Saturday, December 11, 2010

Thoughts on the Resurrection

I thought I understood the resurrection. I can tell you that Christ was the first of many to be resurrected. I know that when we are resurrected that "not even a hair of our head shall not be lost." I thought I knew it.

Then came the last day of my New Testament class. If I get nothing out of college other than what I learned that day my college experience was worth it. I have loved my New Testament teacher, Sis. Olsen because of her insights and just great humor about everything. She has opened my eyes to things that I have heard and could recite verbatim, to things that have me awestruck.

Consider this scripture:
"Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself."

I love this account of the apostle's reaction to learning of the empty tomb. This painting by Dan Burr I think is the best representation of this wonderful account as we see the emotions of these apostles beautifully portrayed in their faces. Can you imagine what was going through their heads? They knew the prophecies, they knew that the "temple" was to be rebuilt in three days, but could it be true? Did he really come back the way he said he would?

As they reach the tomb, John gazes in from outside as Peter throws himself into the formerly sealed tomb. John records something interesting. In the account he tells us about the linen cloths that are now lying where Jesus formerly lay. But what does the John tell us about the napkin that covered his head? He mentions that it is apart from the rest of the sheets and is folded together.

Now I know that mothers love to use this scripture to remind their kids to make their bed, sometimes even their sons in college, but I like to think there is more to this than just that. Who folded the napkin? It wasn't Mary, Peter, or John. It wasn't the soldiers, they high-tailed it out of there. I don't think it was the angel either. I would like to say that it was indeed Christ who folded it.

Can you imagine the emotion of that moment? Christ has been reunited with his body, the first of God's children to do so, and you can almost see the picture in your mind. Christ in the dark and sealed tomb, taking the time to fold the now useless napkin, alone to his thoughts. I can imagine the joy that he felt knowing that death had finally been defeated.

After his 40 day stay with the disciples the account finishes. As he leaves his apostles, they are found staring into the sky by two angels. One of them speaks to them and says,
"Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

I no longer profess to know all that there is about the resurrection. But this much I know as a surety, that I will be resurrected, and so will you.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Merry Christmas

I recently went to JCPenny to pick up a pair of boots that my mother so graciously purchased for me so that I can keep my toes warm when I shovel snow at 4 am. Going to the catalog desk I was met by a very nice man who was very helpful and was wearing a Santa atop his head. As we made some small talk I found out that he seemed like a pretty nice guy. Anyway, as I left the desk with boots in hand I turned to him and wished him "Happy Holidays." He smiled and said the same back to me as I walked off. Realizing what I had just said, I stopped in midstep, turned to him again and said, "No wait...Merry Christmas!!"

I am sick of this! Why is it that we are forced to say Happy Holidays in fear of offending someone. Now I admit that I doubt I will offend that many people here in Provo, but still, when I go home for the holidays I will never wish someone Happy Holidays. I believe in the birth of my Savior and the fact that he died for me. I respect all of the other holidays, and by holidays I mean Chanukah. Kwanza is a made up holiday and I have no respect for that one, sorry.

May we never forget the Savior in our lives. Merry Christmas!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Alpha Post

So here it is, the first post on my blog. I now feel like I am complete. From the early days of Xanga, to now, there has been a lot in my life that has transpired. I am not sure exactly where to start, but I guess the very best place is of course the beginning. And by beginning I mean Thursday.

Thursday started off by heading up to Salt Lake and seeing my grandparents and then going to see some of my other family for Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was cooked, the potatoes were mashed and the sauce was cranberry. It was a blast to be able to see my family again, and to explain over and over again that Geography is in fact an actual major.

One thing that I am excited about is that my grandmother found something that I have missed for a very long time. A few years ago when we came to Salt Lake, Lulu had found some cheese filled pretzels on QVC. All you have to do is heat them up in the microwave, and there you have it, warm cheddar cheese inside of a soft salty pretzel. Anyways, Lulu has been unable to find them for quite some time but recently she found them in her local grocery store. Needless to say she sent me to the store so I could get some. So delicious.

Continuing on, Thursday I made my first pie. It was pumpkin, and it was soo good. My grandmother showed me a trick where you cut out a pumpkin out of the extra pie crust and put it on top of the finished product. Just the right touch to make it look a little more festive...okay, enough with that talk.

Thursday night took me to Brendan's home to have Thanksgiving Dinner with his family including his mom and brother, and then the Andersons and Kelly Cook. Somehow we got into an argument about Harry Potter and the Elder Wand. I am still confused about...

Friday, really didn't do anything. I did get some homework done and then had a great night as Bro. Anderson came to town as Trevor was ordained an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Thats a pretty effective night if you ask me. Also Denny's afterwards.

Saturday: I wish not to comment. Lets just say I am ready for next year. That is all

Sunday found me waking up to find 4 inches of snow on the ground an two missed calls from my supervisor at work. I hurriedly got into work and helped shovel the walks and throw down ice melt. Unfortunately I missed church which I was excited for, but I am making sure that campus is safe and sound for all the frosh in Wyview.

Thats all I have today. Hopefully you'll come back again real soon.

All is Well!