Yesterday, I taught a great lesson in Sunday School. (I don't mean that I TAUGHT a great lesson, I mean the lesson to teach was a great one). It covered John 9-10. You see, Jesus heals a man that has been blind since birth. As the story unfolds, you see the Jew's reaction, the blind man's reaction, and the blind man's parent's reaction.
The Jew's begin to ask the blind man WHO it was that healed him. The blind man responds several times, but his responses vary in content and emotion. He goes from saying, "Some guy healed me (not the exact words) to A Prophet healed me, to THE MAN SENT FROM GOD healed me (this one he said at the risk of being thrown out of the synagogue, but he still said it.)
The Jews go from, this is impossible, to the devil did it, to YOU ARE A SINNER AND HE IS A SINNER AND GET OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE!
The parent's of the blind man just "threw him under the bus" (as Natalie would say). They were afraid of any repercussions at the hands of truth!
It was funny to see how the things that each person said were planted in their hearts and GREW into a Testimony or a Fit of Rage.
So I was teaching this, and I had a flashback....My dad and I were sitting in the green Le Sabre (never my favorite car) driving somewhere, I am not sure where. At the time, I was in a on-going conflict with one of my sisters. (I am sure that is hard to believe for all of you - No comments please). My dad began to question my motives for being so angry. I think after hearing the whole scenario, he thought I had a case....HOWEVER, he then gave me some GREAT advice. Kathryn, I know you are mad, but it isn't doing anything good for you. "If you will stop SAYING it, you will stop FEELING it." I really didn't get it at the time, but I think I am starting to get it now.
It is funny how little comments that my mom and dad have made have shaped my life, and come out of the recesses of my mind at just the right time.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Random Thoughts
I have had several random thoughts milling through my mind the last few days. I thought I would share a few.
1- When it comes to Easter time and singing Easter Hymns, I wish I were a high soprano. When I am singing HE IS RISEN how can I "tell it out with joyful voice" singing alto, it just doesn't work for me!
2-The other day Ally came to me and said, "Mom, I am a SO-FORTH!" HUH? "Mom, I am a SO-FORTH!" What exactly does that mean Ally? She then started singing the 6th article of faith to me: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. Very Clever! And I am sure there is some additional meaning there.....
3. My mom always says, "You are only as happy as your saddest child." I think I am finally starting to see what she means. I think it is true...Motherhood produces those kinds of feelings. I also think those feelings prompt us to do the BEST job we can do at all times.
4. The other day in Relief Society we were talking about tithing. I made the comment that the Lord has always taken care of us and I believe it is a blessing of tithing. I then said that it would be interesting to look back at my budget book and figure out how in the world we have made it through the last 10 years!
Another lady in our group said, "I think the Lord has a different kind of math....When we pay our tithing, he uses that math, it is the same math he used when feeding the 5,000 with a few fishes and loaves." I've thought about that for a while.....Before Jesus fed the 5,000, he prayed. The prayer was one of Thanksgiving and reliance on the Lord. Isn't that what we do when we pay our tithing - isn't it an act of Thanksgiving and reliance on the Lord?
5. In our last Stake Conference Broadcast, a Member of the 70 said that he was once given this promise, "If you will fast on Fast Sunday at the first of each month, you will be able to handle all of the struggles that you have in that month." I found that to be true this month, but I felt it "wearing off" last week :) I am glad that today is Fast Sunday!
1- When it comes to Easter time and singing Easter Hymns, I wish I were a high soprano. When I am singing HE IS RISEN how can I "tell it out with joyful voice" singing alto, it just doesn't work for me!
2-The other day Ally came to me and said, "Mom, I am a SO-FORTH!" HUH? "Mom, I am a SO-FORTH!" What exactly does that mean Ally? She then started singing the 6th article of faith to me: We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. Very Clever! And I am sure there is some additional meaning there.....
3. My mom always says, "You are only as happy as your saddest child." I think I am finally starting to see what she means. I think it is true...Motherhood produces those kinds of feelings. I also think those feelings prompt us to do the BEST job we can do at all times.
4. The other day in Relief Society we were talking about tithing. I made the comment that the Lord has always taken care of us and I believe it is a blessing of tithing. I then said that it would be interesting to look back at my budget book and figure out how in the world we have made it through the last 10 years!
Another lady in our group said, "I think the Lord has a different kind of math....When we pay our tithing, he uses that math, it is the same math he used when feeding the 5,000 with a few fishes and loaves." I've thought about that for a while.....Before Jesus fed the 5,000, he prayed. The prayer was one of Thanksgiving and reliance on the Lord. Isn't that what we do when we pay our tithing - isn't it an act of Thanksgiving and reliance on the Lord?
5. In our last Stake Conference Broadcast, a Member of the 70 said that he was once given this promise, "If you will fast on Fast Sunday at the first of each month, you will be able to handle all of the struggles that you have in that month." I found that to be true this month, but I felt it "wearing off" last week :) I am glad that today is Fast Sunday!
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