Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Friday, August 02, 2013
The Family
The Family
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A Proclamation to the World
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation original link, thank you living prophets of our living God :D
Thursday, June 16, 2011
FamilySearch.org — Indexing
FamilySearch.org — Indexing
This is the most spiritual activity I have found I can do outside, visiting a Temple and doing ordinances within!
This is the most spiritual activity I have found I can do outside, visiting a Temple and doing ordinances within!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Reply to Facebook post Modest is hottest
Interesting article… and good yet I feel it comes from a worldly standpoint (or center). It states the beliefs of the world, and then goes on to almost a contradiction with itself and yet still makes a good point at the end.
Don’t we read in Scripture "The natural man is an enemy to God and has been from the fall of Adam" -- "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" -- "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved even after all we can do." ? (see Mosiah 3:19, Ephesians 2:5, 2 Nephi 25:23, Romans 3:23)
The problem with the world's center is that it had chosen to believe that when our God given natural brain chemicals are excited and react as they are designed to act, we term this as "being Hot" and this is how women need to dress in order to attract a man. (what it fail to recognize and accept is that God has commanded that such chemicals only be fully released within the bonds of marriage) ---
As this article states, Yes a man will be attracted to the out of marriage chemical reacion, but if you are attracting a man based SOLEY on his inability to control and be master of his own bodily chemicals, you are choosing to invite a man that, in many cases, will move on as soon as the woman stops causing his brain chemicals to run and tell him "oh I still like this girl" (hence the root of the decline to marriage, men and women just can't keep up the all continuous ‘need’ to cause the brain chemicals to be ever-active – they then turn to outside factors in order to get and keep up the stimulation, and find that outside factors do not sustain a marriage but actually tear it down)
Yes modest is hottest as it signifies a woman who is content as being who she is, for what she is, and that is she is a Daughter of God with infinite worth.
As a world we need to shift the focus to Bikini-clad women are not hot (and see the reality) bodies are being used as tools of deception to excite the men around them and to receive some attention. .. And the old adage holds true, "Bad attention is better than no attention at all."
In reality the true focus of a men and woman need depend on what age they have come to. Young ladies need to learn how to be young ladies, playing with dolls and being loved, held, and have attention given them by their mother AND father. Boys will be boys, mud, bugs, water fights and wrestling/chase games ... School age need to be focused on learning and eventually choosing a life goal, preferably based on service for our own natural tendencies to shine out. Along that way boys and girls needs to educated as to the perils of her bodily changes including the increase in chemicals and how these chemicals and their emotions need to be controlled and tempered. (Enter parents again to help out and guide)
At the appropriate age, 16, dating can begin in groups and eventually move along into appropriate one on one (in a two on two group for safety) dating till the individuals choose ONE, seek God’s sanctification of their choice, and then move on into marriage. (age at least 23 I feel, but that can be per the individuals choice) Then the real work will begin!
To seek a marriage or relationship that can be forever fulfilling, the inclusion of God needs to be in the picture from start to finish. Now don’t go out and think this is a bizarre saying, go get educated on the subject before you pass judgment, Look up M. Russell Ballard “women of righteousness”, then “Of Souls, symbols, and sacraments” by Jeffrey R. Holland (read and study both) then further (if needed) the BOOK “Purity and Passion” by Dr. Wendy Watson .
Thanks for starting a good discussion on Facebook
Don’t we read in Scripture "The natural man is an enemy to God and has been from the fall of Adam" -- "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" -- "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved even after all we can do." ? (see Mosiah 3:19, Ephesians 2:5, 2 Nephi 25:23, Romans 3:23)
The problem with the world's center is that it had chosen to believe that when our God given natural brain chemicals are excited and react as they are designed to act, we term this as "being Hot" and this is how women need to dress in order to attract a man. (what it fail to recognize and accept is that God has commanded that such chemicals only be fully released within the bonds of marriage) ---
As this article states, Yes a man will be attracted to the out of marriage chemical reacion, but if you are attracting a man based SOLEY on his inability to control and be master of his own bodily chemicals, you are choosing to invite a man that, in many cases, will move on as soon as the woman stops causing his brain chemicals to run and tell him "oh I still like this girl" (hence the root of the decline to marriage, men and women just can't keep up the all continuous ‘need’ to cause the brain chemicals to be ever-active – they then turn to outside factors in order to get and keep up the stimulation, and find that outside factors do not sustain a marriage but actually tear it down)
Yes modest is hottest as it signifies a woman who is content as being who she is, for what she is, and that is she is a Daughter of God with infinite worth.
As a world we need to shift the focus to Bikini-clad women are not hot (and see the reality) bodies are being used as tools of deception to excite the men around them and to receive some attention. .. And the old adage holds true, "Bad attention is better than no attention at all."
In reality the true focus of a men and woman need depend on what age they have come to. Young ladies need to learn how to be young ladies, playing with dolls and being loved, held, and have attention given them by their mother AND father. Boys will be boys, mud, bugs, water fights and wrestling/chase games ... School age need to be focused on learning and eventually choosing a life goal, preferably based on service for our own natural tendencies to shine out. Along that way boys and girls needs to educated as to the perils of her bodily changes including the increase in chemicals and how these chemicals and their emotions need to be controlled and tempered. (Enter parents again to help out and guide)
At the appropriate age, 16, dating can begin in groups and eventually move along into appropriate one on one (in a two on two group for safety) dating till the individuals choose ONE, seek God’s sanctification of their choice, and then move on into marriage. (age at least 23 I feel, but that can be per the individuals choice) Then the real work will begin!
To seek a marriage or relationship that can be forever fulfilling, the inclusion of God needs to be in the picture from start to finish. Now don’t go out and think this is a bizarre saying, go get educated on the subject before you pass judgment, Look up M. Russell Ballard “women of righteousness”, then “Of Souls, symbols, and sacraments” by Jeffrey R. Holland (read and study both) then further (if needed) the BOOK “Purity and Passion” by Dr. Wendy Watson .
Thanks for starting a good discussion on Facebook
Monday, March 21, 2011
Mormon 3:17-22
17 Therefore I write aunto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;
18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.
19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.
20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment–seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;
21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the every Christ and the very God.
22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment–seat of Christ.
(Book of Mormon | Mormon 3:17 - 22)
-Mormon a pure descendant from Nephi who came out of Jerusalem with his father Lehi during the first year of the reign of Zedichia, king of Jerusalem (600 BC)
18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.
19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.
20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment–seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;
21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the every Christ and the very God.
22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment–seat of Christ.
(Book of Mormon | Mormon 3:17 - 22)
-Mormon a pure descendant from Nephi who came out of Jerusalem with his father Lehi during the first year of the reign of Zedichia, king of Jerusalem (600 BC)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Emphasis on 27-28, it seems our world is moving more toward this than it recognizes
17 But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts.
18 But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof.
19 For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.
23 Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.
24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
25 Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!
26 Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!
27 Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!
28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
32 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.
18 But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof.
19 For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.
23 Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.
24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
25 Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!
26 Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!
27 Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!
28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
32 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Plan of Happiness, war still raging here on earth...
It's kind of really scary that this war is still going on, and people, even those who followed God's first plan, proof that they are here; are now fighting on the wrong side with the battle cry of "We should be Free to choose with Zer0 consequences" and "leave my, choosing to fall, brother's and sister's alone"
Last conference God spoke through one of His chosen Prophets, President Boyd K. Packer, who gave a warning to those who are beginning to choose the wrong side of the battle! The talk given stated the absurdity of wanting to vote to change the laws of gravity, and the FACT that we cannot do such a thing! Of course you know that people who heard the talk and chose to jump on the side of the Devil, are now crying out against President Packer as well as the Latter-day Saint Church.
Granted we have all been given agency to choose what we will do, but we do not have, nor can vote out, the good or bad consequences of said choices. We read in the book of Moses, fourth chapter in verses 1-4 the following: "AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
But, behold, my Beloved Son... said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan ...sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him... also, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will,even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.
Lucifer the fallen is still fighting that same fight, and those that by their agency choose to become offended at the word of God, as spoken by President Packer, may not even recognize what they are doing! Fox13.news has been, perhaps without even knowing it, serving the devil by continuing to stir up contentions amongst the Son's and Daughter's of God. Great they are getting higher ratings, but in so doing they are also choosing to serve Mannan, or the World, more than choosing to serve God our Father.
Brothers and Sisters we need to not be offended by the Word and rather seek new understanding and a different center, even the center of Jesus Christ and His ways. He paid the price for our sins, but He cannot save us in our sins, only FROM our sins, which means we need to recognize them, confess them, and seek to change (repent) them.
In truth we are not able to overpower the devils by ourselves, we need God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost for help there.
(Reference/source the following scriptures:
"Cleansing the inner vessel" -Boyd Kenneth Packer
Doctrine and covenants 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.
Moses 4:1-4 (above)
Luke 16:13 ¶ No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon.
Alma 11:37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.
Some slight word modifications have been used in Moses's words, but the meanings have not been changed and the others are as written in the King James Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price link HERE)
Last conference God spoke through one of His chosen Prophets, President Boyd K. Packer, who gave a warning to those who are beginning to choose the wrong side of the battle! The talk given stated the absurdity of wanting to vote to change the laws of gravity, and the FACT that we cannot do such a thing! Of course you know that people who heard the talk and chose to jump on the side of the Devil, are now crying out against President Packer as well as the Latter-day Saint Church.
Granted we have all been given agency to choose what we will do, but we do not have, nor can vote out, the good or bad consequences of said choices. We read in the book of Moses, fourth chapter in verses 1-4 the following: "AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
But, behold, my Beloved Son... said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan ...sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him... also, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will,
Lucifer the fallen is still fighting that same fight, and those that by their agency choose to become offended at the word of God, as spoken by President Packer, may not even recognize what they are doing! Fox13.news has been, perhaps without even knowing it, serving the devil by continuing to stir up contentions amongst the Son's and Daughter's of God. Great they are getting higher ratings, but in so doing they are also choosing to serve Mannan, or the World, more than choosing to serve God our Father.
Brothers and Sisters we need to not be offended by the Word and rather seek new understanding and a different center, even the center of Jesus Christ and His ways. He paid the price for our sins, but He cannot save us in our sins, only FROM our sins, which means we need to recognize them, confess them, and seek to change (repent) them.
In truth we are not able to overpower the devils by ourselves, we need God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost for help there.
(Reference/source the following scriptures:
"Cleansing the inner vessel" -Boyd Kenneth Packer
Doctrine and covenants 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.
Moses 4:1-4 (above)
Luke 16:13 ¶ No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon.
Alma 11:37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.
Some slight word modifications have been used in Moses's words, but the meanings have not been changed and the others are as written in the King James Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price link HERE)
Monday, October 25, 2010
USA - stop being so offended at reality. Parents start to step up, grow up, and take to the challenge of guiding kids, & helping their marriages work.
Sex addiction – a term that might make you think of Michael Douglas or Tiger Woods – is a real and common problem among Irish men. Here the wife of a recovering sex addict describes the effect of his pornography dependence on their marriage
YOUR INTERNET connection fails and you’re on deadline. It makes perfect sense to go to use your partner’s computer, in the home office. You click on the screen and a pneumatic-breasted creature jumps out at you. You’re surprised but not appalled. This is the 21st century, and porn on the net is a fact of life.
I’d never really given the softer side of porn much consideration. It’s a free world: live and let live, I thought. But there was disquiet in our marriage; children and hectic workloads had affected our intimacy.
We shared a bed, but my partner was physically and mentally absent. He was traversing the globe, trying to find work, which I couldn’t begrudge him – but, equally, he had no interest in me. I suspected he was having an affair. And in a way he was.
There were rows about that suspicion, but I had no proof bar his patent lack of interest in me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, yet I knew something wasn’t right. Our life just didn’t feel right, but I didn’t know how to articulate it.
My family background was fractious. I reasoned that my upbringing had made me suspicious and bad at building relationships. Up to that point in my life the only addiction I was on first-name terms with was alcoholism.
Sex addiction is mired in secrecy. With alcoholism you can smell the booze on the addict’s breath. A gambler’s lack of money will eventually out his or her problem. But sex addiction is something that can be done at home and hidden from view.
It took several accidental discoveries of pornography on his computer to realise that perhaps this wasn’t just simple titillation. Porn was in fact my husband’s mistress.
Sex addiction is an umbrella term for obsessively viewing pornography, engaging with the pornography, frequenting brothels and/or having random sex with people other than your partner. The behaviour of the actor Michael Douglas first put the problem on the front page. Back then it sounded like a lame excuse for him to do exactly as he pleased. The term was widely used again in the recent coverage of Tiger Woods’s affairs.
The absences continued. My partner was always working, looking for work, making money for us, he said. His business in construction was drying up, and he was panicked. The bank was on our case. My earnings couldn’t take up the financial slack. The more he panicked the more he used porn. The more he used porn the more I raged at his unexplained absences. I raged against his lack of interest in me and our children. We never went to bed together. I was up hours before him. He would come to bed at 2am and 3am.
Isolated, I drifted farther and farther, my confidence diminishing as he further absented himself. My rage was driving him away, but I didn’t know what else to do. Our marriage was in trouble, yet neither of us had the courage to admit it.
This misery continued for three years. And then finally, in yet another row, I brought up the pornography. I still didn’t think it was having an undue influence on his behaviour, but I demanded to know why he was interested in its imagery rather than in me. It was a light-bulb moment.
I asked where he kept his porn. I wanted to know if it was on the home computer, because our son was on the PC at every opportunity. This was the first time I considered what I was seeing as the debasement of women. He returned to the room with six hard drives full of porn: hundreds of gigabytes of fantasy. I actually felt faint. As I stared at the size of the problem I realised he needed help.
This wasn’t titillation. This was a chronic problem that started 30 years ago, after a family member died tragically when he was just a young teen.
Research shows that a lot of addicts suffer from low self-esteem. This was his escape. This was where he went when the panic attacks started, where he returned when the attacks came back, as money and other worries mounted. This was how he stopped himself going over the brink, unable to articulate how he was really feeling, keeping it all in, bottling it up.
I had been too busy bringing up babies to see it. As I realised the gravity of the problem, a strange calm came over me. I began to understand the absences. For the first time in years I felt I had some control over my life, because I finally had the complete picture.
PORN ADDICTION is very treatable. As with all addictions, the addict has to want to change his or her behaviour. Addiction to pornography is stealthily destroying family life, and all because most of us are too ashamed to admit it – I use the plural pronoun because it is a family problem and affects every member of that unit.
The calm empowered me and gave me the strength to fight for our marriage and our family life. I saw a man made miserable by his addiction, and I wanted to help. I wasn’t sure about our own relationship at this point, but I wanted to see him free of this burden.
If you get to this point you need to enlist the help of professional counsellors with training in this area. They’re hard to find and usually have waiting lists. I was lucky. A friend who was a counsellor recommended a wonderful no-nonsense colleague who specialises in sex addiction. (The website of the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors is a good place to start.)
Counselling is also expensive, and the sessions are not covered by medical insurance. The man I spoke to cost €120 an hour. I couldn’t afford regular sessions. But my one session with him emboldened me to talk about the problem with my friends, to unveil our dirty secret. And that was immensely liberating – more for me than for my husband. Sex addicts carry enormous shame about their addiction, and this fuels the addiction: it is the low that follows the high.
Identifying the problem is the most difficult part. And there is a certain shame in admitting that your partner hasn’t left you but has chosen porn over you. But, if you can get admittance that he or she has a problem, sex addiction can be dealt with, and if you can park your pride you can overcome the problem. Secrecy is what feeds sex addiction. But it takes a willingness to want to change on both sides. This is true of all addictions.
With sex addiction there is an absence of facts. All you have are the impressions of the counsellors working in the field. They say numbers are up fivefold.
I lost three years of married life to this addiction. I would advise anyone who believes they might be going through the same experience to seek help. You already know that something isn’t right in your relationship. If someone is disappearing to another room or office for hours on end, locking the door, and is generally agitated by intrusion, something is up.
It takes courage and self-belief to confront addicts. They will deny and deflect, blaming you for their problems. They may not want to admit their addiction. But for those who do, the release from their shame is the first step.
Real friends will support and help. They may not understand it, but they don’t need to. They just need to lend supportive shoulders to hold you up.
Once this darkness is given light, its hold on family life evaporates. It’s like switching on the light when you have a nightmare.
Then, when you’ve made that first step, you really need to think about couples’ counselling. This takes more time and money, and for it to work you need to find someone you like. We tried several unsuccessfully before someone suggested Accord.
I pooh-poohed the idea of a Catholic service offering advice on marriage, but we were running out of options. I am delighted to say that I have had to eat every one of my words. Accord was fantastic. Best of all, it asks you to pay what you can afford – and has a discreet little box with brown envelopes that you put what you can into.
Part of the reason you need counselling is to vent and to break the cycle of rows. And at some point you have to park your anger. For us, counselling became the stabilisers on the tandem that we had chosen to ride.
The problem with sex addiction is the secrecy. Unlike with other addictions, there is little support for the partner and children. This helps fuel the secrecy.
But there is nothing shameful about this problem. When you distil it down, and discard the tabloid headlines, it is an addiction like others. Addicts’ problems are rooted in self-esteem. This also needs to be addressed – which you can do only with the help of professionals.
Many families and couples are going through the same experience. It’s just there’s nowhere for them to go and meet and learn and support each other. That needs to change.
My partner hasn’t used porn in 15 months. He still attends some counselling sessions. Dealing with the problem has made us stronger as a couple. Yes, we still fight about whose turn it is to cook or clean-up, but we’re a team again.
The writer’s identity is known to The Irish Times
WHERE TO GET HELP
Addictive Behaviours (addictivebehaviours.com) has a confidential helpline for addicts and family members. Call 087-6858854, leave a message and someone will call you back.
And when you’re ready get in touch with Accord (01-5053112, accord.ie). For a counsellor suited to your needs contact the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors (01-7979187, iaaac.org). You might also try reading any of Dr Patrick Carnes’s books, which are available to buy from Amazon.co.uk. His In the Shadow of the Net is helpful for anyone struggling with online pornography addiction
'Like with an alcoholic, they both love and hate what they are doing'
About 200 Irish peopl ea year now seek treatment for sex addiction, writes RóisÃn Ingle
When Eoin Stephens, a counsellor based in Dublin, set up the Centre for Sexual Addictions, in 1999, he was among a tiny pool of trained professionals dealing with only a handful of clients. Now he estimates that about 200 Irish people a year seek help for an addiction that can be just as destructive to families as drugs, alcohol or gambling.
He attributes part of the increase to the availability of pornography and prostitution online. Dr Patrick Carnes, one of the world’s foremost authorities in the area, describes the internet as the “crack cocaine” of sex addiction.
“The biggest factor is the internet, which has made online pornography and sexual interaction in chat rooms widely accessible,” says Stephens. “But there is also more openness about the problem now, which means more people are coming forward to get help.”
The economic downturn is also a factor. “Whenever there is stress around employment or finances, people often look for mood-altering distractions as a way to cope. We haven’t seen the full impact of this yet,” he says.
A sex addict is defined by the same criteria as any other addict. “They are someone who has developed an out-of-control relationship with the mood-altering affects of sexual behaviours,” says Stephens. “The person is struggling and making promises to themselves to stop. Like with a drug addict or an alcoholic, there is an ambivalence at play: they both love and hate what they are doing.”
As well as online pornography and prostitution, visits to massage parlours and lap-dancing clubs, or anywhere there is payment for sexual activity, can also be part of the problem. Help is often sought only in the wake of a crisis.
The director of Addictive Behaviours Centre Ireland, Declan Fitzpatrick, says the term “sex addict” can be misleading. “Sex addiction is not a condition of high libido or someone who is oversexed, the same way an alcoholic does not drink more than others because he is very thirsty . . . He becomes addicted to the mood-altering affect that the alcohol gives. With sex addiction it is the mood-altering effect of being sexual that becomes addictive.”
Treatment can involve one-to-one or group counselling; a one-hour session usually costs about €70. Although the issue can have a devastating effect on relationships, partners are encouraged to take part in the therapy. “Recovery from this is no different to recovery from other forms of addiction,” says Fitzpatrick. “There needs to be a commitment to exploring the underlying emotional drivers behind the compulsive behaviour.” These can range from low self-esteem to past difficulties in forming intimate relationships, particularly in adolescence.
The secretive nature of the activity means most of the time it comes as a “terrible shock” to partners and is viewed as a “huge personal betrayal”, says Lisa O’Hara of Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services in Dublin.
A person “in a relationship with someone who has these kinds of problems will often feel rejected, asking themselves: ‘Why wasn’t I enough?’ which can lead to huge insecurity”, she says. There is also shame: the partners of those affected will often say they would prefer to be living with an alcoholic or a drug addict, because at least then they could confide in their families.
O’Hara says sex addicts can take a long time to seek help. “This is sad, because there is help,” she says. “We’d like to get the message across that we don’t judge – quite the opposite: we think those who come for help are very brave to make that first step towards their recovery.”
See addictivebehaviours.com or mrcs.ie for more details or call 1890-380380
YOUR INTERNET connection fails and you’re on deadline. It makes perfect sense to go to use your partner’s computer, in the home office. You click on the screen and a pneumatic-breasted creature jumps out at you. You’re surprised but not appalled. This is the 21st century, and porn on the net is a fact of life.
I’d never really given the softer side of porn much consideration. It’s a free world: live and let live, I thought. But there was disquiet in our marriage; children and hectic workloads had affected our intimacy.
We shared a bed, but my partner was physically and mentally absent. He was traversing the globe, trying to find work, which I couldn’t begrudge him – but, equally, he had no interest in me. I suspected he was having an affair. And in a way he was.
There were rows about that suspicion, but I had no proof bar his patent lack of interest in me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, yet I knew something wasn’t right. Our life just didn’t feel right, but I didn’t know how to articulate it.
My family background was fractious. I reasoned that my upbringing had made me suspicious and bad at building relationships. Up to that point in my life the only addiction I was on first-name terms with was alcoholism.
Sex addiction is mired in secrecy. With alcoholism you can smell the booze on the addict’s breath. A gambler’s lack of money will eventually out his or her problem. But sex addiction is something that can be done at home and hidden from view.
It took several accidental discoveries of pornography on his computer to realise that perhaps this wasn’t just simple titillation. Porn was in fact my husband’s mistress.
Sex addiction is an umbrella term for obsessively viewing pornography, engaging with the pornography, frequenting brothels and/or having random sex with people other than your partner. The behaviour of the actor Michael Douglas first put the problem on the front page. Back then it sounded like a lame excuse for him to do exactly as he pleased. The term was widely used again in the recent coverage of Tiger Woods’s affairs.
The absences continued. My partner was always working, looking for work, making money for us, he said. His business in construction was drying up, and he was panicked. The bank was on our case. My earnings couldn’t take up the financial slack. The more he panicked the more he used porn. The more he used porn the more I raged at his unexplained absences. I raged against his lack of interest in me and our children. We never went to bed together. I was up hours before him. He would come to bed at 2am and 3am.
Isolated, I drifted farther and farther, my confidence diminishing as he further absented himself. My rage was driving him away, but I didn’t know what else to do. Our marriage was in trouble, yet neither of us had the courage to admit it.
This misery continued for three years. And then finally, in yet another row, I brought up the pornography. I still didn’t think it was having an undue influence on his behaviour, but I demanded to know why he was interested in its imagery rather than in me. It was a light-bulb moment.
I asked where he kept his porn. I wanted to know if it was on the home computer, because our son was on the PC at every opportunity. This was the first time I considered what I was seeing as the debasement of women. He returned to the room with six hard drives full of porn: hundreds of gigabytes of fantasy. I actually felt faint. As I stared at the size of the problem I realised he needed help.
This wasn’t titillation. This was a chronic problem that started 30 years ago, after a family member died tragically when he was just a young teen.
Research shows that a lot of addicts suffer from low self-esteem. This was his escape. This was where he went when the panic attacks started, where he returned when the attacks came back, as money and other worries mounted. This was how he stopped himself going over the brink, unable to articulate how he was really feeling, keeping it all in, bottling it up.
I had been too busy bringing up babies to see it. As I realised the gravity of the problem, a strange calm came over me. I began to understand the absences. For the first time in years I felt I had some control over my life, because I finally had the complete picture.
PORN ADDICTION is very treatable. As with all addictions, the addict has to want to change his or her behaviour. Addiction to pornography is stealthily destroying family life, and all because most of us are too ashamed to admit it – I use the plural pronoun because it is a family problem and affects every member of that unit.
The calm empowered me and gave me the strength to fight for our marriage and our family life. I saw a man made miserable by his addiction, and I wanted to help. I wasn’t sure about our own relationship at this point, but I wanted to see him free of this burden.
If you get to this point you need to enlist the help of professional counsellors with training in this area. They’re hard to find and usually have waiting lists. I was lucky. A friend who was a counsellor recommended a wonderful no-nonsense colleague who specialises in sex addiction. (The website of the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors is a good place to start.)
Counselling is also expensive, and the sessions are not covered by medical insurance. The man I spoke to cost €120 an hour. I couldn’t afford regular sessions. But my one session with him emboldened me to talk about the problem with my friends, to unveil our dirty secret. And that was immensely liberating – more for me than for my husband. Sex addicts carry enormous shame about their addiction, and this fuels the addiction: it is the low that follows the high.
Identifying the problem is the most difficult part. And there is a certain shame in admitting that your partner hasn’t left you but has chosen porn over you. But, if you can get admittance that he or she has a problem, sex addiction can be dealt with, and if you can park your pride you can overcome the problem. Secrecy is what feeds sex addiction. But it takes a willingness to want to change on both sides. This is true of all addictions.
With sex addiction there is an absence of facts. All you have are the impressions of the counsellors working in the field. They say numbers are up fivefold.
I lost three years of married life to this addiction. I would advise anyone who believes they might be going through the same experience to seek help. You already know that something isn’t right in your relationship. If someone is disappearing to another room or office for hours on end, locking the door, and is generally agitated by intrusion, something is up.
It takes courage and self-belief to confront addicts. They will deny and deflect, blaming you for their problems. They may not want to admit their addiction. But for those who do, the release from their shame is the first step.
Real friends will support and help. They may not understand it, but they don’t need to. They just need to lend supportive shoulders to hold you up.
Once this darkness is given light, its hold on family life evaporates. It’s like switching on the light when you have a nightmare.
Then, when you’ve made that first step, you really need to think about couples’ counselling. This takes more time and money, and for it to work you need to find someone you like. We tried several unsuccessfully before someone suggested Accord.
I pooh-poohed the idea of a Catholic service offering advice on marriage, but we were running out of options. I am delighted to say that I have had to eat every one of my words. Accord was fantastic. Best of all, it asks you to pay what you can afford – and has a discreet little box with brown envelopes that you put what you can into.
Part of the reason you need counselling is to vent and to break the cycle of rows. And at some point you have to park your anger. For us, counselling became the stabilisers on the tandem that we had chosen to ride.
The problem with sex addiction is the secrecy. Unlike with other addictions, there is little support for the partner and children. This helps fuel the secrecy.
But there is nothing shameful about this problem. When you distil it down, and discard the tabloid headlines, it is an addiction like others. Addicts’ problems are rooted in self-esteem. This also needs to be addressed – which you can do only with the help of professionals.
Many families and couples are going through the same experience. It’s just there’s nowhere for them to go and meet and learn and support each other. That needs to change.
My partner hasn’t used porn in 15 months. He still attends some counselling sessions. Dealing with the problem has made us stronger as a couple. Yes, we still fight about whose turn it is to cook or clean-up, but we’re a team again.
The writer’s identity is known to The Irish Times
WHERE TO GET HELP
Addictive Behaviours (addictivebehaviours.com) has a confidential helpline for addicts and family members. Call 087-6858854, leave a message and someone will call you back.
And when you’re ready get in touch with Accord (01-5053112, accord.ie). For a counsellor suited to your needs contact the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors (01-7979187, iaaac.org). You might also try reading any of Dr Patrick Carnes’s books, which are available to buy from Amazon.co.uk. His In the Shadow of the Net is helpful for anyone struggling with online pornography addiction
'Like with an alcoholic, they both love and hate what they are doing'
About 200 Irish peopl ea year now seek treatment for sex addiction, writes RóisÃn Ingle
When Eoin Stephens, a counsellor based in Dublin, set up the Centre for Sexual Addictions, in 1999, he was among a tiny pool of trained professionals dealing with only a handful of clients. Now he estimates that about 200 Irish people a year seek help for an addiction that can be just as destructive to families as drugs, alcohol or gambling.
He attributes part of the increase to the availability of pornography and prostitution online. Dr Patrick Carnes, one of the world’s foremost authorities in the area, describes the internet as the “crack cocaine” of sex addiction.
“The biggest factor is the internet, which has made online pornography and sexual interaction in chat rooms widely accessible,” says Stephens. “But there is also more openness about the problem now, which means more people are coming forward to get help.”
The economic downturn is also a factor. “Whenever there is stress around employment or finances, people often look for mood-altering distractions as a way to cope. We haven’t seen the full impact of this yet,” he says.
A sex addict is defined by the same criteria as any other addict. “They are someone who has developed an out-of-control relationship with the mood-altering affects of sexual behaviours,” says Stephens. “The person is struggling and making promises to themselves to stop. Like with a drug addict or an alcoholic, there is an ambivalence at play: they both love and hate what they are doing.”
As well as online pornography and prostitution, visits to massage parlours and lap-dancing clubs, or anywhere there is payment for sexual activity, can also be part of the problem. Help is often sought only in the wake of a crisis.
The director of Addictive Behaviours Centre Ireland, Declan Fitzpatrick, says the term “sex addict” can be misleading. “Sex addiction is not a condition of high libido or someone who is oversexed, the same way an alcoholic does not drink more than others because he is very thirsty . . . He becomes addicted to the mood-altering affect that the alcohol gives. With sex addiction it is the mood-altering effect of being sexual that becomes addictive.”
Treatment can involve one-to-one or group counselling; a one-hour session usually costs about €70. Although the issue can have a devastating effect on relationships, partners are encouraged to take part in the therapy. “Recovery from this is no different to recovery from other forms of addiction,” says Fitzpatrick. “There needs to be a commitment to exploring the underlying emotional drivers behind the compulsive behaviour.” These can range from low self-esteem to past difficulties in forming intimate relationships, particularly in adolescence.
The secretive nature of the activity means most of the time it comes as a “terrible shock” to partners and is viewed as a “huge personal betrayal”, says Lisa O’Hara of Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services in Dublin.
A person “in a relationship with someone who has these kinds of problems will often feel rejected, asking themselves: ‘Why wasn’t I enough?’ which can lead to huge insecurity”, she says. There is also shame: the partners of those affected will often say they would prefer to be living with an alcoholic or a drug addict, because at least then they could confide in their families.
O’Hara says sex addicts can take a long time to seek help. “This is sad, because there is help,” she says. “We’d like to get the message across that we don’t judge – quite the opposite: we think those who come for help are very brave to make that first step towards their recovery.”
See addictivebehaviours.com or mrcs.ie for more details or call 1890-380380
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Transplants the body will not reject
As you can read in the 'about me' area I was bitten by an unknown spider (I feel a hobo spider) and eventually recovered from an autoimmune system attack on my brain. The mechanics behind the miraculous recovery was my body was given an alternative medication (pill) this included cow brain within it. Eventually the alternative medication doctor informed me that my immune system no longer wanted to destroy my brain. I took that on faith and weaned myself off the steroid medication that was tempering (or stopping) my immune system from doing further damage to me.
Upon pondering this event I came to the desire to fix the tinnitus (ringing) in my ears that has been a constant factor of my life for almost 7 years. I have discovered that the best way to overcome the tinnitus was to have the nerves going from or to my ears and brain to be repaired. I didn't, and don't, know where medical science is at on its progress toward creating artificial nerves. However I do know that medical science has had some success in creating an artificial heart because of the rejection of so many heart transplants, etc.
I have an AAS in electronic engineering and understand the dynamics of electrical wiring and figured our bodies probably are not all the different (other than they are body specific and biologically based and not temporally based.) In theory a simple standard wire connection from one area of nerve transmitter to another nerve receiver area should bridge the connection and that would solve any problem. But reality and biology state that such a wire connection would not work due to body rejection and overheating/burning problems.
Next we come to why do humans receive so readily the swine flu? Simply because pigs and humans have such common DNA that the bridge was quite natural. So why couldn't we as a society, as long as we're slaughtering pigs for bacon and other meats to sell in the supermarket, take out first their nerves and transplant them into a human body? This action would take care of the wire and rejection problem, but wouldn't remove the body's defense mechanisms to destroy anything that is invading it. Unless, as in my case, a substitute foreign entity is also introduced at the time of he transplant into the body so the defense mechanisms were distracted in attacking the second foreign body, long enough for the body to mark the transplant safe and accept it as friendly and start using it.
Again this is only theory but I am living, healing, and growing proof that this concept works. Now if only I can get a doctor or scientific research lab to let me test it, under their supervision of course, to perfection.
Upon pondering this event I came to the desire to fix the tinnitus (ringing) in my ears that has been a constant factor of my life for almost 7 years. I have discovered that the best way to overcome the tinnitus was to have the nerves going from or to my ears and brain to be repaired. I didn't, and don't, know where medical science is at on its progress toward creating artificial nerves. However I do know that medical science has had some success in creating an artificial heart because of the rejection of so many heart transplants, etc.
I have an AAS in electronic engineering and understand the dynamics of electrical wiring and figured our bodies probably are not all the different (other than they are body specific and biologically based and not temporally based.) In theory a simple standard wire connection from one area of nerve transmitter to another nerve receiver area should bridge the connection and that would solve any problem. But reality and biology state that such a wire connection would not work due to body rejection and overheating/burning problems.
Next we come to why do humans receive so readily the swine flu? Simply because pigs and humans have such common DNA that the bridge was quite natural. So why couldn't we as a society, as long as we're slaughtering pigs for bacon and other meats to sell in the supermarket, take out first their nerves and transplant them into a human body? This action would take care of the wire and rejection problem, but wouldn't remove the body's defense mechanisms to destroy anything that is invading it. Unless, as in my case, a substitute foreign entity is also introduced at the time of he transplant into the body so the defense mechanisms were distracted in attacking the second foreign body, long enough for the body to mark the transplant safe and accept it as friendly and start using it.
Again this is only theory but I am living, healing, and growing proof that this concept works. Now if only I can get a doctor or scientific research lab to let me test it, under their supervision of course, to perfection.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Another book I'm going to need, and my birthday has passed...
Well I'm in a pickle of a jam of a mess now with the wife now, but that is what this new book is all about so we're OK. (she wants a piano and I'm ready to let her get one upon her coming up with a plan to budget it without missing a Tithing payment or starving)
oh book..... OK TEASER for "Digging Deeper" by Robert Eaton
Elder John Groberg has pointed out, “An experienced
sailor does not fear storms or heavy seas, for they contain the
lifeblood of sailing—wind. What experienced sailors fear is no wind,
or being becalmed!”1 Though the wind might create terrifyingly tall
waves, the lack of wind creates another truly mortifying danger: stagnancy.
Without wind, there would have been no progress toward
land, resulting eventually in a slow and painful death, stranded at sea.
Wind is not invariably the sailor’s friend. Without proper training,
skill, and equipment, the same winds that help some sail can sink
others. The Lord underscored this fact to the brother of Jared. He
explained the conditions he would encounter would be so challenging
that “ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the
waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the
floods which shall come” (Ether 2:25; emphasis added).
Similarly, affliction does not guarantee sanctification. As Anne
Morrow Lindbergh has observed, “If suffering alone taught, all the
world would be wise, since everyone suffers.”2 In fact, the same trials
and tribulations that draw some closer to the Lord can drive others
away from the Lord. In a poignant aside near the end of the Book of
Alma, Mormon notes one example of the double-edged sword
of adversity:
"But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war
between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened,
because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were
softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble
themselves before God, even in the depth of humility" (Alma 62:41;
emphasis added).
In other words, as Elder Dallin H. Oaks notes, the issue is not
whether we will have adversity in our lives but what role we will let
adversity play: “Adversity will be a constant or occasional companion
for each of us throughout our lives. We cannot avoid it. The only
question is how we will react to it. Will our adversities be stumbling
blocks or stepping-stones?”
Asking for help is What enables people to remain in positive territory
so that their afflictions will help them become better rather than
bitter toward God? Book of Mormon prophets give us several suggestions,
perhaps none more direct than Jacob’s: “Look unto God with
firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will
console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send
down justice upon those who seek your destruction” (Jacob 3:1).
Jacob’s message is consistent with the Lord’s object lesson centuries
earlier to the Jaredites: without God’s help, they could never hope to
cross the great deep (Ether 2:25). Similarly, without divine assistance,
we cannot withstand some of the mountain waves of affliction we will
encounter in this life. Seeking God’s aid in times of affliction is
certainly one key to enduring well.
Enlightened expectations. A second key to avoiding bitterness is
having realistic expectations about how the Lord is likely to help us.
The Lord promised Jacob that He would eventually bring down justice
upon his enemies. But the more immediate blessing was divine
comfort rather than elimination of opposition—which is, after all, necessary
in all things (see 2 Nephi 2:11). When we are drowning in a
sea of afflictions, God is more likely to throw us a rope than to drain
the sea. For example, when the people of Alma the Elder became subject
to the vengeful Amulon, the Lord “did strengthen them that they
could bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:15). Eventually he
lifted their heavy loads, but initially he simply strengthened their
backs. Thus, the spiritually mature, like Alma, pray for strength to
endure their trials: “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have
strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall
come upon me” (Alma 31:31). Those who expect more immediate
relief may find themselves frustrated with and, eventually, embittered
toward God.
...
In my own season of greatest trial and most effective prayer, I
remember praying to Heavenly Father for a particular blessing. Like
millions of people throughout the world, my mother was suffering the
tragic effects of a disease similar to Alzheimer’s, which robbed her
mind of its usual powers of clear thinking. Kneeling in prayer, I pled
with the Lord not to remove the illness but to alter and mitigate the
nature of the delusions from which she suffered. Almost immediately
the answer came that I was praying for the wrong thing. I was given
to know that the nature of her difficult delusions would not change
and that I needed to pray instead for strength for her and our family to
be able to cope with this particular trial.
...
After wondering what my mother was supposed to be getting
out of years of dying slowly and losing her mental faculties, it finally
occurred to me that she probably wasn’t being tested any longer. My
guess was that she’d already passed her test in life with flying colors.
But those of us who loved her and who needed to serve her in these
difficult circumstances were still being tested, and I, for one, wasn’t
doing too well on the test. When I stopped asking, “Why this disease?
Why my mother?” and started asking, “What wouldst thou have me
learn from this experience?” I began to feel refined rather than burned
by the trying situation.
Yeah that was it, pretty good. I'll need to read the rest of my teaser which Deseret Book sent me, and then find a way to go buy me a copy... or check it out from the library as my mom always tells me to do first. ... Thanks Mom perhaps I'll do that this time .. .. maybe ;P
PS to Julie (wife) that last part might be good for your family (slash brother)?
oh book..... OK TEASER for "Digging Deeper" by Robert Eaton
Elder John Groberg has pointed out, “An experienced
sailor does not fear storms or heavy seas, for they contain the
lifeblood of sailing—wind. What experienced sailors fear is no wind,
or being becalmed!”1 Though the wind might create terrifyingly tall
waves, the lack of wind creates another truly mortifying danger: stagnancy.
Without wind, there would have been no progress toward
land, resulting eventually in a slow and painful death, stranded at sea.
Wind is not invariably the sailor’s friend. Without proper training,
skill, and equipment, the same winds that help some sail can sink
others. The Lord underscored this fact to the brother of Jared. He
explained the conditions he would encounter would be so challenging
that “ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the
waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the
floods which shall come” (Ether 2:25; emphasis added).
Similarly, affliction does not guarantee sanctification. As Anne
Morrow Lindbergh has observed, “If suffering alone taught, all the
world would be wise, since everyone suffers.”2 In fact, the same trials
and tribulations that draw some closer to the Lord can drive others
away from the Lord. In a poignant aside near the end of the Book of
Alma, Mormon notes one example of the double-edged sword
of adversity:
"But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war
between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened,
because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were
softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble
themselves before God, even in the depth of humility" (Alma 62:41;
emphasis added).
In other words, as Elder Dallin H. Oaks notes, the issue is not
whether we will have adversity in our lives but what role we will let
adversity play: “Adversity will be a constant or occasional companion
for each of us throughout our lives. We cannot avoid it. The only
question is how we will react to it. Will our adversities be stumbling
blocks or stepping-stones?”
Asking for help is What enables people to remain in positive territory
so that their afflictions will help them become better rather than
bitter toward God? Book of Mormon prophets give us several suggestions,
perhaps none more direct than Jacob’s: “Look unto God with
firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will
console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send
down justice upon those who seek your destruction” (Jacob 3:1).
Jacob’s message is consistent with the Lord’s object lesson centuries
earlier to the Jaredites: without God’s help, they could never hope to
cross the great deep (Ether 2:25). Similarly, without divine assistance,
we cannot withstand some of the mountain waves of affliction we will
encounter in this life. Seeking God’s aid in times of affliction is
certainly one key to enduring well.
Enlightened expectations. A second key to avoiding bitterness is
having realistic expectations about how the Lord is likely to help us.
The Lord promised Jacob that He would eventually bring down justice
upon his enemies. But the more immediate blessing was divine
comfort rather than elimination of opposition—which is, after all, necessary
in all things (see 2 Nephi 2:11). When we are drowning in a
sea of afflictions, God is more likely to throw us a rope than to drain
the sea. For example, when the people of Alma the Elder became subject
to the vengeful Amulon, the Lord “did strengthen them that they
could bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:15). Eventually he
lifted their heavy loads, but initially he simply strengthened their
backs. Thus, the spiritually mature, like Alma, pray for strength to
endure their trials: “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have
strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall
come upon me” (Alma 31:31). Those who expect more immediate
relief may find themselves frustrated with and, eventually, embittered
toward God.
...
In my own season of greatest trial and most effective prayer, I
remember praying to Heavenly Father for a particular blessing. Like
millions of people throughout the world, my mother was suffering the
tragic effects of a disease similar to Alzheimer’s, which robbed her
mind of its usual powers of clear thinking. Kneeling in prayer, I pled
with the Lord not to remove the illness but to alter and mitigate the
nature of the delusions from which she suffered. Almost immediately
the answer came that I was praying for the wrong thing. I was given
to know that the nature of her difficult delusions would not change
and that I needed to pray instead for strength for her and our family to
be able to cope with this particular trial.
...
After wondering what my mother was supposed to be getting
out of years of dying slowly and losing her mental faculties, it finally
occurred to me that she probably wasn’t being tested any longer. My
guess was that she’d already passed her test in life with flying colors.
But those of us who loved her and who needed to serve her in these
difficult circumstances were still being tested, and I, for one, wasn’t
doing too well on the test. When I stopped asking, “Why this disease?
Why my mother?” and started asking, “What wouldst thou have me
learn from this experience?” I began to feel refined rather than burned
by the trying situation.
Yeah that was it, pretty good. I'll need to read the rest of my teaser which Deseret Book sent me, and then find a way to go buy me a copy... or check it out from the library as my mom always tells me to do first. ... Thanks Mom perhaps I'll do that this time .. .. maybe ;P
PS to Julie (wife) that last part might be good for your family (slash brother)?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
And we will prove them herewith,
to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
This is a revealed scripture from the book of Abraham in of old. We had a lesson today in church that taught about the children of Israel and Moses when he delivered them from Egypt and the slavery there. Moses, by the power of God divided the Red Sea so they crossed "on dry ground". Three days go by and the probably hundreds of thousands of people start their their wandering (or testing and teaching) in the wilderness God feeds them with Manon, or bread from heaven, and performs miracles so they can drink good water. Moses then obeys God and goes up to mount Sinai and receives commandments (written by the very finger of Jehovah)(or Jesus Christ). So Moses stays up there for 40 days talking with God, and fasting like unto Jesus, when God informs him that His people, below, are starting to live again in sin. You know the story, Moses comes down and Aaron has built for the people a golden calf and the people are worshiping it and performing sacrificing to IT. Moses throws own the tablets of stone and they break. He asks Aaron why he gave in to the building of the idol, Aaron informs him well you were up there for 40 days, they thought you were dead, parts of the mob turned ugly on me and so I gave in.
Moses goes back up to God and tells Him what happened and he is commanded to bring new tablets and God will give him new commandments. Moses asks if the people of Israel can come see God at the moment He's giving new commandments. God is all for it and gives instructions for the people to build a wall so they can come close, but not so close they are consumed by God's glory. Moses comes down and tells the children of Israel what the plan is, the wall is built, the people are all excited and crowd up as close as possible. A cloud overshadows the mountain, thunder lightning from within, earthquake, etc all the glory of God is being shown when the majority of the children of Israel draw away and/or run away from their Lord. ...
how interesting the lesson was as we discussed parallels from then till today! How many people today deny God on principle that His ways are too strict rather than call upon Him for help to live the strictness and reveal His mercy. People today find other things to do with their time, rather than attempt in whatever way they know how, to live God's way and follow His commandments. Want evidence? Go to the store on a Sunday, is it closed? no it's full of workers and shoppers. Try the mall? Same there, try your local church? People there too learning to worship God and to live His ways as best as possible in this life.
It is possible to live His ways, and He is more than happy to help you do it. Just call upon His name and start today to move your will to be equal to His will. He's our Father in Heaven who is better than any earthly father, with more power and mercy too. It's actually a joy, real lasting joy, to work out your own salvation with His help. He's the way, and missionaries are available all over the world. Christ's atonement is universal and WILL cover past mistakes if you turn to Him and Our Father. Start today, there never was a better time to start, and I testify that it is never too late. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This is a revealed scripture from the book of Abraham in of old. We had a lesson today in church that taught about the children of Israel and Moses when he delivered them from Egypt and the slavery there. Moses, by the power of God divided the Red Sea so they crossed "on dry ground". Three days go by and the probably hundreds of thousands of people start their their wandering (or testing and teaching) in the wilderness God feeds them with Manon, or bread from heaven, and performs miracles so they can drink good water. Moses then obeys God and goes up to mount Sinai and receives commandments (written by the very finger of Jehovah)(or Jesus Christ). So Moses stays up there for 40 days talking with God, and fasting like unto Jesus, when God informs him that His people, below, are starting to live again in sin. You know the story, Moses comes down and Aaron has built for the people a golden calf and the people are worshiping it and performing sacrificing to IT. Moses throws own the tablets of stone and they break. He asks Aaron why he gave in to the building of the idol, Aaron informs him well you were up there for 40 days, they thought you were dead, parts of the mob turned ugly on me and so I gave in.
Moses goes back up to God and tells Him what happened and he is commanded to bring new tablets and God will give him new commandments. Moses asks if the people of Israel can come see God at the moment He's giving new commandments. God is all for it and gives instructions for the people to build a wall so they can come close, but not so close they are consumed by God's glory. Moses comes down and tells the children of Israel what the plan is, the wall is built, the people are all excited and crowd up as close as possible. A cloud overshadows the mountain, thunder lightning from within, earthquake, etc all the glory of God is being shown when the majority of the children of Israel draw away and/or run away from their Lord. ...
how interesting the lesson was as we discussed parallels from then till today! How many people today deny God on principle that His ways are too strict rather than call upon Him for help to live the strictness and reveal His mercy. People today find other things to do with their time, rather than attempt in whatever way they know how, to live God's way and follow His commandments. Want evidence? Go to the store on a Sunday, is it closed? no it's full of workers and shoppers. Try the mall? Same there, try your local church? People there too learning to worship God and to live His ways as best as possible in this life.
It is possible to live His ways, and He is more than happy to help you do it. Just call upon His name and start today to move your will to be equal to His will. He's our Father in Heaven who is better than any earthly father, with more power and mercy too. It's actually a joy, real lasting joy, to work out your own salvation with His help. He's the way, and missionaries are available all over the world. Christ's atonement is universal and WILL cover past mistakes if you turn to Him and Our Father. Start today, there never was a better time to start, and I testify that it is never too late. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
History doesn't repeat itself?
I had a history teacher a few semesters ago that was quite certain that the old adage that history repeated itself was false... yet here we have current proof that yes actually history does repeat itself.
presenting a new book that details Rome and the Gladiator
GLADIATOR; Rome's Bloody Spectacle
Konstantin Nossov
An illustrated history of the gladiators which brings much new research to bear on how they were treated in their civilization, their equipment, their high place in society, and the long history of the amphitheaters in which they fought, tracing them from the first century B.C. to their spread throughout the Empire. 2009: 224 pages. (Osprey)
ISBN:9781846034725
86U6
Price: $27.95
Such a bloody past! Certainly we have become too sophisticated and educatein today's society to have such mindless blood and gore spectacles for the sake of entertainment. ... unless we can get kids to grow up learning that such things are correct. ...
OREM — "Super" Steven Siler has never fought an opponent like Enoch "the Animal" Wilson.
Not only did Wilson (15-2) escape from all of Siler's signature moves, he gave the featherweight champion just about all he could handle in the 25-minute, five-round bout.
"I've never done that before," said Siler, an Ogden native who won the fight in an unanimous decision. "I've never gone five rounds before."
In addition to offering the thousands of fans who packed the McKay Events Center on Friday night for the Throwdown Showdown V one of the most thrilling and competitive fights of the night, the duo showed some serious sportsmanship. They high-fived, smiled and chatted between rounds.
"We just got to know each other the last couple of days," said Siler, noting that behavior was a little unusual. "He's a tough guy."
Wilson was gracious in defeat, even putting the championship belt on Siler.
(Taken from the Deseret news site http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346201/Siler-survives-tough-5-round-bout.html)
Yeah history doesn't repeat itself, just animal, er I mean, mortality does at times. And that happens to be at just different times in history is all.
presenting a new book that details Rome and the Gladiator
GLADIATOR; Rome's Bloody Spectacle
Konstantin Nossov
An illustrated history of the gladiators which brings much new research to bear on how they were treated in their civilization, their equipment, their high place in society, and the long history of the amphitheaters in which they fought, tracing them from the first century B.C. to their spread throughout the Empire. 2009: 224 pages. (Osprey)
ISBN:9781846034725
86U6
Price: $27.95
Such a bloody past! Certainly we have become too sophisticated and educatein today's society to have such mindless blood and gore spectacles for the sake of entertainment. ... unless we can get kids to grow up learning that such things are correct. ...
OREM — "Super" Steven Siler has never fought an opponent like Enoch "the Animal" Wilson.
Not only did Wilson (15-2) escape from all of Siler's signature moves, he gave the featherweight champion just about all he could handle in the 25-minute, five-round bout.
"I've never done that before," said Siler, an Ogden native who won the fight in an unanimous decision. "I've never gone five rounds before."
In addition to offering the thousands of fans who packed the McKay Events Center on Friday night for the Throwdown Showdown V one of the most thrilling and competitive fights of the night, the duo showed some serious sportsmanship. They high-fived, smiled and chatted between rounds.
"We just got to know each other the last couple of days," said Siler, noting that behavior was a little unusual. "He's a tough guy."
Wilson was gracious in defeat, even putting the championship belt on Siler.
(Taken from the Deseret news site http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705346201/Siler-survives-tough-5-round-bout.html)
Yeah history doesn't repeat itself, just animal, er I mean, mortality does at times. And that happens to be at just different times in history is all.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Free to choose eternal life or eternal death, interesting...
15 For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.
16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.
17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.
18 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.
19 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death....
29 And this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a righteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation.
30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.
(Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:15 - 19,29 - 31)
So this is what was meant by Father Lehi when he said to his sons, (and vicariously to us)
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:16 - 29)
It's all making sense now....
16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.
17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.
18 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.
19 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death....
29 And this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a righteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation.
30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.
(Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:15 - 19,29 - 31)
So this is what was meant by Father Lehi when he said to his sons, (and vicariously to us)
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:16 - 29)
It's all making sense now....
Monday, November 09, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Century MARK Post!!!
Yes this is IT! This is my 100th post on my blog (wavey lines and dream music to bring in a flashbak moment) I remember it well on my computer set up at my Grandmother's home in Taylorsville, UT. Oh the brand new over-eleborate desk, made for an executive, and now in the basement by the cold, drafty window. OK to tell the truth that's about all I remember, I couldn't even tell you, by memory, what my first post was about.
BUT to mark off my 100th post I am going to share the reason's behind why my son can name off the prophets of God living on the earth today. (we have a video somewhere which will make it's way to this post when it's downloaded from the camera and posted, but too much homework and family living is keeping me from doing that as of now.) It's also Halloween (oooh spooky) in my house and my wife is throwing a party, our first one in this house, and our first one together as a couple, and her first party officially given credit to her in its entirety. Lots going on.
OK the First presidency and Prophets of God
Thomas Moson, Henry Eyring, and Deiter Uchtdorf and my baby knows them all
and why?
Click to find for a slide show of learning
BUT to mark off my 100th post I am going to share the reason's behind why my son can name off the prophets of God living on the earth today. (we have a video somewhere which will make it's way to this post when it's downloaded from the camera and posted, but too much homework and family living is keeping me from doing that as of now.) It's also Halloween (oooh spooky) in my house and my wife is throwing a party, our first one in this house, and our first one together as a couple, and her first party officially given credit to her in its entirety. Lots going on.
OK the First presidency and Prophets of God
Thomas Moson, Henry Eyring, and Deiter Uchtdorf and my baby knows them all
and why?
Click to find for a slide show of learning
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Paul saw the abuse of the Internet by saints
yes he did... Read it with that thought in mind.
1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
23 ¶ The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
23 ¶ The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Roller Coaster
Reading my new favorite book of the moment (scroll down it's talked about in a few posts) I came accross something the author's wife shared with him and it hit me hard... It was a good hard though like having your kids run up and hug you as you come through the door after a difficult day.. .. oh right the quote! "I remember as a young schoolteacher (with a large and active class) asking my wife, Debi, "When does life even out? Why dows it always feel like a roller coaster with so many highs and lows all in the same day? I wish life could just even out." ...(ok here comes the quote)... Being a nurse, Debi replied, "Brad, when you get hooked up to the heart monitor, you don't want to see a straight line. That's bad news. It's the up and down lines that let you know you are alive." ("The Continuous Atonement" by Brad Wilcox)
I read that again, after I typed it, and it still gave me a lump in my throat. I don't know if that was because his wife's name Debi (same as my Mom) and I was having a childhood moment of memory, or it really is just about the most obvious, funny, and perfect quotes dealing with a truth in life I've ever heard?
Yes feel free to agree or tell me I'm unique in my judgment call on this one, either way it won't change what I've posted or my feelings for the quote.
I read that again, after I typed it, and it still gave me a lump in my throat. I don't know if that was because his wife's name Debi (same as my Mom) and I was having a childhood moment of memory, or it really is just about the most obvious, funny, and perfect quotes dealing with a truth in life I've ever heard?
Yes feel free to agree or tell me I'm unique in my judgment call on this one, either way it won't change what I've posted or my feelings for the quote.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Enlarge to show Detail
I was looking at cereal boxes, as I was breaking them down to put in the recycle bin, and noted the pictures on the front that were digitally altered with the wording "Enlarged to show detail" written close to the obviously enlarged picture of cereal. I thought about this and wondered: "Why don't fashion magazines have that same type of captioning for the models they present as real in their magazines?"
Here is one that is perfect for my example:
Caption? "Digitally altered so her waist looks inhumanly small to give REAL girls and women complexes about themselves."
I know this example is extreme and obvious, but I also know that before a picture is placed into a magazine it has been altered more then once (if not 10s of times till the person looks close enough, but not actually realistic)
Example! - live on TV, and then later in a magazine reprint for the story. I give you:
Katie Couric
Caption Reads! "Looks about the same, but modified just enough to make you believe that to be normal, you need to look not actually real."
What are we telling women, and more importantly, little girls growing up? No, I had it correct the first time, more importantly women who are raising the little girls growing up, and setting THE examples for them?!
Makes you wonder what is even real anymore...
Here is one that is perfect for my example:
Caption? "Digitally altered so her waist looks inhumanly small to give REAL girls and women complexes about themselves."
I know this example is extreme and obvious, but I also know that before a picture is placed into a magazine it has been altered more then once (if not 10s of times till the person looks close enough, but not actually realistic)
Example! - live on TV, and then later in a magazine reprint for the story. I give you:
Katie Couric
Caption Reads! "Looks about the same, but modified just enough to make you believe that to be normal, you need to look not actually real."
What are we telling women, and more importantly, little girls growing up? No, I had it correct the first time, more importantly women who are raising the little girls growing up, and setting THE examples for them?!
Makes you wonder what is even real anymore...
Friday, October 02, 2009
wonderful new book
Yup just like the title says my family received a wonderful new book, and wonderful is an understatement. OK title let's start there; the title of my new wonderful book "The Continuous Atonement" by Brad Wilcox .... OK a teaser exert from the book is merited: "Chapter 3 HE'S GOT US COVERED The fall was designed-- complete with all the accompanying misery and pain--to ultimately bring us freedom and happiness. There is no shortcut to the Celestial Kingdom. Everyone who ends up there must pass through the lone and dreary world on the way. God knew the problems associated with a mortal probation, but He also knew that Jesus would be the solution to those problems. Yeah it's that good all the way through! Don't believe me? OK another teaser (the feeling this one gave me was a favorite, hope you get the same feel) (Taken from Chapter 2 entitled "Who needs a Savior?")
- THE STING OF DEATH -
Of the 62,000 people who attended the open house following the remodeling of the temple in Santiago, Chile, one was a father who supported his wife and children in their desire to participate in the Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) but resisted being baptized himself. I had met the father several times previously; so when he finished the temple tour I couldn't resist teasing him a little.
"Did you see the chair?" I asked.
He responded, What chair?"
I said "The one with your name on it. The one that is in there waiting for you to get baptized so you can bring your family back to the temple to be sealed."
He smiled and chuckled good-naturedly. "Oh, President Wilcox," he said, "my live is just fine as it is. You can take my name off that chair. I don't need it."
A few months later his "just fine" life changed drastically. His sixteen-year-old son, a priest, was out riding his bicycle around the neighborhood when a gang stopped him and demanded the bike. He wasn't about to give it up without a fight, so his attackers pulled a knife and stabbed the defenseless teenager to death.
When the father heard of his son's murder, he was so overcome with anger and hate that he set out immediately in search of the gang members, but he did not find them. At nights his grief was inconsolable. His tears could not be stopped. He found little relief in sleep because nightmares haunted him. For the first time in his life he was forced to think seriously about death, and seemingly unanswerable questions taunted him. Was his son really gone forever? This father knew his son was good and had influenced many lives with his example. The father knew of the bright and promising future the boy once had ahead of him. Could such great potential go unrealized? Friends told him that his boy would live on in his memory, but that brought little comfort. Who would remember his son when he too was gone? This man who claimed he didn't need a Savior was now slapped in the face with the stark reality of our fallen condition.
A modern philosopher once wrote, "This is the terror; to have emerged from nothing, to have a name, consciousness of self, deep inner feelings, an excruciating inner yearning for life, and self-expression--and with all this yet to die. It seems like a hoax" (in Nibley, "not to Worry," 151).
Similarly Joseph Smith asked, "What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be no more? (History of the Church, 6:50). But then Joseph Smith proceeded to do something others had not: He provided answers. And these answers were exactly what this Chilean father had desperately craved.
The man requested to meet with the missionaries. As they taught him, a measure of peace began to replace despair; a measure of hope began to replace hate. Soon, I was honored to be invited to attend his baptism.
When I saw him enter the room dressed in white, I greeted him with a warm abrazo. I'll never forget the intensity in his voice as he spoke in my ear, "Is it still there? Is the chair with my name on it still waiting for me in the temple?"
Yeah that's enough of a teaser for this book, I don't need to give the entire thing away... OK enough from my end on this book how about if you are desirous to read it you go buy it? This is a good link for new or used copies.
Thanks for reading, and family you can borrow our book after all my immediate family finishes OK?
- THE STING OF DEATH -
Of the 62,000 people who attended the open house following the remodeling of the temple in Santiago, Chile, one was a father who supported his wife and children in their desire to participate in the Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) but resisted being baptized himself. I had met the father several times previously; so when he finished the temple tour I couldn't resist teasing him a little.
"Did you see the chair?" I asked.
He responded, What chair?"
I said "The one with your name on it. The one that is in there waiting for you to get baptized so you can bring your family back to the temple to be sealed."
He smiled and chuckled good-naturedly. "Oh, President Wilcox," he said, "my live is just fine as it is. You can take my name off that chair. I don't need it."
A few months later his "just fine" life changed drastically. His sixteen-year-old son, a priest, was out riding his bicycle around the neighborhood when a gang stopped him and demanded the bike. He wasn't about to give it up without a fight, so his attackers pulled a knife and stabbed the defenseless teenager to death.
When the father heard of his son's murder, he was so overcome with anger and hate that he set out immediately in search of the gang members, but he did not find them. At nights his grief was inconsolable. His tears could not be stopped. He found little relief in sleep because nightmares haunted him. For the first time in his life he was forced to think seriously about death, and seemingly unanswerable questions taunted him. Was his son really gone forever? This father knew his son was good and had influenced many lives with his example. The father knew of the bright and promising future the boy once had ahead of him. Could such great potential go unrealized? Friends told him that his boy would live on in his memory, but that brought little comfort. Who would remember his son when he too was gone? This man who claimed he didn't need a Savior was now slapped in the face with the stark reality of our fallen condition.
A modern philosopher once wrote, "This is the terror; to have emerged from nothing, to have a name, consciousness of self, deep inner feelings, an excruciating inner yearning for life, and self-expression--and with all this yet to die. It seems like a hoax" (in Nibley, "not to Worry," 151).
Similarly Joseph Smith asked, "What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be no more? (History of the Church, 6:50). But then Joseph Smith proceeded to do something others had not: He provided answers. And these answers were exactly what this Chilean father had desperately craved.
The man requested to meet with the missionaries. As they taught him, a measure of peace began to replace despair; a measure of hope began to replace hate. Soon, I was honored to be invited to attend his baptism.
When I saw him enter the room dressed in white, I greeted him with a warm abrazo. I'll never forget the intensity in his voice as he spoke in my ear, "Is it still there? Is the chair with my name on it still waiting for me in the temple?"
Yeah that's enough of a teaser for this book, I don't need to give the entire thing away... OK enough from my end on this book how about if you are desirous to read it you go buy it? This is a good link for new or used copies.
Thanks for reading, and family you can borrow our book after all my immediate family finishes OK?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The King Follett Sermon
(awesome)
By Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805–1844)
First President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Joseph Smith Jr., “The King Follett Sermon,” Ensign, May 1971, 13
This is the conclusion of the King Follett Sermon, delivered by the Prophet Joseph Smith at the April 7, 1844, conference of the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois. The first part of this classic was reprinted in the April Ensign (page 12). Readers should be reminded that the account of the talk was reconstructed from longhand notes taken by four brethren. It is also important to know that the Prophet’s enemies were within just a few months of bringing about his death. This reprint was taken from the Documentary History of the Church, volume 6, pages 302–17.
The Immortal Intelligence
I have another subject to dwell upon, which is calculated to exalt man; but it is impossible for me to say much on this subject. I shall therefore just touch upon it, for time will not permit me to say all. It is associated with the subject of the resurrection of the dead—namely, the soul—the mind of man —the immortal spirit. Where did it come from? All learned men and doctors of divinity say that God created it in the beginning; but it is not so: the very idea lessens man in my estimation. I do not believe the doctrine; I know better. Hear it, all ye ends of the world; for God has told me so; and if you don’t believe me, it will not make the truth without effect. I will make a man appear a fool before I get through; if he does not believe it. I am going to tell of things more noble.
We say that God Himself is a self-existing being. Who told you so? It is correct enough; but how did it get into your heads? Who told you that man did not exist in like manner upon the same principles? Man does exist upon the same principles. God made a tabernacle and put a spirit into it, and it became a living soul. (Refers to the Bible.) How does it read in the Hebrew? It does not say in the Hebrew that God created the spirit of man. It says, “God made man out of the earth and put into him Adam’s spirit, and so became a living body.”
The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is co-equal [co-eternal] with God himself. I know that my testimony is true; hence, when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth.
I am dwelling on the immortality of the spirit of man. Is it logical to say that the intelligence of spirits is immortal, and yet that it has a beginning? The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end. That is good logic. That which has a beginning may have an end. There never was a time when there were not spirits; for they are co-equal [co-eternal] with our Father in heaven.
I want to reason more on the spirit of man; for I am dwelling on the body and spirit of man—on the subject of the dead. I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man—the immortal part, because it had no beginning. Suppose you cut it in two; then it has a beginning and an end; but join it again, and it continues one eternal round. So with the spirit of man. As the Lord liveth, if it had a beginning, it will have an end. All the fools and learned and wise men from the beginning of creation, who say that the spirit of man had a beginning, prove that it must have an end; and if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation would be true. But if I am right, I might with boldness proclaim from the housetops that God never had the power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself.
Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it. All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement.
The first principles of man are self-existent with God. God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with Himself, so that they might have one glory upon another, and all that knowledge, power, glory, and intelligence, which is requisite in order to save them in the world of spirits.
This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.
The Relation of Man to God
I want to talk more of the relation of man to God. I will open your eyes in relation to the dead. All things whatsoever God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit and proper to reveal to us, while we are dwelling in mortality, in regard to our mortal bodies, are revealed to us in the abstract, and independent of affinity of this mortal tabernacle, but are revealed to our spirits precisely as though we had no bodies at all; and those revelations which will save our spirits will save our bodies. God reveals them to us in view of no eternal dissolution of the body, or tabernacle. Hence the responsibility, the awful responsibility, that rests upon us in relation to our dead; for all the spirits who have not obeyed the Gospel in the flesh must either obey it in the spirit or be damned. Solemn thought!—dreadful thought! Is there nothing to be done?—no preparation—no salvation for our fathers and friends who have died without having had the opportunity to obey the decrees of the Son of Man? Would to God that I had forty days and nights in which to tell you all! I would let you know that I am not a “fallen prophet.”
Our Greatest Responsibility
What promises are made in relation to the subject of the salvation of the dead? and what kind of characters are those who can be saved, although their bodies are mouldering and decaying in the grave? When His commandments teach us, it is in view of eternity; for we are looked upon by God as though we were in eternity; God dwells in eternity, and does not view things as we do.
The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. The apostle says, “They without us cannot be made perfect”; for it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man.
Now, I will speak of them. I will meet Paul half way. I say to you, Paul, you cannot be perfect without us. It is necessary that those who are going before and those who come after us should have salvation in common with us; and thus hath God made it obligatory upon man. Hence, God said, “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
The Unpardonable Sin
I have a declaration to make as to the provisions which God hath made to suit the conditions of man—made from before the foundation of the world. What has Jesus said? All sins, and all blasphemies, and every transgression, except one, that man can be guilty of, may be forgiven; and there is a salvation for all men, either in this world or the world to come, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, there being a provision either in this world or the world of spirits. Hence God hath made a provision that every spirit in the eternal world can be ferreted out and saved unless he has committed that unpardonable sin which cannot be remitted to him either in this world or the world of spirits. God has wrought out a salvation for all men, unless they have committed a certain sin; and every man who has a friend in the eternal world can save him, unless he has committed the unpardonable sin. And so you can see how far you can be a savior.
A man cannot commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body, and there is a way possible for escape. Knowledge saves a man; and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge. So long as a man will not give heed to the commandments, he must abide without salvation. If a man has knowledge, he can be saved; although, if he has been guilty of great sins, he will be punished for them. But when he consents to obey the gospel, whether here or in the world of spirits, he is saved.
A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The torment of disappointment in the mind is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstone. I say, so is the torment of man.
I know the scriptures and understand them. I said, no man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body, nor in this life, until he receives the Holy Ghost; but they must do it in this world. Hence the salvation of Jesus Christ was wrought out for all men, in order to triumph over the devil; for if it did not catch him in one place, it would in another; for he stood up as a Savior. All will suffer until they obey Christ himself.
The contention in heaven was—Jesus said there would be certain souls that would not be saved; and the devil said he would save them all, and laid his plans before the grand council, who gave their vote in favor of Jesus Christ. So the devil rose up in rebellion against God, and was cast down, with all who put up their heads for him. (Book of Moses—Pearl of Great Price, Ch. 4:1–4; Book of Abraham, Ch. 3:23–28.) [Moses 4:1–4; Abr. 3:23–28]
The Forgiveness of Sins
All sins shall be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Ghost; for Jesus will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy. This is the case with many apostates of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
When a man begins to be an enemy to this work, he hunts me, he seeks to kill me, and never ceases to thirst for my blood. He gets the spirit of the devil—the same spirit that sins against the Holy Ghost. You cannot save such persons; you cannot bring them to repentance; they make open war, like the devil, and awful is the consequence.
I advise all of you to be careful what you do, or you may by-and-by find out that you have been deceived. Stay yourselves; do not give way; don’t make any hasty moves, you may be saved. If a spirit of bitterness is in you, don’t be in haste. You may say, that man is a sinner. Well, if he repents, he shall be forgiven. Be cautious: await. When you find a spirit that wants bloodshed,—murder, the same is not of God, but is of the devil. Out of the abundance of the heart of man the mouth speaketh.
The best men bring forth the best works. The man who tells you words of life is the man who can save you. I warn you against all evil characters who sin against the Holy Ghost; for there is no redemption for them in this world nor in the world to come.
I could go back and trace every object of interest concerning the relationship of man to God, if I had time. I can enter into the mysteries; I can enter largely into the eternal worlds; for Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2.) Paul says, “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15:41.) What have we to console us in relation to the dead? We have reason to have the greatest hope and consolation for our dead of any people on the earth; for we have seen them walk worthily in our midst, and seen them sink asleep in the arms of Jesus; and those who have died in the faith are now in the celestial kingdom of God. And hence is the glory of the sun.
You mourners have occasion to rejoice, speaking of the death of Elder King Follett; for your husband and father is gone to wait until the resurrection of the dead—until the perfection of the remainder; for at the resurrection your friend will rise in perfect felicity and go to celestial glory, while many must wait myriads of years before they can receive the like blessings; and your expectations and hopes are far above what man can conceive; for why has God revealed it to us?
I am authorized to say, by the authority of the Holy Ghost, that you have no occasion to fear; for he [Brother Follett] is gone to the home of the just. Don’t mourn, don’t weep. I know it by the testimony of the Holy Ghost that is within me; and you may wait for your friends to come forth to meet you in the morn of the celestial world.
Rejoice, O Israel! Your friends who have been murdered for the truth’s sake in the persecutions shall triumph gloriously in the celestial world, while their murderers shall welter for ages in torment, even until they shall have paid the uttermost farthing. I say this for the benefit of strangers.
I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love, who have fallen asleep in Jesus. There will be no fear of mobs, persecutions, or malicious lawsuits and arrests; but it will be an eternity of felicity.
A question may be asked—“Will mothers have their children in eternity?” Yes! Yes! Mothers, you shall have your children; for they shall have eternal life, for their debt is paid. There is no damnation awaiting them for they are in the spirit. But as the child dies, so shall it rise from the dead, and be for ever living in the learning of God. It will never grow [in the grave]; it will still be the child, in the same precise form [when it rises] as it appeared before it died out of its mother’s arms, but possessing all the intelligence of a God. …
I will leave this subject here, and make a few remarks on the subject of baptism. The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected. An individual must be born of water and the spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God. In the German, the text bears me out the same as the revelations which I have given and taught for the past fourteen years on that subject. I have the testimony to put in their teeth. My testimony has been true all the time. You will find it in the declaration of John the Baptist. (Reads from the German.) John says, “I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, who has the power (or keys) He shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.” Great God! Where is now all the sectarian world? And if this testimony is true, they are all damned as clearly as anathema can do it. I know the text is true. I call upon all you Germans who know that it is true to say, Eye. (Loud shouts of “Aye.”)
Alexander Campbell, how are you going to save people with water alone? For John said his baptism was good for nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God, of the doctrine of baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Heb. 6:1–3.)
There is one God, one Father, one Jesus, one hope of our calling, one baptism. All these three baptisms only make one. Many talk of baptism not being essential to salvation; but this kind of teaching would lay the foundation of their damnation. I have the truth, and am at the defiance of the world to contradict me, if they can.
I have now preached a little Latin, a little Hebrew, Greek, and German; and I have fulfilled all. I am not so big a fool as many have taken me to be. The Germans know that I read the German correctly.
The Second Death
Hear it, all ye ends of the earth —all ye priests, all ye sinners, and all men. Repent! Repent! Obey the gospel. Turn to God; for your religion won’t save you, and you will be damned. I do not say how long. There have been remarks made concerning all men being redeemed from hell; but I say that those who sin against the Holy Ghost cannot be forgiven in this world or in the world to come; they shall die the second death. Those who commit the unpardonable sin are doomed to Gnolom—to dwell in hell, worlds without end. As they concocted scenes of bloodshed in this world, so they shall rise to that resurrection which is as the lake of fire and brimstone. Some shall rise to the everlasting burnings of God; for God dwells in everlasting burnings and some shall rise to the damnation of their own filthiness, which is as exquisite a torment as the lake of fire and brimstone.
I have intended my remarks for all, both rich and poor, bond and free, great and small. I have no enmity against any man. I love you all; but I hate some of your deeds. I am your best friend, and if persons miss their mark it is their own fault. If I reprove a man, and he hates me, he is a fool; for I love all men, especially these my brethren and sisters.
I rejoice in hearing the testimony of my aged friends. You don’t know me; you never knew my heart. No man knows my history. I cannot tell it: I shall never undertake it. I don’t blame any one for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself. I never did harm any man since I was born in the world. My voice is always for peace.
I cannot lie down until all my work is finished. I never think any evil, nor do anything to the harm of my fellow-man. When I am called by the trump of the archangel and weighed in the balance, you will all know me then. I add no more. God bless you all. Amen.
By Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805–1844)
First President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Next > < Previous Print E-mail
Joseph Smith Jr., “The King Follett Sermon,” Ensign, May 1971, 13
This is the conclusion of the King Follett Sermon, delivered by the Prophet Joseph Smith at the April 7, 1844, conference of the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois. The first part of this classic was reprinted in the April Ensign (page 12). Readers should be reminded that the account of the talk was reconstructed from longhand notes taken by four brethren. It is also important to know that the Prophet’s enemies were within just a few months of bringing about his death. This reprint was taken from the Documentary History of the Church, volume 6, pages 302–17.
The Immortal Intelligence
I have another subject to dwell upon, which is calculated to exalt man; but it is impossible for me to say much on this subject. I shall therefore just touch upon it, for time will not permit me to say all. It is associated with the subject of the resurrection of the dead—namely, the soul—the mind of man —the immortal spirit. Where did it come from? All learned men and doctors of divinity say that God created it in the beginning; but it is not so: the very idea lessens man in my estimation. I do not believe the doctrine; I know better. Hear it, all ye ends of the world; for God has told me so; and if you don’t believe me, it will not make the truth without effect. I will make a man appear a fool before I get through; if he does not believe it. I am going to tell of things more noble.
We say that God Himself is a self-existing being. Who told you so? It is correct enough; but how did it get into your heads? Who told you that man did not exist in like manner upon the same principles? Man does exist upon the same principles. God made a tabernacle and put a spirit into it, and it became a living soul. (Refers to the Bible.) How does it read in the Hebrew? It does not say in the Hebrew that God created the spirit of man. It says, “God made man out of the earth and put into him Adam’s spirit, and so became a living body.”
The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is co-equal [co-eternal] with God himself. I know that my testimony is true; hence, when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth.
I am dwelling on the immortality of the spirit of man. Is it logical to say that the intelligence of spirits is immortal, and yet that it has a beginning? The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end. That is good logic. That which has a beginning may have an end. There never was a time when there were not spirits; for they are co-equal [co-eternal] with our Father in heaven.
I want to reason more on the spirit of man; for I am dwelling on the body and spirit of man—on the subject of the dead. I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man—the immortal part, because it had no beginning. Suppose you cut it in two; then it has a beginning and an end; but join it again, and it continues one eternal round. So with the spirit of man. As the Lord liveth, if it had a beginning, it will have an end. All the fools and learned and wise men from the beginning of creation, who say that the spirit of man had a beginning, prove that it must have an end; and if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation would be true. But if I am right, I might with boldness proclaim from the housetops that God never had the power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself.
Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it. All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement.
The first principles of man are self-existent with God. God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with Himself, so that they might have one glory upon another, and all that knowledge, power, glory, and intelligence, which is requisite in order to save them in the world of spirits.
This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.
The Relation of Man to God
I want to talk more of the relation of man to God. I will open your eyes in relation to the dead. All things whatsoever God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit and proper to reveal to us, while we are dwelling in mortality, in regard to our mortal bodies, are revealed to us in the abstract, and independent of affinity of this mortal tabernacle, but are revealed to our spirits precisely as though we had no bodies at all; and those revelations which will save our spirits will save our bodies. God reveals them to us in view of no eternal dissolution of the body, or tabernacle. Hence the responsibility, the awful responsibility, that rests upon us in relation to our dead; for all the spirits who have not obeyed the Gospel in the flesh must either obey it in the spirit or be damned. Solemn thought!—dreadful thought! Is there nothing to be done?—no preparation—no salvation for our fathers and friends who have died without having had the opportunity to obey the decrees of the Son of Man? Would to God that I had forty days and nights in which to tell you all! I would let you know that I am not a “fallen prophet.”
Our Greatest Responsibility
What promises are made in relation to the subject of the salvation of the dead? and what kind of characters are those who can be saved, although their bodies are mouldering and decaying in the grave? When His commandments teach us, it is in view of eternity; for we are looked upon by God as though we were in eternity; God dwells in eternity, and does not view things as we do.
The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. The apostle says, “They without us cannot be made perfect”; for it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man.
Now, I will speak of them. I will meet Paul half way. I say to you, Paul, you cannot be perfect without us. It is necessary that those who are going before and those who come after us should have salvation in common with us; and thus hath God made it obligatory upon man. Hence, God said, “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
The Unpardonable Sin
I have a declaration to make as to the provisions which God hath made to suit the conditions of man—made from before the foundation of the world. What has Jesus said? All sins, and all blasphemies, and every transgression, except one, that man can be guilty of, may be forgiven; and there is a salvation for all men, either in this world or the world to come, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, there being a provision either in this world or the world of spirits. Hence God hath made a provision that every spirit in the eternal world can be ferreted out and saved unless he has committed that unpardonable sin which cannot be remitted to him either in this world or the world of spirits. God has wrought out a salvation for all men, unless they have committed a certain sin; and every man who has a friend in the eternal world can save him, unless he has committed the unpardonable sin. And so you can see how far you can be a savior.
A man cannot commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body, and there is a way possible for escape. Knowledge saves a man; and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge. So long as a man will not give heed to the commandments, he must abide without salvation. If a man has knowledge, he can be saved; although, if he has been guilty of great sins, he will be punished for them. But when he consents to obey the gospel, whether here or in the world of spirits, he is saved.
A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The torment of disappointment in the mind is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstone. I say, so is the torment of man.
I know the scriptures and understand them. I said, no man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body, nor in this life, until he receives the Holy Ghost; but they must do it in this world. Hence the salvation of Jesus Christ was wrought out for all men, in order to triumph over the devil; for if it did not catch him in one place, it would in another; for he stood up as a Savior. All will suffer until they obey Christ himself.
The contention in heaven was—Jesus said there would be certain souls that would not be saved; and the devil said he would save them all, and laid his plans before the grand council, who gave their vote in favor of Jesus Christ. So the devil rose up in rebellion against God, and was cast down, with all who put up their heads for him. (Book of Moses—Pearl of Great Price, Ch. 4:1–4; Book of Abraham, Ch. 3:23–28.) [Moses 4:1–4; Abr. 3:23–28]
The Forgiveness of Sins
All sins shall be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Ghost; for Jesus will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy. This is the case with many apostates of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
When a man begins to be an enemy to this work, he hunts me, he seeks to kill me, and never ceases to thirst for my blood. He gets the spirit of the devil—the same spirit that sins against the Holy Ghost. You cannot save such persons; you cannot bring them to repentance; they make open war, like the devil, and awful is the consequence.
I advise all of you to be careful what you do, or you may by-and-by find out that you have been deceived. Stay yourselves; do not give way; don’t make any hasty moves, you may be saved. If a spirit of bitterness is in you, don’t be in haste. You may say, that man is a sinner. Well, if he repents, he shall be forgiven. Be cautious: await. When you find a spirit that wants bloodshed,—murder, the same is not of God, but is of the devil. Out of the abundance of the heart of man the mouth speaketh.
The best men bring forth the best works. The man who tells you words of life is the man who can save you. I warn you against all evil characters who sin against the Holy Ghost; for there is no redemption for them in this world nor in the world to come.
I could go back and trace every object of interest concerning the relationship of man to God, if I had time. I can enter into the mysteries; I can enter largely into the eternal worlds; for Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2.) Paul says, “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15:41.) What have we to console us in relation to the dead? We have reason to have the greatest hope and consolation for our dead of any people on the earth; for we have seen them walk worthily in our midst, and seen them sink asleep in the arms of Jesus; and those who have died in the faith are now in the celestial kingdom of God. And hence is the glory of the sun.
You mourners have occasion to rejoice, speaking of the death of Elder King Follett; for your husband and father is gone to wait until the resurrection of the dead—until the perfection of the remainder; for at the resurrection your friend will rise in perfect felicity and go to celestial glory, while many must wait myriads of years before they can receive the like blessings; and your expectations and hopes are far above what man can conceive; for why has God revealed it to us?
I am authorized to say, by the authority of the Holy Ghost, that you have no occasion to fear; for he [Brother Follett] is gone to the home of the just. Don’t mourn, don’t weep. I know it by the testimony of the Holy Ghost that is within me; and you may wait for your friends to come forth to meet you in the morn of the celestial world.
Rejoice, O Israel! Your friends who have been murdered for the truth’s sake in the persecutions shall triumph gloriously in the celestial world, while their murderers shall welter for ages in torment, even until they shall have paid the uttermost farthing. I say this for the benefit of strangers.
I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love, who have fallen asleep in Jesus. There will be no fear of mobs, persecutions, or malicious lawsuits and arrests; but it will be an eternity of felicity.
A question may be asked—“Will mothers have their children in eternity?” Yes! Yes! Mothers, you shall have your children; for they shall have eternal life, for their debt is paid. There is no damnation awaiting them for they are in the spirit. But as the child dies, so shall it rise from the dead, and be for ever living in the learning of God. It will never grow [in the grave]; it will still be the child, in the same precise form [when it rises] as it appeared before it died out of its mother’s arms, but possessing all the intelligence of a God. …
I will leave this subject here, and make a few remarks on the subject of baptism. The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected. An individual must be born of water and the spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God. In the German, the text bears me out the same as the revelations which I have given and taught for the past fourteen years on that subject. I have the testimony to put in their teeth. My testimony has been true all the time. You will find it in the declaration of John the Baptist. (Reads from the German.) John says, “I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, who has the power (or keys) He shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.” Great God! Where is now all the sectarian world? And if this testimony is true, they are all damned as clearly as anathema can do it. I know the text is true. I call upon all you Germans who know that it is true to say, Eye. (Loud shouts of “Aye.”)
Alexander Campbell, how are you going to save people with water alone? For John said his baptism was good for nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God, of the doctrine of baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Heb. 6:1–3.)
There is one God, one Father, one Jesus, one hope of our calling, one baptism. All these three baptisms only make one. Many talk of baptism not being essential to salvation; but this kind of teaching would lay the foundation of their damnation. I have the truth, and am at the defiance of the world to contradict me, if they can.
I have now preached a little Latin, a little Hebrew, Greek, and German; and I have fulfilled all. I am not so big a fool as many have taken me to be. The Germans know that I read the German correctly.
The Second Death
Hear it, all ye ends of the earth —all ye priests, all ye sinners, and all men. Repent! Repent! Obey the gospel. Turn to God; for your religion won’t save you, and you will be damned. I do not say how long. There have been remarks made concerning all men being redeemed from hell; but I say that those who sin against the Holy Ghost cannot be forgiven in this world or in the world to come; they shall die the second death. Those who commit the unpardonable sin are doomed to Gnolom—to dwell in hell, worlds without end. As they concocted scenes of bloodshed in this world, so they shall rise to that resurrection which is as the lake of fire and brimstone. Some shall rise to the everlasting burnings of God; for God dwells in everlasting burnings and some shall rise to the damnation of their own filthiness, which is as exquisite a torment as the lake of fire and brimstone.
I have intended my remarks for all, both rich and poor, bond and free, great and small. I have no enmity against any man. I love you all; but I hate some of your deeds. I am your best friend, and if persons miss their mark it is their own fault. If I reprove a man, and he hates me, he is a fool; for I love all men, especially these my brethren and sisters.
I rejoice in hearing the testimony of my aged friends. You don’t know me; you never knew my heart. No man knows my history. I cannot tell it: I shall never undertake it. I don’t blame any one for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself. I never did harm any man since I was born in the world. My voice is always for peace.
I cannot lie down until all my work is finished. I never think any evil, nor do anything to the harm of my fellow-man. When I am called by the trump of the archangel and weighed in the balance, you will all know me then. I add no more. God bless you all. Amen.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
"A woman's place is in the kitchen"
ok before you start sending me hatemail and baching on my page the reason for the title is I feel the actual reason for the saying. I was in my kitchen today doing dishes and looking to bake some muffins for the family (who had gone on a walk while I was suppose to eat Breakfast) ... well I thought to myself "wouldn't it be a nice surprise for the dishes and the muffins to be ready and waiting when my family walks back into the home" .. thinking of the thoughts of my childhood of coming into the house with pleasantry of baking or cooking filling my nostrils... so anyway I get my breakfast started, oatmill, and get the muffins started as well ... while baking the miffins a thought comes to mind that I need to be following the directions, so where are they and I'll follow them... well I didn't find them so I went ahead without and got it all finished and was waiting for the oven to heat up. It dawns on me that I must have thrown the package away (as I'm a cleaning freak at times) so I dig in my trash and sure enough there it is. ... reading to my horror I have put in a cup of milk when the directions only call of 1/4 cup, and my family come walking in the door right as I am sitting down to eat my overly dry oatmill that I aparrently didn't do correct either.
Long story longer, I confessed my fault of the over milking the miffins, and screwing up (somehow?) the oatmill. The wife, like an old pro at things of this nature, starts to inform me, as I tell her my process, where and when I made the mistakes and it again dawns on me the title of this blog. It's not that a woman's ONLY place is the kitchen, because it certainly isn't, but the saying should be: a Man's place is definatly not in the kitchen, without the supervision and direction of the wife.
So the muffins didn't overflow as feared, but the are just overly weighted down unlie miffins, the baby ate most of the oatmill anyway, and next time I'll read the directions BEFORE I throw out the package, and cereal is a pretty good breakfast anyhow. (cereal in bowl, pour on milk, enjoy... I CAN do that ;)
Long story longer, I confessed my fault of the over milking the miffins, and screwing up (somehow?) the oatmill. The wife, like an old pro at things of this nature, starts to inform me, as I tell her my process, where and when I made the mistakes and it again dawns on me the title of this blog. It's not that a woman's ONLY place is the kitchen, because it certainly isn't, but the saying should be: a Man's place is definatly not in the kitchen, without the supervision and direction of the wife.
So the muffins didn't overflow as feared, but the are just overly weighted down unlie miffins, the baby ate most of the oatmill anyway, and next time I'll read the directions BEFORE I throw out the package, and cereal is a pretty good breakfast anyhow. (cereal in bowl, pour on milk, enjoy... I CAN do that ;)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A Man, his boy, and a Donkey (an Aesop tale)
Taken from the site http://www.pagebypagebooks.com
A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?"
So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides."
So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along."
Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?"
The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.
"That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them:
"Please all, and you will please none."
A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?"
So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides."
So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along."
Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?"
The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.
"That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them:
"Please all, and you will please none."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Small and simple
I was pondering in my bed tonight and was overcome by the truthfullness of this scripture found in Alma, in which the prophet Alma records "...behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;"
Thinking back about my life in general nothing exeptionally stupendus in a single event have moved me to where I am right now, which is a place of relitive peace and a sure hope for my future, but a culmination of very small and simple things all taken together.
For instance I have strugled with an obsession to video game playing as well as an addiction to pornography both of which are in a state of controled abstinance.
I believe that all of life can be like this as we follow and listen to our hearts, or conscience, or whatever you want to call that inner you that tells you what is right and wrong. One small correct choice after another, built upon each other over time, can move your life into a state of calm and control.
Do times of panic or stress disapear forever? no not all together. Hard times will probably still present themselves to you, but in taking the same, small simple steps of seeing a situation as it actually IS (IE no false forcasting or unrealistic worrying), and moving according to your own inner self's directions. In the end you come out on top once again. As you practice and overcome more and more, it becomes easier than the last 'time of hardship' till your life becomes one big habit of peace.
Be careful of your thoughts they may become your actions, Be careful of your actions they may become your habit, Be careful of your habits they may become your charactor. -unremembered at the moment, but once I re-find the quote I'll give credit where credit is due.
Thinking back about my life in general nothing exeptionally stupendus in a single event have moved me to where I am right now, which is a place of relitive peace and a sure hope for my future, but a culmination of very small and simple things all taken together.
For instance I have strugled with an obsession to video game playing as well as an addiction to pornography both of which are in a state of controled abstinance.
I believe that all of life can be like this as we follow and listen to our hearts, or conscience, or whatever you want to call that inner you that tells you what is right and wrong. One small correct choice after another, built upon each other over time, can move your life into a state of calm and control.
Do times of panic or stress disapear forever? no not all together. Hard times will probably still present themselves to you, but in taking the same, small simple steps of seeing a situation as it actually IS (IE no false forcasting or unrealistic worrying), and moving according to your own inner self's directions. In the end you come out on top once again. As you practice and overcome more and more, it becomes easier than the last 'time of hardship' till your life becomes one big habit of peace.
Be careful of your thoughts they may become your actions, Be careful of your actions they may become your habit, Be careful of your habits they may become your charactor. -unremembered at the moment, but once I re-find the quote I'll give credit where credit is due.
Monday, July 20, 2009
She didn't post it so I'll post mine
The Marriage Box
Most people get married believing a myth;
that marriage is a beautiful box
full of all the things
they have longed for;
companionship, romance, sexual fulfillment,
intimacy, friendship, laughter, financial security.
The truth is that marriage,
at the start, is an empty box.
You must put some things into it
before you can take anything out of it.
There is no love in marriage;
love is in people,
and people put it into their marriage.
There is no romance in marriage;
people have to put it into their relationship.
A couple must discern what things work
to improve their relationship and form
the habits of communicating,
giving, sacrificing, sharing, loving, touching,
serving and praising.
In other words,
keeping the box full.
If you take out more that you put in,
the box will be empty!
~author unknown~
Most people get married believing a myth;
that marriage is a beautiful box
full of all the things
they have longed for;
companionship, romance, sexual fulfillment,
intimacy, friendship, laughter, financial security.
The truth is that marriage,
at the start, is an empty box.
You must put some things into it
before you can take anything out of it.
There is no love in marriage;
love is in people,
and people put it into their marriage.
There is no romance in marriage;
people have to put it into their relationship.
A couple must discern what things work
to improve their relationship and form
the habits of communicating,
giving, sacrificing, sharing, loving, touching,
serving and praising.
In other words,
keeping the box full.
If you take out more that you put in,
the box will be empty!
~author unknown~
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Open
my jaw unhinges when it is open to an extreme measure. I went to a second Dr/Dentist and he was able to force/hold/manipilate the jaw to a position that was (more) correct (at least that what I believe he did) and he commented on how I probably should get help fast for the problem. I told him it has been 6+ years and I feel that the TMJ mis-alignment is what is causing my neck, shoulder, spine, and even hip pain. He agreed, but failed (as most Medical people do today) to commit to a sure yes/no that that was the cause.
However later that day my right shoulder muscle erupted in a new kind of pain (at least to this body/brain) and that (for me at least) confirmed the pain and tension in my TMJ joint IS causing the muscle sensitivity.
Problem now is choosing which Dr./Dentist to go to in order to have my situation addressed...
However later that day my right shoulder muscle erupted in a new kind of pain (at least to this body/brain) and that (for me at least) confirmed the pain and tension in my TMJ joint IS causing the muscle sensitivity.
Problem now is choosing which Dr./Dentist to go to in order to have my situation addressed...
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Just an update
.. The first picture is the left side of my jaw and second is right... you can see right back, left forward... update other then that...
So I've moved now back to Orem and Im' closer now to my University, UVU, and I'm going to get some help with my TMJ syndrome. Turns out that my Temporal Mandibil Joint becomes unhninged when my mouth is clenched or it is open all the way... my guess is it happenes when it my jaw is clenched as that is what I was doing as I feel asleep in the hospital 6 years ago when my hearing became completly ringing and gone without hearing aides. After that the tinitus (ringing in the ears) never stoped again. ... I remember in the hopital I was given some mouth wash, or something, that would open up my ears, I think, and the ringing would go away and I could hear... but not after the night I fell asleep with my mouth clenched... ... so here is hoping that TMJ treatment will FIX my TMJ problem and not only will the pain in my back and shoulders leaving, but perhaps my hearing will come back too... If that doesn't happen then I will continue to go forward and do the best I'm able.
See this talk or This talk
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I love YouTube now that I found the Mormon Message area of it
this is a link to one of the movies presented on the LDS area of YouTube.. it's quite a movie ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0
Friday, February 27, 2009
a RE-POSTING for my readers, especially the LDS ones
Yeah just read it cause it'll make you smile.. oh but first I need to testify to you that President Monson, the new leader of our church, has been raised to fill the mantle placed upon him. I watched his first ever talk during the Priesthood General Conference right after he had been set apart and sustained by all the members and I saw and felt the moment that (for me at least) the mantle was his to wear now .. I don't know if any of the other brethren saw and felt the same, but I hope we all have felt it since.
BUT!!!
the re-post must go on so set your minds with these words.... Gordan Hinckley ... then think of him for a moment and just feel your emotions when his name is mentioned as you remember every ones' step-grandfather Prophet... then read the poem about him in all it's creative, loving beauty....
"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
...that will do...
BUT!!!
the re-post must go on so set your minds with these words.... Gordan Hinckley ... then think of him for a moment and just feel your emotions when his name is mentioned as you remember every ones' step-grandfather Prophet... then read the poem about him in all it's creative, loving beauty....
"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
...that will do...
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