Class
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| NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visiting Muslim community after Christchurch shootings web photo stuff.co.nz |
This past week we have watched what many call “a class act”, a kind but
strong and assertive PM (Prime Minister) pulling a country together after tragedy struck.
Not bowing
to threats or fear from inside or outside NZ, but being a coach and example of strength and unity. It has
been impressive and she has our great respect.
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| web image stuff.co.nz |
Students from Cashmere High School in Christchurch were some of those killed in the tragedy. She spoke to the Cashmere classes about terrorism, hate crimes, and racism. She also spoke about one of the venues people use to promote those acts.
She said, "We
have a challenge in front us. Social media can be
a place where we can do
good.
It can also be a place
where hate and division are spread."
Then she asked for their help to stop the promotion of hate and violence everywhere but especially on social media. Good lesson for classes everywhere to learn.
(We have been grateful for other spiritual leaders who have, through suggested social media fasts, etc, also encouraged us to not be addicted to social media, and to use it wisely for the good it can do.)
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| web image of cover Time magazine |
It has been refreshing to watch the people of NZ, and many other parts of the world, step up in the wake of Christchurch tragedy to be a “class act” as well. In many ways it brings back memories of some of the good that happened in the after-math of 9-11.
The Muslim Mosque (prayer room) adjacent to the AUT campus
Prime Minister Ardern made an appeal to all of NZ to unite for the Muslim community this past Friday, a week since the shootings. She asked that there be 2 minutes of silence throughout NZ and prayers offered. It was a pretty amazing experience. Sports events, the media, transportation, even the tourist venues with rides, zip lines and gondolas
ceased for the 2 minutes.
There is a Muslim Mosque, actually more of just a Prayer Room, on the campus near us.
ceased for the 2 minutes.
There is a Muslim Mosque, actually more of just a Prayer Room, on the campus near us.
We gathered many of our students together and read about the Islam faith, observed the 2 minutes of
silence, and joined in our own prayer for healing and
unity.
Our classes wrote notes to our Muslim brothers and sisters and we
delivered them with
flowers to the nearby mosque.
The day was a great "class" in Islam, and a "class" in unity and brotherhood. After we read "Understanding Islam" we got out and did something about our profession of faith and
serving others. It was good.
As hundreds of thousands gathered at mosques to honor the dead and strengthen the living, women of all faiths today wore headscarves (like the hijab)
in a show of support.
These students will not soon forget "class" today.
Other Classes
We came to NZ to serve the Lord by working with YSA and teaching
institute “classes”.
In the course of that calling we have found ourselves immersed in many “classes”, some we anticipated, and many that we never imagined.
Our devotional class this week
Members of "Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel" Class
Tuesday night "Pearl of Great Price" Class, they often teach us far more than we ever give to them.
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| yelp.com web photo It helps that after "class" comes the cornbread and corn chowder. |
Tuesday night "Teaching and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon" class.
Another classroom we find ourselves often in is
THOTL Lab 101
... the classroom of first hand experiences recognizing The Hand of the Lord.
THOTL Lab 101
... the classroom of first hand experiences recognizing The Hand of the Lord.
We
seem to get this lab daily, even hourly watching the Lord's Hand
put us at just the right time in places we are needed,
keep us from unsafe places,
bring people into our lives when we need them or they need us,
give us the words we need to speak,
and send angels here or across continents.
Even then we are sure there are still
many times we miss seeing it all.
put us at just the right time in places we are needed,
keep us from unsafe places,
bring people into our lives when we need them or they need us,
give us the words we need to speak,
and send angels here or across continents.
Even then we are sure there are still
many times we miss seeing it all.
More Classes
Another of our scheduled classes, Lunchside Leadership Class.
This week the Wrights (Kelly and Lisa) came to AIB to teach us a class in
personal finance.
They shared some keys to being rich:spend less than you make, know the difference between needs and wants, those who understand interest - earn it, those that don't - pay it.
They shared some keys to being rich:spend less than you make, know the difference between needs and wants, those who understand interest - earn it, those that don't - pay it.
We haven't yet enrolled, but Saturdays at the beach are swim "classes" for those with cool wet suits and strong muscles.
We watched to see if there might be a tutorial from this guy on "how to fish with two poles from a tiny kayak". We hope his catch isn't bigger than his kayak.
These dogs are students ... learning the fine art of being "Guide Dogs".
These are smart dogs, I wonder how many of us would pass the class if we enrolled?
These are smart dogs, I wonder how many of us would pass the class if we enrolled?
A Bus stop by our building.
Daily heaps and heaps of students climb on heaps and heaps of buses to come and take heaps and heaps of classes at Uni. We love them heaps.
Joshua is a student in one of our classes, but this day he was my teacher, teaching me about the significance of his 3 generation greenstone necklace and its meaning and carving. Guys especially love to wear their ancestor's greenstone.
"Class" is used also to classify things...in a rank or order. Ali's girls put their chickens eggs in color classes. Over here in NZ you get really only one color eggs-brown.
Creative Tuesday night class, trying to teach us to new things to try.
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| web photo |
you get to PROVE how you have grown and what you have gained or come to understand.
With love,
Two remedial rookies,
 Kaplan Early Learning web photo |
Its not always the favorite time in the class, but the "testing" or proving is all part of the process. We must be proven...  ldssotd web images Earth has been called a "proving ground", a time and place we get to be tested and then demonstrate what we have learned and become in life's classes. |
web images
Every human being is enrolled in "classes"
some by our own design
and others by Divine design
We believe a pretty amazing degree awaits those who
try their best and seek the Master as their teacher, and who, like Paul, can say:
"I have fought a good fight,
I have finished the COURSE, (class)
I have kept the faith."
Be patient, it takes time.
It may take until eternity to finish some of the classes.
We believe a pretty amazing degree awaits those who
try their best and seek the Master as their teacher, and who, like Paul, can say:
"I have fought a good fight,
I have finished the COURSE, (class)
I have kept the faith."
Be patient, it takes time.
It may take until eternity to finish some of the classes.
With love,
Two remedial rookies,
Elder and Sister Downs
Vance and Louenda
Vance and Louenda
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