If anyone knows me at all, they know that I am a total bookworm. I adore books...books of any kind. Fiction/nonfiction, romance/adventure, fantasy/mysteries...etc. You get the picture. My current read is C.S. Lewis'Mere Christianity. I grew up watching the old The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe series, and read the books as well, and I loved Narnia and Prince Caspian. But I have never ready any of C.S. Lewis' other works until now. I've always wanted to, and I have no good excuse for not. He is quoted so often by General Authorities and in church lessons that he is obviously worth reading, right? Right! He absolutely is...whether you are Christian or not, I 100% recommend this book. He provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful and rational case for Christianity. If you have have any desire to learn more about the Christian faith, whether it be for personal, religious, or educational purposes, Mere Christianity is the book for you. I have even made it incredibly easy for you to take the first step toward reading the book, which is of course purchasing it. Below are links to purchase Mere Christianity from Amazon.com in hardback or paperback. I really hope that if you have any interest at all in Christianity and it's doctrine, beliefs, and teachings, that you will purchase the book and read it, you will not regret it!
Next on my list are The Screwtape Letters and The Weight of Glory
One of my favorite C.S Lewis quotes thus far comes from The Weight of Glory.
"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no "ordinary" people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."
....Humbling, no? And definitely gives a whole new meaning to the Golden Rule. And that to me sums up what Christianity is all about anyways, loving our family, our friends, our neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies. Because that is what Christ did. And what He does even now, because He lives. Christ lives. Christlike love really is the solution to all of the evils and problems of our world.
Anthony Burgess, New York Times Book Review, said "C.S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
"Ball Crushers"
So it being Sunday and all I'm going to leave you all hanging on the title for a minute and start off with something a little more churchy. Church was amazing today, and I was definitely touched by our Relief Society Lesson. It was entitled "Turn to the Lord." I could feel the Spirit so strongly as the women discussed the trials, heartaches, and disappointments we face in life, and how often our first reaction is to just throw an emotional tantrum and scream and cry it out...but let's be honest when does that ever really fix anything? (Ok but it does feel great, I won't lie.) How many times do we have to bang our head against a wall before we finally get it, and turn to the Lord? Many inspiring things were said, and I won't go into all the details, but I do want to get this off my chest. I had one of those moments where I knew I had to bear my testimony as one girl was speaking about pain and heartache. One of those moments when you're heart starts pounding as the Spirit whispers to you and you know you have no choice but to raise your hand and speak. But I didn't. I ignored the pounding heart. I didn't say anything. I don't know why I did this, and so now I feel like I need to make it up by writing it here. As said girl was speaking about trials, the Spirit testified to me once again that it is only through completely turning to the Lord that we can feel comforted, and our burdens can be lightened. This trust in the Lord comes from an understanding of the Atonement, understanding that the Lord did not just suffer for my sins, but for the sins of everyone else....for the injustices done to me, and to those around me....for my pain, my sorrow, my heartache. He has felt what I have felt, and Christ, my Savior, has sunk beneath it all, and overcome all, even death. He knows beginning to end, and He knows me personally, my hopes, my fears, my desires, my life. He knows me better than I know myself. This gives Him, and Him alone, the ability to succor me and lead me through my trials, if I would only humble myself and turn to Him. He may not take my trials or my pain away, but He will give me the strength that I need to get through them. And He will take me by the hand and lead me out of them, in His own due time. It is trials that shape us and refine us into more perfect, more Christlike, people. I know that this is true, and I know that Christ can do this for you too, whoever you are, if you but turn to him, and trust him completely.
The Savior said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” -Matthew 11:28
“Commune with the Lord. … He is your best friend! He knows your pain because He has felt it for you already. He is ready to carry that burden. Trust Him enough to place it at His feet and allow Him to carry it for you. Then you can have your anguish replaced with His peace, in the very depths of your soul” -Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden"
"Trying to comprehend the trials and meaning of this life without understanding Heavenly Father’s marvelously encompassing plan of salvation is like trying to understand a three-act play while seeing only the second act. Fortunately, our knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement helps us to endure our trials and to see purpose in suffering and to trust God for what we cannot comprehend.
Revealed truths reassure us that we are enclosed in divine empathy. As Enoch witnessed, we worship a God who wept over needless human misery and wickedness (see Moses 7:28–29, 33, 37). Jesus’ perfect empathy was ensured when, along with His Atonement for our sins, He took upon Himself our sicknesses, sorrows, griefs, and infirmities and came to know these “according to the flesh” (Alma 7:11–12).
He did this in order that He might be filled with perfect, personal mercy and empathy and thereby know how to succor us in our infirmities. He thus fully comprehends human suffering. Truly Christ “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things” (D&C 88:6)."-Neal A. Maxwell, "Enduring Well"
I testify that Christ loves each and everyone of us, so much that he suffered for our sins, our pains and our afflicitions. He loves us so perfectly that he suffered more than any of us could imagine or bear--he bled from every pore so great was his agony. And he did this out of love and compassion for all humanity-- so that we might be able to repent and be forgiven of our sins, so that we might return to our Father in Heaven.
And I will close there for now...but the gospel truly is a gospel of love and happiness....isn't it beautiful?
Ok now on a completely different note....the title of this post...
Casey (the said boyfriend mentioned in the previous post) came all the way out to The Farm in Forest Grove (yes we do have running water and electricity out there) and met some of the extended family for the first time. Of course I warned him that it would be loud and overwhelming, and that it was very likely he would be put on the spot. The night actually went very well though and everyone was on their best behavior...we almost made it out the door without anything too awkward or embarrassing being said. But of course that is asking for too much in my family and so as we were about to head out, my dad, gotta love him, says (and these are his exact words, and this is in front of all the family): "Casey, if you marry Nicole, you better make sure you don't cheat on her because Jacque's family has these ball crushers (aka a bull castrating tool) and they will use it on you." Dad!!!! This is not the first time he has brought up the M word and mind you Casey and I have only officially been an item for about two weeks. There is no filter on my Dad. He then proceeded to tell the story of the "ball crushers" and use the word "ball crusher" at least 20 more times. Casey took it all in stride though and laughed it off. If that doesn't scare him away I don't know what will, right? Haha props to Casey.
The Savior said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” -Matthew 11:28
“Commune with the Lord. … He is your best friend! He knows your pain because He has felt it for you already. He is ready to carry that burden. Trust Him enough to place it at His feet and allow Him to carry it for you. Then you can have your anguish replaced with His peace, in the very depths of your soul” -Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden"
"Trying to comprehend the trials and meaning of this life without understanding Heavenly Father’s marvelously encompassing plan of salvation is like trying to understand a three-act play while seeing only the second act. Fortunately, our knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement helps us to endure our trials and to see purpose in suffering and to trust God for what we cannot comprehend.
Revealed truths reassure us that we are enclosed in divine empathy. As Enoch witnessed, we worship a God who wept over needless human misery and wickedness (see Moses 7:28–29, 33, 37). Jesus’ perfect empathy was ensured when, along with His Atonement for our sins, He took upon Himself our sicknesses, sorrows, griefs, and infirmities and came to know these “according to the flesh” (Alma 7:11–12).
He did this in order that He might be filled with perfect, personal mercy and empathy and thereby know how to succor us in our infirmities. He thus fully comprehends human suffering. Truly Christ “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things” (D&C 88:6)."-Neal A. Maxwell, "Enduring Well"
I testify that Christ loves each and everyone of us, so much that he suffered for our sins, our pains and our afflicitions. He loves us so perfectly that he suffered more than any of us could imagine or bear--he bled from every pore so great was his agony. And he did this out of love and compassion for all humanity-- so that we might be able to repent and be forgiven of our sins, so that we might return to our Father in Heaven.
And I will close there for now...but the gospel truly is a gospel of love and happiness....isn't it beautiful?
Ok now on a completely different note....the title of this post...
Casey (the said boyfriend mentioned in the previous post) came all the way out to The Farm in Forest Grove (yes we do have running water and electricity out there) and met some of the extended family for the first time. Of course I warned him that it would be loud and overwhelming, and that it was very likely he would be put on the spot. The night actually went very well though and everyone was on their best behavior...we almost made it out the door without anything too awkward or embarrassing being said. But of course that is asking for too much in my family and so as we were about to head out, my dad, gotta love him, says (and these are his exact words, and this is in front of all the family): "Casey, if you marry Nicole, you better make sure you don't cheat on her because Jacque's family has these ball crushers (aka a bull castrating tool) and they will use it on you." Dad!!!! This is not the first time he has brought up the M word and mind you Casey and I have only officially been an item for about two weeks. There is no filter on my Dad. He then proceeded to tell the story of the "ball crushers" and use the word "ball crusher" at least 20 more times. Casey took it all in stride though and laughed it off. If that doesn't scare him away I don't know what will, right? Haha props to Casey.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Single and Blogging. Shocking, I know.
So I've had this inner struggle about creating a blog.
It seems as if there's this unwritten prerequisite to having a blog,
and that perquisite is getting married,
and then, once married,
you can create a blog.
A couple's blog.
But so what if I'm not married?
I'm going against the grain and joining the blogging world anyways.
I was inspired by this amazing woman, Stephanie Nielson.
Her story is incredible, and her blog is uplifting. You must read it if you want to get a good chuckle,
and feel ready to tackle life,
whatever it brings. So go read her blog. Now.
Her testimony of Jesus Christ,
and the Plan of Salvation,
is unwavering and she truly is a light than shines in the darkness.
But she is also completely down to earth.
Example #1: she lets her kids run around naked.
Example #2: she had her toddler pee on the tire of the car in a parking lot.
At Target. Because it's much easier than going in to the store.
And she "did what any mother would do."
Love her!
So I dedicate my blog to her. Oh and you should go read her blog
She inspired me to start a blog after I heard why she first started blogging.
It had to do with a certain talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard,
entitled "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet." Read it here!
One little quote from his talk states:
"There are conversations going on about the Church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time."
I find that I am guilty too often of choosing not to participate in these conversations about the church and gospel principles, and that ends here, today. Each day I will keep his question in mind that Elder Ballard poses: "How will you use these marvelous inventions? More to the point, how will you use them to further the work of the Lord?" I am no longer going to sit on the sidelines, I'm going to use the internet (via my blog) to participate in these conversations. So consider yourself warned: this blog will contain my thoughts about religion and the gospel, my testimony, and quotes from church authorities...read at your own risk! But no worries, I'll also keep you updated with fun little stories about my crazy life:
I'm living at home.
With my family.
After graduating from college.
I share a room with my five year old sister.
And my 3 year old brother.
Oh, and temporarily with my 12 year old brother.
I think that is the definition of crazy.
P.S. I'm dating this guy.
And I'm kind of smitten.
And did I mention that you should read Stephanie Nielson's blog?
It seems as if there's this unwritten prerequisite to having a blog,
and that perquisite is getting married,
and then, once married,
you can create a blog.
A couple's blog.
But so what if I'm not married?
I'm going against the grain and joining the blogging world anyways.
I was inspired by this amazing woman, Stephanie Nielson.
Her story is incredible, and her blog is uplifting. You must read it if you want to get a good chuckle,
and feel ready to tackle life,
whatever it brings. So go read her blog. Now.
Her testimony of Jesus Christ,
and the Plan of Salvation,
is unwavering and she truly is a light than shines in the darkness.
But she is also completely down to earth.
Example #1: she lets her kids run around naked.
Example #2: she had her toddler pee on the tire of the car in a parking lot.
At Target. Because it's much easier than going in to the store.
And she "did what any mother would do."
Love her!
So I dedicate my blog to her. Oh and you should go read her blog
She inspired me to start a blog after I heard why she first started blogging.
It had to do with a certain talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard,
entitled "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet." Read it here!
One little quote from his talk states:
"There are conversations going on about the Church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time."
I find that I am guilty too often of choosing not to participate in these conversations about the church and gospel principles, and that ends here, today. Each day I will keep his question in mind that Elder Ballard poses: "How will you use these marvelous inventions? More to the point, how will you use them to further the work of the Lord?" I am no longer going to sit on the sidelines, I'm going to use the internet (via my blog) to participate in these conversations. So consider yourself warned: this blog will contain my thoughts about religion and the gospel, my testimony, and quotes from church authorities...read at your own risk! But no worries, I'll also keep you updated with fun little stories about my crazy life:
I'm living at home.
With my family.
After graduating from college.
I share a room with my five year old sister.
And my 3 year old brother.
Oh, and temporarily with my 12 year old brother.
I think that is the definition of crazy.
P.S. I'm dating this guy.
And I'm kind of smitten.
And did I mention that you should read Stephanie Nielson's blog?
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