Loving Korihor

On Sunday I taught the adult Sunday School class in our ward (congregation). I love doing this because it gives me the chance to really study the scriptures and think about how they relate to what’s happening in my life.

This week the lesson was from the Book of Mormon (the book we’re studying this year—last year it was the New Testament), the book of Alma, chapters 30-31. These chapters tell about two kinds of “anti-Christs”—those who teach against Christ.

The lead villain in chapter 30 is Korihor, a fellow who goes around telling folks not to worry about keeping Christ’s commandments because no one can know there is a Christ, because you can’t see him. You can’t know what you can’t see—right? Korihor also teaches that this life is all there is, and since there is no God, there is no sin. So don’t worry and just have fun.

But even though Korihor insists he is helping people to enjoy life more, those who believe in Christ see it otherwise. One, Giddonah, says, “Why do ye interrupt [the people’s] rejoicings?”

And Alma demonstrates his love and faith as he teaches Korihor. He shares his own knowledge of Christ and God, which is based on evidence stronger than mere sight. “”For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come” (Alma 30: 39).  He goes on, “The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it . . . do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30: 44).

Later, Alma similarly shows love for the Zoramites, a group of people who have dissented from the Nephite religion and insist there is no need for the Atonement of Christ because they are pretty well perfect on their own. The proud Zoramites refuse to listen to Alma, so he prays: “Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31: 35).

We had a great discussion about these chapters, considering what we could learn from Alma about replying to those who say bad things about our faith—so common in this election year, with Mormon Romney running for president. Rather than being drawn into contention, we want to be like Alma, desiring to help our accusers, responding in faith and love.

Interesting how love really is the answer to pretty much any question.

Back to Blogging

Saturday morning. I'm thinking about all the blessings in my life, about LDS General Conference that will start in a couple of hours, about Easter coming up. Just read through my old posts: it's been almost a year. How time passes.

Last Easter Jared was here with his family. This Easter he won't. How we miss him. But we are thankful he was relatively well in spite of the brain tumor, up until the last couple of months of his life. He was able to do so much. He left his poor worn out body February 3.

I've been reading the gospels in preparation for Easter. I love to do that each year during lent. This year I've been a bit more haphazard, though, and here it is a week to Easter and I'm in Luke 5. I can do it though--I'll just read them like a novel, rather than just a chapter or two a day.

I used to read the gospels the "harmonized" way--all the parts about the Savior's birth together, then all the parts about his ministry, etc. Now I prefer reading each book separately, because I get more of a sense for the author of each book. I've come to love Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They clearly loved the Savior. Each one made a great effort to tell the His story in a way that would help their readers to understand His greatness. Each one thought about his audience and what would be most convincing. Matthew thought about the Jews and included many scriptures; Luke wrote more to the gentiles, and included stories of Christ's great compassion. John highlighted the divinity of Christ throughout. They all labored over finding the best way to express things.

So I read them every year, and I'm thankful for their work that helps me to know the Savior and his mission better. And as I read at the end of each book the glorious story of Christ's resurrection, I am thankful to know that, though Jared isn't with us here, through Christ's great gift, Jared still is, he lives on, and we will all be together again one day. What a wonderful knowledge that is.

East Coast 2011 Trip: Part II

On Tuesday morning, Dad and I drove 8 hours north on I95 to New England. Dad hadn't been back to see his alma mater, Brown, for over 40 years, and we thought it was about time we went. We left at 5 AM in an attempt to miss rush hour, and we managed very well. We drove without any problems straight through, arriving in Mystic Connecticut a little after 1 PM. Above you can see Dad by a yacht at Greenwich CN, where we stopped for a break after getting through the NYC traffic.








Here we are on a real whaling ship at Old Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th century seaport. the ship is in dry dock being repaired. Dad is steering the ship, while I am being Queequeq, out to capture a whale with my harpoon.

We loved Mystic. All the staff are incredibly knowledgable and passionate about the time period. In the boatmaking shop, a young man told us all the inside info about the ships in the pirate movies. Evidently their research was very good. And the line from Blackbeard "If I didn't kill a man once in a while you wouldn't know it was me"--totally true. Blackbeard said that, after shooting a couple of colleagues under the table, evidently just for the heck of it.

Notice dad piloting a tug boat--remotely!

Wednesday we moved forward several centuries when we toured the first nuclear powered submarine, the Nautilus, at the submarine base at Groton. It was fascinating to see how the ship was engineered to function underwater for long periods of time.

East Coast 2011 Trip: Part I

On Tuesday, May 24, Dad and I flew from SLC to Baltimore, rented a car and drove to Fairfax, VA. All to be with this cute little guy, Olin!



Oh, and of course his great parents, Dave and Margaret, too!

On Wednesday we enjoyed hanging out in Fairfax. Dave took us to the NRA gun museum which had a truly enormous collection of weapons, old and new. We also had a lovely walk along a creek about a block from their home. Everything back here is so green and lush. And warm, which we loved coming from all the chilly weather we've been having in Utah.



On Thursday we loaded up our big rental Mercury Marquis with the five us (plus luggage and stroller) and headed to Williamsburg. We stayed in the Williamsburg Lodge, right next to the restored village. This allowed for naps at the hotel and even for a nightime stroll through the village after all the tourists had left.

Doesn't Dad look great in his new three-cornered hat?!

My favorite part: At 3:30 costumed performers started mingling casually with the tourists, telling about how unhappy they were with the stamp tax. Gradually we were drawn into a full out dramatization of the village's role in the build-up to the declaration of independence. Here some American patriots are confronting the Governor. Actors portrayed people who were both for and against the revolution; it helped me to understand what a difficult decision it was to choose revolt. We also heard the stories of Black slaves, who were told they would recieve their freedom if they helped the British. The presentation closed with a reading of the declaration of independence, started by an official from the balcony of the House of Burgesses, but then each of characters took up the reading, contributing a sentence or two each, showing how everyone was impacted by the Declaration.


Friday we spent the morning at Williamsburg (hearing "Patrick Henry" give a speech about the revolution, and touring the Governor's Mansion). Then we drove back to Fairfax, where we met the Dunns!

They had just returned from their trip to Europe and had a day before their flight home to San Antonio. We had a great time together! Olin and Lizzie were very cute together.

Friday night we had pizza at Dave's and chatted after Lizzie and Henry sacked out on the couch. They were so tired after all their travels!

Saturday morning we had breakfast at a pancake house, and then the Dunn's left for the airport.



Then Dad and I went with Dave and Margaret and Olin to see their new townhouse. I don't believe it, but I forgot to take photos. It is in a lovely development filled with huge leafy trees, lots of green space, and red brick homes. Margaret's brother lives just through the block from their new place. There's a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground just across the street. The house is light and open, with hardwood floors and granite counters. There are two bedrooms and a large bath on the second floor, a nice living room, dining room, and kitchen on the main floor, and a rec room, bathroom, and study in the basement. I think they are going to love living there.


Saturday afternoon we went out to the Bull Run /Manassas Battlefield Historical Park. We heard a fascinating ranger talk about that disastrous battle, the first of the Civil War. Both sides went into the battle expecting to win it easily and end the war. After the battle, 3000 were dead and both North and South realized this war would not be over soon.

In this photo you can see what a happy traveler Olin is. He is able to hold a sippy cup of milk in his teeth, freeing his hands to hold cars!

Sunday we went to Dave's ward and really enjoyed getting to meet the good people there. Everyone was sad that Dave and Margaret will be leaving soon.




On Monday, Memorial Day, Dave had a bit of cold, so Margaret and Olin went with us to the Chesapeke and Ohio Canal boats. This an Historical Park that recreates the canal boat experience of the 19th century. In the canal's heyday hundreds of these boats plied the canals, carrying heavy loads of coal and other goods. Mules pulled the boats along the shore, often led by the children of the boat owners. This boat was pulled by two mules, harnessed together, front to back so they could go single file along the tow path.

In the evening, we all went out to dinner. Olin loves it when a clerk or server makes a happy face on the receipt. As soon as our waitress came to the table he started asking "happy? happy?" When we explained what we was talking about, our kind waitress went off and returned shortly with this extra-beautiful "happy." Olin was very pleased indeed!

Wonderful Mother's Day

Just wanted to share a little of my wonderful mother's day. Paul, Mark, and I went up to Sandy in time to go to church with the Lymans. Having Mark come along for the whole day was a special treat; we had thought he would just come up for dinner. It was so fun to be together in church with Emily, Jared, and the children. Sam and Eden sang "I Often Go Walking" and "I Know a Name" with all the primary children. We loved it!

Then we went home for pizza and quiet time and visiting. Around dinner time John and Jean Lyman came and we all enjoyed a yummy ham dinner. After dinner Jean and I played Sorry with Sam, and we all visited. It was such a lovely day.

Adding to the joy were calls from Anna, Dave, and Mary. Wish we could all be together, but phone calls help a lot.

Everyone gave me great gifts. Here's a slide show/movie that the Dunns put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8AKXRnqAEs&feature=youtube_gdata

Finch Cousin Fest

My brother Richard Finch and his wife Judy were in town this week. We had such a good time. One great event was meeting up with a bunch of our Finch cousins for lunch. Here we all are together, with Aunt Kathryn.


Here is my uncle George's son Jim with his wife Evelyn. With them is George's daughter, Barbara Ann Beck. They are listening to Richard tell the story of his trip to Åfghanistan

Here is my Aunt Kathryn's daughter Amy, with Judy and Richard.

Here is Aunt Kathryn. Amy drove Kathryn all the way down from Bountiful. It was so good of her. Kathryn is my father's youngest sister, the last one living of the siblings.


Here's my sister Kay and our cousin Judy Woodhouse. Don't they look alike? Judy is George's daughter.
Here is our cousin Susan, Kathryn's other daughter. She came down from Midway, where she lives.
And here we all are around the table at Magleby's in Spanish Fork. All of George's children live in Spanish Fork.

Arches in April

On Wednesday night, I finished my grading and turned in my grades. Thursday morning, April 28, Paul and I drove off for a quick getaway to Moab. We first drove into the stunning beauty of Arches National Park.


Here we are in front of Landscape arch. A lovely gentleman from the Netherlands snapped this shot and I think it turned out great.


Later we walked up to the Windows arches. It was such a gorgeous blue-sky day.

All our kids will fondly remember this warning!

Friday we headed out to Canyonlands National Park. Though we have been to Arches almost every year, we have never been to the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands. It is gorgeous--wonderful panoramas on every side.


Here I am, exhausted after hiking up to the Dome Overlook. The hike was so worth it!


Paul and his camera!

Gorgeous view through Mesa Arch. This view is obscured until you get right up to the arch, then wham! It knocks your socks off.



Paul and I at the Dome Overlook. A nice girl from France (I think) took this one.




Paul at the Dome. We noticed everyone we met on the trail had big grins on their faces. So did we.




Amazing view from the Grand View Point, at the end of the park's drive.


A little desert flora and fauna!


Friday when we tried to find a room for the night, we learned Moab was hosting a huge car show and almost every motel was full. We finally found a room (and collapsed in exhaustion after all our hiking!)

Saturday morning we decided to go check out this car show, and boy was it fun. Lots of shiny, loving restored vehicles--model Ts, Roadsters, corvettes, woodys, cobras. You name it! There wasn't one Dodge Dart or Rambler Station Wagon. I guess no one wants to restore those stalwart family vehicles! So fun to see all the beautiful cars, and to see all the proud owners polishing off the stray piece of dust and showing off their masterpieces.

It was a good ending to a happy vacation.