The Atonement: The Ultimate Act of Love

Jonathan and I have been asked to give one of the seminars at mini youth conference this year. Our topic is, The Atonement: The Ultimate Act of Love. I want to teach this class as a group discussion with the youth so that I can engage their attention and hope they will think and learn and remember what we discuss. I am going to share my thoughts here to help me solidify them and hope you enjoy reading them as well.

You can't really talk about the atonement without starting with the pre-earth council. I have a great quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell that he gave in April 1976 General Conference. Here it is.
"I testify that in our first estate Jesus was the incomparable individual among all our Father's spirit children. He helped to prepare this planet for us and led--not pushed--us from our premortal post. I thank him for the untold things he did, across the ages of that first estate, to prepare perfectly for his unique role--while I was doing so very much less. I thank him, further, for not deserting those of us who are slow or stragglers.
"I testify that his premortal performance reflected both an astonishing selflessness and a breathtaking commitment to freedom as a condition of our genuine growth. I thank him for combining his long view of our needs with a short step forward to volunteer his services. Never has anyone offered so much to so many in so few words as when Jesus said, 'Here an I, send me.'" (Abr 3:27.)

There is a lot to think about in that quote. I, too, am very grateful to my savior for His willingness to love and give so much. I want to now quote from Isaiah 53:3-5. These verses are a prophecy telling what Jesus was going to do for us. Here they are:
3He is ^adespised and rejected of men; a man of ^bsorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we ^cesteemed him not.

4¶Surely he hath ^aborne our ^bgriefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5But he was ^awounded for our ^btransgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his ^cstripes we are ^dhealed.

In these verses I understand as in verse 4 that Jesus bore our griefs and sorrows not just our sins as stated in verse 5. He did this so He would know how to give relief and peace to us even when our suffering is not a result of our own sins. Even when we sometimes take this great gift for granted it is still there for us. I am very grateful to Him for this as well.

Next in Luke 22:42-44 we read of His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.

42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, ^aremove this cup from me: nevertheless not my ^bwill, but thine, be done.

43And there appeared an ^aangel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44And being in an ^aagony he prayed more earnestly: ^band his sweat was as it were great drops of ^cblood falling down to the ground.

I can't even imagine how Jesus was able to endure this. In Gethsemane He suffered not only for our sins but also for all human suffering of every kind. It is very humbling to realize He was willing to do this for me.

I am amazed at the compassion He was still able to show while He hung on the cross and was in such physical pain. Here is an example in John 19:25-27.

25¶Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his ^amother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of ^bCleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the ^adisciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, ^bWoman, behold thy son!

27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy ^amother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

The most pain I have ever felt in my life has been giving birth to my children. I know how I have reacted to that pain. My whole mind is focused on what is going on in my own body and I am totally unaware of what is going on around me or what anyone else is feeling. But here we have the example of Jesus showing compassion for His mother who must have been suffering terribly seeing her son on the cross. Even though He was feeling more pain that anyone else He was able to think of the suffering of another.

When Jesus was on the cross He still had power over his own life. Here is what we read in John 10:17-18

17Therefore doth my Father ^alove me, because I ^blay down my life, that I might ^ctake it again.

18No man ^ataketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have ^bpower to lay it down, and I have ^cpower to take it again. This commandment have I ^dreceived of my Father.

The thing that impresses me most about this is that Jesus could have ended His suffering at any time. The big temptation was to end His life before he had completed the atonement process for us. Here is an interesting quote from Elder James E. Talmage's book "Jesus The Christ".

"At the ninth hour, or about three in the afternoon, a loud voice, surpassing the most anguished cry of physical suffering issued from the central cross, rending the dreadful darkness. It was the voice of the Christ: 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' What mind of man can fathom the significance of that awful cry? It seems, that in addition to the fearful suffering incident to crucifixion, the agony of Gethsemane had recurred, intensified beyond human power to endure. In that bitterest hour the dying Christ was alone, alone in most terrible reality. That the supreme sacrifice of the Son might be consummated in all its fulness, the Father seems to have withdrawn the support of His immediate Presence, leaving the Savior of men the glory of complete victory over the forces of sin and death. ....

"The period of faintness, the conception of utter forsakenness soon passed, and the natural cravings of the body reasserted themselves. The maddening thirst, which constituted one of the worst of the crucifixion agonies, wrung from the Savior's lips His one recorded utterance expressive of physical suffering. 'I thirst' He said. ....

"Fully realizing that He was no longer forsaken, but that His atoning sacrifice had been accepted by the Father, and that His mission in the flesh had been carried to glorious consummation, He exclaimed in a loud voice of holy triumph: 'It is finished." In reverence, resignation, and relief, He addressed the Father saying: 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' He bowed His head, and voluntarily gave up His life."

I am hopeful to get some discussion from the youth. We are going to end the session with a slide presentation of the song "His Hands" by Kenneth Cope. Then my husband will bear testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. Here are the words to the song. Just imagine them with pictures from the Savior's life as well as pictures of examples of things we can do to be like Him.

His Hands
From the days of his mother’s knee
Like no other before
He was all that a boy should be
Then the boy became the man.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb
His hands
Tools of creation
Stronger than nations
Power without end
And yet through them
We find our truest friend
His hands
Sermons of kindness
Healing men’s blindness
Halting years of pain
Children waiting
To be held again
His hands would serve his whole life through
Showing man what hands might do
Giving, ever giving endlessly
Each day was filled with selflessness
And I’ll not rest
Til I make of my hands what they could be
Til these hands become like those from Galilee
His hands
Warming a beggar
Lifting a leper
Calling back the dead
Breaking bread
Five thousand fed
His hands
Hushing contention
Pointing to heaven
Ever free of sin
Then bidding men
To follow Him
His hands would serve His whole life through
Showing man what hands might do
Giving, ever giving endlessly
Each day was filled with selflessness
And I’ll not rest
Til I make of my hands what they could be
Til these hands become like those from Galilee
His hands
Clasp in agony
As he lay pleading
Bleeding in the Garden
While just moments away
Other hands betray Him out of greed
Shameful greed
And then His hands
Are trembling
Straining to carry
The beam that they’d be nailed to
As He stumbles through the streets
Heading for the hill
On which He’d die
He would die
They take His hands
His mighty hands
Those gentle hands
And then they pierce them
They pierce them
He lets them
Because of love
From birth to death
Was selflessness
And clearly now
I see him with his hands calling to me
And though I’m not yet as I would be
He has shown me how I could be
I will make my hands like those from Galilee

Chef Tess Bakeresse: Upcoming Giveaway!

Chef Tess Bakeresse: Upcoming Giveaway!

My son, the master of music

This is Andrew. What more can I say!

Making fudge with Emma

I'm going to try and post comments along with the pictures and hope it works.

Grandma's Fudge
4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup real butter
1/2 teaspoon salt (opt)
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla

In picture #1 and 2 you add all the ingredients in a heavy bottomed pot and heat over medium heat. When it is bubbly put a lid on for about 5 minutes so the steam will wash all the sugar down from the sides of the pan.

Remove the lid and place candy thermometer on side of pan. Make sure the bulb is in the candy but not touching the bottom of the pan.

When the candy has reached soft ball stage, 234 degrees F, pour it onto a chilled marble slab. I chill mine with ice in a ziploc bag. I remove the bag and wipe the slab dry. I always use the cold water method for testing the candy. Usually the candy has reached soft ball stage before the thermometer has reached 234 degrees F. Have a cup of cold tap water near by. Spoon a little candy into the cold water and feel it. If it forms a soft ball that can be flattened it is ready. Always use a non metal spoon.

When the candy has cooled enough so you can leave a finger print at the sides and in the center start stirring the candy. I have a nice fudge paddle from a recent family reunion but you can use a dough knife or bench knife that you see in some of the pictures. It has a metal blade and a white handle. I bought it from a local bakery. I just asked and they got me one.

Keep stirring the fudge until it turns. You can see in the picture it has turned a creamy white. This first batch is an eggnog fudge. As you can see from the next picture we cooked it just a little bit too long. All we did to fix it was to add a little milk. I added about 1 1/2 teaspoons of milk and kneaded it in. That fixed the problem.

Always knead the fudge after it turns. It gives it a nice creamy texture. I also added the flavoring at this point and kneaded it in. For the chocolate fudge I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla and some chopped pecans. For the eggnog I added 1 teaspoon rum extract and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. So good!

For the eggnog fudge leave out the chocolate.

Happy 80th Birthday, Mom!

My mother turns 80 today. What a lady! Thanks for all you have done for me and my family. I love you lots and lots!

Chef Tess Bakeresse: Upcoming Giveaway!

Chef Tess Bakeresse: Upcoming Giveaway!

The Hiding Place

I am sure that most of you have already read this book. I just finished it for the first time. What a story! My interest was stirred when I heard it quoted from in conference last April. There are many great quotes in the book but here are two of my favorites: What puzzled me all this time was Betsie. She had suffered everything I had and yet she seemed to carry no burden of rage. "Betsie!" I hissed one dark night when I knew that my restless tossing must be keeping her awake. Three of us now shared this single cot as the crowded camp daily received new arrivals. "Betsie, don't you feel anything about Jan Vogel? Doesn't it bother you?" "On yes, Corrie! Terribly! I've felt for him ever since I knew - and pray for him whenever his name comes into my mind. How dreadfully he must be suffering!" For a long time I lay silent in the huge shadowy barracks restless with the sighs, snores, and stirrings of hundreds of women. Once again I had the feeling that this sister with whom I had spent all my life belonged somehow to another order of beings. Wasn't she telling me in her gentle way that I was as guilty as Jan Vogel? Didn't he and I stand together before an all-seeing God convicted of the same sin of murder? For I had murdered him with my heart and with my tongue. "Lord Jesus," I whispered into the lumpy ticking of the bed, "I forgive Jan Vogel as I pray that You will forgive me. I have done him great damage. Bless him now, and his family...." That night for the first time since our betrayer had a name I slept deep and dreamlessly until the whistle summoned us to roll call. To me this is a perfect example of the doctrine found in D&C 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. Corrie had no piece until she forgave this man. The thought of him and the anger she felt toward him was eating her up inside. The example that was shared in conference happens at the end of the book after Corrie is free. She meets one of the German male guards from Ravensbruck. He has heard her speak at a German church and wants to shake hands with her. Here is that quote from the book: Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him. I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness. As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me. And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.

Meals Tested, Tasted and Approved

I found this at a yard sale and couldn't help myself. It was printed in 1930.

Three Nephite story

In my seminary class, we are studying 3 Nephi. We are at the end of the book and I remembered this great 3 Nephite story. I got it from a man named Mark Callister when he was bishop of the Macomb ward. It is such a great story and you will love it, I'm sure. So, enjoy the read.


"When I was a young man, having just moved to Utah with my family and not knowing anyone in our high school, feeling very uprooted and a bit irritated at my father for moving us during my junior year of high school, I met a young man in our high school named Richard Glazier. He was very kind and inclusive, inviting me to "hang out" with him and his friends. I came to really appreciate his goodness and his love of serving. My first impression upon meeting him, however, was that he was a "hick" and perhaps a bit on the social margins. I came to learn that yes he was a hick, but very much respected and popular in the school. I was rather stunned that a young man with old cowboy boots, big belt buckle, rosy cheeks and a baby face, with crocked bangs (there was some indication he cut his own hair), an old Willie's truck that was missing the floor boards, no athletic ability to speak of, could ever be so well connected and respected. I truly believe that the respect people had for him came from his desire to live close to the spirit. He was not without his faults, as all of us had our weaknesses, but he was someone with whom you just enjoyed his company, you felt safe and you felt strength from the standards he upheld. My mom would interrogate me on weekend nights as to where I was going, when I'd be home etc., but the minute she learned I was with Rich, all interrogations ended because of her trust in him. I was soon to learn that much of Richard's inner happiness and positive outlook came from his joy of serving.

"One day he approached me and asked if I wanted to be a part of a club. When I asked what this club was, he informed me that if I joined I could not tell anyone about it. Well, this got my attention, so I agreed to the terms. The club, he informed me, was called the "Three Nephites" and was made up of about 5 other young men. I pointed out the number discrepancy, and he responded that the number was irrelevant. The purpose of this little band was anonymous service. He explained that whenever there was a heavy snowfall he would contact me at night to inform me that he would come by at 5:00am the next morning. I was to bring a snow shovel and wear a ski mask that covered all of my face except for my eyes and mouth (so as to hide our identity). I gasped at the thought of waking up at 5:00am, but saw the fun and wholesomeness of the activity. "Count me in!" His father was the Stake President and knew of families in the Stake who had special needs, primarily widows--one was a woman with 4 small kids whose husband had drowned in Utah Lake just months before and she was expecting a 5th. The first time the two pick up trucks pulled up in front of my house at that early hour, I felt an element of joy--perhaps you'd call it Heavenly approval of what we were doing. I had asked my mom to purchase the requisite ski mask and, not knowing what it was for, she purchased a bright orange one that made it look like a giant pumpkin was mounted on my neck :) Off we went to shovel snow and what a memorable time it was--some of my fondest memories were climbing out of the trucks with these exceptional young men and shoveling drive ways. I remember that we always went by one home in particular--I believe it was a sister Pullman whose husband was confined to a bed. She must have wondered who was shoveling her driveway after every snowfall--because we heard her window open above us on the second floor. We all just froze, hoping she wouldn't detect us (as if she couldn't see Mr. Pumpkin head!). We weren't sure if we should run or just keep shoveling. She spoke: "Who are you?" Richard immediately responded, "The three Nephites ma'am." We all got a kick out of that when we drove off. There really is joy in service--and to be in service of your fellow man is truly to be in the service of the Lord. Those mornings make up some of the sweetest memories of my youth."

China after 33 years

After 33 years of marriage I finally broke down and bought some china. I got this 16 place setting set at a yard sale. It is Taihei China made in Japan. The design is Springtime. It also came with a covered vegetable dish. Now I just need to find an oval serving platter.

Easter Skirts

Here are a couple of skirts and an apron I made for my daughter and her daughters for Easter. Spence needs something too so I'll have to make him some shorts only out of different fabric.

Easter Story Cookies

The Easter Story Cookies
To be made the evening before Easter.

You need:

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
A Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar.
Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat egg white mixture with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks
are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.

NOW GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9

Share "The Easter Cookie Story" With Your Friends

All the Places to Love: There's a monster in my closet... or is it under my bed!

All the Places to Love: There's a monster in my closet... or is it under my bed!

This is such a great idea and so funny too.

Some peoms by Emma

Ocean Dawn
The great ocean roars
Waves crash on the sandy shores
A new day begins

The shining sun sinks
And clouds burn scarlet and gold
Soon twilight awakes

Fiery hues fade
Night covers with her shadows
The stars rekindle

The dark night is still
The white moon rises and falls
And the east soon pales

The dawn is breaking
The sky glows with its soft light
And the night recedes

Eliza's monkey quilt

When Eliza was born my relief society insisted on giving me a baby shower because she was my first baby born in the Burlington ward. Well, she was my fifth baby and I felt badly asking people to buy me baby items that I really didn't need because I already had boxes of baby clothes. So, I bought some fabric and batting and we tied a quilt for her. Well, this was in the day before I was fussy about the fabric I bought and after many, many washings the fabric and the batting have just about fallen apart. But, Eliza won't get rid of the quilt and she won't leave it at home because she is afraid I will throw it out. I promise I won't do that now that I know how much she is attached to that rag but I felt like I needed to make her a descent baby quilt. This is the result and the memories have already started with this one. I listened to all three Lord of the Rings books while working on it.

Quilt challenge

My quilt guild announced a quilt challenge last Spring. We were to bring in a yard of ugly fabric in a bag with a piece of paper with our name written on it. We weren't told what the deal was until we got there. We were to receive someone else's fabric and make something out of it for the Christmas party. I received a piece of green plaid with red, blue and yellow stripes in it. Here is what I made of it.

Thanksgiving helpers

Fourteen years ago when Emma was born I had Rebekah fix most of the Thanksgiving dinner. Rebekah was 15 at the time. I decided Jon and Emma needed to learn how to fix the dinner this year so Jon made the pumpkin pies and Emma made the dinner rolls. They turned out pretty good. I think they are going to be in the kitchen a little more often now. Of course, Rebekah got to do a little more than just pies and rolls but it's a start.

Can you believe it

My baby turned 14 today. Happy Birthday Emma.

Halloween 2009

We had fun at a Halloween Eve party