A Warm Fire, Loaves, Fishes and Peace

After the resurrection and ascension of Christ into heaven, Peter and some of His fellow disciples, perhaps feeling alone, abandoned, and lost, went back to what they knew - fishing. They spent a dark night on the water and were unsuccessful in catching any fish. As the dawn approached, they noticed someone standing on the shore. The person calls them “children” and asks if they have any meat. The disciples respond that they do not, and the figure directs them to cast their nets on the right side of the ship. They do, and just as before, they catch many fish. As the disciples realize this person is Jesus Christ, Peter jumps from the boat and swims to shore, and he is soon joined by the other disciples. We read how they were greeted, on shore, by the Savior in John 21:9 - “As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.”

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When I read this verse, I feel a powerful witness born to my heart that our Savior’s love for us, regardless of where we are in life and regardless of how obediently we are following Him, is constant and perfect! He knew the disciples had been out on the water all night. He knew they were not preaching repentance and remission of sins among all nations, as he had commanded them prior to his ascension. He knew they were tired, sad, frustrated, cold, and hungry. As soon as they turned to Him, he provided them with what they needed IN THAT MOMENT - a warm fire of coals, fish ready to eat, bread, and the peace of His presence.
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Regardless of where I am in life, regardless of how obedient I am right now, my Savior’s love for me is constant! He knows what I need and how best to meet me where I am! The minute I have a desire to believe and turn to Him, he will meet me with a warm fire, fish, bread, and peace. But I must make the first move.
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Your warm fire, fish, and bread may look very different than mine. But I know the Lord loves you and wants to bless you with what you need. Turn to Him! 🧡
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#HearHim

Thoughts on Jonah (Old Testament Lesson 33)

Some personal thoughts and ramblings on the story of Jonah. 

credit: lds.org

I know the story of Jonah is usually shared as a way of teaching responsibility, but I saw it from a different perspective.

I was thinking that the story of Jonah may not be relatable to some because they say Jonah was a prophet and didn’t do what the Lord asked. However, yesterday I read (pg 70) that in the Old Testament when they say someone is a prophet, it means that they were called to prophesy or teach. It doesn’t always mean that they were the president of the church. So Jonah could have been an ordinary member like any of us.

Also, I see the story of Jonah as a story of agency - that we are agents to act and not be acted upon. Jonah chose to not listen to the Lord and doesn’t go to teach the people of Nineveh. He actually goes the complete opposite way. Seeing that he has endangered others, Jonah chose to be thrown overboard. Jonah chose to repent while in “hell” / inside the whale. Jonah then chose to do as the Lord commanded. Jonah chose to be irritated that the people repented and were not destroyed. Then the Lord teaches him about God’s love for all. 

Jonah chose to be thrown overboard.  In my view, this is an act of giving up control. Acknowledging that his use of agency has led to consequences he didn't intend. Now in the water, being tossed in the waves, Jonah's agency is limited; he's in bondage to his choice, and he is swallowed by a whale.

The whale that swallows Jonah is an act of divine love.  A trial or struggle provided by a loving parent to a wandering child.  It wasn't a punishment.  Of course, Jonah doesn’t view the whale as an act of love at that moment. He identifies himself in “the belly of hell.” However, the whale is likely the only reason Jonah doesn’t drown in the waves. It's intercession. This "tender mercy" is an opportunity to reflect, change and apply the atonement.

In life, I can choose to do things my way, or I can choose to try and follow God‘s will. If I choose to use my agency unwisely, I limit myself.  As I choose contrary to God‘s will, I will always find myself in “hell” - or in other words, I am choosing to separate myself from God and His love. However, our Heavenly Parents and our Savior, Jesus Christ, will always reach out to us when we turn our hearts back to them. - "...his hand is stretched out still."  When I choose to repent and re-align myself with God through the power of the atonement, I am teachable and learn of His love for me.

Nebo Half Marathon 2018

While marathon training, Sha and I decided to sign up for the Nebo Half Marathon. It perfectly coincided with one of our long training runs, we'd just need to add a few miles to it.

We arrived at the start line early and decided to run 3 miles around Payson Lake prior to the race start.

Sha and I at the start line!

We took it easy on the run.  We really focused on pacing ourselves to finish the race feeling strong.

Sha and I at the finish line.  We both set a course PR.

My chip time: