THE FLOATING AXE: Are we missing the message of the miracle?

Most of the record we have of Elisha speaks of the many miracles he performed. One such occurred when he encouraged a young man to reach for the broken axe. While the miracle is fascinating it would not have happened if Elisha had not been a humble follower.

The sons of the prophets explained to Elisha that his way was too restrictive and told him they would go to Jordan to create a more relaxed space where they could live. Elisha told them to go ahead and go. What happens next is the most important part of the miracle of the floating axe. 

The best leaders know when to follow and when Elijah was invited to go with these young men he answered, “I will go.” If Elijah had allowed the authority of his position to get the best of him, if he had not been humble, he would not have been with the sons of the prophets when they needed his help.

Elisha was known to be gentle and affectionate. His heart was open and he was able to recognize that the sons of the prophets needed a different style of teaching/living. We are not all created equal but rather possess different qualities which require a unique set of circumstances. The miracle of floating axed occurred only because the performer of the miracle was humble enough to be where he was needed most.

2 Kings 6
1 And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

HE KNOWS OUR THOUGHTS: It's not a cliche

It is often said that Heavenly Father knows our thoughts and is in the details of our lives. We may think of this as a cliche’ but it was never more real to me than last Sunday morning.

There have been times in my life when I have made a dedicated effort in a daily study routine. Lately I have been slack on my scripture study and gaining greater knowledge and insight into gospel truths.

Last Saturday night I made a conscious choice to watch Netflix instead of spending my leisure time preparing for the Sabbath Day. Just before turning on the TV I said to myself, “I could study and become spiritually prepared for tomorrow or I can sit and watch a mindless movie.” I chose the later. The next morning I woke earlier than usual and faced another decision, “I could read and ponder the scriptures or I could not.” I lay in my bed thinking that I had spent so many years studying and had a firm grip on the scriptures, the lessons, my testimony etc. I choose to take some sense of comfort in my lackadaisical behavior, yet deep in my soul I did not feel confident about my choice.

I was ready for church a few minutes before Ra. While I waited I decided to pick up my bible with the hope of read something quick that would prepare me to take the Sacrament. I literally had minutes before leaving the house. I sat down and, as we do so often, let the scriptures open at will. I read the first five verses of Hebrews 2. Clearly I was being reprimanded for choosing less important activities. The advice was to give “more earnest heed” to the directive to study with the intent to gain greater knowledge and connect more deeply to truth.

I have carried this brief but pointed experience with me through the week. I have examined inspiration during prayer and been cognisant of my time. I am keenly aware that I must use my time more wisely by balancing moments of work, leisure and study. Verse four helped me to realize that I have been gifted with capabilities and I have a responsibility to share the inspiration I have received. Thus, I will also make a greater effort to respond to promptings that implore me to reach out and share with others.

This experience has solidified for me the cliche that is constantly spoken, “He knows our thoughts.” I had heard the words so often and thought I knew the truth of the statement. But it was never more real to me than it was last Sunday morning. The love I have for Heavenly Father and my Savior must be the guiding force which prompts me to action.

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

The things we think we know will slip away when we choose a less committed lifestyle.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

How shall I escape if I neglect the word of God or the experience of Prophets and Apostles and written in scripture? Salvation comes by practical application of knowledge. How do I gain useful knowledge if I do not study truth?

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Heavenly Father has chosen people to speak on His behalf. He has performed miracles and opened their hearts and minds to eternal laws, principles and truths. He has done this through the power of the Holy Ghost and done so at His own will. Heavenly Father uses His children for the purpose of growth. Not only the growth of the individual who received the knowledge, but also the growth of others as that knowledge is shared in spoken and/or written word. It is not our place to judge the messenger. Instead we must feel the truth which lies in the message.

5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

We are subject to angels who once lived and sacrificed their lives for the truths that were shared. They had the courage to speak and then to write, we must have the courage to exercise faith and a willingness to “heed the things we have heard”

A JOURNEY ON SELF RELIANCE

I've recently completed a 12-week course of Self Reliance: Starting and Growing a Business. Most of my classmates either had a business or had a solid idea for a business. I've been on the fence with the a business idea. Mostly all I know about my business is that it should be called EarthRest. That's a story for another post.

Coming to the end of the class we are all required to give a short presentation on how the class has helped. This is the presentation I have prepared:


Final presentation for Self Reliance class

The final words of Steve Jobs -
“I have come to the pinnacle of success in business. In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success. However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed. At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death. In the dark, when I look at the green lights of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me. Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth. It should be something more important: For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood. No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me. God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me. I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love. This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, He will give strength and light to go ahead. Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands. What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed. If you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take the illness that is killing you. Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life. Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls. Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbors.”

I have appreciated so much the journey of this Self-Reliant Class: Starting and Growing a Business. The foundation principles have been the best part of the study and are the principles upon which Steve Jobs did not build his Apple empire. We can avoid the regretful statement: “Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth” by partnering the spiritual and practical principles we have learned in this class.

Care for Self and Others - An abundant life means we can take care of ourselves and our neighbors. This gives new meaning to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Faith - Having faith to take the first step creates power and self-confidence.

Money Management - Paying tithing helps us to be mindful of a budget that is strictly adhered to.

Repentance and Obedience - In order to receive blessings we need to recognize what we must change and how we should obey so that the Lord can give us the righteous desire of our hearts.

Wise use of time - means creating a task list inspired by the Lord. What we accomplish each day can be determined in our morning prayer.

Persistent, hard work - Elder Christofferson said, “Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God.”

Problem Solving - The Lord’s house is a house of order. Problems can be solved when things are clear and precise.

Seek learning and then convert that knowledge to wisdom and remember that inspiration from God is an expression of total wisdom.

Show integrity - By living with integrity we are choosing to be Godlike. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that “the consummate reward of integrity is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

Careful communication builds lasting relationships.

Temple Covenants give us the strength to keep going. Knowing their time in Nauvoo was short the early latter day saints built a temple and made temple covenants. It was these covenants which gave them the strength to endure the challenges of the trek.

At the end of his life the money didn’t matter. His final words of advice were not based on principles of business, they were based on principles of love.

“God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me. I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love. This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, He will give strength and light to go ahead.”

THE LESSONS OF LIFE

Karamea called at the beginning of the week with a problem. I listened to her emotion for a while then asked her to explain the facts of the situation. Once we had removed the emotion she was able to think clearly. I gave her a few options and a bit of advice, expressed my love and confidence and hung up the phone.

I thought about this for the remainder of the day and recognized the analogy of me as a parent and our Father in Heaven as a parent.

How often do we fall to our knees and ask Father in Heaven to lift our burdens, to fix our problems, to make all things right in the world. Most of the challenges we deal with are created by human error. Either a choice we have made or a choice someone else has made that has a negative effect on our lives.

I expect Heavenly Father would like to protect us from our human existence just as I would like to have taken the burden from Karamea. But what do we learn in the process. Without the suffering we cannot grow. There are lessons that come with our choices and with living the life we are here to live.

ENCOMPASSED ABOUT BY A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews Paul recounts for us stories of faith from the Old Testament. Beginning with the faith of Abel and moving chronologically through history he mentions men and women who used faith as a guiding force in their lives. In my reading of these verses I attach myself to the stories and envision the struggle each one had in dealing with challenges of life. These were people who relied on the Lord, walking by faith who did not crumble as the battle became almost unbearable. At the end of chapter eleven I reflect on my ancestors, their struggles and sacrifices. I am grateful for their commitment and for the strength of their faith. But the best part about chapter eleven is the beginning of chapter 12.

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

I am encompassed about by a "great cloud of witnesses", my ancestors cheering me on. As I run this race they run beside me and when I am weak they're faith gives me strength. I may lay the weight down and use their faith to beat the sin that does so "easily best" me. And I can run with patience as long as my eye is single to He finished first, my Savior Jesus Christ.

We prepare for our future not by looking ahead but instead by looking back. I learn from my ancestors. I gather strength from their stories. Faith of my fathers, faith of my mothers, those stories carry me across the finish line and into the embrace of those who have loved me through the years.

I am grateful to have been guided here to read this  passage of scripture today and I am grateful that I could feel the Holy Ghost speak peace to my soul as I embrace these words to be truth.

The Essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Reference talk by Jeffrey R Holland in October 2012 Conference - The First Great Commandment

The life altering journey of the disciples began with instruction on where to place the net in order to productive. Jesus finds the discouraged fisherman on the shoreline and tells them to launch the boat out into the deep and cast their net. We read in Luke 5:5 that Simon Peter is a bit frustrated by  this suggestion, “Master, we have toiled all the night and taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Following the guidance of Jesus they caught many fish, felt the spirit of a miraculous event and were filled with humility. Verse 8 goes on to tell us that in Peter’s emotional unworthiness he fell down at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man.” And in verse 11 we learn that they anchored the ship at the shore, left it and followed the Savior.

Jesus explained many times that he would not always be with them. Elder Holland explains, “they either could not or would not comprehend such a wrenching thought.” He references Mark chapter 9 verses 31 and 32 - “for he said unto them, The son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

How often are we afraid to know truth and decide that we are more comfortable now knowing?

The disciples spent three glorious years with the Savior until his crucifixion. Once resurrected and physically gone from their presence the disciples were at a loss, “what do we do now” was the question they asked Peter.

Today I ask you to reflect on a life changing experience - giving birth to and raising children, a family vacation, a special event that you coordinated, a service project, pursuit of higher education. Do not think just of the vantage point of that event but ponder instead on the journey. What did you experience along the path and how were you changed by that experience?

I began the pursuit of my degree in August of 2011. While each individual has their reasons for attaining a degree my reason in the beginning was simply to satisfy my employer. It wasn’t long before I recognized that gaining knowledge is a spiritual experience and that what I am learning now I get to keep forever. This journey has been filled with life altering conviction and given me new insight into important truths. I am halfway into this journey and now I see the other end of the tunnel. Friends will often ask, “what are you going to do once you have your degree?”

This question is similar to that of the disciples, “what do we do now?”

Towards the end of his talk Elder Holland explains, “After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is to be as it was before. We can’t quit and we can’t go back.” The essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to love. The world in which we live was created for us by a loving father in Heaven. LOVE is in everything and LOVE must be at the foundation of everything we do.  In reflection of your life altering experience consider the significance of the passion that energized you, apply what you learned along the way and then recognize that those moments are customized just for you. Love from a Father in Heaven who sees your potential and asks only that you love Him back. And this was essentially what he asked of Peter on that day. “Peter, do you LOVE me?”  

THE KENA UPANISHAD - HINDUISM

From the Kena Upanishad or kenopanishad:

Not that which the eye can see, but that whereby the eye can see: know that to be Brahman the eternal, and not what people here adore;

Not that which the ear can hear, but that whereby the ear can hear: know that to be Brahman the eternal, and not what people here adore;

Not that which speech can illuminate, but that by which speech can be illuminated: know that to be Brahman the eternal, and not what people here adore;

Not that which the mind can think, but that whereby the mind can think: know that to be Brahman the eternal, and not what people here adore.

The One Power that illumines everything and everyone is indivisible. It is the Ear behind the ears, Mind behind the mind, Speech behind speech, Vital Life behind life. The ears cannot hear it; it is what makes the ears hear. The eyes cannot see it; it is what makes the eyes see. You cannot speak about it; it is what makes you speak. The mind cannot imagine it; it is what makes the mind think. It is different from what all we know; yet it is not known either. Those who feel they know Him know Him not. Those who know that anything amenable to the senses is not Brahman, they know it best. When it is known as the innermost witness of all cognitions, whether sensation, perception or thought, then it is known. One who knows thus reaches immortality.

Kena is Sanskrit meaning “by whom”.

Sedona Captured A Piece of My Heart

Bell Rock Vortex

 Auntie wanted so much to feel the vortex of Sedona. I was somewhat skeptical of these vortexes. When we met with Joseph he told us the vortex is within. I feel like that is more true than actually having to stand in one certain place to feel the vortex. Joseph said we can create a vortex no matter where we are. We just have to know how to create the energy. Despite all of that we drove down to the Bell Rock Vortex.

When we arrived at the trailhead we looked all around to find information about the time or distance to the vortex but there was nothing. Auntie walked for a bit then got tired and went back to the car. I walked to the base of the bell and found a quiet place to sit. I looked up at the cliffs then bowed my head and closed my eyes. The song of the birds filled my mind as I thanked Father in Heaven for the beauty around me. When I opened my eyes I saw this piece of the bell. I could see the birds flying in and around the crevices. One final beautiful moment before leaving Sedona.

The drive home was peaceful as Auntie played Pride and Prejudice. I am a visual person so the words coming at me did not keep my attention. Instead my thoughts wandered in and around the experience of the past few days. Peace consumes my being.

And then Karamea called. She needs to go to Sedona.

A Day of History

Jerome, Arizona

We had hopped to get on the Verde Valley train and enjoy four hours of back country beauty but we didn't make a reservation ahead of time and when the concierge called they were all booked up. My attitude was that if it wasn't available then it wasn't meant to be and we would find something else to do. I headed back to the room and looked online for something to do in Jerome. I Tours of Jerome. We slipped in at the last minute and were picked up at the hotel at 10:00am.

There were two other people on the tour. We made a few stops along the way and as we drove the driver explained many things to us. It was wonderfully historical and I was happy to view the scenery without having to watch the road.

Jerome is a vertical mining town built into the mountains. In 1953 there was 15,000 people living there and two years later only 42. More than 5,000 people were sent 1,900 feet into the ground to mine copper each day. The equipment was heavy and would have been debilitating if not used properly. According to the tour guide, accidents happened regularly and many people were brutally injured or killed. All in the name of copper and money.

The people on this journey, Paul and Joan from Wisconsin. We ate lunch with them. Paul is a large animal vet who now works with organic medicines. We learned so much from him. It was an engaging conversation. The other person on this journey, the driver, a filmmaker...imagine that. He moved to Sedona because of the film school. His film is still in the works. Of course of talked to him about DOCUTAH!

Speaking of film, there was the most amazing camera perched in front of a store in Jerome. I was captured the moment we drove by it and ran back to take a photo as soon as lunch was over.

Auntie was exhausted when we returned to the room. She slept and I relaxed by the pool. We then took a drive up to the Airport Vortex where the view is absolutely captivating. Then went to see a Quartet, a movie Auntie was anxious to see.

In between all of this I had a skype conversation with Asa. LOVE across the miles. He is happy and misses us. He does not want to come home but would rather we all join him there. I am so thrilled that he has found peace in the homeland of his ancestors.

Another brilliant day of goodness and joy. All orchestrated by the Heavens above.

EXTRAORDINARY

Out of Africa

The day began with a short drive to Camp Verde where the animal sanctuary Out of Africa is located. We arrived early in the day and scheduled a Uni-Mog tour. This tour takes us into the park where we can experience the animals up close and personal. People ride in the vehicles and animals walk freely about the landscape. My ultimate goal was to kiss a giraffe...I did this...and it was completely exhilarating. I felt harmony of the universe and recognized that the animals and happy, loved and well cared for. This is the message on their website -

As we attend to each animal’s daily food and husbandry requirements, and to their holistic health and medical needs, we experience with gratitude and friendship — their appreciation of us. We consider their social orders, their natural beauty and essence, their sense of feeling safe and secure, their eternal spirituality, and our communion with them as a common community of life. Our commitment to the animals in our care allows them to portray their instincts, intelligence, and emotions. Wisdom is served by learning the integrity of their world, their honesty, their vitality, and their life-on-the-line reality. Their wealth is a life well spent. They thrive by living in the “now,” focusing their attention, their power, their affection in acute awareness of life itself. By cooperating with them and their needs, our human family can, to an appreciable extent, integrate with theirs. Our loyalty rewards us with self-respect and self-fulfillment, for we have become something greater than ourselves — and so have they. God is pleased.

Poolside

We came back to the room to relax. While Auntie rested I went down to the pool to read. The weather was absolutely perfect. Temps around 80 degrees, no wind. I lounged for an hour and was never uncomfortably hot. I snapchatted with Asa and read an essay in Mormon Women Speak about a woman was overwhelmed with all the tasks she was expected to perform as a young mother with a husband and church calling. I will be able to use this essay for my twelve page English paper. 

Magical

Auntie wanted to experience the energy of the vortex while in Sedona so we asked the concierge what he recommended. He scheduled an appointment with a Joseph Whitewolf, a Native American Shaman. Mr. Whitewolf picked us up at the hotel. Our first stop was an overlook where we could view the vista of the valley.

We stood looking at Thunder Mountain and it's majesty and Joe said to us. Take a look and then tell me in one word what you see. My word was magical.  Joseph asked me what my definition of that word was. I said, "to appear and disappear in awe and amazement." This is the word I would also use to describe the two hours we spent with Mr Joseph Whitewolf.

Joseph explained that my word was a description of what was within me. Then he spoke of expressing gratitude through actions, thoughts and words. He used the example of putting away our shoes and thanking them for carrying us throughout the day. And also making the bed and expressing gratitude for a good nights rest. Then he talked about the moon and it's reflection of light and explained how the light of the moon connects to the soul. He said, "people suntan during the day to enhance the beauty of the skin. We should moon tan at night to enhance the soul." 

We drove to another location and walked up to the medicine wheel. This wheel is located just beyond The Amitabha Stupa Buddhist Temple. As we walked I felt the energy around me and took delight in the prayer flags hanging along the path. Once at the medicine wheel I took in the beauty around me. To the west a mountain with a chimney stacking pointing straight to Heaven. Joseph explained the wheel then performed a ceremony for each of us.

I entered the wheel and stood in the center. He explained that during the ceremony I should be selfish and greedy and receive the love of mother earth. This was about me and no one else. "Are you ready?" I wasn't. I told him it is difficult for me to be selfish and greedy. I live my life for others. "Not this time," Joseph replied. "This time it is about you. Mother Earth is going to reach up and wrap her arms around you. Don't think." That was the most important thing he said...don't think. Thinking consumes me. He placed a blanket on the ground, I sat and he proceeded.

I emptied my mind, opened my root chakra and felt the earth beneath me. I felt energy move through me from one chakra to the next. Love and light filled my being and tears trickled down my skin. Peace. Beauty. Quiet. Joy. 

Joseph sat next to me and explained that while while circling the wheel with his drum he saw a grasshopper in the east quatrant. This is the circle of new beginnings. He said that I was about to embark on a new journey and grasshopper is there to help me let go of the fear. 

Joseph then performed the ceremony for Auntie. While we were both there at the same time it was a completely different experience for her. He received visions and heard the Raven speak for her. While we were both there at the same time the experience was unique and individual.

This was an unforgettable day.