Snow Day X 4
This has been a non-typical week. As Tanner was going to bed on Sunday night, he was very confident that school would be cancelled on Monday—and it was. On Monday night he felt it would be cancelled on Tuesday—and it was. By Wednesday he was hopeful, but not as confident. When we woke Wednesday morning, it looked like it had snowed a little, but there had been no wind. I thought there would be school. It was cancelled... three days in a row! Tanner loved having the break.
I worked from home on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I had meetings in Twin Falls and Pocatello. The freeway, as well as the roads I traveled in Twin and Pocatello were great. The only difficulty that I had was the three mile drive from our home to the freeway. Had I been in our little Toyota Echo or even our mini van, I may not have made it to the freeway. The car I drove was the Church’s Chevrolet Equinox and it has four wheel drive and is up high enough that I made it through just fine. I left the home at 11:00 am and arrived at 10:00 pm. When I left at 11:00 I saw the first snow plow clearing the road 2 miles away from our home.
The school superintendent sent an email to parents and students explaining that he wants for students to be in school, and how he decides if school should be closed. He begins at 4:30 am and drives many roads in the county before discussing it with others on the board and deciding. I thought it was a great email. Although, I’m certain that the people who live in town have no idea how dangerous the roads throughout the rest of the county can be.
It’s Thursday, and school wasn’t cancelled. Tanner’s hoping that the snow and wind will come again. According to the weather report, it will. We’ll see if it’s enough for a 4th snow day in the same week. Two buses got stuck going to school this morning.
Kathy came Monday afternoon (and at that time, the roads were pretty good). She left this morning and helped Grandma clean out a closet that we’re planning to make into an upstairs laundry room. Kathy helped get rid of many things that are no longer needed. She also helped Grandma make some crucial decisions about some of the next steps in the house. For example, where the pictures of grandchildren will be hung, what style and color of flooring, etc. It was so nice to have her with us.
Kathy also brought Aunt Julie (my mom’s sister). Julie is such a great help because she loves to hold the babies. This was a blessing to Noell and I because Noell had time to do some things that are so difficult to find time for. Julie is so amazing with the twins, but like all of us, can’t always tell what the babies need. At one point, she had been holding Dawson for a while and he started to get fussy, quite fussy. My dad asked Julie if he could take Dawson. When she handed Dawson to Dad, Dawson immediately stopped fussing. Julie was holding him in a laying position and Dawson wanted to sit up (if our twin boys could only tell us exactly what they want). I’m glad Julie is staying for a few more days, she is so good for Mom and Dad and for our babies.
Wednesday, Karla Harrison texted to see if Tanner might be interested in going to the temple for baptisms for the dead. He was excited to go with them and quickly got ready. After the roads were plowed, they left. When I returned from work last night, Tanner told me all about it. Because he turns 16 this year, he was ordained a priest two weeks ago. He actually performed the baptisms of 8 youth in the ward and 2 others at the temple. He performed the baptismal ordinance for around 40 people. What a tough man! One of the young men in the ward was in the temple for his first time.
The puppies have been growing. The shed is full of wood and has many crevices. Tanner decided that puppies need some space to roam inside the shed—without getting stuck in a place where they can’t get back. He custom built a perfect puppy play place for them, with a hinged door. The puppies enjoy having more freedom.
Myranda, you gave me this assignment:
"I have some homework for you! Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. Why does it say Amen, and why capitalize it and what does it even mean haha? (: Tanks!"
When I saw the scripture, I laughed inside. In my life, the scripture that has caused me the most stress, grief, and pain in my life is, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
I’ve struggled with this (as a perfectionist in recovery) because I thought perfect meant no mistakes at all. As you know, I’ve made many mistakes...
Great peace came to me when I learned that perfect means being fully developed. So, to me, I visualize an old Polaroid photograph. Grandma Veibell had many Polaroids in my lifetime and I loved to get the picture and wait as it developed in front of my eyes.
If the photograph isn’t fully developed, the colors aren’t as bright, the contrasts are not as clear, and the entire image is imperfect. As a photo is completely developed, everything jumps out beautifully. All the colors, the lighting, everything is beautiful. It is fully developed, it is perfect. It takes time for the photo to fully develop. Now, when I read the scripture that I need to be perfect, I realize that it will take a lifetime (probably much longer, for me) to become fully developed or perfect. This scripture now, instead of giving me stress, gives me peace.
The scripture that has been second in stress, grief, and pain for me is, Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. This has been a hard one, probably because the guilty take the truth to be hard 😳. I’ve been prideful and attempted to cover my sins. I’ve exercised control, dominion, and even compelled others. I know that I’ve grieved the Lord and there have been times where the Spirit of the Lord has withdrawn from me.
Now, to your question, “Why does it use the word Amen, and why is it capitalized? What does amen mean? I like turning to the Webster 1828 Dictionary most, when studying the scriptures. That is because words sometimes change their meaning and the 1828 dictionary explains how the words were used around the time Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and wrote the revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants. It is also a dictionary of the American English language, sometimes different than other countries’ English dictionaries.
The Webster 1828 Dictionary explains amen this way:
I’m glad you asked. I always thought that because amen is used at the end of prayers, that in this verse amen means “the end.” So, in this verse, I thought that it meant that the person who has done these things has reached the end of his/her priesthood authority —forever! (See what an extremist I am?)
Now, I see it differently. When we pridefully cover our sins and exercise control over others, the heavens withdraw, the Spirit leaves, and we’re left to ourselves. Without the Spirit, the the priesthood authority is withdrawn. I believe that Amen, in this instance does indicate that priesthood authority does end, at that point, but I know that the Lord doesn’t intend it to be forever.
The good part begins later, when the Lord explains how we can have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. He clarifies that a key part to have priesthood authority (for both men & women), is personal righteousness. He explains how to become more righteous in verses 41-46.
I’m also seeing that just like perfect means to become fully developed, righteousness (as well as gaining priesthood authority) isn’t like an on-off light switch, you’re righteous or not, it’s a process of developing righteousness in ourselves. These verses now are much more positive to me. Thank you for this assignment.
Why is Amen capitalized in 121:37? I don’t know, but I do know that God loveth his children.
Personally, I’m so glad you asked this question. I believe this is something I needed to ponder and write about. I am working on this, right now, in my life. I’ve listed each person I remember that I’ve exercised dominion over (or hurt in any way), I’ve begun to seek them out, ask for their forgiveness and do what I can to repair any damage I’ve done. This is what I understand the repentance process to be and I hope to make amends with all those I’ve hurt.
Here’s a brief thought from my personal scripture study this week: Lehi heard many prophets speaking in Jerusalem (warning that if they didn’t repent, the city would be destroyed). Evidently, not many listened because the city was destroyed and taken captive. The key is that Lehi listened to the prophets, prayed about what they said, received a witness that it was true, and testified of it to others. As you teach, keep looking for those who are willing to listen, pray, ponder, study the scriptures, etc. Keep moving across the land searching for those who are like Lehi. When you do find those who keep these commitments, help them stay strong in their righteous efforts. You are a great person and will develop into a great missionary and will one day be fully developed (perfect).
Wow, long message! It’s Friday and Tanner was right! School was cancelled for the fourth day this week.
I worked from home on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I had meetings in Twin Falls and Pocatello. The freeway, as well as the roads I traveled in Twin and Pocatello were great. The only difficulty that I had was the three mile drive from our home to the freeway. Had I been in our little Toyota Echo or even our mini van, I may not have made it to the freeway. The car I drove was the Church’s Chevrolet Equinox and it has four wheel drive and is up high enough that I made it through just fine. I left the home at 11:00 am and arrived at 10:00 pm. When I left at 11:00 I saw the first snow plow clearing the road 2 miles away from our home. The school superintendent sent an email to parents and students explaining that he wants for students to be in school, and how he decides if school should be closed. He begins at 4:30 am and drives many roads in the county before discussing it with others on the board and deciding. I thought it was a great email. Although, I’m certain that the people who live in town have no idea how dangerous the roads throughout the rest of the county can be.
It’s Thursday, and school wasn’t cancelled. Tanner’s hoping that the snow and wind will come again. According to the weather report, it will. We’ll see if it’s enough for a 4th snow day in the same week. Two buses got stuck going to school this morning.
Kathy came Monday afternoon (and at that time, the roads were pretty good). She left this morning and helped Grandma clean out a closet that we’re planning to make into an upstairs laundry room. Kathy helped get rid of many things that are no longer needed. She also helped Grandma make some crucial decisions about some of the next steps in the house. For example, where the pictures of grandchildren will be hung, what style and color of flooring, etc. It was so nice to have her with us.
Kathy also brought Aunt Julie (my mom’s sister). Julie is such a great help because she loves to hold the babies. This was a blessing to Noell and I because Noell had time to do some things that are so difficult to find time for. Julie is so amazing with the twins, but like all of us, can’t always tell what the babies need. At one point, she had been holding Dawson for a while and he started to get fussy, quite fussy. My dad asked Julie if he could take Dawson. When she handed Dawson to Dad, Dawson immediately stopped fussing. Julie was holding him in a laying position and Dawson wanted to sit up (if our twin boys could only tell us exactly what they want). I’m glad Julie is staying for a few more days, she is so good for Mom and Dad and for our babies.Wednesday, Karla Harrison texted to see if Tanner might be interested in going to the temple for baptisms for the dead. He was excited to go with them and quickly got ready. After the roads were plowed, they left. When I returned from work last night, Tanner told me all about it. Because he turns 16 this year, he was ordained a priest two weeks ago. He actually performed the baptisms of 8 youth in the ward and 2 others at the temple. He performed the baptismal ordinance for around 40 people. What a tough man! One of the young men in the ward was in the temple for his first time.
The puppies have been growing. The shed is full of wood and has many crevices. Tanner decided that puppies need some space to roam inside the shed—without getting stuck in a place where they can’t get back. He custom built a perfect puppy play place for them, with a hinged door. The puppies enjoy having more freedom.
Myranda, you gave me this assignment: "I have some homework for you! Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. Why does it say Amen, and why capitalize it and what does it even mean haha? (: Tanks!"
When I saw the scripture, I laughed inside. In my life, the scripture that has caused me the most stress, grief, and pain in my life is, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
I’ve struggled with this (as a perfectionist in recovery) because I thought perfect meant no mistakes at all. As you know, I’ve made many mistakes...
Great peace came to me when I learned that perfect means being fully developed. So, to me, I visualize an old Polaroid photograph. Grandma Veibell had many Polaroids in my lifetime and I loved to get the picture and wait as it developed in front of my eyes.
If the photograph isn’t fully developed, the colors aren’t as bright, the contrasts are not as clear, and the entire image is imperfect. As a photo is completely developed, everything jumps out beautifully. All the colors, the lighting, everything is beautiful. It is fully developed, it is perfect. It takes time for the photo to fully develop. Now, when I read the scripture that I need to be perfect, I realize that it will take a lifetime (probably much longer, for me) to become fully developed or perfect. This scripture now, instead of giving me stress, gives me peace.
The scripture that has been second in stress, grief, and pain for me is, Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. This has been a hard one, probably because the guilty take the truth to be hard 😳. I’ve been prideful and attempted to cover my sins. I’ve exercised control, dominion, and even compelled others. I know that I’ve grieved the Lord and there have been times where the Spirit of the Lord has withdrawn from me.
Now, to your question, “Why does it use the word Amen, and why is it capitalized? What does amen mean? I like turning to the Webster 1828 Dictionary most, when studying the scriptures. That is because words sometimes change their meaning and the 1828 dictionary explains how the words were used around the time Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and wrote the revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants. It is also a dictionary of the American English language, sometimes different than other countries’ English dictionaries.
The Webster 1828 Dictionary explains amen this way:
I’m glad you asked. I always thought that because amen is used at the end of prayers, that in this verse amen means “the end.” So, in this verse, I thought that it meant that the person who has done these things has reached the end of his/her priesthood authority —forever! (See what an extremist I am?)
Now, I see it differently. When we pridefully cover our sins and exercise control over others, the heavens withdraw, the Spirit leaves, and we’re left to ourselves. Without the Spirit, the the priesthood authority is withdrawn. I believe that Amen, in this instance does indicate that priesthood authority does end, at that point, but I know that the Lord doesn’t intend it to be forever.
The good part begins later, when the Lord explains how we can have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. He clarifies that a key part to have priesthood authority (for both men & women), is personal righteousness. He explains how to become more righteous in verses 41-46.
I’m also seeing that just like perfect means to become fully developed, righteousness (as well as gaining priesthood authority) isn’t like an on-off light switch, you’re righteous or not, it’s a process of developing righteousness in ourselves. These verses now are much more positive to me. Thank you for this assignment.
Why is Amen capitalized in 121:37? I don’t know, but I do know that God loveth his children.
Personally, I’m so glad you asked this question. I believe this is something I needed to ponder and write about. I am working on this, right now, in my life. I’ve listed each person I remember that I’ve exercised dominion over (or hurt in any way), I’ve begun to seek them out, ask for their forgiveness and do what I can to repair any damage I’ve done. This is what I understand the repentance process to be and I hope to make amends with all those I’ve hurt.
Here’s a brief thought from my personal scripture study this week: Lehi heard many prophets speaking in Jerusalem (warning that if they didn’t repent, the city would be destroyed). Evidently, not many listened because the city was destroyed and taken captive. The key is that Lehi listened to the prophets, prayed about what they said, received a witness that it was true, and testified of it to others. As you teach, keep looking for those who are willing to listen, pray, ponder, study the scriptures, etc. Keep moving across the land searching for those who are like Lehi. When you do find those who keep these commitments, help them stay strong in their righteous efforts. You are a great person and will develop into a great missionary and will one day be fully developed (perfect).
Wow, long message! It’s Friday and Tanner was right! School was cancelled for the fourth day this week.
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