New ponderings

The most common "proof" people have that there is no God is that bad things happen. The common question, "Why would God let that happen?" 'That' being some person doing horrible, evil things. The argument, "If there was a God, He wouldn't let that person do that horrible thing."

My new thought - the war in Heaven was all about agency. That isn't new, but this is. When that argument is used, God shouldn't let bad things happen, the people using this argument are using the very argument and demanding the very method that Lucifer propossed. Agency suplanted, somebody else in the driver's seat of our life.

Using Satan's argument as proof that God doesn't exist seems particularly perverted to me.

Having made our choice, living our life, in the middle of our test; some are wanting to change sides and switch the rules.

I know people who have been harmed by other's choices. Well, we all are in that group really. But I know people who have lived through horrendous things. People who were abused as children - the very worst thing. When they have that hard question, "Why would God allow that to happen to me?" It is a difficult thing. The answer is never glib or easy. It is never okay that people choose evil and damage and ruin other people and their lives.

The only answer is Jesus and His atonement. It is not really even understandable - that answer. But I have seen ruined lives healed as they embrace Christ and have faith in His power and promise.

No easy or new answers. Just a new way to look at the argument.

Physics project

One evening I saw Josh coming down from working on homework. I asked him how it was going. He said he forgot about an assignment, it was due the next day, and it was impossible to get it done. He was writing it off. 

Not okay.

I  asked him what the assignment was. A mouse trap car.  

I have never seen a mouse trap car, let alone made one. I googled it and found some Youtube videos made by a BYU student showing step by step instructions. The supplies were common and the only tools needed were pliers, wire cutters and a hot glue gun. Oh, and a small saw.

That  was my kind of project. 

Craig had spent the day with his mom and the evening with a high school friend who was recently widowed. He called and stoped at the store for a few supplies: round toothpicks, ballons, ball point pens, and I can't remember the other stuff, but it feels like there was at least one more.

Oh, the paint stir sticks. They were the body for the car.

I pulled out the phone to snap a few pictures after it was almost done.

We had old CDs for the wheels. We cut a ballone and used them for traction on the rear wheels. Josh is wielding my pink hot glue gun.

The mouse trap was placed toward the front wheels. The trap was modified and a longer lever was used to provide more accleration.

The ball point pens provided the elements of the axles.

The car -  the lever extension was added later. The fishing line (forgotten item from the shopping list) attatched to the extended lever and wound around the rear axle provided the acceleration.

A few hours later - the video said it could be done in an hour, not bad for novices - and it worked. We blew past the required five feet. 

With help from the computer and his dad, Josh managed to do the impossible. Hopefully we will learn a better time management habit. We just saw the impossible done, right?

DARE Graduation

Boaz, along with all the fifth graders in our town has partiicipated in the DARE program this year. They learn about how to say no to drugs and violence. A good program. Boaz had a lot of fun. The deputy that runs the program was fun and did a good job.

They did a graduation program and I took a few pictures - from far away. Not great pictures, but the general idea is there. Boaz got a shirt and a diploma.

Boaz shaking the hand of a deputy that lives in our ward. His daughter graduated also. Just behind Boaz is the Sherrif, not in uniform.

He knew I was taking pictures and wouldn't smile.

The graduating class. They sang a song and danced - but it wasn't dancing with girls, so Boaz liked it.

Silly kids.

Goofy picture. They worked hard and celebrated. Boaz has his fist in the air. Yes!

I'm glad that they start young. Drugs are so damaging to families and communities. Glad to participate in such a good program.

I love texting

So fun.  Karly sent me a picture of her wearing the hat and face muff I made and sent to Wisconsin.

She called the muff a neck warmer. I  don't really know what it is called, but it is a small, easy word.  The only thing is that the fabric is full of static. But they are warm and cozy.

Return and report

I should have been doing this for a long time. But I never made the connection.

Craig and I read this book.

It was very interesting.  We have been discussing several points made in the book. But the point that has changed my life so far is the concept of returning each night and reporting on my day in my prayers.

I find myself reviewing my day. This is helpful in the repentance process. I find my prayers are more thoughtful and I am aware of what I do in my day. I feel I am communicating better and that my prayers are more personal.

It  is a simple concept. I'm sure that I have heard it before, or something similiar all my life. But somehow the timing and the words were right to impact my understanding and practise. 

I must say, I also like how he described how the guardian angel idea works within the framework of the gospel. I have always had the sense that Dad has been watching how I live my life. I wonder how he feels about my decisions and where I am at.  I am comforted by the description of love and acceptance and total understanding of motives and hang-ups that those have that work beyond the veil.

A lot to think about in the book. A view of the terrible, but also a celebration of the great day of the Lord.

All it needs is baling twine

Craig made a box. We mailed snow shoes to Brenda and Tim. They are in the middle of a huge cold weather snap.

Notice the nice duct tape.

Two boxes taped together.

All in all a very classy mailing container.

The missionary returns

Craig and I love to take the boys to as many missionary events as possible. This past Saturday, our nephew returned from Chihuahua Mexico Mission. He flew into Idaho Falls just before 11 pm.

We gathered together at the airport, more than 30 family members. We made a crowd at the tiny, regional airport. 

It is so fun to have a little family reunion.

This time I did take out my camera. A few pictures.

Josh and his Grandma. His mission is still at least (I almost said 4 but it is shorter than that) more than three years away, and I am projecting, projecting, projecting. Kris kept telling me it is tougher than it looks and tougher than you might think to send them away.

Sisters (in-law) and neices with the signs.

More of Jeff's siblings (in-law) and neices and nephews.

Surrounded by the young kids. 

Jeff and his Grandma.

Jeff and part of the gang.

I did take pictures of Jeff and his mom and Jeff and his dad, but they didn't turn out. I didn't get lots of pictures that I should have, but we had such fun welcoming Jeff home. And I must say, we were all a little envious of his great tan. 

Goofy brothers.

A picture of Courney with the real camera.

Kim and Annie.