers clicking and let's share this 'Search, Ponder, and Pray' blog together-ponderpuddin.