So I'm home today after church and Julie is at the church in a meeting... Weston and Spencer are home being kids and in my attempt to occupy their time Spencer starts walking ON HIS OWN ... so Julie walks in right after his first 2 steps and I show her his new found talent. After dinner (and a nap for the little guy) we attempt to get him on camera.... this is what happened.....
Aparently Weston on the ground was a distraction and going from Dad to Mom was more comfortable? .. here is some more ....
OK last we learn to fall and then STAND back up and keep going... it's a long(er) one as he tries to walk to Weston first but it's showing such improvement!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
They sing it perfect but in the spotlight...
looks like the kids are getting it. And I'm sure they'll be less embarassed in front of the camera as they growing older, I suppose. Good kids :)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
First Steps!! ...
ok the first ones weren't captured on the cam, but I got it up and we got some of his 3rd or 4th steps...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
LDS church supporters post Prop 8
Anti-Defamation League Condemns Criminal Activity Targeting Religious Institutions That Supported Proposition 8
"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property. We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans. To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents. Our Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion for all of us."
Dallas Morning News Editorial: Protest and Civility in a Democracy
“But a vicious minority is not satisfied with that. Some gay rights protesters have voiced sentiments about Mormons, whose church was active in advocating Prop 8's passage, that if said about gays would be condemned as hate speech. Vandals have struck a number of Mormon temples. Bash Back, a pro-gay group in Olympia, Wash., trashed a Mormon temple there, then issued a statement saying, ‘Let this be a warning to the Mormon church: Dissolve completely or be destroyed.’
“Gay rights extremists should ask themselves the same question. A cause, no matter how just, can only be harmed by thuggish tactics. Our pluralist democracy depends on a citizenry committed to working out differences with civility.”
Michael Barber, Professor of Theology, Scripture & Christian Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University
“… we found it appalling that in the final days of the campaign, opponents of Proposition 8 ran an ad in which Mormon missionaries were presented as barging into a same-sex couple’s home, gleefully rummaging through their personal possessions and violating their rights. The ad attempted to ridicule people of the Mormon faith, even implying that it was wrong that they contributed money to the election. As a Catholic school, we stand beside our friends in the Mormon Church and of people of faith who work tirelessly to preserve the freedom of religion in America. We also strongly oppose any attempt to ridicule another person’s faith, even faiths with which we have strong historical and theological disagreements.”
The First Amendment Center — Charles Haynes: When the Marriage Debate Turns Ugly, No One Wins
“Mormons are taking the biggest hit from the opposition. But as protests, boycotts and blacklists targeting Mormons proliferate, it’s worth pausing to think about where this collision is headed. … Before this clash escalates further, both sides should exercise caution and reconsider their battle plans going forward.”
The Christian Post — Chuck Colson: So Much for Tolerance
“Two days after the election, 2,000 homosexual protesters surrounded a Mormon temple in Los Angeles chanting ‘Mormon scum.’ Protesters picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, holding signs reading ‘Purpose-Driven Hate.’ Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills was spray painted. Church members’ cars have been vandalized, and at least two Christians were assaulted. Protesters even hurled racial epithets at African-Americans because African-Americans voted overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us!”
Beliefnet.com — Rod Dreher: Stand By the Mormons
“Now is the time for traditional Christians — Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox — to come to the aid of our Mormon friends. They put themselves on the front line of the traditional marriage battle like no other church group. And now individual Mormons are paying a terrible price for standing up for something we all believe in. I don't know how we can stand with them from afar, but at least we can thank them, and speak out when we see them being abused. We might also think again about how we view them. … I have deep disagreements with Mormon theology. But they are our friends and allies and fellow citizens, and they deserve our thanks and support.”
John Mark Reynolds, Philosophy Professor at Biola University – California and Thank-a-Mormon Day
“In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree. A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies!”
The Volokh Conspiracy — Dale Carpenter: An Alternative to Anti-Mormon Protests
“Here's my advice to righteously furious gay-marriage supporters: Stop the focus on the Mormon Church. Stop it now. We just lost a ballot fight in which we were falsely but effectively portrayed as attacking religion. So now some of us attack a religion? People were warned that churches would lose their tax-exempt status, which was untrue. So now we have (frivolous) calls for the Mormon Church to lose its tax-exempt status? It's rather selective indignation, anyway, since lots of demographic groups gave us Prop 8 in different ways — some with money and others with votes. I understand the frustration, but this particular expression of it is wrong and counter-productive.”
"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property. We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans. To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents. Our Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion for all of us."
Dallas Morning News Editorial: Protest and Civility in a Democracy
“But a vicious minority is not satisfied with that. Some gay rights protesters have voiced sentiments about Mormons, whose church was active in advocating Prop 8's passage, that if said about gays would be condemned as hate speech. Vandals have struck a number of Mormon temples. Bash Back, a pro-gay group in Olympia, Wash., trashed a Mormon temple there, then issued a statement saying, ‘Let this be a warning to the Mormon church: Dissolve completely or be destroyed.’
“Gay rights extremists should ask themselves the same question. A cause, no matter how just, can only be harmed by thuggish tactics. Our pluralist democracy depends on a citizenry committed to working out differences with civility.”
Michael Barber, Professor of Theology, Scripture & Christian Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University
“… we found it appalling that in the final days of the campaign, opponents of Proposition 8 ran an ad in which Mormon missionaries were presented as barging into a same-sex couple’s home, gleefully rummaging through their personal possessions and violating their rights. The ad attempted to ridicule people of the Mormon faith, even implying that it was wrong that they contributed money to the election. As a Catholic school, we stand beside our friends in the Mormon Church and of people of faith who work tirelessly to preserve the freedom of religion in America. We also strongly oppose any attempt to ridicule another person’s faith, even faiths with which we have strong historical and theological disagreements.”
The First Amendment Center — Charles Haynes: When the Marriage Debate Turns Ugly, No One Wins
“Mormons are taking the biggest hit from the opposition. But as protests, boycotts and blacklists targeting Mormons proliferate, it’s worth pausing to think about where this collision is headed. … Before this clash escalates further, both sides should exercise caution and reconsider their battle plans going forward.”
The Christian Post — Chuck Colson: So Much for Tolerance
“Two days after the election, 2,000 homosexual protesters surrounded a Mormon temple in Los Angeles chanting ‘Mormon scum.’ Protesters picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, holding signs reading ‘Purpose-Driven Hate.’ Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills was spray painted. Church members’ cars have been vandalized, and at least two Christians were assaulted. Protesters even hurled racial epithets at African-Americans because African-Americans voted overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us!”
Beliefnet.com — Rod Dreher: Stand By the Mormons
“Now is the time for traditional Christians — Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox — to come to the aid of our Mormon friends. They put themselves on the front line of the traditional marriage battle like no other church group. And now individual Mormons are paying a terrible price for standing up for something we all believe in. I don't know how we can stand with them from afar, but at least we can thank them, and speak out when we see them being abused. We might also think again about how we view them. … I have deep disagreements with Mormon theology. But they are our friends and allies and fellow citizens, and they deserve our thanks and support.”
John Mark Reynolds, Philosophy Professor at Biola University – California and Thank-a-Mormon Day
“In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree. A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies!”
The Volokh Conspiracy — Dale Carpenter: An Alternative to Anti-Mormon Protests
“Here's my advice to righteously furious gay-marriage supporters: Stop the focus on the Mormon Church. Stop it now. We just lost a ballot fight in which we were falsely but effectively portrayed as attacking religion. So now some of us attack a religion? People were warned that churches would lose their tax-exempt status, which was untrue. So now we have (frivolous) calls for the Mormon Church to lose its tax-exempt status? It's rather selective indignation, anyway, since lots of demographic groups gave us Prop 8 in different ways — some with money and others with votes. I understand the frustration, but this particular expression of it is wrong and counter-productive.”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
"I'M ON THE PC!!!!!!!"
Weston finally gets some alone time with the camera and he can see himself ON the computer screen... let's watch and see how this effects him....
OK since Weston was either jumping out of focus or to shy to hold still FOR the camera. Here is a picture of him so you can see that he's a good looking boy, and not a blurrr.
OK since Weston was either jumping out of focus or to shy to hold still FOR the camera. Here is a picture of him so you can see that he's a good looking boy, and not a blurrr.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The sounds of Spencer
He gargles, he tongue clicks, he blah, lah, lah's, he is silly eating with his overly-hyper brother Weston on the Web-cam ... with SOUND!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I've Heard It All Before
by Cherie Call
June 30, 2008
I went visiting teaching this week, and I was really inspired by the June message. How amazing it is to know that we lived before we came here! And how even more amazing it is to know a little about what happened in the premortal life. We all know that we chose to be here, because, well, we're here. But here's how it happened.
Now, Satan probably phrased it better than this, otherwise he wouldn't have had so many followers. But here's the jist of his argument:
"These people are not strong enough, and they're mostly too stupid to be able to handle earth life if they have challenges. It's too risky! Let me just make it easy, take away the choices, and take all the credit."
On the other hand, God REALLY believed in us and knew we could do this. And we ALL believed enough in Jesus that we knew he'd help us on the times when we might actually be weak and stupid. Not so risky when you think about it that way.
So here we are. Sometimes I get little thoughts in my head that say, "You might not be able to handle this. You're not good enough." It really helps me to remember who the author of that idea is. Come on Satan, haven't you come up with anything new?
I try hard to listen more carefully for a different voice. "I believe in you. You're smart, you're strong, and you're MINE. You can't fail with that combination."
I get a warm feeling inside and I smile when I realize, I've heard all of that before, and here I am.
© 2007 Deseret Book Company
June 30, 2008
I went visiting teaching this week, and I was really inspired by the June message. How amazing it is to know that we lived before we came here! And how even more amazing it is to know a little about what happened in the premortal life. We all know that we chose to be here, because, well, we're here. But here's how it happened.
Now, Satan probably phrased it better than this, otherwise he wouldn't have had so many followers. But here's the jist of his argument:
"These people are not strong enough, and they're mostly too stupid to be able to handle earth life if they have challenges. It's too risky! Let me just make it easy, take away the choices, and take all the credit."
On the other hand, God REALLY believed in us and knew we could do this. And we ALL believed enough in Jesus that we knew he'd help us on the times when we might actually be weak and stupid. Not so risky when you think about it that way.
So here we are. Sometimes I get little thoughts in my head that say, "You might not be able to handle this. You're not good enough." It really helps me to remember who the author of that idea is. Come on Satan, haven't you come up with anything new?
I try hard to listen more carefully for a different voice. "I believe in you. You're smart, you're strong, and you're MINE. You can't fail with that combination."
I get a warm feeling inside and I smile when I realize, I've heard all of that before, and here I am.
© 2007 Deseret Book Company
I'm voting Democrat!
Yep I'm doing it because well Senator Obama has such a nice smile.....
OK the movie is a little silly, but it makes the GREAT point at the end. Let's figure out WHO we're voting for and maybe learn where they actually stands BEFORE we vote? Oh you might also want to look into what exactly IS the electorial college, and how they play into the vote. Because you may vote for someone, but if the majority of those who live in your state vote for the other guy the other guy gets the vote.
Because in the end if your not with the majority in your state then your vote is like a small drop of snot in a big bucket of water. mmmmm anyone thirsty now?
Thanks also to Verticalblu.com for the movie, designtoscano.com for the gargoyles, timeinc.net for the superhero presidents to be, and Zazzle.com for the giant finger cartoon telling you who to vote for.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Gay Marriage debate full of holes and unrealities
Taken from "The Daily Universe" BYU University's campus newspaper Oct. 27, 2008
""A heated debate about same-sex marriage at Utah Valley University attracted so many students Thursday that some had to leave the UVU Ragan Theater for fear of violating the 400-person fire code.
Instead of the normal concert or theater production, students crowded in to watch the discussion sponsored by the Utah Valley University Student Association, UVUSA.
Former Massachusetts senator and former president of the Human Rights Campaign, Cheryl Jaques, favors same sex marriage and told the audience they are living in the middle of a civil rights battle.
“We are literally writing the next chapter in the book of civil rights,” Jaques said.
Jaques compared the legalization of same-sex marriage to past civil rights movements concerning women and blacks.
“We’ve been here before,” she said. Dr. A. Scott Loveless, executive director
of World Family Policy Center, led opposing arguments and said those in favor
of same-sex marriage are “riding the coattails of the civil rights movement.”
“Homosexuality is a choice of behavior or activity rather than something in which you have no control,” Loveless said.
John Ure, a UVU business management major, supported Loveless’s arguments and said gays cannot “demand rights without proving their benefits to society.”
Jaques counter-argued with statistics of 8,000 same-sex couples in Massachusetts along with one of the lowest divorce rates in the country.
She labeled Massachusetts as the “role model for the institution of marriage.”
The focus then shifted to the definitions same-sex couples fit in those definitions.
Loveless said the United States was founded on natural law that imposes obligations on its citizens. The legalization of same-sex marriage would move the U.S. away from natural law to an “idea that rights come first rather than duties,” he said.
Eric Porter, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at UVU, favors redefining marriage and
said, “Marriage is a tradition that, while good, can be expanded to include same-sex couples.”
Children’s education became a central part of the debate, with each side describing the proper school curriculum of the future.
Porter compared same-sex marriage to the theory of evolution and said it does not have to be legal to be discussed in schools.
“We can’t determine a school’s curriculum based on the religious beliefs of the parents,” he said.
Ure said the legalization of same-sex marriage will “affect every facet of our society.”
Both sides agreed a solution to this issue is nowhere in sight.
“We’ll never see the end of this debate,” Jaques said, “because we’re not going to see the end of gay people.”"
The choice to be Gay should not be put into legislation and law simply do to the fact that is IS a choice. As stated in the above article people's opinions and beliefs shouldn't be the basis for law and regulations, as follows: "we cannot determine a school's curriculum based on ... religious beliefs" yet the Gay-Lesbian people are pushing for just that! Attempting to push their beliefs and make it into school curriculum, and they are not even the children who are going to school's parents!
If looking at this issue from a simple Biology and natural stand-point. Nature itself tells us that male and female are the only basis for, if nothing else, a continuation of a society and the needed continual perpetuation of a species. Man are women are physically created to BE together!
If we look to just the simple short term complications of Sam-sex marriage we see that the burden of the continuation of the human species is placed in danger as that role will be places solely on those who continue to support and sustain the basic Family unit. From that we could look at the long term effect of such arrangements and the complete perversion of Gay couples Giving the Sperm to Lesbian couples as the means for the species to continue.
This also takes away the human and natural effect of survival of the most beneficial gene in the continuation of the species, and this would effect also the long term survival of the whole human family.
The argument of "Gay is the same as Black" is in itself offensive to all races in general. Being born whatever skin color IS scientifically proven to be genetic there is no scientific proof that there is a "gay" gene. Those who push this stance are ignorant and haven't even taken a basic Biology class!
Being Gay is a choice a person makes over and over, denying the impulses inside them that it's not true, till they convince themselves that there is nothing they can do about it. This is simply a lie conceived and created in their own mind, which now the Gay-Lesbian community is attempting to force the issue of acceptance on the population at large. In an attempt to justify their incorrect choices and give themselves a feeling of a measure of peace they need acceptance. The problem is as long as they live that lifestyle, whether ratified in a law or not, they will not EVER feel that measure of peace because it's wrong. Wickedness never was happiness, and never, not even with all the laws in the world changed to you favor, will it be.
As looked upon through religious eyes the whole purpose of this life is to make it back to our Father in Heaven in order to qualify to do that we must be sealed to a person of another sex and merit exaltation. The practice of Gay and Lesbian relationships are an abomination in the sight of God so pretty much you're writing yourself, if you don't repent, a post-life ticket on a 'wonderful' vacation in Hell. Simply put by Jesus Himself, as recorded in 3 Nephi as follows -
11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.
12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.
""A heated debate about same-sex marriage at Utah Valley University attracted so many students Thursday that some had to leave the UVU Ragan Theater for fear of violating the 400-person fire code.
Instead of the normal concert or theater production, students crowded in to watch the discussion sponsored by the Utah Valley University Student Association, UVUSA.
Former Massachusetts senator and former president of the Human Rights Campaign, Cheryl Jaques, favors same sex marriage and told the audience they are living in the middle of a civil rights battle.
“We are literally writing the next chapter in the book of civil rights,” Jaques said.
Jaques compared the legalization of same-sex marriage to past civil rights movements concerning women and blacks.
“We’ve been here before,” she said. Dr. A. Scott Loveless, executive director
of World Family Policy Center, led opposing arguments and said those in favor
of same-sex marriage are “riding the coattails of the civil rights movement.”
“Homosexuality is a choice of behavior or activity rather than something in which you have no control,” Loveless said.
John Ure, a UVU business management major, supported Loveless’s arguments and said gays cannot “demand rights without proving their benefits to society.”
Jaques counter-argued with statistics of 8,000 same-sex couples in Massachusetts along with one of the lowest divorce rates in the country.
She labeled Massachusetts as the “role model for the institution of marriage.”
The focus then shifted to the definitions same-sex couples fit in those definitions.
Loveless said the United States was founded on natural law that imposes obligations on its citizens. The legalization of same-sex marriage would move the U.S. away from natural law to an “idea that rights come first rather than duties,” he said.
Eric Porter, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at UVU, favors redefining marriage and
said, “Marriage is a tradition that, while good, can be expanded to include same-sex couples.”
Children’s education became a central part of the debate, with each side describing the proper school curriculum of the future.
Porter compared same-sex marriage to the theory of evolution and said it does not have to be legal to be discussed in schools.
“We can’t determine a school’s curriculum based on the religious beliefs of the parents,” he said.
Ure said the legalization of same-sex marriage will “affect every facet of our society.”
Both sides agreed a solution to this issue is nowhere in sight.
“We’ll never see the end of this debate,” Jaques said, “because we’re not going to see the end of gay people.”"
The choice to be Gay should not be put into legislation and law simply do to the fact that is IS a choice. As stated in the above article people's opinions and beliefs shouldn't be the basis for law and regulations, as follows: "we cannot determine a school's curriculum based on ... religious beliefs" yet the Gay-Lesbian people are pushing for just that! Attempting to push their beliefs and make it into school curriculum, and they are not even the children who are going to school's parents!
If looking at this issue from a simple Biology and natural stand-point. Nature itself tells us that male and female are the only basis for, if nothing else, a continuation of a society and the needed continual perpetuation of a species. Man are women are physically created to BE together!
If we look to just the simple short term complications of Sam-sex marriage we see that the burden of the continuation of the human species is placed in danger as that role will be places solely on those who continue to support and sustain the basic Family unit. From that we could look at the long term effect of such arrangements and the complete perversion of Gay couples Giving the Sperm to Lesbian couples as the means for the species to continue.
This also takes away the human and natural effect of survival of the most beneficial gene in the continuation of the species, and this would effect also the long term survival of the whole human family.
The argument of "Gay is the same as Black" is in itself offensive to all races in general. Being born whatever skin color IS scientifically proven to be genetic there is no scientific proof that there is a "gay" gene. Those who push this stance are ignorant and haven't even taken a basic Biology class!
Being Gay is a choice a person makes over and over, denying the impulses inside them that it's not true, till they convince themselves that there is nothing they can do about it. This is simply a lie conceived and created in their own mind, which now the Gay-Lesbian community is attempting to force the issue of acceptance on the population at large. In an attempt to justify their incorrect choices and give themselves a feeling of a measure of peace they need acceptance. The problem is as long as they live that lifestyle, whether ratified in a law or not, they will not EVER feel that measure of peace because it's wrong. Wickedness never was happiness, and never, not even with all the laws in the world changed to you favor, will it be.
As looked upon through religious eyes the whole purpose of this life is to make it back to our Father in Heaven in order to qualify to do that we must be sealed to a person of another sex and merit exaltation. The practice of Gay and Lesbian relationships are an abomination in the sight of God so pretty much you're writing yourself, if you don't repent, a post-life ticket on a 'wonderful' vacation in Hell. Simply put by Jesus Himself, as recorded in 3 Nephi as follows -
11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.
12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What is God in our lives?
So we recently had a stake Conference this last weekend and one speaker talked about the need to seek out True happiness or pleasure, and not to settle for imitations.
Today in my Biology class at school I was completely fascinated with the discussion on the way nature works on the molucute level. In the middle of the discussion I noticed how beautiful all this was and how perfect God had created all this earth and its balance. Then I suddenly felt a moment of sorrow, not for myself and the knowledge I was gaining, but rather for my teacher who has time and again gone out of his way to state how foolish the idea of God is and the creation.
Which is fine enough if he wants to believe like that, but the joy and excitement I was experiencing through the witness of the Holy Ghost and the truthfulness of our class and its concepts. My teacher, with his 'knowledgeable' blindness to the truth, I felt sorry for in that he was missing out on so much true joy, and the worst thing was he didn't even know that he was missing it!
I had another thought today on this matter, but the material is a little to personal to share online to the World. I will however note that I perceive the biggest difference in the REAL joy and excitement and the counterfeit excitement that fades away, dies, and usually leaves one feeling less, was God. It was the true knowledge that only comes through Him and the added insight to the different subjects that gave to me a sense of real awe and joy FOR my God and what He has given us. Beyond that He was there to guide me on this awakening journey to SEE.
So back to my subject line... "What is God in our lives?" .... I think He is the core of REAL joy and without Him we only get that counterfeit, fleeting falseness. Which is sometimes mistaken for joy because your heart is beating so fast and you gain a rush of excitement so it MUST be a good thing, right? ... only why do I not feel uplifted, refreshed, or edified afterword?
Today in my Biology class at school I was completely fascinated with the discussion on the way nature works on the molucute level. In the middle of the discussion I noticed how beautiful all this was and how perfect God had created all this earth and its balance. Then I suddenly felt a moment of sorrow, not for myself and the knowledge I was gaining, but rather for my teacher who has time and again gone out of his way to state how foolish the idea of God is and the creation.
Which is fine enough if he wants to believe like that, but the joy and excitement I was experiencing through the witness of the Holy Ghost and the truthfulness of our class and its concepts. My teacher, with his 'knowledgeable' blindness to the truth, I felt sorry for in that he was missing out on so much true joy, and the worst thing was he didn't even know that he was missing it!
I had another thought today on this matter, but the material is a little to personal to share online to the World. I will however note that I perceive the biggest difference in the REAL joy and excitement and the counterfeit excitement that fades away, dies, and usually leaves one feeling less, was God. It was the true knowledge that only comes through Him and the added insight to the different subjects that gave to me a sense of real awe and joy FOR my God and what He has given us. Beyond that He was there to guide me on this awakening journey to SEE.
So back to my subject line... "What is God in our lives?" .... I think He is the core of REAL joy and without Him we only get that counterfeit, fleeting falseness. Which is sometimes mistaken for joy because your heart is beating so fast and you gain a rush of excitement so it MUST be a good thing, right? ... only why do I not feel uplifted, refreshed, or edified afterword?
Friday, September 05, 2008
Boundaries and Shepherds
From Wikipdia online encyclopedia "A shepherd is a person who tends to, feeds, or guards sheep, especially in flocks. The word may also refer to one who provides religious guidance, as a pastor."
"The purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves."
I found these definition of a shepherds and boundaries to be perfect in fitting into my thoughts this morning which were as follows: Man has been given boundaries in every age of his existence, the boundaries are commonly known as commandments. The word commandment is usually thought of as restrictive and binding, but in fact commandments are simply the boundaries set to the path leasing to joy, happiness, safety and a sense of peace in one's life.
God our Father loves us all and wants ALL of us to return to Him. Yet we just can't go back to Him without increasing in our awareness, spirituality, and strength. If it were possible for each of us to simply get a body and then return to Him without any REAL mortal experiences, why wasn't Lucifer's plan of compulsion adopted, or another plan where we ALL just live long enough to get a body, or even be given bodies in the realm prior to this earth and simply live there? The answer has been given to prophets throughout time to inform the children of God the way to happiness.
Rules and boundaries are usually created for the meaning for protection and safety for those entering any given place. Rules of the road tell us to attempt to be courteous, stop for red lights and stop signs, and be aware of other people around us who are driving, riding a bike, or walking. What would happen if we chose to ignore those boundaries of the road? Well other then the pain and grief from hurting, maiming, and killing other human beings, dogs, or other animals. We would no doubt be hunted down, convicted, and spend a lot of time in prison and/or paying a lot in money and time to attempt to re-pay all the damage we did cause.
This principle is the same on how we should live our life. God GAVE commandments or boundaries already and He updates them today by means of Called and ordained Prophets and teachers as well as through The Holy Ghost which speaks to all those that seek Him. Interestingly enough the same punishments CAN occur if we choose to ignore the God's boundaries set for His children. We will be found out in full, convicted by our own guilty conscious, and possibly even spend a lot of time in prison paying for the wasted Blood of Jesus who freely gave it to give to God's children a chance not to suffer. (For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; ... D&C 19:6-7)
Granted after we pay the debt we own to Him we probably will be saved in a small manner, excluding of course those sons of perdition (D&C 76:31-34 Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power— They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born; For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity; Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—)
So bottom line here is not to look at commandments as restrictions but to see them as they are: boundaries set by God in order that we might repent, attempt to do better day by day, seek out, find and partake of all the Principles of The Restored Gospel, endure to the end and then (D&C 84:36-39 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.)
The way is prepared so let us all seek and find it. In His name Jesus Christ Amen
"The purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves."
I found these definition of a shepherds and boundaries to be perfect in fitting into my thoughts this morning which were as follows: Man has been given boundaries in every age of his existence, the boundaries are commonly known as commandments. The word commandment is usually thought of as restrictive and binding, but in fact commandments are simply the boundaries set to the path leasing to joy, happiness, safety and a sense of peace in one's life.
God our Father loves us all and wants ALL of us to return to Him. Yet we just can't go back to Him without increasing in our awareness, spirituality, and strength. If it were possible for each of us to simply get a body and then return to Him without any REAL mortal experiences, why wasn't Lucifer's plan of compulsion adopted, or another plan where we ALL just live long enough to get a body, or even be given bodies in the realm prior to this earth and simply live there? The answer has been given to prophets throughout time to inform the children of God the way to happiness.
Rules and boundaries are usually created for the meaning for protection and safety for those entering any given place. Rules of the road tell us to attempt to be courteous, stop for red lights and stop signs, and be aware of other people around us who are driving, riding a bike, or walking. What would happen if we chose to ignore those boundaries of the road? Well other then the pain and grief from hurting, maiming, and killing other human beings, dogs, or other animals. We would no doubt be hunted down, convicted, and spend a lot of time in prison and/or paying a lot in money and time to attempt to re-pay all the damage we did cause.
This principle is the same on how we should live our life. God GAVE commandments or boundaries already and He updates them today by means of Called and ordained Prophets and teachers as well as through The Holy Ghost which speaks to all those that seek Him. Interestingly enough the same punishments CAN occur if we choose to ignore the God's boundaries set for His children. We will be found out in full, convicted by our own guilty conscious, and possibly even spend a lot of time in prison paying for the wasted Blood of Jesus who freely gave it to give to God's children a chance not to suffer. (For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; ... D&C 19:6-7)
Granted after we pay the debt we own to Him we probably will be saved in a small manner, excluding of course those sons of perdition (D&C 76:31-34 Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power— They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born; For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity; Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—)
So bottom line here is not to look at commandments as restrictions but to see them as they are: boundaries set by God in order that we might repent, attempt to do better day by day, seek out, find and partake of all the Principles of The Restored Gospel, endure to the end and then (D&C 84:36-39 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.)
The way is prepared so let us all seek and find it. In His name Jesus Christ Amen
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Matt 22:1-14, Jesus the Christ Chapter 30 notes 4 and 6
1 AND Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 ¶ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
4. The Call to the Marriage Feast --The Calling of the guests who had been bidden aforetime is thus commented upon by Trench (Parables, pp. 175-6): "This summoning of those already bidden, was, and, as modern travellers attest, is still, quite in accordance with Eastern manners. Thus Esther invites Hamon to a banquet on the morrow (Esth. 5:8), and when the time has actually arrived, the chamberlain comes to usher him to the banquest (6:14). There is, therefore, no slightest reason why we should make 'them that were bidden' to mean them that were now to be bidden; such an interpretation not merely violating all laws of grammar, but the higher purpose with which the parable was spoken; for our Lord, assuming that the guests had been invited long ago, does thus remind His hearers that what He brought, if in one sense new, was in another a fulfilment of the old; that He claimed to be heard, not as one suddenly starting up, unconnected with aught which had gone before but as Himself 'the end of the law,' to which it had been ever tending, the birth with which the whole Jewish dispensation had been pregnant, and which alone should give a meaning to it all. In His words, 'them that were bidden,' is involved in the fact that there was nothing abrupt in the coming of His kingdom, that its rudiments had a long while before been laid, that all to which his adversaries clung as precious in their past history was prophetic of blessings now actually present to them in Him. The original invitation, which had now come to maturity reached back to the foundation of the Jewish commonwealth, was taken up and repeated by each succeeding prophet, as he prophesied of the crowning grace that should one day be brought to Israel (Luke 10:24; Pet. 1:12), and summoned the people to hold themselves in a spiritual readiness to welcome their Lord and their King."
6. The Called and the Chosen-- Edersheim's reflections upon this subject follow in part (Vol. 2, pp. 429, 430): "The King entered to see His guests and among them he descried one who had not on a wedding garment... As the guests had been travelers, and as the feast was in the King's palace, we cannot be mistaken in supposing that such garments were supplied in the palace to all who sought them. And with this agrees the circumstance, that the man so addressed 'was speechless.' His conduct argued utter insensibility as regarded that to which he had been called -- ignorance of what was due the King, and what became such a feast, For, although no previous state of preparedness was required of the invited guests, all being bidden, whether good to bad, yet the fact remained that, if they were to take part in the feast they must put on the garments suited to the occasion. All invited to the gospel feast; but they who will partake of it must put on the King's wedding garment of evangelical holiness. And whereas it is said in the parable that only one was descried without this garment, this intended to teach, that the King will not only generally view His guest, but that each will be separately examined, and that no one -- no, not a single individual -- will be able to escape discovery amidst the mass of guests, if he has not the wedding garment. In short, in that day of trial, it is not scrutiny of churches, but of individuals in the church... The call comes to all; but it may be outwardly accepted, and a man may sit down to feast, and yet he may not be chosen to partake of the feast, because he has not the wedding garment of converting, sanctifying grace. And so, one may be thrust even from the marriage board into the darkness without, with its sorrow and anguish. Thus, side by side, yet wide apart, are these two -- God's call and God's choice. The connecting link between them is the wedding garment, freely given in the Palace. Yet, we must seek it, ask it, put it on. And as here also, we have, side by side, God's gift and man's activity. And still, to all time, and to all men, alike in the warning, teaching, and blessing, is it true: Many are called, but few are chosen!" Many words of related meaning, both Hebrew and Greek, are translated "Garment" in our English Bible. The Greek original in the mention of the wedding garment is enduma; whit does not occur in other Bible passages as the original of "garment". The noun is related to the Greek verb enduein, "to put on, as a garment." Compare Luke 24:49, 'until ye be undued with power from on high."
I found these parables absolutely fascinating and I thought about how this is very similar to Christ's church missionary work today and our temple. The later-day missionaries have been out now for almost 200 years and some of those first missionaries were beaten and some even killed. And before the Restoration of Christ's church in our day there were a great many who were killed for their testimonies of Jesus. (Stephen and Abinadi are two that come right to mind) But the message that the martyrs died for and the message today will lead on a path, that if followed to its full possibilities, will in fact grant the said person a new set of garments of "evangelical holiness".
Granted my theory here would call for a specified moment of choice and a person's acceptance as to whether or not they would like to be participants at the wedding feast. I feel however I am justified in stating that the missionaries are, even now, asking that question time and again, while on their God-assigned missions, but I would also hope that to those that don't know, or are biased because of ignorance, would be given a second chance. (Because I do not know all things and this is only a theory) I will also include that on the other hand people may only get one chance. This statement is made as exampled by Christ's sending out His servants, and His direction "to shake off the dust of thy feet .. and wash thy feet, as a testimony" against those that did not receive the servants or their Message.
(see Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; D&C 60:15,75:20)
Let us all hear, seek, and/or knock so we may have opened to us the door to the Kingdom on earth so we may be fitted for our own wedding-feast, garment and sit down to eat with our Savior when he comes again is my prayer, in His name Jesus Christ, Amen.
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 ¶ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
4. The Call to the Marriage Feast --The Calling of the guests who had been bidden aforetime is thus commented upon by Trench (Parables, pp. 175-6): "This summoning of those already bidden, was, and, as modern travellers attest, is still, quite in accordance with Eastern manners. Thus Esther invites Hamon to a banquet on the morrow (Esth. 5:8), and when the time has actually arrived, the chamberlain comes to usher him to the banquest (6:14). There is, therefore, no slightest reason why we should make 'them that were bidden' to mean them that were now to be bidden; such an interpretation not merely violating all laws of grammar, but the higher purpose with which the parable was spoken; for our Lord, assuming that the guests had been invited long ago, does thus remind His hearers that what He brought, if in one sense new, was in another a fulfilment of the old; that He claimed to be heard, not as one suddenly starting up, unconnected with aught which had gone before but as Himself 'the end of the law,' to which it had been ever tending, the birth with which the whole Jewish dispensation had been pregnant, and which alone should give a meaning to it all. In His words, 'them that were bidden,' is involved in the fact that there was nothing abrupt in the coming of His kingdom, that its rudiments had a long while before been laid, that all to which his adversaries clung as precious in their past history was prophetic of blessings now actually present to them in Him. The original invitation, which had now come to maturity reached back to the foundation of the Jewish commonwealth, was taken up and repeated by each succeeding prophet, as he prophesied of the crowning grace that should one day be brought to Israel (Luke 10:24; Pet. 1:12), and summoned the people to hold themselves in a spiritual readiness to welcome their Lord and their King."
6. The Called and the Chosen-- Edersheim's reflections upon this subject follow in part (Vol. 2, pp. 429, 430): "The King entered to see His guests and among them he descried one who had not on a wedding garment... As the guests had been travelers, and as the feast was in the King's palace, we cannot be mistaken in supposing that such garments were supplied in the palace to all who sought them. And with this agrees the circumstance, that the man so addressed 'was speechless.' His conduct argued utter insensibility as regarded that to which he had been called -- ignorance of what was due the King, and what became such a feast, For, although no previous state of preparedness was required of the invited guests, all being bidden, whether good to bad, yet the fact remained that, if they were to take part in the feast they must put on the garments suited to the occasion. All invited to the gospel feast; but they who will partake of it must put on the King's wedding garment of evangelical holiness. And whereas it is said in the parable that only one was descried without this garment, this intended to teach, that the King will not only generally view His guest, but that each will be separately examined, and that no one -- no, not a single individual -- will be able to escape discovery amidst the mass of guests, if he has not the wedding garment. In short, in that day of trial, it is not scrutiny of churches, but of individuals in the church... The call comes to all; but it may be outwardly accepted, and a man may sit down to feast, and yet he may not be chosen to partake of the feast, because he has not the wedding garment of converting, sanctifying grace. And so, one may be thrust even from the marriage board into the darkness without, with its sorrow and anguish. Thus, side by side, yet wide apart, are these two -- God's call and God's choice. The connecting link between them is the wedding garment, freely given in the Palace. Yet, we must seek it, ask it, put it on. And as here also, we have, side by side, God's gift and man's activity. And still, to all time, and to all men, alike in the warning, teaching, and blessing, is it true: Many are called, but few are chosen!" Many words of related meaning, both Hebrew and Greek, are translated "Garment" in our English Bible. The Greek original in the mention of the wedding garment is enduma; whit does not occur in other Bible passages as the original of "garment". The noun is related to the Greek verb enduein, "to put on, as a garment." Compare Luke 24:49, 'until ye be undued with power from on high."
I found these parables absolutely fascinating and I thought about how this is very similar to Christ's church missionary work today and our temple. The later-day missionaries have been out now for almost 200 years and some of those first missionaries were beaten and some even killed. And before the Restoration of Christ's church in our day there were a great many who were killed for their testimonies of Jesus. (Stephen and Abinadi are two that come right to mind) But the message that the martyrs died for and the message today will lead on a path, that if followed to its full possibilities, will in fact grant the said person a new set of garments of "evangelical holiness".
Granted my theory here would call for a specified moment of choice and a person's acceptance as to whether or not they would like to be participants at the wedding feast. I feel however I am justified in stating that the missionaries are, even now, asking that question time and again, while on their God-assigned missions, but I would also hope that to those that don't know, or are biased because of ignorance, would be given a second chance. (Because I do not know all things and this is only a theory) I will also include that on the other hand people may only get one chance. This statement is made as exampled by Christ's sending out His servants, and His direction "to shake off the dust of thy feet .. and wash thy feet, as a testimony" against those that did not receive the servants or their Message.
(see Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; D&C 60:15,75:20)
Let us all hear, seek, and/or knock so we may have opened to us the door to the Kingdom on earth so we may be fitted for our own wedding-feast, garment and sit down to eat with our Savior when he comes again is my prayer, in His name Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Power Developed by Prayer and Fasting
2. Power Developed by Prayer and Fasting -- The Savior's statement concerning the evil spirit that the apostles were unable to subdue – “Howbeit this kind goeth not our but by prayer and fasting”—indicated gradation in the malignity and evil power of demons, and gradation also in the results of varying degrees of faith. The apostles who failed on the occasion referred to had been able to cast out demons at other times. Fasting, when practiced in prudence, and genuine prayer are conducive to the development of faith with its accompanying power for good. Individual application of this principle may be made with profit. Have you some besetting weakness, some sinful indulgence that you have vainly tried to overcome? Like the malignant demon that Christ rebuked in the boy, your sin may be of a kind that goeth out only through prayer and fasting. (“Jesus the Christ” Chapter 24, Note 2 by James E Talmage)
Friday, August 08, 2008
Faith a Gift of God
--"Though within the reach of all who diligently strive to gain it, faith is nevertheless a divine gift, and can be obtained ONLY from God (see Matt. 16:17; John 6:64,65; Eph. 2:8; 1 Cor. 12:9; Rom. 12:3; Moro. 10:11). As fitting for so priceless a pearl, it is given to those only who show by their sincerity that they are worthy of it, and who give promise (to try their best) of abiding by its dictates. Although faith is called the first principle of the Gospel of Christ, though it be the foundation of all religion, yet even faith is PRECEDED by Sincerity of disposition and humility of soul, whereby the word of God may make an impression upon the heart (see Rom. 10:17). No compulsion is used in bringing men to a knowledge of God; yet, as fast as we open our hearts to the influences of righteousness, the faith that leads to life eternal will be given us of our Father." -- Articles of Faith, p. 107 by James Talmage.
This is PERFECT!!! Do you feel the absolute truth of the matter, and it's correlation to other revealed later-day scripture!? We find in Alma 32:25 - 27... "for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might.
26 Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.
27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."
As it is with Elder Talmage's words above-- have no more then a desire or want to believe, learn to be humble and soft of heart so you will be open to the Word of God, and then let that desire work in you until you can find yourself asking The Father, in the name of His Beloved: Christ, for the required Faith and a testimony, and then the gate will start to open for you to again be WITH God and His beloved in Their Kingdom! (of course on condition of your continuing to seek and nourish your new found faith as counseled by Alma in Alma Chapter 32!)
This is PERFECT!!! Do you feel the absolute truth of the matter, and it's correlation to other revealed later-day scripture!? We find in Alma 32:25 - 27... "for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might.
26 Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.
27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."
As it is with Elder Talmage's words above-- have no more then a desire or want to believe, learn to be humble and soft of heart so you will be open to the Word of God, and then let that desire work in you until you can find yourself asking The Father, in the name of His Beloved: Christ, for the required Faith and a testimony, and then the gate will start to open for you to again be WITH God and His beloved in Their Kingdom! (of course on condition of your continuing to seek and nourish your new found faith as counseled by Alma in Alma Chapter 32!)
Monday, August 04, 2008
We're probably doing better then we think we are doing.
I just finished watching the KSL Channel 5 (Utah) video Biography of our late Prophet Gordon B Hinckley and the title of this blog was a quote Sheri Dew said Gordon was fond of expressing.
I thought about this quote and then about a testimony and thought that I had come into my mind last Sunday. In sharing some thoughts to my ward I was impressed to say something to the effect of 'there is a dark cloud over all the earth right now, it is of evil and it is expressed in thoughts and feelings of a dampening nature. This to bring us down and make us feel more miserable. We however have a choice and I have made it when I have these feelings and thoughts I recognize them as evil and not my own and say to the thought, "I am an agent unto myself and I choose not to believe that thought" and then seek out and create other thoughts more pleasant and uplifting.'
This train of thought led me to realize that in much of my own life I have had thoughts that are very subtle and negative and now I question "are those thoughts mine?"
I feel and believe that I need to start asking myself that question more often when my mind starts down the road of bitter or less then kind thinking toward myself as well as other people that I may run across in this life.
Because I believe that it, the LDS church, is true, and thus its scriptures are true, and one scripture in particular reads "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and... my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants (Prophets), it is the same." So this tells me that the Prophet Gordon Hinckley's words of "We're probably doing better then we think..." would fit perfectly into a God given truth that the devils are still fighting a war with His children on this side of the veil, and satan has learned and is practicing a true art of subtle deception that we need to be aware of and combat it one self-controlled thought and realization at a time.
We are agents unto ourselves and we need to simply be aware, fight a good fight, and come off (with Christ's help) conquerors in the end.
I thought about this quote and then about a testimony and thought that I had come into my mind last Sunday. In sharing some thoughts to my ward I was impressed to say something to the effect of 'there is a dark cloud over all the earth right now, it is of evil and it is expressed in thoughts and feelings of a dampening nature. This to bring us down and make us feel more miserable. We however have a choice and I have made it when I have these feelings and thoughts I recognize them as evil and not my own and say to the thought, "I am an agent unto myself and I choose not to believe that thought" and then seek out and create other thoughts more pleasant and uplifting.'
This train of thought led me to realize that in much of my own life I have had thoughts that are very subtle and negative and now I question "are those thoughts mine?"
I feel and believe that I need to start asking myself that question more often when my mind starts down the road of bitter or less then kind thinking toward myself as well as other people that I may run across in this life.
Because I believe that it, the LDS church, is true, and thus its scriptures are true, and one scripture in particular reads "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and... my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants (Prophets), it is the same." So this tells me that the Prophet Gordon Hinckley's words of "We're probably doing better then we think..." would fit perfectly into a God given truth that the devils are still fighting a war with His children on this side of the veil, and satan has learned and is practicing a true art of subtle deception that we need to be aware of and combat it one self-controlled thought and realization at a time.
We are agents unto ourselves and we need to simply be aware, fight a good fight, and come off (with Christ's help) conquerors in the end.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
"Thou art the Christ" - Knowlede Does Not insure Salvation.
From James E. Talmage's "Jesus the Christ"
(Note 6 to Chapter 13)
"6. Knowlede Does Not Insure Salvation. -- James of old chided his bretheren for certain empty professions (James 2:19). Said he in effect: you take pride and satisfaction in declaring your belief in God; you boast of being distinguished from the idolaters and the heathen because you accept one God; you do well to profess, and to believe; but, remember others do likewise; even the devils believe; and, we may add, so firmly that they tremble at the thought of the fate whith that belief makes sure. Those confessions of the devils, that Christ was the Son of God, were founded on knowledge; yet their knowledge of the great truth did not change their evil natures.
How different was their acknowledgement of the Savior from that of Peter, who, to the Master's question "Whom Say ye that I am?" replied in practically the words used by the unclean spirits before cited, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16; See also Mark 8:29; Like 9:20). Peter's faith had already shown its vital power; it had caused him to forsake much that had been dear, to follow his Lord through persecution and suffering, and to put away worldliness with all its fascination, the sacraficing godliness which his faith made so desirable. His knowledge of God as the Father, and the Son as the Redeemer, was perhaps no greater than that of the unclean spirits; but while to them that knowledge was but an added cause of condemnation, to him it was a means of salvation. -- Abridged from Articles of Faith, pp. 97-98.
An interesting and alarming point by Brother Talmage one that has caused me, and should cause all, to ponder as to where and how we declare our testimony of The Christ and its center....
(Note 6 to Chapter 13)
"6. Knowlede Does Not Insure Salvation. -- James of old chided his bretheren for certain empty professions (James 2:19). Said he in effect: you take pride and satisfaction in declaring your belief in God; you boast of being distinguished from the idolaters and the heathen because you accept one God; you do well to profess, and to believe; but, remember others do likewise; even the devils believe; and, we may add, so firmly that they tremble at the thought of the fate whith that belief makes sure. Those confessions of the devils, that Christ was the Son of God, were founded on knowledge; yet their knowledge of the great truth did not change their evil natures.
How different was their acknowledgement of the Savior from that of Peter, who, to the Master's question "Whom Say ye that I am?" replied in practically the words used by the unclean spirits before cited, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16; See also Mark 8:29; Like 9:20). Peter's faith had already shown its vital power; it had caused him to forsake much that had been dear, to follow his Lord through persecution and suffering, and to put away worldliness with all its fascination, the sacraficing godliness which his faith made so desirable. His knowledge of God as the Father, and the Son as the Redeemer, was perhaps no greater than that of the unclean spirits; but while to them that knowledge was but an added cause of condemnation, to him it was a means of salvation. -- Abridged from Articles of Faith, pp. 97-98.
An interesting and alarming point by Brother Talmage one that has caused me, and should cause all, to ponder as to where and how we declare our testimony of The Christ and its center....
Friday, July 18, 2008
Another post on my all to growing son, Spencer
Kids are wonderful! A little loud and not wanting to nap, when they desperatly (according to the parents) need to, but they are FUN to watch and discover in the process of childhood. Here are pictures of Spencer discovering light
And pondering the depths of his relationship in the cosmos to this puddle of light on the floor and also what that might meen to him 37 years from now...
And now going to tell mom what great insite he has discovered in his pondering
And what did he learn from his pondering? Well He seems to have learned that he can actually stand up in his crib without help from a parent...
Well next step, I guess, is learning to climb :D
And pondering the depths of his relationship in the cosmos to this puddle of light on the floor and also what that might meen to him 37 years from now...
And now going to tell mom what great insite he has discovered in his pondering
And what did he learn from his pondering? Well He seems to have learned that he can actually stand up in his crib without help from a parent...
Well next step, I guess, is learning to climb :D
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Come Come ye saints
HERE
I have been, in the back of my mind, singing this song a lot of late... and it occurred to me how much this song is true to life. I have noted below a few of the thoughts that I've had while singing it.
Come, come, ye Saints, (the invitation to all persons that claim to be 'saints of God' to come to Him.)
no toil nor labor fear; (why fear when Jesus has already WON the fight all we need to do is be on His team, or side, or His corporation, or whatever you want to liken being with Him?)
But with joy wend your way. (again, why not be happy? We obviously made a correct choice somewhere as we're here in mortality learning to get back to Heaven and our God... why not be happy?)
Though hard to you this journey may appear, (Life always seems harder when we are in the middle of a test, or put on the spot, but in actuality if we see life as a whole we're already at least one step closer and Jesus will be there to help, with His Grace, as long as we are trying and we ASK Him.)
Grace shall be as your day. (see above)
’Tis better far for us to strive (life is soooo much easier and simpler when you are working on something good, especially for another being.)
Our useless cares from us to drive; (really what small and simple cares/mole-hills do we make into mountains?)
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell— All is well! All is well! (A BIG key to lasting happiness.)
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? ’Tis not so; all is right. (We came down here to be tested so why are we upset, sad, or angry when we actually have a trial that will make us stronger? I watch my baby get SO mad and frustrated while attempting to crawl, but I see that I can't do it for him, HE needs to grow the muscle, coordination, and brain capacity TO crawl. In the end it will be worth it.)
Why should we think to earn a great reward If we now shun the fight? (Same as above... why do we think to walk without having learned how? How do we expect to be exalted without learning how? Granted no one can make it by themselves, but we still need to at least work at it.)
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake; (self explanatory. He'll always be there if we call out to Him.
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell— All is well! All is well! (What a happy song)
We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away in the West,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the Saints will be blessed.
We’ll make the air with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we’ll tell— All is well! All is well! (This whole verse was accomplished and in looking at the Salt Lake Area All is Well and still continues to be well where most other places in the U.S., if not the world, aren't quite as blessed.)
And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell! (Ahhhh... to die in the Lord. In His service to be taken into His presence to dwell there forever. It's a vacation from this life at times.)
But if our lives are spared again To see the Saints their rest obtain, Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell— All is well! All is well! (And we will forget ourselves and get to work and be happy more.)
Sorry for poor lighting
I have been, in the back of my mind, singing this song a lot of late... and it occurred to me how much this song is true to life. I have noted below a few of the thoughts that I've had while singing it.
Come, come, ye Saints, (the invitation to all persons that claim to be 'saints of God' to come to Him.)
no toil nor labor fear; (why fear when Jesus has already WON the fight all we need to do is be on His team, or side, or His corporation, or whatever you want to liken being with Him?)
But with joy wend your way. (again, why not be happy? We obviously made a correct choice somewhere as we're here in mortality learning to get back to Heaven and our God... why not be happy?)
Though hard to you this journey may appear, (Life always seems harder when we are in the middle of a test, or put on the spot, but in actuality if we see life as a whole we're already at least one step closer and Jesus will be there to help, with His Grace, as long as we are trying and we ASK Him.)
Grace shall be as your day. (see above)
’Tis better far for us to strive (life is soooo much easier and simpler when you are working on something good, especially for another being.)
Our useless cares from us to drive; (really what small and simple cares/mole-hills do we make into mountains?)
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell— All is well! All is well! (A BIG key to lasting happiness.)
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? ’Tis not so; all is right. (We came down here to be tested so why are we upset, sad, or angry when we actually have a trial that will make us stronger? I watch my baby get SO mad and frustrated while attempting to crawl, but I see that I can't do it for him, HE needs to grow the muscle, coordination, and brain capacity TO crawl. In the end it will be worth it.)
Why should we think to earn a great reward If we now shun the fight? (Same as above... why do we think to walk without having learned how? How do we expect to be exalted without learning how? Granted no one can make it by themselves, but we still need to at least work at it.)
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. Our God will never us forsake; (self explanatory. He'll always be there if we call out to Him.
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell— All is well! All is well! (What a happy song)
We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away in the West,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the Saints will be blessed.
We’ll make the air with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we’ll tell— All is well! All is well! (This whole verse was accomplished and in looking at the Salt Lake Area All is Well and still continues to be well where most other places in the U.S., if not the world, aren't quite as blessed.)
And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell! (Ahhhh... to die in the Lord. In His service to be taken into His presence to dwell there forever. It's a vacation from this life at times.)
But if our lives are spared again To see the Saints their rest obtain, Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell— All is well! All is well! (And we will forget ourselves and get to work and be happy more.)
Sorry for poor lighting
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Mind, Body, and Spirit
Hello persons that read/stumble across my blog. I still need to learn how to post that movie of my baby rolling cause I'm pretty sure we have one or two of that, plus his getting up on his hands and knees.... amazing our little bodies and how we grow... ok that's not what I'm talking about in this blog however.
Yesterday I was privileged to attend my stake's priesthood meeting. Brand new stake leadership, and it was their first stake priesthood meeting. I remember our new stake president standing up, stating this was his first priesthood meeting, and praying that the spirit would be there for the occasion. Well I didn't tell him, but The Spirit was there and it was a beautiful meeting. I recall this was my first priesthood meeting with my new hearing aids, and how I was able to change the setting and listen without any hearing help plugged into a wall or Comtek device.
I recall during the songs it was magnificent to hear with both ears the singing, and my mind was directed in taking note that the voices and the singing I was hearing was more then the congregation. I pondered that this morning and was taken on a thought adventure. I'll attempt to describe it in words (if possible):
Singing is the only activity I know that the human brain is fully involved. That is to say, both hemispheres of the brain are active when you sing. The beat, melody, rhythm, lyrics, breathing, projecting your voice, are all physical things that we need to do in order to sing, and that takes BOTHJ sides of our brains to do! Plus when we sing with all our heart that is the spiritual aspect of our creation piping up and joining into the song. This got me thinking on how God asks us when we pray to pray with meaning and heart; that is "pray with real intent" (see Moroni 7:6,9)What better way to pray then with the full physical mind, body and soul combined?
Also there is scripture "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" (D&C 25:12)this thought brought me to think on how much of a beautiful prayer singing with real intent must be to our God. So that took me back to the congregational hymn and just the unity that was being had with the singing and each person basically saying a prayer to God. This then caused my mind to wonder to another scripture found in both Matthew 18:20 and D&C 6:32, simply "where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you." ... this struck me as 'That was what you were feeling as beyond the congregation!'
We as a group of priesthood were united in a song and thus prayer to our Father and God, and if Jesus wasn't there, then He at least, sent some angels to join in and participate in our song/prayer and it was AMAZING!
My favorite part of it all was that I could attempt to join in my voice to that prayer, then that my mind was directed to what was happening, and best, with the new hearing aids I was able to HEAR it!
What an amazing experience. I wish all the world to be able to participate in such joyous happenings! And I know we all can so let's join together in whatever way we know how and sing a little bolder, and be nit together a little closer, and let us all praise more, using all Mind, Body, and Spirit, our Father in Heaven!
Yesterday I was privileged to attend my stake's priesthood meeting. Brand new stake leadership, and it was their first stake priesthood meeting. I remember our new stake president standing up, stating this was his first priesthood meeting, and praying that the spirit would be there for the occasion. Well I didn't tell him, but The Spirit was there and it was a beautiful meeting. I recall this was my first priesthood meeting with my new hearing aids, and how I was able to change the setting and listen without any hearing help plugged into a wall or Comtek device.
I recall during the songs it was magnificent to hear with both ears the singing, and my mind was directed in taking note that the voices and the singing I was hearing was more then the congregation. I pondered that this morning and was taken on a thought adventure. I'll attempt to describe it in words (if possible):
Singing is the only activity I know that the human brain is fully involved. That is to say, both hemispheres of the brain are active when you sing. The beat, melody, rhythm, lyrics, breathing, projecting your voice, are all physical things that we need to do in order to sing, and that takes BOTHJ sides of our brains to do! Plus when we sing with all our heart that is the spiritual aspect of our creation piping up and joining into the song. This got me thinking on how God asks us when we pray to pray with meaning and heart; that is "pray with real intent" (see Moroni 7:6,9)What better way to pray then with the full physical mind, body and soul combined?
Also there is scripture "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" (D&C 25:12)this thought brought me to think on how much of a beautiful prayer singing with real intent must be to our God. So that took me back to the congregational hymn and just the unity that was being had with the singing and each person basically saying a prayer to God. This then caused my mind to wonder to another scripture found in both Matthew 18:20 and D&C 6:32, simply "where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you." ... this struck me as 'That was what you were feeling as beyond the congregation!'
We as a group of priesthood were united in a song and thus prayer to our Father and God, and if Jesus wasn't there, then He at least, sent some angels to join in and participate in our song/prayer and it was AMAZING!
My favorite part of it all was that I could attempt to join in my voice to that prayer, then that my mind was directed to what was happening, and best, with the new hearing aids I was able to HEAR it!
What an amazing experience. I wish all the world to be able to participate in such joyous happenings! And I know we all can so let's join together in whatever way we know how and sing a little bolder, and be nit together a little closer, and let us all praise more, using all Mind, Body, and Spirit, our Father in Heaven!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Growing up
Well he's done it... My spencer has officially rolled at least twice from his back to his tummy.
I was unable to post the video here for some reason, but I was able to put in on google video here
It's a little (LOT) pixalated, but if you don't like it you can send me money for a better video camera, thanks
I was unable to post the video here for some reason, but I was able to put in on google video here
It's a little (LOT) pixalated, but if you don't like it you can send me money for a better video camera, thanks
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Thy Will be done and Glory
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)
This scripture is God talking with Moses and explaining to him His purposes for this Earth and His hope for His children upon it. It's so that they can learn to act as Godly as possible in this life, and eventually receive eternal life.
Why does/would God want us to be like Him? Well first off what parent out there doesn't want the best for their children? If you recognize your child is strong and loves helping people, wouldn't you as a parent seek for ways to guide your child into activities that would benefit him and allow him to do just what they seem so good at?
Why would we want to be like God? ... OK does this question even need to be asked? Eternal happiness, all powerful, all loving, all peaceful, forever ability of body and mind and comprehension of everything....
I was pondering this today in my personal life and our Example Jesus who said "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)"
Why didn't our Father rescue His son from all that He went through? Well short answer would be, all that Jesus was given was obtained and earned by going through what He did, plus if Jesus wouldn't have gone trough with it we wouldn't be able to return to our Father's presence either.
So it was for us, and for Our Father in again having the possibility of obtaining all His beloved Children back into His presence.
We as individuals on the other hand will need to pass through trials in this life and prove ourselves worthy to again be in God's presence. Everlasting Life is a free gift by and through Christ's Resurrection, but those that knowingly sin and don't repent, or change the behavior, will need to suffer for their transgressions.
Thankfully we will all be judged according to our opportunities and knowledge of this life and the life before and the opportunities presented to us. As restored Gospel principles teach "Where much is Given much is also required"
God bless us all and let's do the best we're able in this world. 0:-)
This scripture is God talking with Moses and explaining to him His purposes for this Earth and His hope for His children upon it. It's so that they can learn to act as Godly as possible in this life, and eventually receive eternal life.
Why does/would God want us to be like Him? Well first off what parent out there doesn't want the best for their children? If you recognize your child is strong and loves helping people, wouldn't you as a parent seek for ways to guide your child into activities that would benefit him and allow him to do just what they seem so good at?
Why would we want to be like God? ... OK does this question even need to be asked? Eternal happiness, all powerful, all loving, all peaceful, forever ability of body and mind and comprehension of everything....
I was pondering this today in my personal life and our Example Jesus who said "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)"
Why didn't our Father rescue His son from all that He went through? Well short answer would be, all that Jesus was given was obtained and earned by going through what He did, plus if Jesus wouldn't have gone trough with it we wouldn't be able to return to our Father's presence either.
So it was for us, and for Our Father in again having the possibility of obtaining all His beloved Children back into His presence.
We as individuals on the other hand will need to pass through trials in this life and prove ourselves worthy to again be in God's presence. Everlasting Life is a free gift by and through Christ's Resurrection, but those that knowingly sin and don't repent, or change the behavior, will need to suffer for their transgressions.
Thankfully we will all be judged according to our opportunities and knowledge of this life and the life before and the opportunities presented to us. As restored Gospel principles teach "Where much is Given much is also required"
God bless us all and let's do the best we're able in this world. 0:-)
Saturday, February 02, 2008
And prove me now herewith,
A scripture with promise
There is a scripture in Malachi speaking on tithes and offerings in which a servant of The Lord tells and promises us something amazing!
(Old Testament | Malachi 3:10)
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
This I know that this promise is absolutely true. I have taken up this challenge over and over, in choosing to pay my tithes before anything else when I get almost any money. And as sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West my Lord has proven to be true and faithful in His promise.
God keeps His promises
There are other scriptures that testify of God and His promises. One of my favorite is D&C 1:38
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
This is a simple concept in that God cannot lie and He never changes. “…If so, God would cease to be God.”
Now, shouldn’t this mean we can look to God in all things where he has spoken, either Himself or His servants, and there is a promise given? According to God staying God it has to be or else He would cease to be God, and all things must be undone! For if God is no longer God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things. This is why God has to keep His word and promises. If not all His creations, including our Earth and bodies, would be undone!
Finding His promises and taking advantage of them“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” Pretty straight forward there; and in the start of our entire standard works of Scripture we find Jehovah of the Old Testament, our God, saying:
”Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them”
In the Book of Mormon King Benjamin explaining how difficult this can feel at times when he gives the following advice:
“And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.”
Further along Alma gives council to investigators of God’s church when he states:
“…as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?”
Later-day promises
Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints heard a promise given by our recently diseased prophet Gordon B. Hinckley in August 2005 which simply was: “We studied the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this past year. Nonetheless I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon....Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”
Many, many members of the church and persons without took up this challenge and just as a promise from the Lord, or His servants, are given it was kept, and there are hundreds if not thousands or millions of people who can testify of this.
25 June 1982
On the above mentioned date President Boyd K. Packer gave a talk to some missionaries in which he counseled young missionaries to not fear in reiterating a truth found in Proverbs 20:27 when he stated: “Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that “leap of faith,” as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. “The spirit of man,” is as the scripture says, indeed “is the candle of the Lord.”
All truth established by the voice of 2 or 3 witnesses
On February 3, 2006 Elder David A. Bednar gave us second witness to this truth when he examined a little deeper the principle of Faith. And when he stated: “Faith in Christ is inextricably tied to, and results in, hope in Christ for our redemption and exaltation. And assurance and hope make it possible for us to walk to the edge of the light and take a few steps into the darkness—expecting and trusting the light to move and illuminate the way.2 The combination of assurance and hope initiates action in the present.
Faith as the evidence of things not seen looks to the past and confirms our trust in God and our confidence in the truthfulness of things not seen. We stepped into the darkness with assurance and hope, and we received evidence and confirmation as the light in fact moved and provided the illumination we needed. The witness we obtained after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6) is evidence that enlarges and strengthens our assurance.”
My own witness’In my own life I have seen the promises of the Lord at work; sometimes to my own discomfort, other times to my comfort, but all times to a GREAT feeling of joy, thankfulness, and happiness!
Long ago our God, through one of his servants, promised my mother that I would be helped in turning from my life of poorer choices to the life I presently am living with my God in great joy!
Tithing, as stated at the beginning of this talk, has been a support for me, and given temporal blessings including a very nice Apt/home, food, clothing, and funds to have fun with my children. All from my choosing to pay God His asked 10% before I go get my “needs”.
And last I’ll mention here, is the part talked about above with the walking to the edge of the light and taking a few steps into the darkness. With the loss of my hearing and an almost constant sense of fatigue it’s been difficult at times to continue to go and do acts of service for those in my life. But I have found even when I am completely exhausted if I simply start, and take whatever action I am capable of. God is there to help, support, and sustain me! Truly the witness’ on this subject borne previously are correct, and I add my witness to the same. When times are tough and hard and there WILL be times, forget yourself and do what you’re able to do for another, and God will lend His Grace to you, and it will surprise you (with) what the Lord has done using your small effort.
In His name Jesus Christ, amen.
There is a scripture in Malachi speaking on tithes and offerings in which a servant of The Lord tells and promises us something amazing!
(Old Testament | Malachi 3:10)
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
This I know that this promise is absolutely true. I have taken up this challenge over and over, in choosing to pay my tithes before anything else when I get almost any money. And as sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West my Lord has proven to be true and faithful in His promise.
God keeps His promises
There are other scriptures that testify of God and His promises. One of my favorite is D&C 1:38
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
This is a simple concept in that God cannot lie and He never changes. “…If so, God would cease to be God.”
Now, shouldn’t this mean we can look to God in all things where he has spoken, either Himself or His servants, and there is a promise given? According to God staying God it has to be or else He would cease to be God, and all things must be undone! For if God is no longer God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things. This is why God has to keep His word and promises. If not all His creations, including our Earth and bodies, would be undone!
Finding His promises and taking advantage of them“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” Pretty straight forward there; and in the start of our entire standard works of Scripture we find Jehovah of the Old Testament, our God, saying:
”Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them”
In the Book of Mormon King Benjamin explaining how difficult this can feel at times when he gives the following advice:
“And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.”
Further along Alma gives council to investigators of God’s church when he states:
“…as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?”
Later-day promises
Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints heard a promise given by our recently diseased prophet Gordon B. Hinckley in August 2005 which simply was: “We studied the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this past year. Nonetheless I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon....Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”
Many, many members of the church and persons without took up this challenge and just as a promise from the Lord, or His servants, are given it was kept, and there are hundreds if not thousands or millions of people who can testify of this.
25 June 1982
On the above mentioned date President Boyd K. Packer gave a talk to some missionaries in which he counseled young missionaries to not fear in reiterating a truth found in Proverbs 20:27 when he stated: “Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that “leap of faith,” as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. “The spirit of man,” is as the scripture says, indeed “is the candle of the Lord.”
All truth established by the voice of 2 or 3 witnesses
On February 3, 2006 Elder David A. Bednar gave us second witness to this truth when he examined a little deeper the principle of Faith. And when he stated: “Faith in Christ is inextricably tied to, and results in, hope in Christ for our redemption and exaltation. And assurance and hope make it possible for us to walk to the edge of the light and take a few steps into the darkness—expecting and trusting the light to move and illuminate the way.2 The combination of assurance and hope initiates action in the present.
Faith as the evidence of things not seen looks to the past and confirms our trust in God and our confidence in the truthfulness of things not seen. We stepped into the darkness with assurance and hope, and we received evidence and confirmation as the light in fact moved and provided the illumination we needed. The witness we obtained after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6) is evidence that enlarges and strengthens our assurance.”
My own witness’In my own life I have seen the promises of the Lord at work; sometimes to my own discomfort, other times to my comfort, but all times to a GREAT feeling of joy, thankfulness, and happiness!
Long ago our God, through one of his servants, promised my mother that I would be helped in turning from my life of poorer choices to the life I presently am living with my God in great joy!
Tithing, as stated at the beginning of this talk, has been a support for me, and given temporal blessings including a very nice Apt/home, food, clothing, and funds to have fun with my children. All from my choosing to pay God His asked 10% before I go get my “needs”.
And last I’ll mention here, is the part talked about above with the walking to the edge of the light and taking a few steps into the darkness. With the loss of my hearing and an almost constant sense of fatigue it’s been difficult at times to continue to go and do acts of service for those in my life. But I have found even when I am completely exhausted if I simply start, and take whatever action I am capable of. God is there to help, support, and sustain me! Truly the witness’ on this subject borne previously are correct, and I add my witness to the same. When times are tough and hard and there WILL be times, forget yourself and do what you’re able to do for another, and God will lend His Grace to you, and it will surprise you (with) what the Lord has done using your small effort.
In His name Jesus Christ, amen.
Friday, February 01, 2008
The WHY as to why hymns are #1 at inviting The Spirit and making your day brigher.
Of course this is my opinion, and I can talk it over with anyone who cares to. But I feel I found a/the reason as to why hymns change your thoughts faster then just pop/culture music. A responcibility of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness to truths, right?
So when you sing hymns the direct your thoughts more so to hevenly things, then THIS course of thought invites the HG to over and over bear you truth to the items you sing, read, and think about!
This can help also with your attitude as having a member of the Godhead staying with you for a little while without question would raise your spirit(s). 0:-)
Favorite hymn to sing? I stand all amazed... to which I attempted to put a link in to, but blogger is being stupid too. Seems the speelcheker is borken too.
So when you sing hymns the direct your thoughts more so to hevenly things, then THIS course of thought invites the HG to over and over bear you truth to the items you sing, read, and think about!
This can help also with your attitude as having a member of the Godhead staying with you for a little while without question would raise your spirit(s). 0:-)
Favorite hymn to sing? I stand all amazed... to which I attempted to put a link in to, but blogger is being stupid too. Seems the speelcheker is borken too.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Songs and thoughts that guide thinking
So today I was at school, and was looking around and thinking. My thoughts moved to a young lady sitting on the table ahead of me, and I found my thoughts drifting in a way that I didn't like. I caught myself and thought "Where did THAT come from?" ... read a little down in my blog, and you'll see what my thoughts HAVE been doing of late. Which has been nice.... anyway I stopped and examined my brain and what was going on in it. It turned out I had in the background of my thoughts a REAL old pop song running through my mind. I thought "This song isn't all that bad; was it the cause of my last thought?" to which I had another thought enter something like this. "No that song isn't all that bad, but the Spirit doesn't like it so He's left and you're left to yourself." Next I thought, "Well I didn't like that last thought so how do I get the Spirit back?" to which I receive "Sing a hymn! That will work.". Simple enough I thought up a good hymn "Rise up O man of God" and started repeating that in my mind:
"Rise up of man of God, have done with lesser things, Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.
Rise up O man of God, in one united throng, bring in the day of botherhood, and end the night of wrong.
Rise up O man of God, tread where His feet have trod, as brothers of the Son of Man, rise up O man of God"
So while I'm repeating this song over and over in my head it leads to new hymns to sing, and I take a look again around the cafeteria and at the young lady in front of me. The thoughts are much more clean and happy and simple and peaceful. I kept looking around the cafeteria, and it seemed that my better thoughts from days before were again returning to me!
So as I think further on that moment my mind drifts back tonight to something I read a while ago about the power of music. In that music is almost the only thing that can effect for good or evil the entire brain at the SAME TIME. The rythm and beat apeal to the right hemisphere of the brain, and the melody and tune to the left. One of the most powerful and simple ways to change your mood is to change your music. Then eventually this also will change your thoughts and actions to match the music that you listen to!
Had a poor day? What have you been listening to, and/or thinking about?
"Rise up of man of God, have done with lesser things, Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.
Rise up O man of God, in one united throng, bring in the day of botherhood, and end the night of wrong.
Rise up O man of God, tread where His feet have trod, as brothers of the Son of Man, rise up O man of God"
So while I'm repeating this song over and over in my head it leads to new hymns to sing, and I take a look again around the cafeteria and at the young lady in front of me. The thoughts are much more clean and happy and simple and peaceful. I kept looking around the cafeteria, and it seemed that my better thoughts from days before were again returning to me!
So as I think further on that moment my mind drifts back tonight to something I read a while ago about the power of music. In that music is almost the only thing that can effect for good or evil the entire brain at the SAME TIME. The rythm and beat apeal to the right hemisphere of the brain, and the melody and tune to the left. One of the most powerful and simple ways to change your mood is to change your music. Then eventually this also will change your thoughts and actions to match the music that you listen to!
Had a poor day? What have you been listening to, and/or thinking about?
A Poem for President Hinckley
(not my poem, but more then deserving of recognition)
Prophetic Passing
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward - there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.
Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008
Prophetic Passing
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward - there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.
Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Let your light so shine! Thoughts on Pres Hinckley's passing.
So here in Utah especially the passing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints' 15th president and prophet has caused no small stir. Everywhere I go there are flags at half-mast, including a car dealership here in Provo, and I'm talking ALL the flags! There must have been like 40 around the lot on little poles, but the dealers took time enough to go through and put them ALL at half-mast!
Across the country within the LDS circles, and sometimes without, kids were dressing in their 'Sunday' best in honor of President Hinckley accoding to a local Utah newspaper I believe this went all over the US as per my understanding.
National CNN reporter Glenn Beck even put a small exerpt on his show about Pres Hinckley.
With the publication of the book "Standing for Something" President Hinckley said to the world, "Hey let's take control of our own lives, and thus make this earth a better place for all!"
What a shining example of a Man of God following our Savior's teaching found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon!
(New Testament | Matthew 5:16)
- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:16)
- Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Across the country within the LDS circles, and sometimes without, kids were dressing in their 'Sunday' best in honor of President Hinckley accoding to a local Utah newspaper I believe this went all over the US as per my understanding.
National CNN reporter Glenn Beck even put a small exerpt on his show about Pres Hinckley.
With the publication of the book "Standing for Something" President Hinckley said to the world, "Hey let's take control of our own lives, and thus make this earth a better place for all!"
What a shining example of a Man of God following our Savior's teaching found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon!
(New Testament | Matthew 5:16)
- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:16)
- Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
An update to my last posting
So the idea to 'talk with you subconscious' in order to change my behavior has been fabulous! My thoughts have been changing and my actions are reflecting the change in my thoughts. The latest of which has been, probably also to do with having a new baby boy, seeing everyone with an eye of 'what do you think that person looked like as a baby?' It's been a very interesting new outlook on seeing people. I've come to the conclusion that many people probably are very similar to what they looked like as a babe, (only bigger) and it's easier to smile at people and control the thinking. Especially when someone does something that's 'not quite smart' in my mind's eye. Including remembering that 'once upon a time' everyone was small like my boy, and have a mother and father who probalby have been just as worried over them as I get over my new one and my other 3!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I'm on a new mind adventure
I woke up VERY early this morning from a slightly disturbing dream. While I was having it I was OK with all that was going on with it. Then I woke up and remembered it and thought, "What you just dreamed was not a good dream. Where in the world did this dream come from, and why were you so comfortable dreaming it while you were?"
Because I didn't care for the dream I decided to find out the answers to my question. I prayed and asked for help and guidance so I could avoid, if possible, similar dreams in the future. The thought came to be that the dream was from either my ego, super ego, or ID... I had learned about those type of items long long ago in a galaxy far far etc... But I didn't remember all of what they all were so then a thought came that simply said 'it was your subconscious'. I remembered then a psychological book about the conscious and subconscious.
The book stated that the subconscious was like a blackboard that anything the conscious took to be 'truth' the subconscious noted this and that became a belief of yours; whether it was correct or incorrect didn't matter, only that you took a conscious opportunity to believe it as true.
This took me to asking "Then how can I change what my subconscious has taken as an incorrect truth, and change it to a reality truth?" The thought came 'Replace the error with truth by forcing yourself to believe that which you want to believe is true' .... I took a few minutes and went through my mind and forced my subconscious to accept a new, and I feel correct, truth, and place that up as the correct way to handle my future on its 'subconscious blackboard'.
This later in the day led me to thinking 'How in the world did you even get that false truth placed in your subconscious as "real"?'
It dawned on me that it's everywhere today; T.V., newspaper, talk, Internet, books ... just media in general. The world tells us that it is OK to just do whatever your 'fancy' feels like and there is no consequences in doing what pleases you. Then it states 'OK if there are consequences then maybe we'll be beaten with a few stripes at the last day and then saved in the kingdom of God' ... I realized this had been an ongoing happening in my life for YEARS and that finally for some reason I noticed it and took action to change what the world has been feeding my subconscious for toooo long.
I then went on a search for the 'how can I go about changing my thoughts?' adventure and came across several Internet pages that have gone about this same question.... I have yet to discover if any are worth following through on, but it's a start and I've found a few little 'goodies' already along the way.
One story that I'm posting below is from www.innertalk.com
Her name was Mrs. Thompson. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie.
Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs.Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs.Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honours. He assured Mrs.Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he'd ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference".
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
Warm someone's heart today . . . pass this along. Please remember that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will have the opportunity to touch and/or change a person's outlook. Please try to do it in a positive way. Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.
Good story I feel, and so I'll post more as my adventure continues and if I actually find anything of worth... That said all this is reminding me of a scripture Proverbs 23:7 - "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he..." which leads me to James Allen's book "As a man thinketh" which is a great literary piece of art. :) A small excerpt from that book
"“As the plant springs from, and could not be without, the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought, and could not have appeared without them. This applies equally to those acts called ‘spontaneous’ and ‘unpremeditated’ as to those which are deliberately executed. …
“In the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. … Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master. … Man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny” (As a Man Thinketh [1983], 7–10).
Then Mr. Allen added: “Let a man radically alter his thoughts, and he will be astonished at the rapid transformation it will effect in the material conditions of his life. Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance” (As a Man Thinketh, 33–34).
So I guess that gives me a little more incite as to where my dream came from and a little more hope into changing future dreams... OK more later I'm sure. Thanks for reading my Blog Mom and other people ;)
Because I didn't care for the dream I decided to find out the answers to my question. I prayed and asked for help and guidance so I could avoid, if possible, similar dreams in the future. The thought came to be that the dream was from either my ego, super ego, or ID... I had learned about those type of items long long ago in a galaxy far far etc... But I didn't remember all of what they all were so then a thought came that simply said 'it was your subconscious'. I remembered then a psychological book about the conscious and subconscious.
The book stated that the subconscious was like a blackboard that anything the conscious took to be 'truth' the subconscious noted this and that became a belief of yours; whether it was correct or incorrect didn't matter, only that you took a conscious opportunity to believe it as true.
This took me to asking "Then how can I change what my subconscious has taken as an incorrect truth, and change it to a reality truth?" The thought came 'Replace the error with truth by forcing yourself to believe that which you want to believe is true' .... I took a few minutes and went through my mind and forced my subconscious to accept a new, and I feel correct, truth, and place that up as the correct way to handle my future on its 'subconscious blackboard'.
This later in the day led me to thinking 'How in the world did you even get that false truth placed in your subconscious as "real"?'
It dawned on me that it's everywhere today; T.V., newspaper, talk, Internet, books ... just media in general. The world tells us that it is OK to just do whatever your 'fancy' feels like and there is no consequences in doing what pleases you. Then it states 'OK if there are consequences then maybe we'll be beaten with a few stripes at the last day and then saved in the kingdom of God' ... I realized this had been an ongoing happening in my life for YEARS and that finally for some reason I noticed it and took action to change what the world has been feeding my subconscious for toooo long.
I then went on a search for the 'how can I go about changing my thoughts?' adventure and came across several Internet pages that have gone about this same question.... I have yet to discover if any are worth following through on, but it's a start and I've found a few little 'goodies' already along the way.
One story that I'm posting below is from www.innertalk.com
Her name was Mrs. Thompson. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie.
Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs.Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs.Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honours. He assured Mrs.Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he'd ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference".
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
Warm someone's heart today . . . pass this along. Please remember that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will have the opportunity to touch and/or change a person's outlook. Please try to do it in a positive way. Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.
Good story I feel, and so I'll post more as my adventure continues and if I actually find anything of worth... That said all this is reminding me of a scripture Proverbs 23:7 - "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he..." which leads me to James Allen's book "As a man thinketh" which is a great literary piece of art. :) A small excerpt from that book
"“As the plant springs from, and could not be without, the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought, and could not have appeared without them. This applies equally to those acts called ‘spontaneous’ and ‘unpremeditated’ as to those which are deliberately executed. …
“In the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. … Between these two extremes are all the grades of character, and man is their maker and master. … Man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny” (As a Man Thinketh [1983], 7–10).
Then Mr. Allen added: “Let a man radically alter his thoughts, and he will be astonished at the rapid transformation it will effect in the material conditions of his life. Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance” (As a Man Thinketh, 33–34).
So I guess that gives me a little more incite as to where my dream came from and a little more hope into changing future dreams... OK more later I'm sure. Thanks for reading my Blog Mom and other people ;)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
All on different levels
Knowing we are all on different levels of spirituality according to our circumstances and opportunities for a greater knowledge of love, learning's, and service to God I sometimes post spiritual things and then remove them fearing to offend some people.
When that happens I usually have the thought in my mind the simple title of a talk I once read, but don't remember all in full "Trying to serve God without offending the Devil"... I sometimes over-worry about this one statement then come to realize it's not about overly-worrying, but doing those things that you feel are correct, and trusting in God to make up the difference. That said what happens when you think you know more about the kingdom of God then the general world? ... I guess you see that as a measure of pride and a need to remove that feeling, or rather correct it. ... repent of it is what it is... that word always brings to mind a scripture from a modern revelation from God in the Doctrine and Covenants as follows "By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them (sins) and forsake (correct/change) them" ... I love that scripture because it is in so full harmony with Christ's teachings!
OK this is moving my mind along to the woman taken in adultery as we read about in John. I love this whole scene of Jesus stating "he who is without sin let him first cast the stone" which disbands the accusing and jealous Pharisees to then which Jesus states "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" says the woman ... you all know it!
"no man Lord"
"neither do I condemn thee go thy way and sin no more" ... he doesn't say to the woman "thy sins are forgiven you" only 'go now, attempt to correct your wrong pattern in life, forsake your sin(s), and then all can be made OK! (through me)'
Was it unfortunate that the woman was caught in adultery and taken to be judged? I think not but in fact it was a major blessing to the woman! ... I don't think we ever hear what happened to that woman, I hope she made the corrections (forsake) and went about her life doing better...
I was reading in the book "the miracle of forgiveness" last night second chapter opening which reads
“…At the destination (for eternal life) our Father waits hopefully, anxious to greet His returning children. Unfortunately many will not arrive.
The reason is forthrightly stated by the prophet Nephi --- “… There cannot any unclean thing enter into the Kingdom of God…”(1 Nephi 15:34.) And again, “…no unclean thing can dwell with God…” (1 Nephi 10:21.)"
And I had a thought on this, a pretty deep one too... concerning a lot of scripture and what is means for God to be God and how it is that He keeps being God by continuing to do the correct thing according to eternal and Divine laws. How God is an unchangeable God and if He changes He actually ceases to be God, and it that happens then all of His work is void and comes undone.. including you and I (as I understand it) .. that's heavy!
on top of that thought I recalled the scripture that Jesus tells His disciples and the world in His sermon
(New Testament Matthew 7:21 - 23)
¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
ouch! ..... so there is something deeper then just attempting to prophecy in His name and in His name casting out devils and such to entering into Our Father's Kingdom! .. ... it's in doing the will of the Father .... so what does that mean? .. ... looks like I have some more studying to do... .. no it's answered in another scripture! ..
(Book of Mormon Alma 7:23 - 25)
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out.
(Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 25:23)
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
OK now can I tie all this together again somewhere and somehow? .. .. (deep breath) Back to the line from "the miracle of forgiveness" and getting back to our anxiously waiting Father for many, if not all, to return to Him.
The disciples of old asked Jesus ... oh let's not paraphrase it..
(New Testament John 14:5 - 7)
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, ... how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus IS the way, the only way and God said to Moses
(Moses 6:52)
If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.
Jesus is the way back, He has already prepared THE only way back to the Father, but it is upon our individual acceptance of Him and His ways which are listed above in that scripture.
It's not impossible I feel as those attributes seem to be characteristics that Christ displayed during His whole mortal existence... and this is why I feel it's not impossible. - We read again from Nephi "...for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." so this would mean the commandment given us BY Christ Himself
"(3 Nephi 12:48)
Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."
So it is possible because it is a command and the Lord gives no commands save He prepares a way they be accomplished...
OK I am just putting everything here together, and I haven't even gotten to make the point that started this whole thing! Back (again) to our Father waiting for His children to show up in His kingdom and many not making it because of their own choices to NOT come and partake of his gift even His Son Jesus' and The atonement ...
how would that be for our Father to be waiting for a son or daughter (you or me or a friend) only to have Christ show up saying something to the effect "Sorry Father, they chose not salvation and I had to turn them away to what they wanted by their choices" .... that is a sad outlook and a sad moment but not as much for God who already HAS the fullness of joy that makes Him God... The shedding of tears, as I perceive would come, would be tears for US in not choosing Him as our God ... .. maybe that is in part what is explained by Moses' words concerning what Enoch saw
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:28 - 37)
28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?
...
32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;
...
37 ... Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?
That is pretty powerful that God's only suffering seems to be in His children, US, and in our not choosing Him to be our God.
It is possible for us all to find Him, learn His ways, and be reconciled to Him through Christ's Atonement .... now that I've written an entire book on my thoughts and feeling using the words and scriptures that I know ARE true. I invite everyone that happens to stumble upon my words to learn more if you're interested www.lds.org or www.mormon.org .. and if you won't look into it, or if you're not interested at this time. AT least do what your conscious prompts you to do and be kind to all those about you ... because after all we are all children of God, He loves each the same as the next for does He not have the sun rise on both the just and the unjust? Let's at least do our best to love one another and understand one another so we may all be classified as peace-makers and have claim on further teachings from God when He comes again.
May God be with us all no matter how we personally have come to understand who and what God IS, and I say that in the name of My God, even Jesus Christ, Amen
When that happens I usually have the thought in my mind the simple title of a talk I once read, but don't remember all in full "Trying to serve God without offending the Devil"... I sometimes over-worry about this one statement then come to realize it's not about overly-worrying, but doing those things that you feel are correct, and trusting in God to make up the difference. That said what happens when you think you know more about the kingdom of God then the general world? ... I guess you see that as a measure of pride and a need to remove that feeling, or rather correct it. ... repent of it is what it is... that word always brings to mind a scripture from a modern revelation from God in the Doctrine and Covenants as follows "By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them (sins) and forsake (correct/change) them" ... I love that scripture because it is in so full harmony with Christ's teachings!
OK this is moving my mind along to the woman taken in adultery as we read about in John. I love this whole scene of Jesus stating "he who is without sin let him first cast the stone" which disbands the accusing and jealous Pharisees to then which Jesus states "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" says the woman ... you all know it!
"no man Lord"
"neither do I condemn thee go thy way and sin no more" ... he doesn't say to the woman "thy sins are forgiven you" only 'go now, attempt to correct your wrong pattern in life, forsake your sin(s), and then all can be made OK! (through me)'
Was it unfortunate that the woman was caught in adultery and taken to be judged? I think not but in fact it was a major blessing to the woman! ... I don't think we ever hear what happened to that woman, I hope she made the corrections (forsake) and went about her life doing better...
I was reading in the book "the miracle of forgiveness" last night second chapter opening which reads
“…At the destination (for eternal life) our Father waits hopefully, anxious to greet His returning children. Unfortunately many will not arrive.
The reason is forthrightly stated by the prophet Nephi --- “… There cannot any unclean thing enter into the Kingdom of God…”(1 Nephi 15:34.) And again, “…no unclean thing can dwell with God…” (1 Nephi 10:21.)"
And I had a thought on this, a pretty deep one too... concerning a lot of scripture and what is means for God to be God and how it is that He keeps being God by continuing to do the correct thing according to eternal and Divine laws. How God is an unchangeable God and if He changes He actually ceases to be God, and it that happens then all of His work is void and comes undone.. including you and I (as I understand it) .. that's heavy!
on top of that thought I recalled the scripture that Jesus tells His disciples and the world in His sermon
(New Testament Matthew 7:21 - 23)
¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
ouch! ..... so there is something deeper then just attempting to prophecy in His name and in His name casting out devils and such to entering into Our Father's Kingdom! .. ... it's in doing the will of the Father .... so what does that mean? .. ... looks like I have some more studying to do... .. no it's answered in another scripture! ..
(Book of Mormon Alma 7:23 - 25)
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out.
(Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 25:23)
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
OK now can I tie all this together again somewhere and somehow? .. .. (deep breath) Back to the line from "the miracle of forgiveness" and getting back to our anxiously waiting Father for many, if not all, to return to Him.
The disciples of old asked Jesus ... oh let's not paraphrase it..
(New Testament John 14:5 - 7)
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, ... how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus IS the way, the only way and God said to Moses
(Moses 6:52)
If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.
Jesus is the way back, He has already prepared THE only way back to the Father, but it is upon our individual acceptance of Him and His ways which are listed above in that scripture.
It's not impossible I feel as those attributes seem to be characteristics that Christ displayed during His whole mortal existence... and this is why I feel it's not impossible. - We read again from Nephi "...for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." so this would mean the commandment given us BY Christ Himself
"(3 Nephi 12:48)
Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."
So it is possible because it is a command and the Lord gives no commands save He prepares a way they be accomplished...
OK I am just putting everything here together, and I haven't even gotten to make the point that started this whole thing! Back (again) to our Father waiting for His children to show up in His kingdom and many not making it because of their own choices to NOT come and partake of his gift even His Son Jesus' and The atonement ...
how would that be for our Father to be waiting for a son or daughter (you or me or a friend) only to have Christ show up saying something to the effect "Sorry Father, they chose not salvation and I had to turn them away to what they wanted by their choices" .... that is a sad outlook and a sad moment but not as much for God who already HAS the fullness of joy that makes Him God... The shedding of tears, as I perceive would come, would be tears for US in not choosing Him as our God ... .. maybe that is in part what is explained by Moses' words concerning what Enoch saw
(Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:28 - 37)
28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?
29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?
...
32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;
33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;
...
37 ... Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?
That is pretty powerful that God's only suffering seems to be in His children, US, and in our not choosing Him to be our God.
It is possible for us all to find Him, learn His ways, and be reconciled to Him through Christ's Atonement .... now that I've written an entire book on my thoughts and feeling using the words and scriptures that I know ARE true. I invite everyone that happens to stumble upon my words to learn more if you're interested www.lds.org or www.mormon.org .. and if you won't look into it, or if you're not interested at this time. AT least do what your conscious prompts you to do and be kind to all those about you ... because after all we are all children of God, He loves each the same as the next for does He not have the sun rise on both the just and the unjust? Let's at least do our best to love one another and understand one another so we may all be classified as peace-makers and have claim on further teachings from God when He comes again.
May God be with us all no matter how we personally have come to understand who and what God IS, and I say that in the name of My God, even Jesus Christ, Amen
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Health and Happiness ... KEYS
1 A WORD OF WISDOM, ...
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all ...
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"
-Proverbs 23
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be!"
-Abraham Lincoln
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all ...
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he"
-Proverbs 23
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be!"
-Abraham Lincoln
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