March Madness!

Yet another reason to love March. The list is infinite. And this guy called Jimmer-- wow. He was sure impressive last night.

Some photos from the BYU vs. Utah game earlier this semester (we won):

My roommate Natalie, our neighbor Ali, and myself

Ran into my friends AJ and Nate from MUN. Go team.

So. Many. People.

Almost there...

Oh of course. the Creamery "Blimp." :)

GO COUGARS!!

Storybook Winter Evening

I know I complain about the erratic Utah weather, but sometimes I am pleased to eat my words. :) Last Thursday night was one of those times. I was in the kitchen making cookies (circa 6 PM) when I noticed the most stunning winter horizon I have ever seen. Ever. I hated the blizzard we battled earlier that day, but this sky was sure worth it.

Some snapshots:

I wish that winter dusk could be with me forever. It was truly beautiful.

The Prodigal Son

I got this image HERE.

Well, last week my D&C class visited the MOA (like I mentioned in last week's post) in lieu of regular lecture. Besides the general point that I believe art often testifies of Christ, I really appreciated a painting of the prodigal son-- a story from the new Testament. In this depiction, I noticed many elements that demonstrated the father's forgiveness. He steps down to the base of the stairs, he reaches for and clings to his stripped son, who can't even look into his father's eyes. But the father is so willing-- even wanting-- to accept his son back into his home and into his kingdom. He loves him. I know that this is how our Heavenly Father feels about us. We may be spotted, stained, stripped; he will help us become clean, through our Savior Jesus Christ. If we ever doubt the power of God to forgive our sins, besides praying for that testimony, we should think about this story and others in the scriptures. Heavenly Father is merciful and forgiving. EVERYONE who feels godly sorrow and has a change of heart is invited back onto the path that leads to eternal life. We're all headed home. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father-- for his compassion, love, and mercy. I only comprehend a small portion of his love for me, but that which I understand is very, very great. It is beautiful, and it gives us cause to rejoice!

James Weldon Johnson wrote a fantastic poem about the prodigal son. It basically recounts the story, but with rhythm. If you're into poetry (or are an English Major like me :) ) I suggest checking it out. Read it at: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=179017.

All Things Testify of Christ

This blog will focus on revelation recorded in the Joseph Smith Papers on the 27th and 28th of December, 1832 (D&C 88). Most of us are familiar with this beautiful section~ it contains many verses that are frequently quoted and is especially known for detailing the three degrees of glory, as well as the second coming of Christ. The range of doctrine discussed is also quite large, and for this reason I want to focus on something that I have thought about frequently as of late, and that is the way that "all things testify of Christ." Because they do. Everything does. I know for me it's easy to get preoccupied, hyper-focused, or just plain apathetic, and I lose my sense of awareness and sensitivity to things lovely and things spiritual. But when I do pay attention (and even sometimes when I don't), I notice that everything does testify of Christ. So, I am going to reflect on a few of the places I noticed his spirit throughout my day today (March 3, 2010):

1) I walked out of my apartment at 9:40 AM and immediately noticed the marshmallow-like cumulus clouds hugging a bright blue sky. What a beautiful day! Christ created this earth; everything beautiful in nature is a manifestation of his hand, and his spirit.

2) My Honors D&C class (that's the class I write these blogs for) toured the MOA; particularly, the current religious exhibit. As we studied different works of art, ranging in topic/subject from the idea that Christ is the bread of life to a woman mourning his death to the prodigal son to the resurrection. As a humanities department major, and as a life-long lover of music, I think I have always been sensitive to the way art, music, and literature testifies of Christ.

3) A really kind friend went out of their way to make me feel special and feel loved. I knew she was acting in Christ's behalf, and I felt his spirit working through her to help me be happy.

Many other elements of my day testified of Christ, but these three immediately came to mind. He is all around us, working through the influence of the Holy Ghost and, of course, through the light and love of Christ. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Lord-- the Redeemer of all mankind.

D&C 88 explains that he is coming again, and he is. He will come. He's coming soon. His gospel is true, and is fully in force on the earth today. The gospel has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. This is truly good news! To learn more about his gospel, visit http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/.

When Christ comes, we will have cause to rejoice. I noticed a painting in the MOA that seemed to capture the spirit of that celebration, but perhaps in a less than obvious way. This painting struck me; it pulled at my heart and at my curiosity. It's a fascinating depiction of the joy we will feel when our spirits and our bodies reunite:

Brian T. Kershisnik, Resurrecting 2009.
(an article that discusses this painting, as well as others currently featured in the MOA at BYU, can be found HERE)

Lastly, Christ explains in Section 88, as he does in many other passages of scripture, that if we don't have charity, then we don't have anything. Until he comes, he admonishes us to stay near to him through prayer and worship, but even more importantly through service and compassion. This is certainly something I need to improve on everyday, and fortunately for me, Christ set the perfect example. He is real. He knows us. He loves us.

All things testify of Christ.

Think Spring

THINK SPRING.

March is a fabulous month. It really is. Today, Provo is sunny and springy. What a great way to start the month! March is hopeful and reminds me that winter does end. Hallelujah! Long live March! There's so many reasons to love March, especially this year...

a) I turn 20!
b) I get to travel to NYC with the BYU Model United Nation's Team!
c) March Madness!!

And then there's the good stuff happenin' in March every year, such as:

a) Mom's birthday! She's the greatest.
b) It's the official month of Women's History, the Red Cross, Nutrition, and many others!
c) The first day of spring!
d) THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

Hehe. :) Yeah, you could say I love March...