Christlike Love and Forebearance

Today in Gospel Doctrine, we discussed the traits and attributes of the father in the parable of The Prodigal Son. Of course this is a similitude of our Heavenly Father and an example of pure and unconditional love, but more importantly, it is an example of how we should govern ourselves in our own interpersonal relationships. When the son, who had squandered all that was given him, returned to beg only to be a servant in his father's house, that same father rejoiced and celebrated and restored to the son all the priestly status he had once known.

When others trespass against us, but through genuine contrition and penitence, seek our forgiveness, do we cut them off and erase them entirely from our circle or do we humble ourselves and show them the love that our Heavenly Father shows to us? Alma 41:15 reminds us "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again". It is therefore important that we remember that when we seek the cleansing power of the Atonement in our quest for forgiveness, we must remember to demonstrate that same Christlike love and forbearance when we are called upon to forgive those around us. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:2)

In the course of our day to day interactions, do we show an increase in love and mercy when called upon to do so? Reacting with harshness and condemnation and refusing to reach out to those who are seeking our forgiveness puts ourselves in serious spiritual jeopardy.

The Savior is the ultimate teacher and example. When we doubt or question what our response should be, we should look to him and his actions and do all that we can to emulate them. He in return will increase our understanding and our compassion and bless us with a greater portion of His Spirit.

The Force is Strong on the Dark Side

I have officially crossed over into the Dark Side of the Force! It's Mac all the way baby! I loved my itouch, and now my MacBook Pro and even the new iphone 4! Heck, if they made a dishwasher, I'd probably get that too! Plus you can get these cool Speck cases for the MacBook Pro; transparent neon pink! Got to get me one of those! What I don't understand is why Bill Gates, et al, are not getting the big picture here. Instead, they are always trying to reinvent the wheel, which usually just makes for a bumpy ride (insert Vista here). Jobs, on the other hand, took the wheel, cleaned it up, put a nice pretty shine on it and gave it better traction which in turn created a better driver (user) experience.....easier to handle and so forth. Everything about the Mac products just leaves Microsoft in the dust!

So here's my question: Do I have to change my voter registration to Liberal Democrat and move my sorry self to sunny Southern Cal?

Ahhhh, Such a Talented Child!

My daughter posted the most hilarious video of my grandson and his new-found fascination for blowing bubbles. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of pursing his lips and blowing. Instead, he makes a buzzing/humming noise and gets frustrated that a bubble doesn't materialize. Well, being from the genius stock that he is, he has demonstrated adaptability that does his g-ma proud! My little mensa-man has figured out that he CAN make the air come from his nose and VOILA! We have bubbles!

After watching this video repeatedly and laughing for literally hours, I just have to say this kid is quite the little problem solver. I'm expecting great things to come!

I Feel an Empty Nest Coming On

My youngest graduates on the 18th and as the hour approaches, I'm feeling more and more angst. This is a time that couples typically look forward to. A time that they can come and go as they please and enjoy bonding together.

What about a single? The idea of an empty home is just not as appealing as it may have been some years ago. While I still enjoy calling my own shots and being in control of my own life, I'm not so sure that I will find so much enjoyment when the walls are closing in and the sound of the ceiling fan is my only companion.

Can you say melancholy?

But, on the brighter side, I'm still enjoying school and I have promising prospects in other areas of my life that help to take the edge off. There is always a silver lining.