Christmas cookies

Sugar cookies, or "Christmas cookies" as Jeff calls them are his FAVORITE cookie. He wanted to pick some up at the store the other day, but I told him that I would make some for him at home. Afterall, I had all the ingredients and I knew that the kids would enjoy helping. Oh, boy. Yes, they sure did! We used Gaylynn's recipe and they turned out perfectly! Topped with a little white almond flavored frosting and some red and green sprinkles and I became the cookie hero of the world! I probably should have waited until closer to Christmas to make them, so I could've avoided the possibility of having to do this again, though!

Christmas Magic

When I peeked into the living room the other night to see what the kids were up to, I found this... all three of them voluntarily sitting next to each other without poking or irritating each other, snuggled up in their own blankets watching "The Polar Express" that was on tv that night. I love Christmas magic!

Concert

The kids had their Christmas concert last Tuesday. It's always fun to go n' listen to each grade do a couple of special numbers that they've been practicing for weeks and weeks. They both did very well. Jeff and I had to sit in pretty cruddy seats, though, so no real good pictures of them performing. Jessa sang a song about being the star of the Christmas show and being a little snowflake. Will sang a song about 'Joy to the World- my shopping's done!' and afterward we all enjoyed the cookie and brownie refreshments. Yum!

Sparkles

My picture doesn't do it justice in the least and I'm not an experienced enough photographer to be able to capture it appropriately, but my dear 3 year old was tickled pink when she noticed the "sparkles" in the grass one morning on our way home from taking the kids to school. It really was pretty and did my heart good that she appreciated God's winter art. ♥ When we got out of the van, (and it was COLD), she asked if she could touch some. Though I was looking forward to getting back in the house to warm up, I paused for a couple of minutes so she could explore these diamonds in the grass. Like trying to catch a rainbow, the minute she got close to a "sparkle", it was "gone". :) Such wonders! As long as I'm sharing an Emily story- I have to record Emily's word. Each of my kids has had a word that they have said kindof goofy when they were about Emily's age. Will called ketchup, "Chep-it". Jessa couldn't say her brother's name, Will, so she called him, "How" for quite awhile. Emily's word is "Poot-frints", (footprints). It just cracks me up. I probably should correct her, but it's just so darn cute that I'm not ready for her to say it right yet! :)

Visit with Santa

Merry Christmas Time! We asked Santa for a baby GIRL, (Emily), a violin, (Jessa) and a Nintendo DS, (Will) :)

D&C Lesson 11- Student Choice Assignment



 64: 9–11 “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.”

“Often we think of forgiveness as a form of charity. We forget that the benefits extend both ways. It is as beneficial to forgive as to be forgiven. This is not a formula but a spirit which can bring out the best in people and illuminate every moment of living. It is one of the happy paradoxes of human behavior that the readier we are to forgive the less we are called on to forgive. Forgiveness does not undo what has already been done. It enables us to accept what has been done and go on from there.” (Elder Eldred G. Smith, Conference Report, April 1961, pp. 68-69)

“Yes, forgiveness enlarges the soul, for "he that loveth his brother abideth in the light" ( 1 Jn. 2:10). To abide in light is to abide in the pathway that leads to the very presence of our Heavenly Father. In forgiveness there is a divine satisfaction that is also sublime. The fruit is sweet, the way is easy, and the time is so short. Slow forgiveness is almost no forgiveness.” (Robert L. Simpson, Conference Report, October 1966, pp. 128-130)

• This helps me understand and apply the principles in verses 9-11 by reminding me that forgiveness blesses both sides of a situation- not just one. I also love the description Elder Simpson gives of the fruit of forgiveness being “sweet”.
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 64: 33–34 “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.”

“The Prophet Joseph Smith is the chief example. He was weak insofar the learning of men is concerned; but because he was humble, obedient, and possessed a willing mind, he became a mighty and strong leader and witness of the divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Franklin D. Richards, Conference Report, October 1966, pp. 69-72)

“As you strive to be an example of the believers, you may feel that you are standing alone. You may feel that you are the only one who is trying so hard to be righteous and pure. You may feel you are the only one striving to be modest in your actions, speech, and appearance. But you are not alone.” (Elaine S. Dalton, “Believe!,” Ensign, May 2004, 110)

• The first quote helps me understand and apply the principles in verses 34 by using the life of Joseph Smith as a familiar example of how the Lord brings great things out of the simple or small. The second quote is comforting for no other reason than to know that I am not the only one to ever have those thoughts before. I felt this a lot as a teenager in “the mission field” and there are many times now, as a mother, that I feel, “weary in well doing” because it is discouraging to not be able to do it all. “Hearing” the Lord tell us to NOT feel that way, but to remember that our efforts are laying a great foundation is extremely encouraging.
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• 64:22 “And after that day, I, the Lord, will not hold any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the land of Zion; for I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men.”

“The Lord wants more from us than these moving expressions of conviction and covenant. He wants more than expressions of gratitude and testimony and commitment. He wants us to fear him, to love him, to keep all his commandments always. He wants our hearts… His promise to those who give him their hearts is certainly the same as it was to ancient Israel—that we may expect his blessings to be with us always, and with our children….What a marvelous promise! What a magnificent and moving covenant God has made with us—worth everything—worth our love, our obedience, our faith; worth our hearts.” (Marion D. Hanks, Conference Report October 1960, pp. 10-13)

“The newness of heart comes when we do and give all we can, then offer our heart and will to the Father. As we do this, our Father promises us that our lives now and in eternity will be abundant. We need not fear.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, “Out of Small Things,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 109)

• This helps me understand and apply the principles in verse 22 by reminding me that every commandment, every requirement God extends to His children are to bless us in some way, not because God wants to fence us in or tie us up. They always have been and always will be for our benefit.

D&C Lesson 10 Assignment

D&C Lesson 10 Student Choice Assignment
Amy Jensen

58:27- “Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause” Zion will be found doing good works.
58:26- “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things.” Zion possesses initiative.
58:43- “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins- behold, he will confess them and forsake them.” Zion is repentant.
58:21- “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.” Zion is law abiding.
58:64- “For verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth…” Zion is missionary minded.
59:4- “…that they are faithful and diligent before me.” Zion is faithful to the commandments of God.
59:7- “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” Zion is grateful.
59:10- “For behold this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High.” Zion observes the Lord’s appointed Sabbath day.
59:13-14- “…that thy fasting may be perfect…this is fasting and prayer…” Zion observes the practice of fasting.
58:20- “Let no man think he is a ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth.” Zion is humble.


Because I have been pregnant since the beginning of May, I have not been able to fast, but I still could and should be doing everything else that accompanies a true fast and honestly, I have slacked. I also feel I could be much more of a missionary. I let the fact that I am busy with children, home and school fake me out into a false thinking that I am already consumed and that there is no piece of me left to really focus my efforts on missionary work.

I know that the Lord has taught us via the scriptures that He can make weak things become strong unto us and I also know that the prayer is the vehicle to ask for such a blessing. So, praying and asking for help with these things is the way I can go in order to more fully embrace those gospel principles.

Spencer W. Kimball shared "In the earliest years of this dispensation the people faltered in attempting to live the full economic plan of Zion, the united order. Because of their transgressions, the Lord chastened them.”
"The length of time required 'to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion' is strictly up to us and how we live, for creating Zion 'commences in the heart of each person.' (Journal of Discourses, 9:283.)
“Zion is 'every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.' (D&C 82:19.) As I understand these matters, Zion can be established only by those who are pure in heart, and who labor for Zion." (Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming the Pure in Heart," Ensign, May 1978, 80–81)

It relates to the principles of Zion that I have discovered because it discusses the consequences of transgressing the Lord’s calls to His people. It also explains that Zion must first start in the hearts of the people which would include adhering to all of the principles I identified above.

D&C Lesson 9: Student Choice Activity

Lesson 9: Student Choice Assignment
Choice #2

Here are some methods I found while studying the Doctrine and Covenants that the Lord uses as teaching and learning tools:

1) 45:57 (With the Holy Spirit as our guide we will not be deceived to accept false truths)
2) 43: 2-3 (The Lord will reveal His will through His servant, the prophet)
3) 43:16 (When efforts are exerted toward a personal purification, one receives power to teach His words)
4) 44:2-3 (must have faith to be endowed with the Spirit who enables one to teach)
5) 46:7 (in all things, ask of God and it will be made known)
6) 50:24-25 (whatever we receive from God is something we are learning or being taught and is light and whatever is not from God is darkness)
7) 50:22 (whenever teaching or learning comes from God there is a mutual edification)
8) 51:2 (we have to be governed by law and if we are not governed by law, we are cut off from God)
9) 49:27 (the Lord will go with us and because He goes with us, He will aid us to be able to figure things out)
10) 50:11 (the Lord teaches by reasoning face to face; assisting to sort it out in our own minds)

Some similarities and differences between the Lord’s manner of teaching/learning and my own are that we both rely on the prophet. The Lord relies on him as a mouthpiece and I rely on him for spiritual guidance and direction. The Lord teaches using reasoning and I, too, have used this method to teach. It is very effective because it turns the questions back to the person looking for answers and requires them to think and come up with the answers. We are different in that all of my teaching and learning experiences haven’t qualified as mutually edifying, where God’s are always mutually edifying. Another way our methods differ is that sometimes my faith is less than unshakable and when this happens, the Spirit is unable to bless my efforts of teaching and of learning with power.

The three techniques that I have picked to incorporate into my learning and teaching for the remainder of this course are: 1) to begin each “teaching/learning” session with prayer in which I will ask, in faith, for the influence of the Spirit to be felt. 2) to maintain the Spirit through the duration of these experiences so that all might be mutually edified and 3) to have a greater appreciation for the laws which govern.

"The Same is My Disciple"





Choice #2 (Section 41–42):

Step 01:

What is the Lord’s definition of a disciple?
“He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple” Doctrine and Covenants 41: 5

Based upon the standards that the Lord gives to the Church in the “law” Section (42), create twenty “Disciple Recommend Questions” which could be asked of someone claiming to be a disciple of Christ. Use the specified verses to make your questions as clear as you can.


“Disciple Recommend Questions”

* (v. 11–14) Do you teach with the Spirit of the Lord?
* (v. 18–19) Have you committed murder?
* (v. 20) Do you steal?
* (v. 21) Do you lie?
* (v. 22–24) Do you love your spouse with all your heart?
* (v. 27) Do you gossip?
* (v. 29) Do you serve the Lord? Do you keep His commandments?
* (v. 30–34, 37–39) Do you care for the poor and the needy?
* (v. 40) Do you have a prideful heart?
* (v. 41) Are your offerings to the Lord done in purity and cleanliness?
* (v. 42) Are you a hard worker?
* (v. 43–44) Do you possess faith sufficient for healing?
* (v. 45) Do you love your fellow men?
* (v. 52) Do you believe that these are the Laws of God?
* (v. 53) Can you be counted on?
* (v. 54–55) Are you trustworthy and honest?
* (v. 56–60) Do you share the gospel?
* (v. 61) Do you pray for your guidance?
* (v. 75–87) Do you uphold the laws of the land?
* (v. 88–92) Do you make reconciliation for your wrongs?

Step 03:

When you have a question for each reference, conduct a personal interview asking yourself each of the questions. How well did you do? Which questions could you personally improve on? In a short paragraph, reflect on which of the “laws” in Section 42 are easiest for you to obey and which require more of an effort on your part. Why do you think those you chose are easier/harder for you?

I did pretty well, but not perfect by any stretch and while some questions I could answer confidently with a clear conscious, others were quite lacking. For example, I do all I can when necessary to make reconciliation for my wrongs and to seek forgiveness. I have a testimony of the peace that our souls receive when we do this and I value that peace very highly. I pray often. I don’t feel my heart is very prideful. I have not, nor ever plan to kill another person and teaching with the Spirit is something that I actively seek to do as I serve in God’s kingdom on earth as well as when I teach my own children at home, so that we all might be strengthened in testimony. I think I possess love for my fellowmen with an empathy that has, at times, has brought me to tears. Again, NOT perfect, but I feel that those are some of my strengths. I know that some of my weaknesses include sharing the gospel, (not that I shy away when there are opportunities, just that I don’t actively seek them), speeding, (laws of the land- not excessive speeding, usually, just the five-ish mile over kind, but still…). I know I could do more to serve and bless the lives of those in need and I know I could offer more of Christ’s pure love to my spouse. Some of the reasons these things are harder for me is because I let myself get consumed with my children, home and schooling and neglect to reach out of my little circle, because I have been hurt and so I withdraw or because I have made myself feel that somehow 5 miles over is the real speed limit. (Ah, me and my lovely delusions!) Essentially, because I make excuses. This has been a humble reminder of the glorious gift that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for me. I am so, SO grateful that He is perfect and that He loves me enough to permit His perfectness to cover my imperfectness. I know that it is only through Him, in this way that I can become acceptable to God.

Farm Heritage Days

After two years of missing the parade and the candy-tossing, we made it to the right location and in time to see the WHOLE parade this year. Last year was such a bust! It rained and rained and we sat waiting in the van with Tracy and Brayden for the parade to go by. We had the radio on as we waited and happened to hear a 9/11 tribute. It was very somber and actually scared Will! We ended up missing the whole parade and heading home with 4 very disappointed children.
Even though the parade lasted about 10 minutes and they didn't throw any candy this year- the other activities made up for it. The tractor pull was lots of fun and WAY harder than the kids thought it was going to be. Every participant was given a candy cowtail, so nobody felt too bad if they couldn't pull it clear to the end of the "track". There was also a coloring contest divided up by age group. Emily was chosen as the winner in her age group with her purple cow picture. Will and Jessa were really excited to be a part of the egg toss-unfortunately, they ended up missing it when we went home for lunch. They also had tractor demonstrations and food booths, (one was homemade Amish ice cream that we all wanted desperately to try because it was BLAZING hot and looked delicious, but brought no money with us-boo!). The final event of the day was a toy tractor drawing for the kids. There had to be about 30 different toy tractors all donated for this drawing for the kids, which I thought was very generous. All the kids were so excited to gather up right in front of the table of tractors to listen in hopes of hearing their name be called. The second name called was JESSA! I think it really surprised her! Will is usually the won to win when there are contests and drawings. (He actually didn't win anything that day- he felt kinda bad, but I know it was good for him, too.) She stood up, picked her tractor, rushed over to show me and then couldn't stop smiling the rest of the time we were there. So cute! Anyway, that's how the Farm Heritage Days treated us this year. Next year, maybe Daddy will get to come with us-he had to work that Saturday- and baby boy should be here too! Exciting! I'm looking forward to it!

D&C Lesson 4 Student Choice Assignment #3

D&C Student Choice Assignment #3: “An Elect Lady”

What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25? Reference and explain them in your own words.
1) Abandon worldly things (vs. 10)
Rise above the carnal wants and desires of the natural man
2) Be a comfort to her husband (vs. 5)
Offer consolation and share one another’s burdens
3) Seek for things that are better (vs. 10)
“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” – Article of Faith 13
4) Receives callings from the Lord to serve in His kingdom (vs. 11)
Implies worthiness to be trusted with the work of the Lord
5) Has a rejoicing heart (vs. 13)
Views all things with an eternal perspective that bring her peace and lasting happiness
6) Possesses a spirit of meekness (vs. 14)
Is humble and teachable
7) Delights in her husband (vs. 14)
Finds joy in her spouse and her marriage
8) Keeps the commandments (vs. 15)
Is obedient to God’s laws
9) Cleaves unto her covenants (vs. 13)
Has an ever-present awareness of her promises with God and holds them close to her heart
10) No place for pride in her (vs. 14)
So full of righteous living that there is not any room for pride to enter her life

What do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?
Emma was chosen, or “called”, (vs. 3). In order for her to fill the role as companion to the prophet, Joseph, she would have to be faithful, strong, supportive, encouraging, and determined because of all of the adversity that she and her family would have to go through. Her mother-in-law said of her, “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure . . . she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” (Lucy Mack Smith)

What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?
I think everything on my list would be difficult for a woman of the world to accept because she does not live with an eternal perspective, thus, marriage is disposable, the most important person in her life is herself, (pride and selfishness), and the accumulation of riches and the recognition of mankind are the things that matter most to her.
In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?
I’ve touched on the answer to this question in the previous questions, but women of the church value things that are eternal in nature; Christ, salvation, and her family. They pray, study God’s word and serve those in need.

Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk
Julie B. Beck: Meaningful quote- “When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.”
Sis. Beck shares that being a mother who knows means doing 7 particular things. Those things include, having a desire to bear children, honoring sacred ordinances and covenants, are nurturers, leaders, teachers, permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally, and stand strong and immovable. I really appreciated the quote she shares from President Ezra Taft Benson when he taught “in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels.” This was an awesome talk that confirmed many of my personal choices and actions and called me to be better and do better in others. I’m printing off a copy of it to carry with me in my scripture case, so that I can refer to it more.
Neal A. Maxwell: Meaningful quote- “God trusts women so much that He lets them bear and care for His spirit children.” Ah! There were so many fantastic quotes in this talk that to just pick one is not an easy task. I include two, but know that the entire talk was inspiring! “You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.” After reading this talk, I feel that it too, needs to be made tangible and accessible in my church bag that I may refer to it often and share it with others. Another thought Elder Maxwell shared that touched my heart was the scene that will meet us when we are received into heaven and how it will be beautiful beyond what we have ever seen and filled with glorious music, the likes of which we have never before heard and then he goes on to ask how these conditions would be met if not for the careful preparations of a dear Heavenly Mother.
These two talks have lifted and encouraged me. They have reminded me of the truly sacred and important calling it is to be a righteous woman and mother. It is a large and heavy task, but I have been given all of the necessary skills and tools to meet the challenge and be victorious. I’m thankful for that knowledge and for the constant and eternal support I receive from Heavenly Father to be and do all that He would have me be.

My Doctrine and Covenants class Student Choice Assignment

Lesson 3: Student Choice Assignment
Choice #4 (Doctrine and Covenants, section 19):

“This revelation came in response to Martin Harris’s inquiry to the Prophet regarding his standing before the Lord. Troubled in spirit by his transgression, concerned about his farm, which he had mortgaged to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon, and perhaps sobered by the responsibility attendant to the remarkable vision shown to him and the other special witnesses of the book of Mormon, Martin was desirous to receive both confirmation and direction from the Lord.” (Joseph F. McConkie and Craig J. Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration, Deseret Book, 2000, pg. 143)

Joseph Knight, Sr., remembering the occasion, made the following remarks:
[Martin Harris] Came to us and after Compliments he says, “The Books will not sell for no Body wants them.” Joseph says, “I think they will sell well.” Says he, “I want a Commandment [revelation].” “Why,” says Joseph, “fulfill what you have got.” “But,” says he, “I must have a Commandment.”

Joseph put him off. But he insisted three or four times he must have a Commandment. [The following day] he got up and said he must have a Commandment to Joseph and went home. And along in the after part of the Day Joseph and Oliver Received a Commandment, which is in Book of Covenants [section 19]. (“Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History,” BYU Studies, Autumn 1976, p. 37)
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• How does the above account help and change your understanding of section 19 of the Doctrine and Covenants? What lessons did you learn that apply to your life right now?
Joseph Knight, Sr.’s memoirs of the manner in which section 19 was received changed my understanding of section 19 in that it made me feel a little irritated with Martin Harris for harping, begging, insisting, and repeatedly pleading once again for Joseph to ask the Lord for something. My mind keeps returning to the 116 pages and how that all worked out. I can’t help but think, (just a little bit), “This guy just can’t learn a lesson!” However, my next thought is filled with awe and gratitude for the clarification, mercy, and beauty that flows from section 19! It really is awesome and I wonder how it would be different or if it would have existed at all, if Martin Harris hadn’t been so . . . insistent? It has helped change my understanding of the Doctrine and Covenants by illuminating the purpose that the Lord has to get us to more fully understand His desire to help us, have mercy on us, and save us.

Some lessons that I learned that currently apply to my life from this section are found in verses 20, 23, and 31-32. Verse 20 reminds me of my constant need to repent and abandon my sin and weaknesses. It is meaningful to me that we are constantly commanded throughout the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants to repent, so that we can have part in Christ’s atonement. It is a testimony of mercy and love that He wants us to inherit eternal life and eternal happiness. Verse 23 applies so very much to my life right now because most days I feel so overwhelmed and suffocated with everything that demands my attention that a feeling of defeat easily follows. The Lord provides a recipe for peace in vs. 23. Study, learn, be obedient to His laws in a spirit of humility and then we will be filled with peace. I need to be more diligent in these things, so that I can receive this peace on a daily basis. I need it daily, for sure! Vs. 31-32 tells me what to fill my life’s work in doing. I find great comfort in the Lord’s words; “this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.” It is wonderful to know exactly what He expects and exactly what qualifies as acceptable to Him.

• Besides the commandment to Martin Harris to sell part of his land to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon, what other doctrines were revealed in this revelation that furthered the restoration of the Gospel and our understanding of the Plan of Salvation?
Other doctrines that were revealed in this revelation that furthered the restoration of the Gospel and our understanding of the Plan of Salvation were to preach repentance, share the happiness and the joy that come from the knowledge of the Gospel, and the invaluable blessing that prayer is to our lives.

• What doctrines in this section differ from those of other Christian faiths?
From what I understand, other Christian faiths have different views as to Christ’s suffering and to the concept of hell. The book of Luke in the Old Testament is the only record containing specific record that the Savior had shed great drops of blood as He suffered in Gethsemane. Many people have taken this in the figurative sense, but in Doctrine and Covenants, Christ himself speaks of how the pain and suffering caused him to literally bleed at every pore.
This section also clears up for us a mistaken view of God’s punishment. It was MORE than enlightening to read this section again after reading the Student Manual on section 19 and to understand with a brighter and clearer vision, what lie in store for those in “hell”. James E. Talmage expounded the scriptures in verses 6-7 and 11-12 as Christ refers to punishment, torment, and damnation. “To hell there is an exit as well as an entrance. Hell is no place to which a vindictive judge sends prisoners to suffer and to be punished principally for his glory; but it is a place prepared for the teaching, the disciplining of those who failed to learn here upon the earth what they should have learned. True, we read of everlasting punishment, unending suffering, eternal damnation. That is a direful expression; but in his mercy the Lord has made plain what those words mean. ‘Eternal punishment,’ he says, is God’s punishment, for he is eternal; and that condition or state or possibility will ever exist for the sinner who deserves and really needs such condemnation; but this does not mean that the individual sufferer or sinner is to be eternally and everlastingly made to endure and suffer. No man will be kept in hell longer than is necessary to bring him to a fitness for something better. When he reaches that stage the prison doors will open and there will be rejoicing among the hosts who welcome him into a better state. The Lord has not abated in the least what he has said in earlier dispensations concerning the operation of his law and his gospel, but he has made clear unto us his goodness and mercy through it all, for it is his glory and his work to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1930, p. 97.)

• What other insights can you find in this section concerning God’s punishment and his loving mercy?
If we do not repent, we must suffer as Christ suffered. That suffering will be more than we
can comprehend, (19:15,17)- punishment

He promises to “pour out His Spirit” upon those who will pray always. (19:38)- mercy

He declares that in order to save, to spare the children of men from suffering, He has
done the suffering for us if we repent (19:16)- mercy

Christ does not present anything for the understanding of mankind that we are
unprepared to receive (19:22)- mercy

Eternal punishment is NOT endless torment/punishment. It is referred to as
‘Eternal’ because it is God’s punishment and He is eternal- it is a reference to Him.
Eternal damnation, however, is different and refers to a damnation, or a stopping of
progression forever- not being permitted to grow for eternity (19:6-7, 11-12)
punishment and mercy

Pictures For You- MOM!

I can "clean up" the background in Emmy's picture so that it doesn't show the driveway and the van :)

Ichabod.

It's a really good thing this unborn child has me - or January might have introduced you to:

"Icky Jensen" (I wish I was kidding!) :-0

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Yes. And in this case it's worth at least 2!

♥ I'm pregnant ♥

Independence Celebration

(This last picture was one I took last Sunday that I thought turned out cute and wanted to share- no connection with the Fourth.) :)
We enjoyed a VERY roasty, toasty HOT parade this year where the kids gathered just enough candy to enjoy for a couple of days, but not so much that it lasts 'til Halloween, thank goodness! We made sure to take a much needed cool dip in G-ma and G-pa's pool after lunch. Night brought the usual fantastic display by our small little town. They really are impressive and I think part of what makes them so great is that the *BOOM* of each explosion rattles off the hillside making each one echo and bounce back to shake us! :) Minus the mosquitoes and the fact that we were missing Gene, Steve, Pat and Diana, it was a great holiday!

Pehrson's

My mom, dad, sister and niece got to come out and spend about a week with us. It usually ends up being a once a year kind of thing, (they come here or we go there, which is much to far in between visits for me and the kids, but Jeff manages fine). :) This visit, the weather was terrible. Cold and nearly nonstop rain! We did some fun and memorable things nonetheless. Mom made some pretty flower planters for me, Dad read the rest of Will's chapter book out loud to him which completely melted my heart-so sweet!-, we played in the humongous rain puddles, made jewelry with "Grandma", made a shopping trip to Green Bay that resulted in Grandma buying each girl a Bath and Body lotion and Will made out with a new pair of flip flops and a set of chop sticks. (He had a conversation all about chop sticks with my dad one night at dinner. Dad served his mission in Taiwan and has some experience with them. :) ) We played some Just Dance 2, went to Manitowoc one day, ate at the Woodland and just enjoyed being with each other. My mom and brother get to come out again briefly in August to bring my niece back, so I look forward to another visit from part of my family! Yeah!