So, last week I got a chance to go to a really interesting off-campus museum. I have gone to most of the on-campus ones, but this was really exciting, since it was "far away." Not that is was really far, but the Crandall Museum is on Center Street in Provo. And I don't have a car. Hence, it's normally way too far for me. My friend Ben drove Ari and I though, so all was good.
Being a bit of a history geek, I really enjoyed watching the development of printing. We started in Gutenburg's time. They had this MASSIVE press and showed us how to use it. They even cast a piece of type. It cooled crazy fast! They poured in burning hot printers' metal into the cast, and almost instantly it was solid.
The second room was probably my favorite. It was shown to us by Ben Franklin. He told us his history. How he became a printer, his love story with his wife, and many of his contributions. As I've said before, I love seeing the story of the people behind history. This was a great insight into who Ben Franklin, the grandfather of our country.
On top of hearing Ben Franklin’s history, we learned a bit about the physical process the Constitution and Declaration of Independence underwent. The Declaration was written, edited, reworked, ratified, and then signed. Then, it was rushed to the printer’s, late at night. By morning, several copies had been printed and were distributed throughout the colonies. The speed of the process was astounding. Plus, it was all done in secrecy. When we had been told this story, we were told to touch the type set that was in the press. It was type set molded from the same punches that formed the original letters for the first printing of the Declaration of Independence. To touch something that close to history was moving and exciting.
Our final stop on the tour was in a room the same size and shape as that in which the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. The room contained a pres s that was an exact replica of that original press for the Book of Mormon. It was really cool. We had seen how the presses had gotten smaller and more precise, but other than that, this press was basically the same as that which Guttenburg had invented. We looked at the type for the first few pages, and saw stacks of pages, 2,000 high, just as they would have been when the original printing happened. We even got to see how the books were bound.
At the end, we got to see a linotype machine and the ink rollers that replaced the old fashioned beaters. Those were both cool. The rollers were what I usually imagined when I thought of old-fashioned presses. The linotype machine was also awesome. It was like a massive, old type writer. Except, instead of putting words on paper, it put words on metal! That was super crazy.
The entire experience was wonderful. It made me happy to know that they are going to expand, and then have all the missionaries in the MTC come through the tour. I think it’s a worthwhile experience that all students who have the chance should take. I would not hesitate if I had another chance to visit. The one drawback is that it cost a ton if you don’t go with a group. So find a group, and have fun!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Gathering the Future
Gathering. It's an interesting word. What exactly does a gathering imply, particularly the gathering of the saints in the last days? Does it just mean we all end up in the same place? Or do we all come for the same reasons? And do we really gather to one place? It seems like everyone in the church has a very firm belief in their own particular view of the gathering. The major difference is whether we will all be gathered to Missouri or will be gathered in our own stakes around the world. Honestly, I don't care about that. I will follow the spirit and the prophet, and end up where I personally need to be.
Right now I need to be at BYU. For many members, this is part of the gathering. We come here to find friends within the church and grow in faith. I know that my testimony has grown exponentially for my time here. My first year was just acclimating to the idea of a gathering of saints. And then it exploded. My knowledge from classes first year started to really sink in and everything suddenly became real! This is my place right now in the gathering. I grow and increase in faith from this opportunity. As I take full advantage of my short time here, I will be prepared to head into the world for the next stage in my gathering.
Right now I need to be at BYU. For many members, this is part of the gathering. We come here to find friends within the church and grow in faith. I know that my testimony has grown exponentially for my time here. My first year was just acclimating to the idea of a gathering of saints. And then it exploded. My knowledge from classes first year started to really sink in and everything suddenly became real! This is my place right now in the gathering. I grow and increase in faith from this opportunity. As I take full advantage of my short time here, I will be prepared to head into the world for the next stage in my gathering.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Personal Role
Last Thursday was probably my favorite day of D&C so far. We spent the entire hour dedicated to discussing Section 25, the revelation to Emma Smith. Usually the discussion is "Emma was a great woman who collected our hymns. Why are the hymns important?" I was surprised by a verse-by-verse analysis. It was the most intense and enlightening lesson I have heard in a long time.
The first point we discussed was the reality of the phrase “my daughter.” God is our father. He is not a distant father; He is very intimate and personal. My spiritual growth over the past six months has focused on the idea that my Heavenly Father loves me, personally and sincerely. I gained a greater witness that God cares deeply for his children.
I noticed Emma was promised an inheritance in Zion, which has helped me when I’ve wondered if women will get to create worlds of our own in the Celestial Kingdom. I love using my imagination, and I want the chance to create worlds. I believed I would have that chance if I wanted it, and if I honored my covenants. But the promise to Emma made it clear that I will have “worlds without number.”
“Elect lady” then took on a new meaning to me. Every elect lady has a calling in the home. While men are the providers and protectors of the family, women are nurturers, comforters, and peace-makers. No matter how much I love my dad, my mother was my warmest fire in the coldest winter. Emma was exactly who Joseph needed. She was his home. Without her, Joseph would have fallen at the first blow.
The Lord takes a special interest in Emma, to show her what she’s capable of, and encourages her to act as scribe and teacher. As Joseph translates, Emma is given authority to record the holy words, helping her to realize her own special mission. Her authority is closely connected to his, providing an image of the relationship God intends for husbands and wives. She also is told to exhort the church. God recognizes that she understands the scriptures and has the capability to expound and teach them effectively. She will be guided by the spirit, and given the same authority of any male teacher. I love that Emma got to be both a loving companion and an ordained servant in the work. Emma’s life provides a message of hope that, as a woman, I am highly capable of learning and teaching.
Along with encouraging Emma in her pursuits, the Lord assures her that she will be supported by Joseph. Where I am in life, I can understand the relief this encouragement would provide. I am trying to make some major decisions about the direction my life will take. Will I be able to keep a job? What if I get married, will I be able to graduate? Would a degree in a field I love truly benefit me? Not only does God support the righteous desires of His daughters, He also expects His sons to support them in achieving their dreams. I will not only be able to follow my dreams, I won’t have to do it on my own.
I know that God loves me. He loves all of His daughters. This divine love will not leave me without support. I know that I have a very real and important purpose here, and that I am capable fulfilling it. My Father in Heaven will help me to come Home.
The first point we discussed was the reality of the phrase “my daughter.” God is our father. He is not a distant father; He is very intimate and personal. My spiritual growth over the past six months has focused on the idea that my Heavenly Father loves me, personally and sincerely. I gained a greater witness that God cares deeply for his children.
I noticed Emma was promised an inheritance in Zion, which has helped me when I’ve wondered if women will get to create worlds of our own in the Celestial Kingdom. I love using my imagination, and I want the chance to create worlds. I believed I would have that chance if I wanted it, and if I honored my covenants. But the promise to Emma made it clear that I will have “worlds without number.”
“Elect lady” then took on a new meaning to me. Every elect lady has a calling in the home. While men are the providers and protectors of the family, women are nurturers, comforters, and peace-makers. No matter how much I love my dad, my mother was my warmest fire in the coldest winter. Emma was exactly who Joseph needed. She was his home. Without her, Joseph would have fallen at the first blow.
The Lord takes a special interest in Emma, to show her what she’s capable of, and encourages her to act as scribe and teacher. As Joseph translates, Emma is given authority to record the holy words, helping her to realize her own special mission. Her authority is closely connected to his, providing an image of the relationship God intends for husbands and wives. She also is told to exhort the church. God recognizes that she understands the scriptures and has the capability to expound and teach them effectively. She will be guided by the spirit, and given the same authority of any male teacher. I love that Emma got to be both a loving companion and an ordained servant in the work. Emma’s life provides a message of hope that, as a woman, I am highly capable of learning and teaching.
Along with encouraging Emma in her pursuits, the Lord assures her that she will be supported by Joseph. Where I am in life, I can understand the relief this encouragement would provide. I am trying to make some major decisions about the direction my life will take. Will I be able to keep a job? What if I get married, will I be able to graduate? Would a degree in a field I love truly benefit me? Not only does God support the righteous desires of His daughters, He also expects His sons to support them in achieving their dreams. I will not only be able to follow my dreams, I won’t have to do it on my own.
I know that God loves me. He loves all of His daughters. This divine love will not leave me without support. I know that I have a very real and important purpose here, and that I am capable fulfilling it. My Father in Heaven will help me to come Home.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Doomsday Tapes
Ok, fine, I guess this has almost nothing to do with the doomsday tapes. But seriously, those things were cool. Theorizing about the future is always cool. Not necessarily accurate, but definitely interesting. In the Book of Mormon though, we see some very accurate prophesying about the distant future. A few simple verses in 1 Nephi tell of the founding of America, in very accurate detail.
In vision, Nephi sees one Gentile, across the many waters from his brethren, who is set upon by the Holy Spirit of God. This man crosses the many waters and is followed by more Gentiles. They drive Nephi's brethren before them and scatter them across the face of the land. Soon, Gentiles are collected upon the promised land.
The next phrase is what really caught my attention: "I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them." Often, the country which owns a colony is called a mother country. Nephi sees these "mother countries" gathering together on the land and the sea. They are gathered against their children colonies. The Gentiles in the colonies have become humble before the Lord, and are given His power with them. Because of this, they are able to fight back and keep their land of promise for themselves.
Reading this long past the time in which the prophesy was fulfilled, I can see the accuracy and meaning behind it. The words which Nephi uses not only portray the historical and physical happenings of the revolution, but also the moral and emotional repercussions and meanings of those actions.
In vision, Nephi sees one Gentile, across the many waters from his brethren, who is set upon by the Holy Spirit of God. This man crosses the many waters and is followed by more Gentiles. They drive Nephi's brethren before them and scatter them across the face of the land. Soon, Gentiles are collected upon the promised land.
The next phrase is what really caught my attention: "I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them." Often, the country which owns a colony is called a mother country. Nephi sees these "mother countries" gathering together on the land and the sea. They are gathered against their children colonies. The Gentiles in the colonies have become humble before the Lord, and are given His power with them. Because of this, they are able to fight back and keep their land of promise for themselves.
Reading this long past the time in which the prophesy was fulfilled, I can see the accuracy and meaning behind it. The words which Nephi uses not only portray the historical and physical happenings of the revolution, but also the moral and emotional repercussions and meanings of those actions.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tools of a Missionary
With all my guy friends going on missions, it's not surprising that I see the Lord's point very clearly when He emphasizes the importance of the Articles and Covenants in section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Within this precise and condensed section are all the basic keys needed to establish and run a congregation of Christ's true church. From a short history of the church, to the specific jobs of different priesthood positions it covers all the basics.
The start is the history of the church including God's instructions to Joseph. Not only is this historical context, it also has some very strong foundations stones for testimonies. Following this is what the Lord expects of those who read, and what He will do to those who reject the message.
Next come the basic tenants of the church. What we believe, why we believe it, and how much we rely on God and His great plan. A summary of the atonement also is laid out in this area.
Finally the duties of the priesthood leaders and of the congregation of faithful saints are listed. Specifics include the manner in which to preform baptisms, and the line of authority amongst the leaders.
The start is the history of the church including God's instructions to Joseph. Not only is this historical context, it also has some very strong foundations stones for testimonies. Following this is what the Lord expects of those who read, and what He will do to those who reject the message.
Next come the basic tenants of the church. What we believe, why we believe it, and how much we rely on God and His great plan. A summary of the atonement also is laid out in this area.
Finally the duties of the priesthood leaders and of the congregation of faithful saints are listed. Specifics include the manner in which to preform baptisms, and the line of authority amongst the leaders.
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