Do you know what it means? We say it all the time.
I lived in Venezuela for two years and became fluent in Spanish. One of the great blessings of learning another language is that it enhances your understanding of...life. Scriptures have new meaning when you read them in a different language. (whether it's English, Spanish...or by the Spirit)
Thank you comes directly from the German word, danke; or dank u in Dutch. But knowing the phrase "thank you" in Spanish brings a much deeper understanding.
We all know thank you in Spanish is gracias. But have you ever thought of its meaning?
Gracia come from the Latin word gratus. Do you know the English word that is derived from gratus?
Grace.
Although not commonly used, grace and thank you really are interchangeable in the English language. i.e.: "saying grace" means to give a prayer of thanks. The most common form of gracia is the plural form gracias, meaning thank you if you take the casual translation. But a more direct translation exudes an entirely different meaning. Just like the word adios. While the casual translation is goodbye, the direct translation is to God.
Other words that are derived from the same Latin root of gratus are: agree, congratulate, gratitude, and gratis.
Grace. I love the Thanksgiving season a little more now. Saying thank you is just a small way to share a little grace with someone...just one more way we can be like Jesus and be an example of His life. For He is the One that showed forth Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound.
Thank you. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
To Tom:
I'm surprised I let myself get so emotionally charged. It's unlike me. :) Ok, not that unlike me. But I do generally keep myself in check. I didn't think I'd get emotionally involved with Proposition 8. Just goes to show Satan has a hand in both sides of the debate. After this post, I'm backing down...but I must express my personal opinion...without emotion. I can do that because part of my opinion is based on fact.
But first, I let this slip in a comment I made on a recent online news article:
To Tom:
Then I want my marriage to my dog recognized so I can get a tax break and have a legal document proving my undying love to him...er, her. Heck (for the Mormon editor), does it even matter anymore? Why stop here? Let's legalize the marriage of 50 women to one man...or 50 men to one woman. Why not legalize the marriage of my 7 year old sister to the 49 year old man down the street? Why not legalize a brother and sister getting married? Why stop at same-sex marriages when there is SO MUCH more?
Peace.
Ok, that was my emotional part. Now to the factual portion of my opinion.
Marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is His law. And no man has the right...let me rephrase that...no man has the authority to override the laws of God. You can question, you can oppose, you can fight against God...but consider the state of our fallen brother, the morning star, even Lucifer.
Marriage is defined by God. It is not a right. It is not a privilege. It is a commandment. The first commandment to Adam and Eve was to multiply and replenish the earth. That can only be fulfilled through the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. God sets the rules. It is His law.
Two men or two women can love each other. They can live together. They can even be married...they have been doing so for years. Proposition 8 doesn't change any of that. It does not discriminate nor does it take agency (the freedom to choose) away from any individual. It simply declares that marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman. It doesn't eliminate anyone's "right."
I'm not saying there is an easy solution. I don't know what government's involvement should or should not be. I do not understand the appropriate "legal" response to this issue. But I do know God's interpretation of marriage. His prophets have made it clear to me.
In 1995, it was stated: 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. It goes on to declare: 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.
This isn't just a "gay-rights" issue. It's about protecting the sanctity of the family. And those who currently have families are held to a higher standard...so I'm certainly not condemning those who have a same-sex partner. I have dear friends who are open and honest about their same-gender sexual preference. I respect them as individuals and love them as I do any other friend. I don't treat them differently...I don't talk behind their back...I am open and honest as well. And I'm supportive. We all need a little more of that.
I am standing for what I know to be true. Marriage is ordained of God...He sets the standards and I am striving to abide by them. Proposition 8 aside, that is where I stand.
But first, I let this slip in a comment I made on a recent online news article:
To Tom:
Then I want my marriage to my dog recognized so I can get a tax break and have a legal document proving my undying love to him...er, her. Heck (for the Mormon editor), does it even matter anymore? Why stop here? Let's legalize the marriage of 50 women to one man...or 50 men to one woman. Why not legalize the marriage of my 7 year old sister to the 49 year old man down the street? Why not legalize a brother and sister getting married? Why stop at same-sex marriages when there is SO MUCH more?
Peace.
Ok, that was my emotional part. Now to the factual portion of my opinion.
Marriage is an institution ordained by God. It is His law. And no man has the right...let me rephrase that...no man has the authority to override the laws of God. You can question, you can oppose, you can fight against God...but consider the state of our fallen brother, the morning star, even Lucifer.
Marriage is defined by God. It is not a right. It is not a privilege. It is a commandment. The first commandment to Adam and Eve was to multiply and replenish the earth. That can only be fulfilled through the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. God sets the rules. It is His law.
Two men or two women can love each other. They can live together. They can even be married...they have been doing so for years. Proposition 8 doesn't change any of that. It does not discriminate nor does it take agency (the freedom to choose) away from any individual. It simply declares that marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman. It doesn't eliminate anyone's "right."
I'm not saying there is an easy solution. I don't know what government's involvement should or should not be. I do not understand the appropriate "legal" response to this issue. But I do know God's interpretation of marriage. His prophets have made it clear to me.
In 1995, it was stated: 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. It goes on to declare: 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.
This isn't just a "gay-rights" issue. It's about protecting the sanctity of the family. And those who currently have families are held to a higher standard...so I'm certainly not condemning those who have a same-sex partner. I have dear friends who are open and honest about their same-gender sexual preference. I respect them as individuals and love them as I do any other friend. I don't treat them differently...I don't talk behind their back...I am open and honest as well. And I'm supportive. We all need a little more of that.
I am standing for what I know to be true. Marriage is ordained of God...He sets the standards and I am striving to abide by them. Proposition 8 aside, that is where I stand.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The U.S. Constitution
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
trying to make a space
Barack Obama stated that "the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties." He argues that it tells you what the government can't do to you, rather than what it "must do on your behalf."
Making a space.
I can't even argue such an illogical statement. I'm speechless. It reminds me of when one of my children was convinced the sky was not blue...when it clearly was blue that day.
Hopefully this creates a space.
God bless the Founding Fathers for their righteous intent. The purpose of the Constitution is to limit the power of government. Don't agree? Read the seven articles.
And one more space.
Thank God the Constitution restricts the freedom of the government. What "fundamental flaw" exists in this inspired document? I sincerely wonder if Barack Obama has ever read the U.S. Constitution? That's not "negative campaigning"...it's a legitimate question born of sincere curiosity.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Presidential Oath
In accordance with Article II, Section I of the US Constitution, each president recites the following oath:
I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
For so many reasons, I am voting AGAINST Barack Obama. For the first time in my adult life, I am scared for what may happen to our country should he win the presidency next week. Mr. Obama has boldly declared that there are fundamental flaws to our Constitution. How, then, can he possibly state the above oath respectfully and with a straight face? For so many reasons, I am voting AGAINST Barack Obama. The two most prevalent reasons are: 1) his anti-American values (i.e.: belief in distribution of wealth) and 2) his desire to fundamentally change the U.S. Constitution.
I hope you will vote...not for the sake of history...but for the sake of our country. The following is a quote by Obama from a 2001 public radio interview in Chicago:
You know, if you look at the victories and failures of the civil-rights movement, and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at a lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it, I’d be okay, but the Supreme Court never entered into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society.
And uh, to that extent, as radical as I think people tried to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution — at least as it’s been interpreted, and Warren Court interpreted it in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties: [It] says what the states can’t do to you, says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf.
And that hasn’t shifted, and one of the, I think, the tragedies of the civil-rights movement was because the civil-rights movement became so court-focused, uh, I think that there was a tendency to lose track of the political and community organizing and activities on the ground that are able to put together the actual coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributive change. And in some ways we still suffer from that.
And an audio clip:
Does this sound like he is going to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution? That is the most basic role as president. And I believe he intends to radically change that inspired document.
That concerns me.
I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
For so many reasons, I am voting AGAINST Barack Obama. For the first time in my adult life, I am scared for what may happen to our country should he win the presidency next week. Mr. Obama has boldly declared that there are fundamental flaws to our Constitution. How, then, can he possibly state the above oath respectfully and with a straight face? For so many reasons, I am voting AGAINST Barack Obama. The two most prevalent reasons are: 1) his anti-American values (i.e.: belief in distribution of wealth) and 2) his desire to fundamentally change the U.S. Constitution.
I hope you will vote...not for the sake of history...but for the sake of our country. The following is a quote by Obama from a 2001 public radio interview in Chicago:
You know, if you look at the victories and failures of the civil-rights movement, and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at a lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it, I’d be okay, but the Supreme Court never entered into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society.
And uh, to that extent, as radical as I think people tried to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution — at least as it’s been interpreted, and Warren Court interpreted it in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties: [It] says what the states can’t do to you, says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf.
And that hasn’t shifted, and one of the, I think, the tragedies of the civil-rights movement was because the civil-rights movement became so court-focused, uh, I think that there was a tendency to lose track of the political and community organizing and activities on the ground that are able to put together the actual coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributive change. And in some ways we still suffer from that.
And an audio clip:
Does this sound like he is going to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution? That is the most basic role as president. And I believe he intends to radically change that inspired document.
That concerns me.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit
Several "ah-ha" moments today. I mostly want to share scripture for this post. I might share some commentary...we'll see. You may be very familiar with this first scripture...but read it anyway...perhaps the Spirit will teach you something "new."
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
You could interpret "lusts" for anything that is worldly. What does it mean "fruit of the Spirit?" My first thoughts have always been that these adjectives describe how you might feel when the Spirit is with you...and the characteristics the Spirit always has. While this is true, it was impressed upon my mind that I need to partake. What good is a fruit if you leave it on the tree and simply look at it and admire it? We most enjoy the fruit when we partake of it. Thus, I need to be more gentle, meek, loving, good, etc. Partaking of the fruit, and not just enjoying its beauty, will help us become more like our Heavenly Father.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
2 Peter 1:4-10
And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance; But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
Alma 13:27-29
Finally, as we partake of the fruits of the Spirit, I think we will more readily be prepared to receive the gifts of the Spirit.
And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them. For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom; And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles; And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things; And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits; And again, to another all kinds of tongues; And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues. And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.
Moroni 10:8-20
We are engaged in a spiritual battle. We need both the fruits and the gifts of the Spirit to conquer our enemy and be victorious. Whether we want to fight or not, Satan will bring the battle to us. Are we preparing ourselves? God help us (and He certainly wants to).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
You could interpret "lusts" for anything that is worldly. What does it mean "fruit of the Spirit?" My first thoughts have always been that these adjectives describe how you might feel when the Spirit is with you...and the characteristics the Spirit always has. While this is true, it was impressed upon my mind that I need to partake. What good is a fruit if you leave it on the tree and simply look at it and admire it? We most enjoy the fruit when we partake of it. Thus, I need to be more gentle, meek, loving, good, etc. Partaking of the fruit, and not just enjoying its beauty, will help us become more like our Heavenly Father.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
2 Peter 1:4-10
And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance; But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
Alma 13:27-29
Finally, as we partake of the fruits of the Spirit, I think we will more readily be prepared to receive the gifts of the Spirit.
And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them. For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom; And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles; And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things; And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits; And again, to another all kinds of tongues; And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues. And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.
Moroni 10:8-20
We are engaged in a spiritual battle. We need both the fruits and the gifts of the Spirit to conquer our enemy and be victorious. Whether we want to fight or not, Satan will bring the battle to us. Are we preparing ourselves? God help us (and He certainly wants to).
Friday, October 24, 2008
Why?
Just when I thought I was pulling out...
I know it's been asked before, but how can you feel completely alone when you're surrounded by people?
What am I supposed to be learning right now? And why does it have to be so hard? I thought I knew myself...I thought I knew my heart.
This battle of good vs. evil is legitimate. It's real. The war that began raging before this world was is still in full force. And it's beating me down. I thought I was a valiant warrior. I've always wondered how ideologies and feelings and testimonies could be the choice of weaponry in this spiritual battle. But now I understand. And for the first time in my life I'm really worried about my personal outcome.
I have wounds. And they hurt. And I'm struggling to survive.
How can this be when I have been so richly blessed? How is my faith being weakened? Why am I now questioning so many things?
I know it's been asked before, but how can you feel completely alone when you're surrounded by people?
What am I supposed to be learning right now? And why does it have to be so hard? I thought I knew myself...I thought I knew my heart.
This battle of good vs. evil is legitimate. It's real. The war that began raging before this world was is still in full force. And it's beating me down. I thought I was a valiant warrior. I've always wondered how ideologies and feelings and testimonies could be the choice of weaponry in this spiritual battle. But now I understand. And for the first time in my life I'm really worried about my personal outcome.
I have wounds. And they hurt. And I'm struggling to survive.
How can this be when I have been so richly blessed? How is my faith being weakened? Why am I now questioning so many things?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
From the heart
I just learned that my grandfather was given morphine tonight to ease his pains. He will pass on to the next phase of his life soon. When I first spoke with my dad this afternoon, I wasn't impacted by the news. Grandpa had a stroke this morning and we didn't have much information beyond that.
But when I learned later tonight that Grandpa was given morphine, reality sunk in. It was hard not to break down on the phone with my dad. I did so after we hung up. Fortunately, I was driving home on dark windy roads so I couldn't cry too hard.
Grandpa is healthy. He's 97 and doesn't take any medication. His heart is strong. But the fact that he's 97 means that his body is old and wearing out. A stroke at his age has immobilized him.
And he can't talk.
I can't imagine the frustration that must cause. Especially when you can't say, "I love you," just one more time to your own children before you pass through the veil.
His siblings died from choking/suffocation. It's a healthy family and once they get really old, their bodies just stop performing normal functions as they should. Grandpa has been scared of choking. He knows it's how his siblings have died. So Grandpa was given morphine to relax the body. He won't be given any food or liquids any more. His physical body is now preparing to give up the ghost. I pray that there will be no suffering and that Grandpa will pass on soon.
It would be nice if he could do so in his own home. And what a glorious reunion he'll have with Grandma. She passed away November 2003.
It's bitter-sweet. I love my Grandpa. He was so loving and thoughtful and considerate and welcoming. Because he is such a good man, it makes me sad that I won't see him again in this life. But I am buoyed up because I know I will embrace him again. I know it.
And I thank God for my testimony of Jesus Christ. That is all that matters. Sometimes I'm tired of life; sometimes I don't care; sometimes I'm frustrated; sometimes I just want to run away; sometimes it hurts...
But...
A pure testimony of Jesus Christ will always get us through those times. Always. It has for me. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son. I know that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. And I know that it is by the sweet Grace of my Savior that all of this is possible.
I love my Grandpa. And I love my Redeemer for giving me strength and hope...for making it possible for me to see my Grandpa again. I love you, Grandpa. May God bless you for your goodness.
But when I learned later tonight that Grandpa was given morphine, reality sunk in. It was hard not to break down on the phone with my dad. I did so after we hung up. Fortunately, I was driving home on dark windy roads so I couldn't cry too hard.
Grandpa is healthy. He's 97 and doesn't take any medication. His heart is strong. But the fact that he's 97 means that his body is old and wearing out. A stroke at his age has immobilized him.
And he can't talk.
I can't imagine the frustration that must cause. Especially when you can't say, "I love you," just one more time to your own children before you pass through the veil.
His siblings died from choking/suffocation. It's a healthy family and once they get really old, their bodies just stop performing normal functions as they should. Grandpa has been scared of choking. He knows it's how his siblings have died. So Grandpa was given morphine to relax the body. He won't be given any food or liquids any more. His physical body is now preparing to give up the ghost. I pray that there will be no suffering and that Grandpa will pass on soon.
It would be nice if he could do so in his own home. And what a glorious reunion he'll have with Grandma. She passed away November 2003.
It's bitter-sweet. I love my Grandpa. He was so loving and thoughtful and considerate and welcoming. Because he is such a good man, it makes me sad that I won't see him again in this life. But I am buoyed up because I know I will embrace him again. I know it.
And I thank God for my testimony of Jesus Christ. That is all that matters. Sometimes I'm tired of life; sometimes I don't care; sometimes I'm frustrated; sometimes I just want to run away; sometimes it hurts...
But...
A pure testimony of Jesus Christ will always get us through those times. Always. It has for me. I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son. I know that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. And I know that it is by the sweet Grace of my Savior that all of this is possible.
I love my Grandpa. And I love my Redeemer for giving me strength and hope...for making it possible for me to see my Grandpa again. I love you, Grandpa. May God bless you for your goodness.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Unfiltered Conversations
Mormons can sometimes speak a different language. We regularly use words or acronyms such as ward, stake, sunbeams, mutual night, PEC, FHE, and Fast Sunday to name a few.
We have our own geography and historical sites such as: Liberty Jail, Zarahemla, the Garden of Eden, the Sacred Grove...most members of the Church can tell you exactly where these significant places are located...or at least the vicinity of their location.
Mormons have a unique perspective of our relationship with the inhabitants of this earth. The person I work with everyday has a loving Father in Heaven. My co-worker lived in a pre-mortal world with me...perhaps we knew each other thousands of years ago. My co-worker chose to follow Jesus Christ during the Grand Council in Heaven. My co-worker will be resurrected and will have an opportunity to be with his or her family for all eternity.
I know things my co-workers do not. But I know that they will one day come to understand the same things I have been taught all my life. And they will have an opportunity to choose once again.
What's my part?
One goal I have established for myself is to no longer filter my conversations. Many times in the past I have caught myself deleting portions of my life because it relates to the Gospel. For example, for many years I have generally given a generic response when someone has asked me about my weekend following General Conference.
My conversations have been unfiltered lately. One co-worker knows what General Conference is now...and that my brother-in-law was able to participate just like me even though he is in the Czech Republic. Several co-workers know I had family in town because my son was baptized. That led to a conversation about children being blessed when they are born.
I think the Lord has prepared my family for many unfiltered conversations:
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Nauvoo
What is your son's name? James Helaman
You don't drink coffee but you drink Mountain Dew? (I haven't figured out a good answer to that yet! Maybe the answer is I should stop drinking Mountain Dew.)
What's your college football team? BYU
Where did you learn to speak Spanish? Venezuela
The list goes on. My point? Speak to your neighbor as if they were a member of the Church. Don't filter your conversation. They'll learn our language eventually...why not give them a head start?
We have our own geography and historical sites such as: Liberty Jail, Zarahemla, the Garden of Eden, the Sacred Grove...most members of the Church can tell you exactly where these significant places are located...or at least the vicinity of their location.
Mormons have a unique perspective of our relationship with the inhabitants of this earth. The person I work with everyday has a loving Father in Heaven. My co-worker lived in a pre-mortal world with me...perhaps we knew each other thousands of years ago. My co-worker chose to follow Jesus Christ during the Grand Council in Heaven. My co-worker will be resurrected and will have an opportunity to be with his or her family for all eternity.
I know things my co-workers do not. But I know that they will one day come to understand the same things I have been taught all my life. And they will have an opportunity to choose once again.
What's my part?
One goal I have established for myself is to no longer filter my conversations. Many times in the past I have caught myself deleting portions of my life because it relates to the Gospel. For example, for many years I have generally given a generic response when someone has asked me about my weekend following General Conference.
My conversations have been unfiltered lately. One co-worker knows what General Conference is now...and that my brother-in-law was able to participate just like me even though he is in the Czech Republic. Several co-workers know I had family in town because my son was baptized. That led to a conversation about children being blessed when they are born.
I think the Lord has prepared my family for many unfiltered conversations:
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Nauvoo
What is your son's name? James Helaman
You don't drink coffee but you drink Mountain Dew? (I haven't figured out a good answer to that yet! Maybe the answer is I should stop drinking Mountain Dew.)
What's your college football team? BYU
Where did you learn to speak Spanish? Venezuela
The list goes on. My point? Speak to your neighbor as if they were a member of the Church. Don't filter your conversation. They'll learn our language eventually...why not give them a head start?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
He truly knows our hearts
I don't get it. I really don't.
Each time I personally experience the love of my Savior, I realize how little I understand the power of the Atonement; yet how appreciative I am for it. He knows our hearts...He really does. And that means everything to me. And He knows what we need when we turn our hearts over to Him. If you've been hesitant to do it lately, swallow your pride. It's worth it.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
He doesn't like it, but he needs it
I was feeding our almost 1-year old this morning. He doesn't eat oatmeal plain so I mixed it in with fruit. My daughter is such a good mother. And she was adamant that the baby does not like oatmeal. To which I replied, "He doesn't like it, but he needs it."
I think that pretty much sums up how I felt last night...and how I've felt for the past 4-5 months. And I've been questioning...
Do I need it? I'm close to breaking point. I think it first started when I had to persuade a concerned father that it wasn't Christ-like to pay someone to beat up his daughter's boyfriend. Yesterday, someone else's daughter was murdered--we had to break the news to the father and siblings--and I spent 6 hours in the hospital with an elderly man who had a heart attack and has no family in town.
Do I really need these experiences?
I think that pretty much sums up how I felt last night...and how I've felt for the past 4-5 months. And I've been questioning...
Do I need it? I'm close to breaking point. I think it first started when I had to persuade a concerned father that it wasn't Christ-like to pay someone to beat up his daughter's boyfriend. Yesterday, someone else's daughter was murdered--we had to break the news to the father and siblings--and I spent 6 hours in the hospital with an elderly man who had a heart attack and has no family in town.
Do I really need these experiences?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Building the Tower of Babel
Today the switch gets turned on. Have you heard about it?
A huge atom smasher. There's a 17-mile tunnel 300 feet below Switzerland. And it gets turned on today. My understanding is that they hope to create anti-matter.
Sounds really sci-fi, doesn't it?
It will probably take years to analyze all the data. It's even estimated to be close to one year before the machine gets powered up to throw a proton at speeds nearing that of light. Most of the scientific community is excited. A few have voiced their objections--stating that we're going to create a black hole and suck up the earth. Logically, creating anti-matter makes sense. According to Newton's third law of motion, for a force there is always an equal and opposite reaction. So far that has proven to be true. And if it is, in fact, truth, then when an atom is split to create nuclear energy, there must be an opposite force of equal power. In other words, when there is an explosion, we generally think of the outward forces: the debris flying up and away, the crater that is formed, etc. But there must be an opposite force that goes inward. I don't know if this machine will create anti-matter, but I'm excited to learn.
So most scientists are excited; in part because they think this will help them understand The Big Bang better by creating their own smaller version of it. Other scientists are skeptical and think these tests are dangerous and could lead to our extinction. My perspective? I think this leads us one step closer to God's knowledge...while moving us one step closer to the Second Coming.
About 4000 years ago, there was a civilized people who were trying to erect a building that would get them to God. Good intentions, right? We should be trying to get back to God. The catch is, this people didn't include God in their little project. They were becoming quite smart and the Old Testament tells us that they could pretty much do whatever they imagined in their hearts. Their mistake was not including God in their quest to become Godlike. So God destroyed the Tower of Babel and confounded their language (except for the Jaredites...but we can discuss that topic later).
Is our civilized world any different? We are trying to play God. Obtaining this knowledge is AWESOME! And I believe we need this knowledge as we continue to progress. But these scientists are denying the very existence of God as they strive to define how everything was "created." Ironic, isn't it?
So today, with the flipping of a switch, makes us one step closer to God. It could also prove to move us one step closer to the Second Coming. What kind of power will this machine create? If it does create power, you know evil minds will manipulate it to advance their selfish ambitions.
I'm excited to see what transpires. I believe God wants us to learn about as much "stuff" as possible. But I also believe there will come a time when God says, "Enough!" and will need to destroy our Tower of Babel.
A huge atom smasher. There's a 17-mile tunnel 300 feet below Switzerland. And it gets turned on today. My understanding is that they hope to create anti-matter.
Sounds really sci-fi, doesn't it?
It will probably take years to analyze all the data. It's even estimated to be close to one year before the machine gets powered up to throw a proton at speeds nearing that of light. Most of the scientific community is excited. A few have voiced their objections--stating that we're going to create a black hole and suck up the earth. Logically, creating anti-matter makes sense. According to Newton's third law of motion, for a force there is always an equal and opposite reaction. So far that has proven to be true. And if it is, in fact, truth, then when an atom is split to create nuclear energy, there must be an opposite force of equal power. In other words, when there is an explosion, we generally think of the outward forces: the debris flying up and away, the crater that is formed, etc. But there must be an opposite force that goes inward. I don't know if this machine will create anti-matter, but I'm excited to learn.
So most scientists are excited; in part because they think this will help them understand The Big Bang better by creating their own smaller version of it. Other scientists are skeptical and think these tests are dangerous and could lead to our extinction. My perspective? I think this leads us one step closer to God's knowledge...while moving us one step closer to the Second Coming.
About 4000 years ago, there was a civilized people who were trying to erect a building that would get them to God. Good intentions, right? We should be trying to get back to God. The catch is, this people didn't include God in their little project. They were becoming quite smart and the Old Testament tells us that they could pretty much do whatever they imagined in their hearts. Their mistake was not including God in their quest to become Godlike. So God destroyed the Tower of Babel and confounded their language (except for the Jaredites...but we can discuss that topic later).
Is our civilized world any different? We are trying to play God. Obtaining this knowledge is AWESOME! And I believe we need this knowledge as we continue to progress. But these scientists are denying the very existence of God as they strive to define how everything was "created." Ironic, isn't it?
So today, with the flipping of a switch, makes us one step closer to God. It could also prove to move us one step closer to the Second Coming. What kind of power will this machine create? If it does create power, you know evil minds will manipulate it to advance their selfish ambitions.
I'm excited to see what transpires. I believe God wants us to learn about as much "stuff" as possible. But I also believe there will come a time when God says, "Enough!" and will need to destroy our Tower of Babel.
Monday, September 1, 2008
I apologize for generalizing...
Thurl Bailey gave the invocation for the Republican National Convention today. He's an example to us all. It was sincere and heart-felt. Thurl Bailey, a former NBA player, is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
There was an article in the Deseret News about his invocation. I don't usually comment on news articles online...but the 13 comments I read left me with little choice. Not only did I comment here, I needed to blog about my frustration.
I apologize for categorizing "Utah Mormons" too generally at times. And I do it often. So that's something for which I need to be better. There are solid Utah Mormons that are an example to each of us. But generally speaking (and I apologize...again...in advance) Utah Mormons drive me crazy (family and friends excluded, of course!). For many reasons I don't need to share in this venue. But I want to share this thought with you because I think this particular reason is true of most people.
The reason: people, in general, are close-minded and see the world only through their eyes. And, for the most part, people will hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see, believe what they want to believe...regardless of reality and truth. It's an intolerable "innocence" that eats me up inside.
Case in point: so the article is on Thurl Bailey and his invocation. Of the 13 comments I read, 12 of them emphasized how wonderful it was that the RNC would open with an invocation; questioning whether or not the DNC did the same last week. Do you know the answer?
OPEN YOUR EYES, PEOPLE!!! Please, open your eyes. Be informed. Don't blindly follow tradition because that's the way it's always been. Don't believe something because that's what you've always been taught. Don't take a stand unless you know why it is you need to take that stand.
While I feel that, generally speaking, the Republicans are more sincere when they pray, or when they quote scripture, or when they say the pledge of allegiance, or when they talk about patriotism...the Democrats did, in fact, have an invocation and benediction at each of their sessions last week. Please be educated about what "the other side" is doing. You're doing more harm than good if you don't.
One more quick item to back my claim (in case I've offended any Utah Mormons reading this :)): I was in Utah a few weeks ago and had an emergency run to Lens Crafters to get contacts. Turns out the optometrist is a member of the church. We had a pleasant conversation and we started talking about church history since I was from the east. He asked me where Nauvoo, Liberty Jail, and Palmyra were...among other church history sites.
Here's my point: if you're a member of a church--know the history of your church; if you work for a company--know the history of that company; if you're an American--know the history of your country--know the basics about how your country works--don't vote unless you've taken upon yourself the duty to be an informed citizen. It's a right and privilege for which thousands upon thousands of men and women have died.
Lesson for me--as a Christian I need to be better at growing closer to my Savior...worshipping The Father in His name...being obedient to His commandments, etc. Now that I have used this blog for a little self-reflection myself, I want you to know that I'm not on a soap box. I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal. These are my thoughts...raw and unedited.
There was an article in the Deseret News about his invocation. I don't usually comment on news articles online...but the 13 comments I read left me with little choice. Not only did I comment here, I needed to blog about my frustration.
I apologize for categorizing "Utah Mormons" too generally at times. And I do it often. So that's something for which I need to be better. There are solid Utah Mormons that are an example to each of us. But generally speaking (and I apologize...again...in advance) Utah Mormons drive me crazy (family and friends excluded, of course!). For many reasons I don't need to share in this venue. But I want to share this thought with you because I think this particular reason is true of most people.
The reason: people, in general, are close-minded and see the world only through their eyes. And, for the most part, people will hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see, believe what they want to believe...regardless of reality and truth. It's an intolerable "innocence" that eats me up inside.
Case in point: so the article is on Thurl Bailey and his invocation. Of the 13 comments I read, 12 of them emphasized how wonderful it was that the RNC would open with an invocation; questioning whether or not the DNC did the same last week. Do you know the answer?
OPEN YOUR EYES, PEOPLE!!! Please, open your eyes. Be informed. Don't blindly follow tradition because that's the way it's always been. Don't believe something because that's what you've always been taught. Don't take a stand unless you know why it is you need to take that stand.
While I feel that, generally speaking, the Republicans are more sincere when they pray, or when they quote scripture, or when they say the pledge of allegiance, or when they talk about patriotism...the Democrats did, in fact, have an invocation and benediction at each of their sessions last week. Please be educated about what "the other side" is doing. You're doing more harm than good if you don't.
One more quick item to back my claim (in case I've offended any Utah Mormons reading this :)): I was in Utah a few weeks ago and had an emergency run to Lens Crafters to get contacts. Turns out the optometrist is a member of the church. We had a pleasant conversation and we started talking about church history since I was from the east. He asked me where Nauvoo, Liberty Jail, and Palmyra were...among other church history sites.
Here's my point: if you're a member of a church--know the history of your church; if you work for a company--know the history of that company; if you're an American--know the history of your country--know the basics about how your country works--don't vote unless you've taken upon yourself the duty to be an informed citizen. It's a right and privilege for which thousands upon thousands of men and women have died.
Lesson for me--as a Christian I need to be better at growing closer to my Savior...worshipping The Father in His name...being obedient to His commandments, etc. Now that I have used this blog for a little self-reflection myself, I want you to know that I'm not on a soap box. I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal. These are my thoughts...raw and unedited.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What Religion are you?
Perhaps this is Satan's way of distracting many people. It's a way to divide us; to segregate us so we talk more about our differences as opposed to the Truth. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one.
What religion am I? I don't want to make my answer complicated. So spend just a few more minutes with me and allow me to complete my thought. Light is discernible. Darkness does not exist where Light exists. If you hear me out, I believe you will be able to discern Truth.
We are literal Children of God. He is our Father and we are heirs to His Kingdom. If you are a parent, you know that everything you enjoy...you would like your children to enjoy. As parents we are willing to share everything we have. Such is the case with God. He is our Father. We are not mere mortals, as C.S. Lewis so eloquently wrote.
We are one family. Adam and Eve, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter, James, and John, you and I are members of this noble family. We lived with our family prior to clothing our spirits in these mortal bodies. We were taught by our Father and we learned of His Plan: the purpose of coming to earth; the gift of Agency; the Savior's role for each of us; and our eternal potential as children of God.
Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has given commandments. The Children of Israel were commanded to perform ordinances, or sacred rites and ceremonies, and were blessed according to their obedience. The people were organized...for organization brings order. For example, Melchizedek was the priest of the most high God (Genesis 14:18). God has always called upon men to lead His people. Prophets taught of the coming of the Son of God, our Savior, who would take upon Himself our sins and teach us a higher law. When He came to the earth, he organized His church...the Kingdom of God on earth. He sent his disciples out to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite all to follow Him. Jesus was baptized. And taught us that we must be baptized, as He was, to enter into the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave the authority to perform this ordinance by the laying on of hands to his Apostles (Acts 6:6), who would continue His Work.
Christ was ultimately rejected by His own. He was crucified. His Apostles were eventually martyred and God took His authority away from man for a season. His children had rejected His Son, the Church, and it's teachings. There was a falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3), much like the Children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, only to a more serious degree.
Men certainly continued to believe in God. But they had no direction. The authority to perform essential ordinances such as baptism had been taken away. Men, such as John Wickliffe, Jan Hus, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and John Calvin, among others, recognized this. They were inspired of God and began a movement known as the Reformation. These men are of the Kingdom of God.
The New World was "discovered." Religious freedom was among one of the great liberties fought for my our forefathers. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, just to name a few, were inspired of God to author inspired declarations to the world. These men are of the Kingdom of God.
Shortly after the Independence of the United States of America, a young man was born in Vermont. Religious freedom brought about many searching for Truth. The bible taught this young man that if he had questions, he could turn to God...who would answer him (James 1:5).
In 1820, the faith of a young farm boy, preceded by honorable men who had prepared the way, caused the Heavens to open once again. The Kingdom of God was reestablished on the earth 10 years later after much preparation. Angels brought the good word of God back. Messengers of God, men we are familiar with...resurrected men such as Peter, James, and John, Moses, John the Baptist, Elijah, and many others restored the authority on the earth through the laying on of hands. Miracles have not ceased. A Prophet lives on the earth today.
We are children of God and, as such, heirs to His Kingdom. His teachings have not changed since the time of Adam and Eve. We are one family. And we worship God as our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
Whether you're a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Jew, Muslim, Lutheran, Hindu, Mormon...it doesn't change the fact that we are children of God and heirs to His Kingdom. Religion is man-made. It is a distraction. Christ said, "In my Father's house are many mansions" (John 14:2). There is one way to God. He has set the standards. He has provided the way. In His Kingdom, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Lutherans, Hindus...and yes, even Mormons, won't exist as such. We will continue to be His children and worship Him.
You're choice is which path you will take. Who has the authority to act in the name of God here on earth? Who has the authority to baptize you as Jesus commanded? God didn't create the religions of the world. But His Kingdom has been reestablished as prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments (Daniel 2:44-45; Acts 3:20-21).
The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36-37). I invite you to seek out light and truth. If you are sincere, God will make the truth known unto you. He knows how to speak to you. Listen.
I do not belong to a religion. I am a son of God and I belong to His Kingdom. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I invite you to join us.
What religion am I? I don't want to make my answer complicated. So spend just a few more minutes with me and allow me to complete my thought. Light is discernible. Darkness does not exist where Light exists. If you hear me out, I believe you will be able to discern Truth.
We are literal Children of God. He is our Father and we are heirs to His Kingdom. If you are a parent, you know that everything you enjoy...you would like your children to enjoy. As parents we are willing to share everything we have. Such is the case with God. He is our Father. We are not mere mortals, as C.S. Lewis so eloquently wrote.
We are one family. Adam and Eve, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter, James, and John, you and I are members of this noble family. We lived with our family prior to clothing our spirits in these mortal bodies. We were taught by our Father and we learned of His Plan: the purpose of coming to earth; the gift of Agency; the Savior's role for each of us; and our eternal potential as children of God.
Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has given commandments. The Children of Israel were commanded to perform ordinances, or sacred rites and ceremonies, and were blessed according to their obedience. The people were organized...for organization brings order. For example, Melchizedek was the priest of the most high God (Genesis 14:18). God has always called upon men to lead His people. Prophets taught of the coming of the Son of God, our Savior, who would take upon Himself our sins and teach us a higher law. When He came to the earth, he organized His church...the Kingdom of God on earth. He sent his disciples out to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and invite all to follow Him. Jesus was baptized. And taught us that we must be baptized, as He was, to enter into the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave the authority to perform this ordinance by the laying on of hands to his Apostles (Acts 6:6), who would continue His Work.
Christ was ultimately rejected by His own. He was crucified. His Apostles were eventually martyred and God took His authority away from man for a season. His children had rejected His Son, the Church, and it's teachings. There was a falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3), much like the Children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, only to a more serious degree.
Men certainly continued to believe in God. But they had no direction. The authority to perform essential ordinances such as baptism had been taken away. Men, such as John Wickliffe, Jan Hus, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and John Calvin, among others, recognized this. They were inspired of God and began a movement known as the Reformation. These men are of the Kingdom of God.
The New World was "discovered." Religious freedom was among one of the great liberties fought for my our forefathers. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, just to name a few, were inspired of God to author inspired declarations to the world. These men are of the Kingdom of God.
Shortly after the Independence of the United States of America, a young man was born in Vermont. Religious freedom brought about many searching for Truth. The bible taught this young man that if he had questions, he could turn to God...who would answer him (James 1:5).
In 1820, the faith of a young farm boy, preceded by honorable men who had prepared the way, caused the Heavens to open once again. The Kingdom of God was reestablished on the earth 10 years later after much preparation. Angels brought the good word of God back. Messengers of God, men we are familiar with...resurrected men such as Peter, James, and John, Moses, John the Baptist, Elijah, and many others restored the authority on the earth through the laying on of hands. Miracles have not ceased. A Prophet lives on the earth today.
We are children of God and, as such, heirs to His Kingdom. His teachings have not changed since the time of Adam and Eve. We are one family. And we worship God as our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
Whether you're a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Jew, Muslim, Lutheran, Hindu, Mormon...it doesn't change the fact that we are children of God and heirs to His Kingdom. Religion is man-made. It is a distraction. Christ said, "In my Father's house are many mansions" (John 14:2). There is one way to God. He has set the standards. He has provided the way. In His Kingdom, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Lutherans, Hindus...and yes, even Mormons, won't exist as such. We will continue to be His children and worship Him.
You're choice is which path you will take. Who has the authority to act in the name of God here on earth? Who has the authority to baptize you as Jesus commanded? God didn't create the religions of the world. But His Kingdom has been reestablished as prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments (Daniel 2:44-45; Acts 3:20-21).
The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36-37). I invite you to seek out light and truth. If you are sincere, God will make the truth known unto you. He knows how to speak to you. Listen.
I do not belong to a religion. I am a son of God and I belong to His Kingdom. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I invite you to join us.
Friday, July 11, 2008
How does God manage?
I read two articles in the newspaper this morning. And they both made me furious! How does God manage to still love us and have patience with us? I know he's an eternity older than all of us and has experienced infintely more than any of us. But does that give us an excuse to be obnoxiously ridiculous?!?!?
There is a woman on a crusade to have all highway/construction signs changed. She claims that "Men Working" or "Men at Work" are biased. So Atlanta is spending $1000 to change all of their signs to read "Workers." And it will cost an additional $144 per sign in the future. I can't express how much this bothers me. Perhaps I might feel differently if I were a woman.
Since the beginning of mankind, God Himself has used the term "men" to be universal...meaning all of His children...men and women alike. Obviously, I don't know all the reasoning behind it. But perhaps God wanted to use the word men in two senses. One being what I already shared. And the other to remind males that we will be held accountable to a higher law. As Patriarchs, we are responsible for the women and children in our lives. Men are the protectors...the providers. Perhaps God has called men out because we will have to answer to a higher law. And by higher I don't mean more important.
Gender is essential in God's creations. And there are those who are trying to neutralize everyone.
The other article I read noted some guy in Texas who has his "panties in a bunch." He's demanding an apology from a caucasian who used the term black hole. He says phrases like that, as well as angel food cake, devil food cake, black sheep, etc. are all racial slurs and derogatory.
Talk about a nation filled with pride! This is the epitomy of "pride comes before the fall." I think political correctness and pride go hand-in-hand. The more politically correct we become, the more pride increases and vice versa.
Those who are filled with pride say "Men at Work" is biased and "black hole" is a racial slur.
God certainly is an example of patience. These people drive me crazy! I would have destroyed them long ago. That's just one of a million reasons why my spirit is still housed in a mortal body. I have much to learn.
There is a woman on a crusade to have all highway/construction signs changed. She claims that "Men Working" or "Men at Work" are biased. So Atlanta is spending $1000 to change all of their signs to read "Workers." And it will cost an additional $144 per sign in the future. I can't express how much this bothers me. Perhaps I might feel differently if I were a woman.
Since the beginning of mankind, God Himself has used the term "men" to be universal...meaning all of His children...men and women alike. Obviously, I don't know all the reasoning behind it. But perhaps God wanted to use the word men in two senses. One being what I already shared. And the other to remind males that we will be held accountable to a higher law. As Patriarchs, we are responsible for the women and children in our lives. Men are the protectors...the providers. Perhaps God has called men out because we will have to answer to a higher law. And by higher I don't mean more important.
Gender is essential in God's creations. And there are those who are trying to neutralize everyone.
The other article I read noted some guy in Texas who has his "panties in a bunch." He's demanding an apology from a caucasian who used the term black hole. He says phrases like that, as well as angel food cake, devil food cake, black sheep, etc. are all racial slurs and derogatory.
Talk about a nation filled with pride! This is the epitomy of "pride comes before the fall." I think political correctness and pride go hand-in-hand. The more politically correct we become, the more pride increases and vice versa.
Those who are filled with pride say "Men at Work" is biased and "black hole" is a racial slur.
God certainly is an example of patience. These people drive me crazy! I would have destroyed them long ago. That's just one of a million reasons why my spirit is still housed in a mortal body. I have much to learn.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Strategem
I love strategy games. On occassion, I play Risk by myself...using 4-6 different armies. I distinguish each as aggressive or conservative, or unpredictable, or one who wants to maintain a continent and nothing more, etc. It's a lot of fun. And I never know who will win.
Helaman, a soldier in the Nephite army and Prophet of God, recounts taking an entire city without the shedding of blood. They were pursuing a Lamanite army towards a city the Lamanites had previously vacated. On the final night, Helaman ordered his men not to sleep and instead passed the Lamanite camp and entered the city. In Alma 58:28-29 it reads:
And thus it came to pass, that by this strategem we did take possession of the city of Manti without the shedding of blood. And it came to pass that when the armies of the Lamanites did arrive near the city, and saw that we were prepared to meet them, they were astonished exceedingly and struck with great fear, insomuch that they did flee into the wilderness.
Did you read/hear/see the hostages freed in Columbia? No blood was shed and 15 hostages were given freedom...some after as long as a decade.
Can you imagine?
A group of Colombian military intelligence agents mimicked a typical hostage release with the allusion that they were transporting the hostages to another rebel camp. Some of the agents had t-shirts with the infamous depiction of the Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The FARC were fooled. It was an incredible strategem.
There is great evil in the world. But there is also opposition in all things according to the Lord. If you believe Him, then that means that there is also great righteousness in the world. As the world becomes more evil, the world also becomes more righteous. A great divide is taking place.
Whose side will you be on?
Helaman, a soldier in the Nephite army and Prophet of God, recounts taking an entire city without the shedding of blood. They were pursuing a Lamanite army towards a city the Lamanites had previously vacated. On the final night, Helaman ordered his men not to sleep and instead passed the Lamanite camp and entered the city. In Alma 58:28-29 it reads:
And thus it came to pass, that by this strategem we did take possession of the city of Manti without the shedding of blood. And it came to pass that when the armies of the Lamanites did arrive near the city, and saw that we were prepared to meet them, they were astonished exceedingly and struck with great fear, insomuch that they did flee into the wilderness.
Did you read/hear/see the hostages freed in Columbia? No blood was shed and 15 hostages were given freedom...some after as long as a decade.
Can you imagine?
A group of Colombian military intelligence agents mimicked a typical hostage release with the allusion that they were transporting the hostages to another rebel camp. Some of the agents had t-shirts with the infamous depiction of the Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The FARC were fooled. It was an incredible strategem.
There is great evil in the world. But there is also opposition in all things according to the Lord. If you believe Him, then that means that there is also great righteousness in the world. As the world becomes more evil, the world also becomes more righteous. A great divide is taking place.
Whose side will you be on?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Lesson Learned
The citizens of Charlottesville surprised me this morning.
1000 tickets were gone within 22 minutes. There were a few who showed up at 9pm last night and camped out. Most showed up by 5am this morning. Tickets were handed out beginning at 7am. I showed up at 6:45...but I wasn't the last person in line...although very close!
There were no protests. It was very orderly.
Now I need to figure out if he's flying in on Air Force One or using a helicopter.
Oh ya...no ticket. Not even close. Next time I'll get up before the sun and secure my place in history.
1000 tickets were gone within 22 minutes. There were a few who showed up at 9pm last night and camped out. Most showed up by 5am this morning. Tickets were handed out beginning at 7am. I showed up at 6:45...but I wasn't the last person in line...although very close!
There were no protests. It was very orderly.
Now I need to figure out if he's flying in on Air Force One or using a helicopter.
Oh ya...no ticket. Not even close. Next time I'll get up before the sun and secure my place in history.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Obama - a work in progress
Nevermind the title...I'll get to that later. All I will say right now is that States will lose ALL their power if he is elected. I'm not a fan of McCain either...so this will not be a politically divisive post when I get to it. I will share facts regarding a good thing Bill Clinton did while in office (surprised?) and how Obama plans to destroy our Republic. There will no longer be representation by the people.
THE PEOPLE have yet to approve same-gender marriages. It's only been a handful of judges...I can count them on two hands. THE PEOPLE still choose right over wrong and are God-fearing. As long as that continues, we'll be ok. But if Obama is elected, he will silence our voices. Both he and his wife have confirmed that this past week and I'll share more detailed info later.
But here's some fun news--President Bush is visiting the
Monticello this Friday. I haven't agreed with all of his policies and he has made mistakes...but he's a good man for whom I have deep respect and this is an historic event. This will be his first visit to the home of Thomas Jefferson. And he will be the featured speaker for the 4th of July at the home of the man who drafted the Declaration of Independence. 1000 tickets are available to the public tomorrow morning. I'm getting up bright and early. Wish me luck!
THE PEOPLE have yet to approve same-gender marriages. It's only been a handful of judges...I can count them on two hands. THE PEOPLE still choose right over wrong and are God-fearing. As long as that continues, we'll be ok. But if Obama is elected, he will silence our voices. Both he and his wife have confirmed that this past week and I'll share more detailed info later.
But here's some fun news--President Bush is visiting the
Monticello this Friday. I haven't agreed with all of his policies and he has made mistakes...but he's a good man for whom I have deep respect and this is an historic event. This will be his first visit to the home of Thomas Jefferson. And he will be the featured speaker for the 4th of July at the home of the man who drafted the Declaration of Independence. 1000 tickets are available to the public tomorrow morning. I'm getting up bright and early. Wish me luck!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Parable of the Unjust Steward
Read Luke 16:1-13...amazing eye-opening, heart-opening thoughts.
Here's a recap:
1) All things belong to the Lord. He created everything. We are His stewards over His creations.
2) What are you doing to prepare to give an account of your stewardships for the Final Judgment?
3) We should be as energetic, prudent, and wise regarding the values of eternity as men of this world are in obtaining status and wealth.
4) Be friends with those in positions of authority and wealth. You never know when they will join the church, assist the Kingdom of God on earth or at least vouch for you as a good person when you stand before God at the Judgment Bar.
5) If you're able to maintain a good home, hold down a job, manage your money and time, then you're more likely to be faithful in eternal blessings.
6) If you take care of God's children here on earth, you're more likely to handle your own Kingdom and your own children in the next life.
7) Our assignment is to use all these resources (a good job, a good home, our wealth, our time, our talents, our families, our hearts) to build the Kingdom of God--to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way. -Spencer W. Kimball, Prophet
Bishop Theophanes (born 1815) of the Russian Orthodox Church said the following:
Fix in your mind beforehand that in the parables it is not necessary to impart a meaning to every feature, but to hold to only the main thought of the parable, which is almost always indicated by the Lord Himself. For example, the Lord calls Himself “a thief” only in the sense that He will come unexpectedly and unnoticed. All the other features that distinguish a thief should not be taken into account. So also in this parable, the Lord had in mind to indicate only one feature, namely, how the unjust steward, having heard that dismissal awaits him, did not stand about gaping, but at once got down to business and provided for himself for the future.
I know we are saved by Grace. Alone, we are nothing and would remain in a fallen state forever. We are powerless without the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amazing Grace.
But I also know there is so much more in the next life than just sitting around in a relaxed, blissful state of happiness for all eternity. So...
What kind of initiative are you demonstrating to the Lord--here, today--that you will be faithful in managing your own Kingdom in the Eternal Mansions above? Think about that.
I think this is why our works matter.
Here's a recap:
1) All things belong to the Lord. He created everything. We are His stewards over His creations.
2) What are you doing to prepare to give an account of your stewardships for the Final Judgment?
3) We should be as energetic, prudent, and wise regarding the values of eternity as men of this world are in obtaining status and wealth.
4) Be friends with those in positions of authority and wealth. You never know when they will join the church, assist the Kingdom of God on earth or at least vouch for you as a good person when you stand before God at the Judgment Bar.
5) If you're able to maintain a good home, hold down a job, manage your money and time, then you're more likely to be faithful in eternal blessings.
6) If you take care of God's children here on earth, you're more likely to handle your own Kingdom and your own children in the next life.
7) Our assignment is to use all these resources (a good job, a good home, our wealth, our time, our talents, our families, our hearts) to build the Kingdom of God--to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way. -Spencer W. Kimball, Prophet
Bishop Theophanes (born 1815) of the Russian Orthodox Church said the following:
Fix in your mind beforehand that in the parables it is not necessary to impart a meaning to every feature, but to hold to only the main thought of the parable, which is almost always indicated by the Lord Himself. For example, the Lord calls Himself “a thief” only in the sense that He will come unexpectedly and unnoticed. All the other features that distinguish a thief should not be taken into account. So also in this parable, the Lord had in mind to indicate only one feature, namely, how the unjust steward, having heard that dismissal awaits him, did not stand about gaping, but at once got down to business and provided for himself for the future.
I know we are saved by Grace. Alone, we are nothing and would remain in a fallen state forever. We are powerless without the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amazing Grace.
But I also know there is so much more in the next life than just sitting around in a relaxed, blissful state of happiness for all eternity. So...
What kind of initiative are you demonstrating to the Lord--here, today--that you will be faithful in managing your own Kingdom in the Eternal Mansions above? Think about that.
I think this is why our works matter.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I want this to be refreshing
I think these posts may lean more towards a religious tone. Not a preachy religious tone. Just a...hmmm...or...wow, I hadn't considered that...or...that's a good reminder.
But every once in a while, I become passionate about the most mundane thing. And sometimes I just HAVE to share my views on the current political stage or comment on something I read. And you'll probably hear about it on this blog. But generally speaking, I'm very non-confrontational. I don't like the spirit that confrontation brings. Perhaps that is why this blog feels like such a safe place.
But I think I want to maintain a reverent tone here...most of the time.
Here's my favorite acronym I learned years ago...see if you can find it in the scriptures.
SMILE. Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. It pays to be happy.
Consider the blessings in your life that gives you a reason to SMILE.
But every once in a while, I become passionate about the most mundane thing. And sometimes I just HAVE to share my views on the current political stage or comment on something I read. And you'll probably hear about it on this blog. But generally speaking, I'm very non-confrontational. I don't like the spirit that confrontation brings. Perhaps that is why this blog feels like such a safe place.
But I think I want to maintain a reverent tone here...most of the time.
Here's my favorite acronym I learned years ago...see if you can find it in the scriptures.
SMILE. Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. It pays to be happy.
Consider the blessings in your life that gives you a reason to SMILE.
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