Be Willing to Offend

I saw this quote on Daily Gospel Thought on Instagram this morning and really liked it.  So thought I would post it on my blog for you. 

“You have to be willing to offend. You have to be willing to take the risk. That’s exactly where the faith comes in. Our commitment is supposed to be a test. It is supposed to be hard. It is supposed to be impractical in the terms of this world.” — Hugh Nibley

I think way too many people are so worried about offending others, that they won't defend truth.  Subsequently, their faith suffers.  We must be willing to defend truth regardless of whether people get offended or not.  If they get offended at truth, that's on them, not us.

We need more bold people who care more about truth than worry about offending pansies who can't handle the truth. 

It brings to mind the Scripture in 1 Nephi about the guilty taking the truth to be hard.

1 Nephi 16:1-4

1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear.

2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.

3 And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.

4 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord.

Nephi wasn't afraid to speak truth even though others were offended.  May we all be more like Nephi and speak and defend truth, and be willing to offend in doing so.

That's my two cents. 

College Football Picks Week 5

1. Clint -10 tiebreaker 64
2. Rex -16 tiebreaker 81
3. Tammy -17 tiebreaker 53
4. Lisa -20 tiebreaker 63

actual tiebreaker 69

Jason's Visit

Yesterday my brother and plastic brother stopped by to pay us a visit.  Jason was in town for business and luckily Michael had the day off.  It's always a hoot when Michael and Jason are together.  They're both funny separately, but get them together and they have you in stitches.  So, needless to say, we had a blast visiting with them yesterday.  Lots of laughs.

I'm blessed to have such wonderful family.

That's my two cents.

Uncle John's Visit

Yesterday Uncle John and Aunt Ginny came for a visit from New York.  They also brought Uncle John's son, Ronnie, and his two boys, Kazimir and Zayin, and Zayin's wife, Sabra, and their three month old baby, Elowyn.

We had a nice visit with good food.  They even went to the trouble to find a black forest cake to bring because it's my favorite.  :-)

Aunt Ginny, Tammy, Uncle John
 September 22, 2024

Aunt Ginny, Tammy, Lisa, Uncle John
September 22, 2024

Uncle John is my maternal grandmother's youngest brother.  He is 87 years old.  His mother, my Great Grandma Wall, lived to 97.  So, I guess, Uncle John got Grandma Wall's longevity genes.  Anyway, we had a lovely visit and it was good to see them again.

I don't have the full group photo yet.  But I will add it when I get it.

That's my two cents.

Just got this photo from Aunt Ginny.  Kind of blurry but better than nothing.  Back row: Lisa, Rex, Ronnie, Zayin with baby Elowyn, Sabra, Kazimir.  Front row: Aunt Ginny, Tammy, Uncle John

College Football Picks Week 4

1. Rex -18 tiebreaker 47
2. Tammy -19 tiebreaker 49
3. Clint -20 tiebreaker 48
4. Lisa -21 tiebreaker 54

actual tiebreaker 47

Miss you, Abinadi

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of Abinadi's death.  He died on  September 18, 2019.  Less than two months after Dad.  Abinadi was such a sweet boy.  I miss him.

Dad saying goodbye to Abinadi.  I think this is such a sweet photo.  It was a short separation.  Less than two months until Abinadi joined Dad on the other side of the veil.  I can't wait to join both of them again.

RIP Abinadi.

I miss my sweet boy.  You will always be in my heart.  Until we meet again, my friend.

That's my two cents.

I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ

This year in Sunday School we are studying the Book of Mormon.  Every four years we rotate between the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and The Doctrine and Covenants & Pearl of Great Price.  I'm glad we're studying the Book of Mormon this year.  It's my favorite.  I listen to it every morning.  But anyway, this week's study is 3 Nephi 1-7.  This is right before Christ comes to the Americas to visit the Nephites after His resurrection.  It was a tumultuous time, much like it is now before the Second Coming of Christ.

One of the Scriptures that stood out to me in my study of these chapters was the following:

3 Nephi 5:13 

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

This is what the prophet Mormon wrote as he was abridging the plates.  I love this Scripture.  Mormon is very direct and succinct.  Like Mormon, I too would like to declare that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The whole point of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, and following Him is to have eternal life.  To live with Him and Heavenly Father again for eternity.  That is  the goal.  That is why we follow Christ and strive to keep His commandments.

I hope we will all strive to be disciples of Jesus Christ.  That we may have everlasting life.

That's my two cents. 

College Football Picks Week 3

1. Clint -10 tiebreaker 46
2. Rex -11 tiebreaker 46
3. Tammy -17 tiebreaker 43
4. Lisa -18 tiebreaker 64

Actual tiebreaker 59

Life Is Short, Let God Prevail

Yesterday the Lord's living prophet, Russell M. Nelson, celebrated his 100th birthday.  I just saw this quote from him on his Instagram this morning.

"The length of your life is not as important as the kind of life that you live. For each of us, even for a 100-year-old man, life passes quickly. My prayer is that you will let God prevail in your life. Make covenants with Him. Stay on the covenant path. Prepare to return to live with Him again."  – President Russell M. Nelson

It's so true!  Some people may live well into their nineties and still not be prepared to meet God.  Because of their life choices.  Because they did not let God prevail in their lives.  While others may die young but having made and kept covenants with God, are well prepared to meet Him.

Life is short.  It passes in the blink of an eye.  Don't squander your precious gift of life while here in mortality.  Don't waste time on frivolous things.  Focus on the things of eternity.  Think celestial.  Spend your time making and keeping sacred covenants with God.  Stay on the covenant path.  If you stray, get back on the covenant path as soon as possible.  Let God prevail in your life.  If you do these things, you will be prepared to meet God whenever He decides to call you home.  Regardless of how old you are.

That's my two cents.

Happy 100th Birthday President Nelson

Today the Prophet and President of The Church turns 100 years old.  He is the oldest living modern-day prophet.  I think President Hinckley comes in second at 97 years old.

President Nelson has asked us to do something for "the one" as his birthday present.  Speaking of the parable of the lost sheep.  99+1.  We are all "the one" at times. So try to do something nice for someone today in honor of President Nelson.  Even if it's just a simple hello and smile.

Happy 100th Birthday President Nelson!

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 2

1. Lisa -14 tiebreaker 62
2. Tammy -17 tiebreaker 57
3. Rex -18 tiebreaker 48
4. Clint -18 tiebreaker 54

actual tiebreaker 35

College Football Picks Week 1

1. Clint -7 tiebreaker 64 
2. Lisa -8 tiebreaker 54
3. Rex -8 tiebreaker 68
4. Tammy -9 tiebreaker 53

actual tiebreaker 50

It's hard to believe college football season is already upon us.  Should be another fun year.