Ella Graduated

 On June 2, 2023 my sweet Ella graduated.  (Then on June 4, she graduated from seminary.)  We went to Miller Bird Refuge and Gabby took photos of her in her cap and gown.  She also had Hannah Tullis take graduation photos of her.

John 11, Luke 12-17, Trust God, miracles,

 Names: 

Son of God (John 11:4), Christ (John 11:27), Resurrection and the Life (JOhn 11:25), Master (John 11:28), Son of Man (Luke 12:10) 

 

What stood out to you as you studied this week?  What insights did you gain or questions did you have? 

 

Scripture study tip from Cali Black:  Pray before reading, especially asking the Lord to help you receive inspiration for any struggles you are facing/enlighten your mind, etc.  Then when you finish reading, take a couple of minutes to write down your big takeaway for the day.  You could write these in the margin of your scriptures or make a note in gospel library and time stamp it or have a scripture study journal that you write them down in.  Then say a prayer of gratitude...that you learned something, gratitude for any answers to your questions/struggles that came/gratitude for any promptings you received or whatever you feel grateful for at that moment.  Then have a set time each day to ponder on what your takeaway was.  (Cali Black set a timer on her phone for lunchtime every day and would then just spend a couple of minutes thinking about her takeaway...and if it included any promptings to do something & she hadn’t yet acted on those promptings she would act on it during her lunch OR schedule it into her calendar. It helped make scripture study not just something she does/a checklist item but has helped it become part of who she is and given it the power to shape her day/character. 

 

 

John 11: 

Vs 1-6 Lazarus is sick...yet Christ abode 2 days before going to Him.  We have the benefit of hindsight and can understand why this is...but I wonder if some of His disciples wondered why He didn’t set off immediately...it appears that Mary and Martha, at least, thought about this.   And I think that perhaps we have similar experiences...where it seems like the Lord waits to answer our prayers and we wonder why.  We don’t understand His timetable...but I feel certain that our waiting also has purpose.   

 

Quote #1 Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “The issue for us is trusting God enough to trust also His timing. If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart, may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best?”   

Any other thoughts/lessons from these verses? 

Vs 11-15  Christ is about to perform one of His greatest miracles up to that point.  A miracle that would hint at His divine mission and what was to come for HIM. 

Any other thoughts/lessons from these verses? 

Vs. 16-17  Thomas....later Thomas would struggle to believe in the resurrection of the Savior unless he could see the Savior...and for that, he is often referred to as “doubting Thomas”...but maybe that is an unfair characterization of him.  None of us should be remembered for our worst moments or worst choices, and this shows a side of Thomas with great faith and courage.  It reminds me of the father pleading with the Savior to heal his son who said, “Lord, I believe.  Help thou mine unbelief.”  It seems to me that most of us have BOTH great faith and some unbelief. That father’s prayer is one I have uttered.  It seems to me that Thomas also had great faith...and some unbelief. 

 

Vs. 20-28 Martha  Martha is another scriptural figure that I think sometimes gets a raw deal because the Savior said she was cumbered about with much serving...but she demonstrates great faith here...if the Savior had been there, she knew her brother would have lived...and she believes that even now God will answer His prayers.   

Christ refers to Himself as the Resurrection and the Life.  Christ lives, and because of Him, we live.  Quote #2 President Howard W. Hunter said, “Whatever Jesus lays his hands upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on the family, it lives.” (1979) 

Quote #3 Sister Aburto told this poignant and personal story:  “When I was nine years old, I lost my older brother during a devastating earthquake. Because it happened unexpectedly, it took me a while to grasp the reality of what had occurred. I was heartbroken by sorrow, and I would ask myself, “What happened to my brother? Where is he? Where did he go? Will I ever see him again?” 

Back then I did not yet know about God’s plan of salvation, and I had the desire to know where we come from, what the purpose of life is, and what happens to us after we die. Don’t we all have those yearnings when we lose a loved one or when we go through difficulties in our lives? 

A few years after, I started thinking of my brother in a specific way. I would imagine him knocking on our door. I would open the door, he would be standing there, and he would tell me, “I am not dead. I am alive. I could not come to you, but now I will stay with you and never leave again.” That imagining, almost a dream, helped me cope with the pain that I felt over losing him. The thought that he would be with me came to my mind over and over. Sometimes I would even stare at the door, hoping that he would knock and I would see him again. 

About 40 years later, during Easter time, I was pondering about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and started thinking about my brother. At that moment, something clicked in my mind. I remembered imagining him coming to see me. 

That day I realized that the Spirit had given me comfort in a difficult time. I had received a witness that my brother’s spirit is not dead; he is alive. He is still progressing in his eternal existence. I now know that “[my] brother shall rise again”15 John 11:23 at that magnificent moment when, because of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, we will all be resurrected. In addition, He has made it possible for all of us to be reunited as families and have eternal joy in the presence of God if we will choose to make and keep sacred covenants with Him.” (The Grave Has No Victory) 

 

Quote #4 Sister Aburto said, “I testify that through the redeeming Atonement and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, broken hearts can be healed, anguish can become peace, and distress can become hope. He can embrace us in His arms of mercy, comforting, empowering, and healing each of us.” (The Grave Has No Victory) 

 

Quote #5 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “There are those who would give all they have to experience peace. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” the Savior taught, “and I will give you rest.” 5  Matt. 11:28 But it is not merely peace that the Savior promises to those who keep His commandments and endure to the end, but eternal life, “which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” 6  D&C 14:7 

Because of the Savior, we will live forever. Immortality means that we will never die. But eternal life means to live forever in exalted spheres in companionship with those we cherish, encompassed about by profound love, exquisite joy, and glory. 

No amount of money can purchase this exalted state. Eternal life is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father, offered freely and liberally to all who heed the call of the Man of Galilee.”  (Follow Me) 

Any other thoughts about these verses or these quotes?  What are we willing to give for peace, for eternal life?   

Vs. 29-36  Mary’s response  Another bold and beautiful declaration of faith.  And Christ’s deep compassion.  (I loved that Sharon pointed out that Christ wept because of His deep compassion for Mary...but also because so many didn’t believe.  He felt deep sadness that some would not believe and receive the blessings He so freely offered. 

Vs. 32...Mary fell down at His feet.  This is something I’ve been pondering the past couple of weeks.  In Matthew 18:26 (the parable of the unmerciful servant...the servant fell down and worshipped the Lord and asked for patience and forgiveness and was granted it...now of course, the story goes on to tell how he didn’t show mercy to one who owed him a small debt. …. In 1 Nephi 8:30, we read the vision of the tree of life and many begin on the path and fall away before reaching the tree, others reach the tree  and partake and then become ashamed.  But some “But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the arod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” 

Here is what I’ve been pondering.  I have no doubt that the Savior has compassion on all of us.  That He offers His love and forgiveness to all of us.  But we have a role to play in accepting that compassion and love and forgiveness.  I don’t fully understand how it works or why some fall down and worship and others look around at the world and feel shame and turn away into other paths.  But I want to be one who falls down at His feet.  One who recognizes how much I need His love and mercy.  I want to be one who worships Him every day.  

 

What thoughts do you have about these verses? 

 

Vs. 39-42 

Vs. 43-45  Lazarus arises.   

Why do you believe?   

 

49-52  Caiaphas meant that they should kill Christ to protect their nation...but ironically, while his meaning wasn’t the same, this is exactly what Christ did...died to save all. 

 

 

Luke 12: 

Vs. 2-3  While none of us want our worst decisions to be known by others or to be proclaimed upon the rooftops, they are known by the Savior.  They aren’t truly hidden.  These verses reminded me of the song “IF the Savior Stood Beside Me”: 

If the Savior stood beside me, 

Would I do the things I do? 

Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true? 

Would I follow His example? 

Would I live more righteously if I could see the Savior standing nigh, 

watching over me? 

If the Savior stood beside me, 

Would I say the things I say? 

Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away? 

Would I try to share the gospel? 

Would I speak more rev’rently if I could see the Savior standing nigh, 

watching over me? 

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure? 

Would His presence give me strength and hope and courage to endure? 

Would His counsel guide my actions? 

Would I choose more worthily if I could see the Savior standing nigh 

watching over me? 

Watching over me, watching over me, 

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there, 

And because He loves me dearly, 

I am in His watchful care, 

So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be 

if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me. 

I will be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be 

if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me. 

 

Luke 12:13-15 

Luke 12: 16-21  What lessons can we learn from this parable?  (Notice how often this man says I/me/mine... at least part of his problem is he thinks too much about himself.)   
 

What kind of inheritance are you leaving for your children?  Maybe a monetary inheritance is not actually a good idea...but an inheritance of knowledge and faith and love...that is something that could have effects on generations to come. 

 

Any other thoughts on these verses? 

 

Luke 12: 32 

 Luke 12:34  How can we ascertain where our treasure is?  How can we make sure our hearts are centered on Christ and not the things of this world? 

 

Luke 13:  Again Christ heals on the Sabbath.  Again there is anger.  What should be our purpose on the Sabbath?  Shouldn’t it be to heal, bless, teach, loose, help & rejoice with others? 

Luke 13:18-21  Mustard seed parable, Leaven parable  Talked about this with my kids and I really liked what my daughter Gabby said.  She said that the kingdom of heaven is unbelievable and awe-inspiring.  Your idea of what SHOULD  or could happen doesn’t compare to the reality.  Just like that tiny seed grows into something remarkable, the kingdom of heaven started off small and yet grows to fill the Earth.   

What do these two parables teach you? 

 

Luke 15:  3-7 Parable of the Lost Sheep 

Quote #6 LDS Living had an article with a completely different perspective on this parable.  Danielle Wagner wrote, “Think, for one moment, about that one lost sheep and the 99 safe in their pasture. 

Now reverse their roles. There are 99 lost sheep oblivious and content in their pasture and only one sheep who went off searching for the shepherd, for something more. 

Sure, when the good shepherd finally found that one sheep it was probably cut and frightened and cold. It had fallen into pits, wandered, and forgotten its purpose at times. But again and again, the sheep searched and stretched itself, wanting to follow the shepherd. 

But here’s the thing—while all those other sheep were complacently in their fields saying, “Boy, aren’t you glad we’re not lost right now?” the one struggling sheep is the only one to be lifted up on the shepherd’s shoulders. 

He’s the only one to be carried home. 

He’s the only one to be celebrated over. 

So, while the rest of us are in church thinking, “Boy, I’m glad I didn’t mess up that bad,” we miss the whole point. No, we don't need to sin to realize our dependence on our Savior, but one way or another, we need to realize we are all lost. We may see glimpses of the Good Shepherd from time to time in our lives, but we haven’t returned home yet. We’re still on our pathway to being found. 

And that means we need to constantly stretch ourselves. We need to search for more we can do and more we can become, without fear of failure. We need Christ’s power, love, and grace at every moment.  

And we need to recognize all of us are lost, just in different ways... Only the guiding and personal touch of the Shepherd can truly help all who are lost become found. Those who don't recognize they are lost are the most lost of all because they do not learn to rely on Christ.   

So instead of worrying and fixating on all we can’t do or all we have to do in the Church, focus on the good you can create. Focus on finding the Savior, but realize, in the end, we are always the ones to be found. He is the one who lifts us, who makes more of us than we ever could of ourselves, and who carries us home to be once again with our Heavenly Parents.” 

 

 

What does this parable teach you? 

 

Luke 15:8-10 Parable of the Lost Coin 

Quote #7 Robert D. Hales said, “For you and me, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our responsibilities are clear; we are to: 

• Reach out in love and be anxious to forgive those who have wronged us. 

• Help by fellowshipping and caring for those who want to come back, receiving them with open arms and willing hands. 

We must do as Jude, the brother of James, admonished: 

“Have compassion, making a difference” Jude 1:22 italics added). 

There are principles that will help us to “have compassion, making a difference.” These principles are encompassed in Luke, chapter 15, where Jesus used three parables to give us examples of the importance He placed on finding those who are lost and rendering “compassion, making a difference.” 

In the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd went after the lost sheep and searched until he found the lost lamb. He then returned, rejoicing (see Luke 15:4–7 

In the parable of the lost coin, the widow lit a candle, which gave light, and swept every corner to find the lost coin. She rejoiced upon finding it (see Luke 15:8–10 

Both of these parables are examples of action taken to search, light up the darkness, and sweep until a treasured possession or lost soul is found and returned to a rejoicing home.”  (Some Have Compassion, Making A Difference) 

What does this parable teach you? 

 

Luke 15:11-16 

Luke 15:17  came to himself 

Luke 15:18-24 

Luke 15:25-32 

Quote #8 Elder Gong said, “Do you remember Jesus Christ’s parable about a certain man who had two sons?25[See Luke 15:11–32 One son left home and wasted his inheritance. When he came to himself, this son sought to come home. The other son, feeling he had kept the commandments “lo, these many years,”26 Luke 15:29 did not want to welcome his brother home. 

Brothers and sisters, would you please consider Jesus is asking us to open our hearts, our understanding, compassion, and humility, and to see ourselves in both roles? 

Like the first son or daughter, we may wander and later seek to return home. God waits to welcome us. 

And like the other son or daughter, we are gently entreated by God to rejoice together as we each come home to Him. He invites us to make our congregations, quorums, classes, and activities open, authentic, safe—home for each other. With kindness, understanding, and mutual respect, we each humbly seek the Lord and pray and welcome His restored gospel blessings for all. 

Our life journeys are individual, but we can come again to God our Father and His Beloved Son through trust in God, each other, and ourselves.” 

 

Quote #9 And Stephen Owen said, “Brothers and sisters, we are all prodigals. We all have to “come to ourselves”—usually more than once—and choose the path that leads back home. It’s a choice we make daily, throughout our lives. 

We often associate repentance with grievous sins that require “a mighty change.”7 Alma 5:12 But repentance is for everyone—those who are wandering in “forbidden paths and [are] lost”8 1 Nephi 8:28 as well as those who “have gotten into [the] strait and narrow path” and now need to “press forward.”9 2 Nephi 31:19–20 Repentance both puts us on the right path and keeps us on the right path. It is for those who are just beginning to believe, those who have believed all along, and those who need to begin again to believe. As Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and … striving to become better.” (Repentance is Always Positive) 

Totally didn’t get to even talk about these parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and prodigal son.  But one thought that has been on my mind...when someone I love deeply has been lost and returns, I feel such joy.  I wouldn’t say  Michelle and Chris were lost...but their sealing day was SO special and taught me some important lessons because there was some waiting and hoping involved in the process.  I’m so grateful that we can receive a fulness of blessings even if there is some waiting and repentance involved (which in reality there is for ALL of us!  We are all prodigal sons/daughters to some extent.)   But there are times, especially when someone has hurt me deeply...when I can start to feel like the older son.  Why, when they have hurt me and haven’t been faithful to their covenants, should they receive the inheritance?  I know it’s the wrong attitude, but that is how I sometimes feel.  So here’s what I have been pondering...how can I move those who I might have older brother feelings towards from “thy son” to “my brother/sister”.  I recognize that every person on Earth is my brother or sister.  But I don’t have those types of feelings for every person.  I don’t know if that makes sense, but it does in my heart.  When I begin to feel resentful or frustrated that the returning prodigal son is receiving the fatted calf, how can I change my view to see him/her as my brother or sister, my son or daughter, my best friend? 

Luke 17: 11-19  Ten Lepers  (See D&C 59:21) 

In Follow Him podcast, S. Michael Wilcox shared that when he was in junior high, he didn’t feel like he was very talented or good at anything.  When he shared that with his mom, she told him of another boy who felt the same way.  This boy’s mother asked him to think of something he was good at. After a few minutes of thinking, he said he was honest.  His mom replied that being honest was more important than being good at baseball, and that he should seek to be the best at being honest.  Brother Wilcox shared that he decided he could be really good at being grateful and that has been something he has strived for throughout his life and that has blessed his life.  I want to be better at gratitude...which will also help me be better at humility.