I have been reading the New Testament the past few months marking my new scriptures and actually marking my old ones as I treasure the thoughts that emanate from our Savior Jesus Christ. Institute classes with Brother Scott quite a few years ago (yes I graduated from Institute with his great classes, a goal of mine) gave me the opportunity to study the four gospels. He made the Savior totally come alive for me more than ever. Brother Scott had such a strong testimony of the Savior, and he passed that testimony onto his students every day.
While reading in John yesterday, a scripture penetrated my heart. Familiar with this scripture, for some reason yesterday the words of our Savior in John truly got me thinking. The scripture (actually there are three) is from John 14:7 "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also". These words from the Savior are reiterated in John 8:19 "Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, "Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." And once more in John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son that thy Son also may glorify thee".
What lesson did I learn from these scriptures? The Savior told us that if we knew him we also knew the Father. Christ exemplified the Father in totality. He never did anything to embarrass the Father, he lived his life on earth in such a way that when people knew him, they knew the Father. Obedience, love, service, kindness--there are many more adjectives to describe the Savior; but through him I have learned that my Heavenly Father is obedient, loving, serving and kind.
My thought was when people look at my children, do they see me? By knowing my children, do people know me in a positive way? Hopefully they don't look at my children and then say, "Man, Rondi really messed up." My hope and prayer is the same as the Savior that by knowing my children, people will know me.
There have been many, many parenting books published by members of the church. I can remember buying so many of them when our children were younger. But, after awhile I realized that as a parent, the best parenting books are the scriptures. Our Heavenly Father is the master parent; and as he has taught, so has the Savior. If you young people are looking for a great parenting manual, then read the scriptures. As you read them with the purpose of parenting in mind, you will see so many things that we can and should be doing as parents.
I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who loved us so much, that he was willing to sacrifice His Son and bring him here to this earth so that we have an example to follow. For I know Christ, therefore I know the Father.
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4 comments:
When people see me they say they see more of dad. It has nothing to do with countenance though, if you know what I mean. (Late night cookies and milk. Just one of the valuable life lessons I have learned from my father.)
Grandma and Grandpa Petersen kept calling me Rondi when we were in Florida, so I think you did your job. Just kidding...I think you and dad can be proud of the kids you raised.
Everyday I look at Kyle and think, "Man, Rondi messed up."
JUST KIDDING!
I am always grateful that you (and Eric) raised Kyle the way you did because now I have a fabulous husband.
I really enjoyed reading your insight into the New Testament.
My future wife just wanted me to say thank you for her. She thinks I am wonderful. She said it could only be due to the wonderful parents that I have. Anyways, she says hi. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to reality.
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