Since I have been staying in Provo with Jana and Anthony, I pulled a book off the shelf to read. It was
"The Peacegiver" by James L. Ferrell.
http://www.ldsmag.com/books/040430peacegiver.html
I have been wanting to read this book and finally did from cover to cover. It offered some insights to "smaller" stories in the Old Testament - Jonah (which I never really understood before) and Abigal, Nabal and David (which I do not remember reading before.) But the most powerful thoughts that came to my mind was that we were to love everyone and demonstrate that love in our actions because Christ loves them. They do not need to prove they deserve this love to us. We do not need love back, but as we give our love to them freely (part of our agency) we submit ourselves to our Heavenly Father's will.
Sunday was church with Anthony and Jana in their cute married students' ward. Our closing hymn was
"Lord, I Would Follow Thee". I have always thought this was a beautiful hymn but the words hit me more closely that day.
http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=1&searchseqstart=220&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=220&searchsubseqend=ZZZ
Savior, may I learn to love thee, walk the path that thou has shown,Who am I to judge another When I walk imperfectly?I would be my brother's keeper; I would learn the healer's art.Savior, may I love my brother As I know thou lovest me,First lines of all four verses - beautiful, powerful, directionally
The other thing that I have been enjoying reading is the May copy of
The Ensign. I have read a few articles before and since thinking I remembered all the talks but I did not remember hearing Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk:
Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children
Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=1d0a230bac7f0210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
The following two paragraphs showed some of my heart's thoughts recently:
"Our leaders have consistently counseled us "to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies."
"It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation "free for all men" but has "commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance."
Today I wandered on campus to visit the BYU Museum of Art. I was hoping to see a new exhibit about Victorian art but it was not ready yet. My eye was caught by a small exhibit entitled
Reflections of Christ, there were just a few paintings that were owned by the museum but I particularly was inspired by one by Bernard Sleigh, named The Crucifixion-A Triptych.
The Crucifixion - A Triptych, Bernard Sleigh (1906)
Bernard Sleigh purposely placed his wife and children into the painting in period clothing. They are located on the right hand side (facing you) looking up to Christ. This touched my heart because it told me Christ's crucifixion and atonement ascends all time. It is for you and me and those before us and those after us and for every person who ever lived or will ever live. It is not denied to any.
After wandering the campus a bit I saw a lonely dandelion. It was the only one I saw. It struck me how it was a weed and most people would pluck it out because it did not belong among the grass. But I thought I feel like a weed sometimes but I am grateful no one plucks me and do let me belong. I also know my Heavenly Father and brother, Jesus Christ love weeds.
