NOTES FROM STONEHILL

NEW BLOG

2011-08-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have set up a new blog for my study journal and it seems to be working. For all future entries, go to www.dadsstudyjournal.blogspot.com. I won't be posting on this site any more.

Dad

Atonement

2011-08-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

While reading the Book of Mormon in the temple last December, I felt the Spirit in a particularly strong manner. I was assigned to the recommend desk which lends itself to some reading and meditation. I opened to Mosiah 18 in my guided meanderings and read the last part of the second verse which came to me with great spiritual force. I noted that Alma, in a single sentence listed the five necessary elements of the atonement at least as to the Savior's role:
1. The power, 2. The sufferings (plural), 3. The death, 4. The resurrection, 5. The ascension of Christ.

No one of these elements were adequate for the completion of the redemption. The missing element is what I must do for my own redemption.

Look at each element individually:

1. Power. My impression is that at Gethsemane and Calvary, He did not yet have all power given unto him. He did have power to perform miracles and forgive sins. He even had the power to lay down his life and to take it up again (John 10:17-18). On the cross he knew when the time was right and he shouted with a loud voice, "It is finished." "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit," and he gave up the ghost. On the third day he was resurrected. With that power, why couldn't he just lie down and die, then three days later rise again and skip all the rest of it? Obviously, even with all that power, power, in itself was not enough.

2. Sufferings. Some have assumed that he suffered on Gethsemane because he knew his death was imminent. Yet we know he did not fear death; even as painful as death on a cross. Many people died on crosses, but they did not agonize over it to the point of bleeding from every pore.

His suffering was sufficient to pay for all our sins, pains sorrows, sicknesses and infirmities that we may be made whole if we would repent (Alma 7:11). It was suffering so great that it caused Christ, the greatest of all, to suffer both body and spirit. Pain that would be beyond anything we would ever have the capacity to endure as mortals (D&C 19:15-20). We note that the term in this verse is plural. I think both because what he endured was infinite and for all of mankind and because it was suffered both on Gethsemane and again on the cross.

3. Death. Elijah, Moses, John and the Three Nephites were transfigured rather than tasting death. Christ was transfigured before Peter, James and John, but chose to return to his mortal state and die. He had power to lay down his life and to take it up again, yet he chose to allow one the most ignominious methods of death. Death on the cross which was preceded by sham trials, scourging, humiliation, physical deprivation and exertion. He was affixed to the cross by spikes driven through his hands, wrists, and feet where the nervous systems converge to result in maximum pain and a slow, tortuous death. He was not alone in this as all who were crucified died in a similar manner. The point is that he could have avoided it, but chose not to. Why, we do not know entirely. We know that it was prophesied that his hands would be pierced. He prophesied in the book of John that he would be crucified. It was a very public event, so there were many witnesses to his death. It exacerbated suffering that began in Gethsemane. But in the end we only know that it was necessary.

But power, sufferings, and death were not enough to redeem mankind. "My God, my God why hast Thou forsaken me?" The climax of his suffering - he had to "...tread the wine press alone..." "It is finished." And death came as he allowed his Godliness to finally give way to his humanness and his heart literally broke as the necessary conclusion to the final sacrifice.

4. Resurrection. Having descended below all things through his sufferings and death, the resurrection was the necessary next step. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." I Cor. 15:22 The transgression of Adam and Eve allowed for bodies to become mortal with our spirits to inhabit them, but they are subject to corruption and death. Prior to the fall there was no sickness, no injury, no aging, no sin and no death. The fullness of the atonement, the resurrection, redeemed mankind from all those maladies upon condition of our repentance and submission to the will of God.

Our own resurrection will result from that of Christ. Our corruptible bodies will be transformed in an incorruptible form. I Cor. 15:42

Our sins produce the separation of man (ourselves) from God - our spiritual death. The resurrection allows for our repentance and reconciliation with God. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." Rom. 6:23 To accomplish that a final sacrifice was necessary. Not an animal sacrifice or even a human sacrifice, but an infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Son of God. Alma 34:9-15 The sacrifice culminated in Christ's resurrection, the result of which allows us hope for eternal life through faith in Him.

5. The Ascension. Yet even the resurrection of Christ did not complete the atonement. It was necessary that Christ ascend into heaven. If he remained on the earth, less faith would be required, no person would be called upon to sacrifice in service as Christ would lead the Church and perform the miracles.

The scriptures indicate that a second coming is prophesied, but for now we live in his absence. His perfection required that he be in the presence of God the Father where no unclean thing can dwell and that He no longer dwell with man whose physical, imperfect state would be consumed in His perfect presence. There He shall reign in mighty power according to the will of the Father until he returns in glory. D&C 20:24

6. Our Redemption. Thus, the Atonement required all five elements: the power, sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. It is His redeeming power that gives us hope to someday be with Him - perfected, purified and holy. The sixth element is our own efforts in becoming the persons who would be comfortable in His eternal presence. D&C 88:22. In the April 2011 Conference, Elder D. Todd Christopherson stated, "In all of this, God’s purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. Some years ago Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: 'The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become.'" That "becoming" I have discovered is a lifetime quest.

My Thoughts from My Study Journal

2011-08-21T21:07:00.001-07:00

I have been writing in my study journal that I received from Hannah for Christmas. I like the makeup of the book very much because it contains plenty of space for writing and indexing what you write. The problem is that I can't even read what I write. We picked up a little quote in Philadelphia on our family trip in the '90's that we have framed. It is from Benjamin Franklin:
"If you would not be forgotten after you are dead and rotten, write something worth the reading or do something worth the writing." I don't pretend to be so profound as to not be forgotten, but after I am dead and rotten, it would be nice if someone wanted to do so, that they could actually read what I had written.

I tried to start another blog, but because it is generated from the same computer, it picked up the information on this site and I fear it will interfere with this one and change the profile and name, so I guess I will have to just use this one. So watch this space if you are interested.

Our annual post

2010-03-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a year since Brad posted to this blog. I was in American Fork helping Hannah when Norah Jane was born. Now I'm back here and will be here for Norah Jane's first birthday on the 10th. Hannah and Maisy have pneumonia, Laurel has been running a fever, and Norah has a bad ear infection. Yesterday after talking to Hannah on the phone and realizing that she was not getting better I decided to fly here and help so she could get some rest and recuperate. Brad is always so supportive and a good sport to take care of himself while I'm gone.

We are so blessed to live in a country where we can travel wherever we wish at a moments notice. I hope we always have this freedom. I'm so thankful I am available to help when needed.

Anticipating a New One - Welcome Norah

2009-03-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Olivia left not long after stake conference and dinner with Jordan, Ruth and Massey, today.
she will stay with Grandma Dahl tonight then go to American Fork, UT tomorrow. On Tuesday we expect that our newest grandchild will be born. Hannah will have her hands full right away. Her twins just turned one year old in January, so she will have three who depend almost entirely upon her. Luckily, Mom can stay for a few weeks and Jeff's parents are close. Also, Cedric and Sarah; and Micah and Camille are close and very attentive, as well.

Happiest of Holidays at Stonehill

2009-01-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

It was a magical Christmas to say the very least. The entire family was there for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after. These pictures were taken by Eden Thome, one of Anderson, Dorn & Rader's employees and a good friend. She is an amateur photographer and did a superb job on the family as a whole and the individual shots, as well.

Olivia said the days were like Girls' Camp for her where you prepare a meal, clean it up and start preparing for the next meal, but there was lots of help and it went quickly. We had so much good food, good entertainment, good gifts, good conversation and good company that the time flew by.

Christmas Eve, we held our annual family talent sharing and show. Tavan's family sang an original song; Britta and Dallin played a duet on the piano and the family sang a Christmas song; Hannah and Jeff read a story (if I remember right); Micah was hoarse, but had good intentions; Jordan read "Visit from St. Nicholas," as is his annual duty, then Ruth played a Christmas song on the piano; Cedric had a new story that he illustrated in color and presented with PowerPoint; Grandma introduced us to a new Christmas carol; and Grandpa had everyone participate in an activity poem. It was a very fun evening.

Every family had a Christmas tree in their room, so Christmas morning we each exchanged gifts in our rooms, then went upstairs for a great breakfast. After breakfast we gathered around the little Christmas forest in the great room and exchanged gifts with each other. Grandpa read an adventure story about the children in the room under the stairs and Grandma handed each grandchild a present that contained a copy of the story and either a stuffed animal or a quilt that depicted a character in the story.

The rest of the weekend was like a cruise ship with nonstop activities and abundant food of the highest quality. We had a white Christmas in Washoe County, so the sledding hill to the side of the house got lots of use. We all tried out our new presents (including the shotgun Olivia got); watched movies; played exciting, come-from-behind-to-win Cranium games, played with the babies and generated a record amount of garbage that had to be taken to the bottom of the hill by ATV so the garbage truck would take it away.

Micah's, Hannah's and, of course, Jordan's families were still here for the New Year's Eve party. To make it even more fun, the Familia Garcia joined us for the evening. They had to leave before seeing in the New Year, but they let Esther and Raquel spend the night, so they helped us usher in 2009. They made gingerbread houses, played every kind of game, watched a movie, participated in a treasure hunt and, since the city would not have a fireworks display this year, many individual families did and we watched them all from the balcony. These special girls make everywhere they are someplace special and we have loved having them in our home.

Gradually, each family began to leave and with them part of our hearts. The last family left this morning and we now face a very quiet and empty house. In a way, you could get used to that, but how we miss everyone!

We wish our families, friends and loved ones everywhere the happiest, most rewarding (in every way) 2009!

It's Halloween

2008-11-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Nigel has come to visit for 12 days and he needed to see how Massey was dressing for Halloween. At first he was looking for his trusty musket, but got used to the idea that he was in the same room with a lion. Tonight he talked to his mom and dad on the Skype program. He waved and kissed and high-fived them. It was cute and kind of heart rending. They should know that he LOVED church today and charmed all the 12 - 24-month old girls. He is a happy boy and spreads the joy wherever he goes. We are learning the difference between being 30-year old parents and 60-year old parents. Really, we are loving it!

2008-08-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Birthy Hapday, Jordan!

2008-08-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Any excuse we can think of, we try to bring the Garcia family over. Today was an especially good day - we celebrated Jordan's 28th birthday. Jordan was born on August 31, 1980 - 11 days past his due date (some things never change). It was a Sunday, just like today, we had come home from Church and ate. While Olivia was doing the dishes, she turned to me and said, "As soon as I finish these dishes, we'd better go to the hospital." We finished them quickly and went to the hospital. I knew I had to act quickly, because she had babies quickly, so I got her in and they started the prep while I registered her in the hospital. The doctor had just replaced me as the High Priests' Instructor and thought my jokes were really funny, so he asked me to give him some to use in his class. Olivia thought she should be the center of attention at this time and is still a bit put out that I was telling pig jokes while she was in labor. In about an hour and a half from when we arrived at the hospital, she had given birth to a 9 lb. 13 oz. boy.

It Works!!

2008-08-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

With the mental assistance of Jordan and Cedric, we bought the raw materials and today I put it together. What is "it" you ask. It is the road watering system. Why does one need to water a road? To keep the dust from flying away and getting all over the cars. The dust particles are the main ingredients that keep a gravel road from becoming just rocks - it binds the pebbles and keeps the road smooth. Later, I will grade the road and put a sealant on it to better bind the gravel, but for now, enjoy the videos.

Our Sunday Update

2008-08-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well, our little coyote friend has been back a few times. Unfortunately, Nigel is not here to save us, so our lives are, no doubt, in mortal danger. Cute little devil, though.

We bought a huge container (275 gallons) to fill with water, which we will put on the back of the trailer and spread water down the road to keep it from further erosion, if possible. After the reunion, we will grade it with a box scraper and, if it is not too expensive, we will have it sealed. We think that will keep it from getting so bumpy and will be better for winter.

Some of you will remember the Alvarado family. They came to a Burn's Supper and Hannah helped us with an Easter family home evening they came to. We got a call from them a couple of days ago to tell us that their eight-year old son, Ian is getting baptized and asked Dad to confirm him. We went to the baptism yesterday and will see them in Church today. They have not been active and Jackie is not a member of the Church. After the baptism, the Bishop asked her to bear her testimony and Lance to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. He did an excellent job, and she stated that she intends to be baptized within the next 30 - 60 days. Her testimony really touched her dad and pretty much everyone in the room.

Jordan, Ruth and Massey joined us in our pilgrimage to Cabellas yesterday. Jordan gave Dad gift certificate for his birthday. We got a collapsible base for an air bed. We ate buffalo and elk sandwiches. Now we have been there...

Jordan and Ruth are also coming over for dinner today with Les and Mary Anderson and their son, Jeff who is going on his mission to El Salvador. We will be eating Mom's version of pupusas and Jordan will explain the finer points of missionary work in that country; such as how to hypnotize a chicken and catch rides on milk trucks. He will not need to give him pointers on soccer, since that has been banned for some reason...

Life continues to be a challenge, and a joy. Be happy and have joy in your lives. Here is a picture of last year's reunion to get you in the mood for this year.

2008-07-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is a shot of mom and dad's new neighbor coming over to borrow some water. He stayed until Nigel scared him off. Hopefully he'll come back to visit.

Grandma Dahl Came to Viist

2008-06-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Grandma Dahl was here for a short visit, so we got a four generation photo. She came to see the new house and spent Saturday morning in the temple with Mom. They then went shopping for clothes and for a fireplace or a stove that can replace the old oil-burning stove in her living room. She went to Church with us Sunday so Mom got to introduce her to our new ward members. Being new in the ward, we were asked to speak today, so Mom talked about Heavenly Father and I was assigned to talk about my father. Mom was also asked to say something about us; how we met, where we were from, etc. She told me before we left for Church that her introduction would be short, so I said I might have to expand on it. She looked at me very sternly and said, "Don't say anything you will regret...and I mean it!" Needless to say, her introduction was just fine. How can you not love a person like her?

Fathers' Day 2008

2008-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Massey and his Papi and Mami came to visit. Check out the cool tie with Kyuss, Clayton and Nyah! I wear it on Fathers' Day and the tie from Britta's family on Mothers' Day.

The Stonehill Two

2008-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

These are the sweatshirts from our friends, Tom and Lucy Brennan that I mentioned in our last blog.

I guess the name is now official. We hope you will all come and make it all worth it.

Inquisitive Minds Would Like to Know!

2008-05-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

calvin2 - Upload a doc

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Sorry this is upside down, but it is a PDF and I can't make the rotation stick. I also cannot understand why I get two images, but I'm tired and can't work with it any longer.

Someone please answer Calvin's cwesgins by pointing out Grandma's and Grandpa's blogspot.

New This Week

2008-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

We have started to move in to Stonehill. Our friends, Tom and Lucy Brennan, sent us sweatshirts from Stonehill College, the school from which Lucy graduated in Massachusetts. They think it is pretty funny that a couple of Mormons would name their home after a Catholic college, but there really is no better name.

I was not released from my calling as Ward Mission Leader today, so I assumed that we would have to attend church in Sparks 2nd Ward one more Sunday. Mom, on the other hand, said all her tearful good-byes to everyone today, so I guess I missed my opportunity. I will have to do so somehow as it has been our home longer than any place else we have lived, including growing up.

We are going to go slowly on some of the extras we had thought we wanted, such as the tennis court, pool table, etc. The economy has created a slow down in the practice and the housing market continues to plummet, so we are going to have to come up with cash just to pay off the loan and the real estate company. Still there are plenty of fun things to do there, so don't wait to come and see us. We will have a gardening party (bring gloves), snake hunt (they taste better than chicken), and a rock hunt (they have to come out of the dirt where we will be planting the grass before we can lay the sod). If that does not seem like fun, you have no sense of (circle the right answer): 1. adventure 2. fun 3. purpose or 4. all of the above.

Seriously, come and see us as soon as you can. We will have a great time; not to mention great views.

Love,
Dad

2008-05-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures of the new house on Stonehill. Yes, Jordan's family is our favorite models - THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO ARE STILL HERE! There is still work to be done, but it is mostly finish stuff and punch list items. It is beautiful and the views are dramatic. We hope you all love it. Click on the partial photos to see more.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Hey, we got a Blog!

2008-03-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

It is official. Mom and Dad Anderson finally connected with the rest of the swiftly moving data of cyber upkeep, and started a blog. We hope you check it often. See you back here soon!