Grave Gifts

I often join the many people thinking and pondering the birth of Christ this time each year. With Christmas coming up and all of the wonderful carols sing through the day, it is easy to think on that little seen of such humble beginnings.

One of the songs speak of the 3 wise men from the east, and my thoughts ponder on their choice of gifts. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Each a richly gift of great value, but I think there is an underlying reason for these particular gifts.

Then it hits me… The Wiseman were preparing that little babe for the day he would die, the day he would bring about the atonement. They were preparing Jesus for the grave. See, Gold would be needed to purchase a tomb, and frankincense and myrrh (in the form of oil) were used for funeral preparation, it was how a body would be preserved in that day (like embalming as it were).  Of course I could be way off the mark here, but that is something to ponder over. When I look at it that way, I can see just how very wise these men were. 

God bless us all,

Ditchu

The Fight

Last night The Fight happened. If you’re married you know the one I am talking about. There I was thinking I was in the right being attacked somewhat, so I responded harshly with my Wife who was just trying to offer me a little help and share her concern for me.
I should have seen it happening, my reaction to the situation was like the pushing of the big red button…. Boom, I had nuclear war in my living room.

The biggest stink about it: was that I was totally to blame, it was totally my fault. I had created a situation that stressed me out, someone was trying to help and I offended her out of pride and selfishness.

My wife was about done with a discussion we were having (about my health) and she asked me if I understood what was in a report full of medical shorthand. My big fat mouth spewed the words, “Of course I understand it… I not stupid you know!” That’s when the Fight started.

An hour and 20 minutes later we calmed down and she reminded me that as the priesthood leader of the family it was my responsibility, my duty, to look after the spiritual wellbeing of home and all who dell there, and to promote peace.
She was right, and the fact that I had failed in this pursuit, was the biggest blow of all.
If it were Nuclear War in the preceding hour, this was like a comet to my bloated head, crushing my ego, and blasting apart my pride. She was so right. I was so wrapped in my own worries, and selfish wants, that I neglected my duty and Family.

Sometimes out of war we find peace. In peace we can examine truth, and in examining truth we may find humility and honesty.
Pride never brought about peace, at least not without war first.

For the Cause of Freedom

This Fourth of July many americans will Celebrate the Freedoms this great Country (United States of America) has won. But we must remember there is a price for Freedom. The Freedoms we enjoy in the US have been baught by the suffering and much blood of our armed fources. Even before this Country stood united against our oppressors, the caos of life and blood had started to be paid, but as things go it seems we must every once in a while pay again and again with fresh blood to maintain our freedom from those tryants of fear, currently we consider Terrorists.

Here is an uplifting video about the freedoms we do have (however, not about what they cost):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkTKQsYWBxc

What Freedoms are you Thankful for?

As there has been much purchased by the spilling of our dear blood, we still have not as a country purchased the true measure of Freedom. There is still fear and injustice without mercy dwelling amoung us. But there is Hope…

The true measure of Freedom has been purchased. It is not resurved for citizens of any one country, or of any certian race, social class, or creedo. The true measure of freedom has been purchased for any and all who choose to accept it.

Here is a short video to help explain how the true measure of Freedom was purchased for us:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlc5RvmWN4s

This 4th I will Celebrate Freedom, and always be joyus for the Cause of Freedom.

God Bless,
Ditchu

“Milk before Meat” – cut your teeth on this meat of the Gospel

I have heard many complain and argue with the LDS Philosophy of Milk before Meat when teaching of Gospel and spiritual things. Many just do not understand what is meant by Meat.

I look at it this way. The simple essentials of the Gospel can be taught rather quickly and bring someone to the understanding of Salvation and Exaltation. From this understanding one can choose to live in accordance to these principals or decide to turn from Christ.

So far this is just Milk.

For evangelical Christians and others that have issue with the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints philosophy of exaltation, I ask a few simple questions so that I can understand their point of view and help them to understand mine.

1. What is “Salvation” to you?
2. How does one obtain “Salvation,” or how is one brought to the point that they are considered “Saved?”
3. Ok, let’s say you are saved… Now what?
4. Do you continue to grow in Christ after you are considered “Saved?”

Anything beyond the essential principals of the Gospel is “Meat.”

“Meat” supports the principals and helps us continue in our progression beyond our spiritual infancy. As at one time my boy could not digest anything beyond Milk, we were spiritually at a point that we would not take to anything more than Spiritual Milk. Like my boy, he still young, is starting to eat meat and veggies in his diet, so we must include spiritual meat in our Spiritual Diet, when we are at an spiritual maturity to accept such understandings.

 

As an example of Spiritual Meat, I offer a link to a talk. Listen to Elder Bednar, and see what is really meant as Meat. See how it fits in and supports the Principals of the Gospel.  After you have received this understanding you may wonder What in the “Meat” is so offensive and contrary to the teachings of these other Christians that would cry foul to the LDS Philosophy of “Milk before Meat?”

http://lds.org/broadcast/ces/0,7341,538,00.html

 

God bless each and every one of you,

Ditchu 2009

Memorial Day: Day of Remembrance

As it was, Decoration Day was a day to clean up and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. A day we give them honor and respect for the duty they preformed. Now as Memorial Day we not only recognize the fallen in combat but all who have served in out nations need as defenders of our constitution. When we see the white stone markers in our national cemetery, visit the grave site of the soldiers we knew, or fly the flag in honor of them we have the solemn reminder that freedom is not free. Often the price of freedom is not paid in gold but blood and the cost far exceeds the wealth of nations.

I take this year and remember our dead and as a Christian I know they will not remain in that state. Jesus Christ paved the way to eternal life, and has given the promise of the resurrection for everyone. Freedom is never Free, Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for each and every one of us. It was a price that we for ourselves could never completely pay. With his perfect life, he submitted to the cruelty of the very people he offered forgiveness for, and with his suffering, Death and resurrection, we can now accept the Gift of Freedom. We can be free of our sins.

God Bless you all.

My gratitude also goes out to all of you who have served our country, by being a guardian of our constitution (and our freedom) or by allowing your family member to take this precious position. God bless you and I pray for the day of peace that you all are still safe. God has truly blessed America, let’s hold on to our freedoms… For there is always a dire price to pay to get them in the first place, and there seems to be a timely remittance of that cost to protect and keep them.

Thank you, and God bless and keep you safe,

Ditchu

Dad – Three little letters…one heavy word.

I am a relatively new father.  Although my child is less than 18 months old,  I’d say I have about 2 years of experience, as that is when started making changes for the new addition to our family.

In pondering over the impact upon my life the little bundle has brought, I sometimes feel humbled and honored to be a father.  But mostly, I feel, overwhelmed at the majesty Heavenly Father is showing through the intricate fabric that makes up a person.

In my humility I often wonder if I am the right choice to be “Father,” or “Dadda” as my son calls me.  I look at the year behind me now and see missed opportunities and small lessons poorly taught, but also there are some soft moments, quiet in their unpredictable way that shine as momentous  occasions of perfection in our relationship. Dad and son on a spontaneous walk in the morning sun, The Guys hanging out, or the small restful times in the middle of the night,  bottle held tightly between a gaping smile as my boy breaks from his slurping just to see if I’m still watching him.  Minute moments that I would not trade for anything.

I wonder if I had these times with my Dad, and then I think of the times I can remember: From the lectures correcting my ill-behavior, to special trips, to family outings to the woods, it goes on and on, but with each I can see something I learned from my Dad.  I think that is part of the core of a father or dad, to teach.  Even if we do not actively try to teach some lesson, our actions are there to do it for us… if we want that lesson taught or not.

I wonder what lessons my actions will teach. What can I teach my son?   What lessons can I promote and be active about? What should I as Dad be teaching?

This leads me to the question of this Post:

Dads: What good things do/did you teach you children?

All: What is the best thing your father/dad taught you?

What are some of the best things a dad could teach their kid?

 

God bless you all,

Ditchu  April 2009

 

I saw this post and as it relates I just had to add this Link:

http://markivor.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/a-real-man/

I urge any man (not just Dads) to follow this link and watch the video.

 

God bless you all,

Ditchu June 2009

Hello Again!

I bounced back into this BLOG but I still do not know how much Time I will devote to it… Probably only during Breaks at Work I will check in but I hope to offer a free discussion enviroment without offence, thus I still will not tollerate direct attacks on people, their religion or creed, their race, culture, or well most any attack will be delt with. Also I have no tollarance to the use of foul language so please refrain from it’s use…

Hi, ya’ll!