Another Perspective

The Book of Mormon

2012-01-01T23:04:00.000-05:00

No catchy title. It speaks for itself.

This book is powerful in so many ways. Not only is it a powerful witness of Christ, it was written specifically for our day. Christianity would not be what it is today without the Bible, and I love that book dearly. It has played a critical role for centuries and continues to be a special witness of Christ.

But the Book of Mormon...

Someone in Sunday School really put the lesson and our study of the Book of Mormon this year into perspective for me. She commented that the Book of Mormon is evidence that Heavenly Father knows us, loves us and speaks to us individually...in a way that nothing else does.

The teacher shared her personal testimony of how she came to know that the book is true. Until that point, it was a rather dull lesson. She cautioned at the very beginning not to be complacent with this year's topic simply because we are all so familiar with the book. And, while I agreed, I was concerned that our discussion was the "same old" discussion every introductory class has about the Book of Mormon.

But then...

She shared her personal testimony of her witness. And the class participation could not have been stronger. One by one, several members of the class shared their witness...their personal story of how they came to know the book to be true. And the Spirit began instructing all of us.

And that's the miracle of the book. There is a promise given that if we read it and pray to know of its divinity, the Holy Spirit will testify to us. Heavenly Father knows us better than any mortal on earth. And He knows how to speak to us. He answers our prayers through other holy writ, or through a friend, or through a close family member, or through an experience, or through a thought, or through a combination of any of the above. The point being that He knows how to speak to us in a way that we can clearly and unmistakably recognize. When those experiences happen...wow! And the Book of Mormon is one way...sometimes the first way...that we open ourselves up to have a very personal experience with our Father.

The Book of Mormon was written for our day. It is a powerful witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of family and personal revelation. And we will grow closer to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, as we prayerfully read and ponder its teachings.

I love this book. I know it is true. And I invite you to read it for the first time, dust it off from the shelf and read it again, or renew your dedication to read it daily. It will change your life for the better.

Crossroad

2011-11-11T21:45:00.001-05:00

What a month! I interviewed October 3...was offered a position on October 14...traveled to Las Vegas late October with my wife for the CPCU conferment...and went house-hunting in Illinois with my wife this past week. Our closing is set. Our home is being shown tomorrow and we're praying for the best.

Just over a month ago, life was normal. Everyone was in a set routine. Now, it's everything but normal. There has not been a routine in weeks.

And we couldn't be more happy.

My wife and I are quite the house-hunting team. We began by randomly looking online separately. Then we talked about it to narrow our focus. We determined a price range. We determined needs vs. wants. And then we identified about a dozen homes and sent them to our realtor to prepare for the trip.

We each had our #1 home picked out. Karen's (sad to say) was a complete flop as soon as we drove up the driveway. My #1 lasted 36 hours longer...but was off our list by the end of day 2.

The home we chose was one that we walked through the first day. But we didn't know it would be "the one."

We walked through over 30 homes in two days. They blurred together. We narrowed them down to 4 by Saturday night...and down to 2 by the time we went to bed. And then we took a break on Sunday.

Before the trip, I was feeling anxious. And it was more than the typical anxiety one might feel prior to a house-hunting trip. It seemed to me that this would be a big deal. Not sure why...still don't know why. But choosing this particular home was going to be important.

My wife and I had settled on two homes by the time we went to bed Saturday night. They were both "perfect" and we had no idea how we would settle the task before us. It was Fast Sunday (and I was so glad it was). An obvious part of our fast was to pray over the choice of homes.

Sunday morning, we attended the Normal Ward at 9AM (it's the only normal ward in the church). After Sacrament meeting, we decided to drive past the two homes. After we had driven past both, my mom called and told me she and my dad were on their way up for a surprise visit. And it was such a welcomed visit!

We attended the Bloomington Ward at 1PM. The spirit was incredibly strong during the testimonies. One woman in particular...a convert of barely a year and just sealed in the temple to a good friend of mine was prompted to stand up after a moving testimony by another brother. The topic of families and the sealing power of the priesthood was shared. It was moving. And then my friend's daughter bore her sweet and sincere testimony. It was powerful. Everyone was edified and lifted and taught by the Spirit.

This was the ward I wanted to be in. But we weren't going to let the ward boundaries determine the house we chose. Boundaries change. Families move in and out. And that was that.

My wife and I talked about all the pros and cons...to my parents...to her parents...to anyone who would listen. The con of one was the pro of the other and vice versa.

Oh, and the result of our fast - both choices were good. We would be happy in either one. The Lord wasn't going to tell us which one...He wanted us to choose. That was the answer both my wife and I received. Separately and independently. But we both received the same answer.

We drove past both homes again. And that night we were no closer to a decision than we were the day before.

So as we woke up Monday morning, a decision was made and we agreed that we would make an offer on Garlington (that's the name of the street one of the homes was on). It had a "wow" factor and met all of our "needs" category minus a couple of "wants." We would walk through both one more time...but afterwards we would make an offer on Garlington.

After walking through both (and enjoying homemade blueberry muffins at Garlington), we were no closer to a decision than we were when we arrived four days previously. We asked our agent if she would mind if we took a break for lunch so we could discuss our options yet again and then come back to her that afternoon to work up an offer.

Again, the answer both my wife and I received was that either home was good. And that we would have to make the decision.

We went to a local pizza parlor and enjoyed some lunch. We talked. We kept an open mind. And during our conversation it became more and more clear that we should make an offer on the other home...for sound reasons even though our hearts were wanting the other home. And like a flood of knowledge pouring over me, I wanted to cry for joy. It was the right decision. And there was no doubt. It wasn't an easy decision. We worked extremely hard for the solution. But in the end, it was clear that we had just made the right decision. It was as if light had illuminated all the reasons we should choose this house. And all of the things our hearts wanted in the Garlington house began to melt away and became less and less significant.

Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9 reads:
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought...

It was an amazing experience for both of us. There may be no significant reason we chose the house we did other than to have the experience we had in going through the process. But it will stay with me for a long time (and even longer now that I have recorded the experience).

My wife mentioned that this may have been a crossroad for us. And I believe she's right. We could have chosen the other home...and our life may have taken a completely different path. But we chose this home. And the Spirit has confirmed this decision.

The Lord is mindful of us. And I am truly grateful for all that a loving Heavenly Father does for each of his children.

We All Yearn For More

2011-08-15T15:01:00.000-04:00

I believe there is a drive in all of us that yearns for more - we want to do more, see more, feel more, etc. For me, that is yet another evidence of our eternal nature. Our intelligence has always been...and it will always be. What's even better, is that it's not only our intelligence now, but our spiritual and physical bodies that we get to keep for all eternity. What an incredible gift!

During our Gospel Doctrine discussion yesterday, "the next greatest thing" was brought up. You know, the next greatest smart phone or movie or car or invention or innovative idea in the workplace - "the next greatest thing." We're all curious about it. When you break it down, that's what consumes a lot of our conversations. On Mars' Hill we read, "For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing." Acts 17:21

It's an insatiable hunger for humans of all ages to know more than we currently do. And when our energy pushes or pulls us in the wrong direction, we humans fill in the blanks erroneously, as they did on Mars' Hill. For example, if we want to feel more, we may become dramatically emotional (i.e.: watch any reality TV show episode) or we may become subject to physical or emotional addictions. On the other hand, we could learn to feel more by growing closer to the Spirit.

This yearning for more can lead us one direction or another. And there's not always a clear demarcation between the "healthy" more and "self-destructive" more.

I recently changed my habits to be more physically and spiritually fit. And I'm happy that I made those changes. I'm reading the scriptures daily and praying often. I more appropriately view food as fuel for my body and exercise regularly. Spiritually, I feel more confident. Physically, I've lost over 30 pounds. But I still yearn for more. There's something missing and I can't put my finger on it.

I've resigned to the fact that my choice of employment will never really satisfy the hunger that is within. In the eternities, what I do to bring home a paycheck and support my family will be inconsequential. The fact that I am supporting my family, however, will be anything but inconsequential. I'm surprised at how often I find myself thinking how insignificant and meaningless these business conversations are when one considers the eternal nature of our existence. It almost makes me ashamed for not being engaged in more "worthy" conversations.

So how do I scratch this current itch? Do I read more (I read nothing but the scriptures currently)? Do I find a more meaningful job? Do I serve more? Do I learn how to meditate more effectively? I want to do more. But what does that "more" look like? Is it just more of the good things I'm doing and less of the bad? Maybe the "more" I'm looking for is a refining process... (This is me thinking out loud, so I'll excuse myself now.) < grin >

10 Miles Around the Lake

2011-06-18T21:11:00.001-04:00

We live in a community with a 350-acre lake. And we live on the main road that circles around the lake. If you pull out of our driveway and remain on the same road, you will eventually circle back to our home - 10 miles later (follow the blue line).

After completing a huge milestone in my professional career 6 weeks ago, I made the resolution to create a more healthy lifestyle for me. That meant altering my diet (which I have actually thoroughly enjoyed) and being more active. One of my goals was to walk/jog the 10 miles around the lake on July 4. I've been doing 4-6 miles the past few weeks. The beauty of going 3 miles one way is that you have to go another 3 miles to get back home. It would be too easy for me to quit if I were on a treadmill.

This Saturday I was going to do increase my distance to 8 miles. But in my mind, if I'm already going 4 miles one way...and the half-way point is 5 miles...why not just keep going straight rather than turn around? (Plus, the hills during the first 2 miles are KILLER and I really didn't want to do them again.)

So I put this on (which was absolutely perfect, by the way):

And I placed my MP3 player in the pocket as well as my cell phone (to track my time...and also call Karen if I couldn't pull it off) and set off at 7AM this morning.

Two hours and 13 minutes later I staggered up the driveway. It was crazy...SO not fun...and I don't think I'll ever do it again! Now, I did enjoy the scenery. I did enjoy the feeling of accomplishing a difficult task. But long distance is just not for me.

I felt light-headed, knew I would faint at any moment, and was queasy. I circled around the interior of our home several times, ate an apple and a cheese stick, and drank some Gatorade and lots of water. I stretched and did some jumping jacks and felt really good within 30 minutes. But why people do this for "fun" I'll never know. I had a goal...reached the goal...and will move on.

4-6 miles a day is perfect for me. It's an ideal workout for me and I enjoy that distance.

But, I did learn something doing the 10 miles this morning. What happened to me afterwards caused me to reflect on my spiritual health the past few years.

For years, I have served and given without replenishing my own oil. That was especially evident while I was serving in the bishopric. I read the scriptures because I was preparing a talk, or a lesson, or a spiritual thought. But I didn't study them for myself. I prayed all the time (quite literally)...but it wasn't until recently that I began having regular personal prayers again. It was as if I was using all of my reserves...draining my spiritual strength and never restoring what I was happy to provide for others.

When I got back from the 10-mile expedition, I did more stretching than I had done before I left. I consumed a ton of carbs and a little protein because I knew my body needed that to restore its strength.

My spiritual life over the past several years could be compared to me jogging 10 miles without doing the stretching afterwards and not eating what my physical body so desperately needed when I returned. The Gatorade I drank during my jog could be compared to the blessings received when providing service to others. Those blessings sustained me and kept me going to finish the assignment. But those blessings don't replenish the "nutrients" expended over time.

Daily personal scripture study, multiple personal daily prayers, and renewing our covenants at church and at the temple are the "nutrients" and "stretching" our spirits need on a regular basis. But it's so easy to neglect the scriptures and prayer...for me, at least.

Before serving in any capacity, we certainly need to "stretch" adequately to perform the task. That stretching may be physical preparation, prayerful preparation, studying multiple scripture references and various manuals, etc. But I believe the "stretching" we do afterward is more important. We cannot continuously and effectively serve others without nourishing our own spirits. We may for a season. But it's not possible long-term.

The continuous "stretching" afterwards replenishes our spirits and conditions us to do even more for the Lord in the future. Part of my resolution to a more healthy lifestyle is to ensure that the oil in my lamp is always full.

Is It Greater to Give or Receive?

2011-06-05T12:58:00.007-04:00

Those who know me well know how prideful I can be. And if you think it's bad, you have no idea how bad it gets in my head. :) At least I have the self-awareness to admit it. And I know it's something I need to continually work on.

I'm a perfectionist, too. And that can get in the way of being led by the Spirit. It can get in the way of repenting. It can get in the way of understanding a lot about the Gospel. But the perfectionist in me also deep-dives into an idea and concept until I more fully understand it. That's what prompted this posting.

Following the Last Supper of the Savior with the Twelve, we read in John 13 that Jesus "riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."

"Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean..."

The Savior goes on to teach the importance of service. And during our Sunday school lesson today, the teacher asked me to comment on a section of scriptures we had read. The perfectionist in me did not like my poorly constructed response. That's one reason I'm grateful for blogs. I rarely think quickly on my feet. So this is what I wanted to say:

Humility goes two ways.

Serving others is a commandment. Serve as we have seen Christ serve. Love as we have seen the Savior love. Take care of the needy. Visit the sick. Pray for those who hate you. The list goes on and on. Serving others requires a certain level of humility. Ironically, the selfish part of me enjoys giving service. It feels good. I hope it washes away a few of my many sins. Regardless of what the desired outcome may be, giving service is a commandment.

Receiving service, although not a commandment, is equally critical for our eternal salvation. It can't be a commandment because that would deny our agency. God can't say, "Accept me as your God." He can't say, "Be grateful for everything I have done for you." He can't say, "You must let me do this for you." Receiving service may require even more humility than giving service. Because it's something for which we cannot do for ourselves. And we have to accept that. And not let our pride get in the way.

The King of Kings washed the feet of the Twelve - those who were closest to him in this mortal life...even though he knew one of them would soon betray him. It was an act of deepest humility. And it represented the Atonement which He would soon complete.

The Atonement is an act for which we cannot do ourselves. And it is complete and sufficient. Our greatest challenge is to accept that Atonement...to receive it. We cannot set the conditions; we cannot alter the gift. And in order to do that, we must humble ourselves. With more humility than I have ever imagined. And a level of humility I have yet to achieve.

Perhaps that is why giving service is so important...it's a stepping stone to receiving service.

Hurricane Season Likened Unto the Second Coming

2011-06-02T12:58:00.005-04:00

It really is true: All things testify of Christ...even insurance.

The concept of property insurance has been around for thousands of years dating back to the Babylonians and Chinese. Health and life insurance concepts began with the Greeks and Romans. I work for a Fortune 500 insurance company (#34...but who's counting). I recently completed my professional underwriting designation. I eat, breath, and bleed insurance for a good portion of my life each day. And yet, sometimes, I question the need/value of insurance. I fully understand the economic and social values of insurance. I understand its history and purpose. But life insurance for a child? Or laws mandating the purchase of insurance (not just the new health care reform...but auto as well)? Sometimes I question the moral aspects of insurance. (But I'm getting off topic.)

Underwriting departments do their best to avoid adverse selection. The premise is that those who need insurance most are the ones with the greatest demand. Because of this, insurers do their best to provide the lowest risk customers with the best premium and the highest risk customers with a higher premium. If your book deteriorates and you begin charging clean drivers, for example, with higher premiums, they'll leave. To remain solvent in that scenario, actuaries may increase premiums...causing the remaining best customers to leave. It can easily become a death spiral resulting in the worst case scenario that a company is left with the highest risk customers but is unable to charge a high enough premium for the risk. I'll tie this concept into my analogy in a little bit.

Personal insurance may seem like a burden. You may never need it. Despite the peace of mind insurance provides, it could be perceived as a financial loss if you never experience a significant claim (which most of us don't).

But if you work in a claims department, you clearly see the value of insurance each and every day. You follow through on the promise made when the policy was written. You help people recover and get back on their feet. You indemnify them (return them to the condition they were in prior to the loss).

Hurricane season officially began June 1st. If you live on the coast, home insurance is expensive. So expensive that some people choose not to purchase it (if there is no mortgage on the property). Flood insurance is even more expensive. And few people buy it. Then, when a hurricane hits, the non-insured and under-insured find a "good" lawyer (and premiums go up for everyone...again, getting off topic).

As we do the beginning of every June, our Company sent out a memo to all associates and agents regarding binding authority restrictions during hurricane season. If a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning is announced, new home insurance cannot be written, deductibles cannot change, coverage cannot be added. Once a watch or warning is issued, insurance can no longer be purchased. The time to prepare is over.

As with most analogies, not all details/comparisons apply. But here are a few for consideration:

1) Like purchasing insurance, preparation for the Second Coming may seem like a burden.

2) Unlike insurance, you WILL eventually need that preparation.

3) In contrast to insurer's goals to avoid adverse selection, the Savior welcomes adverse selection and provides us all an equal "price."

4) There is a 100% chance of a "claim" to be filed.

5) There will never be a "financial loss" for time spent practicing the Gospel and preparing ourselves and our families.

6) The "watch" and "warning" has already been announced, however...

7) Until the Second Coming actually occurs, there is still time to practice and prepare.

8) But there will come a point when our preparatory state is over. And we will account for how we have spent our time and our talents.

9) When that "hurricane" reaches shore, our homes and our lives must be secured and on firm foundation.

10) I'm glad I have Jesus as my "claims adjuster." Because even with the best preparation, my home (aka family) and my life will need more ___ (fill in the blank) than I am able to do on my own. And He will do much more than simply indemnify us.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:1-10)

Be prepared this hurricane season.

Bad Things Happen...

2011-05-23T11:30:00.003-04:00

It's an age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

I love how easy that question is to answer when one becomes familiar with The Book of Mormon. That question is answered in so many different ways. And I have felt impressed to emphasize the various reasons to my children as often as the scriptures allow.

Our family is reading in the book of Alma currently. And our 10-year old son made a profound point the other morning. His heart and mind were enlightened as he commented that bad things happen to good people, at times, because God wants more of his children to come back to Him.

It was an inspired observation. Let me provide a little context.

There was a group of people (the Lamanites), deceived and hardened by the wicked traditions of their fathers, that had an unfounded and blinded hatred for another group (the Nephites). Through love and service, a portion of the Lamanites came to the knowledge of God and His plan for His children. They repented of their sins and were converted to the Lord. And the scriptures teach us that "they buried their weapons of war, for peace."

That portion of the Lamanites (which included the king) changed their ways, changed their hearts, and even changed their names. The remaining Lamanites wanted nothing to do with this new life and did not want the king to remain in leadership. So they came out in open rebellion and civil war. And this is what we learn:

Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call upon the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword. And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God. Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from the sword, neither would they turn aside to the right or to the left, but that they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing by the sword -- Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done.

And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them. And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved. And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people. (Alma 24:21-27)

It's true. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people because God loves all his children...and wants as many as possible to come back to Him.

My Top 10 List

2011-05-09T10:55:00.002-04:00

A brief interruption to the political, philosophical, and religious commentary that usually makes its way to this blog.

I completed my Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation last week. It was about 3 years in the making. Every ounce of free time that I've had over the past 3 years has been devoted to studying and stressing over the next exam. But it's done and I have earned back a significant amount of time.

With this new-found freedom, I have recommitted to personal growth and health. And I created a "Top 10 List" of sorts regarding my renewed healthy lifestyle. Here it is (in order):

1) Pray regularly and read scriptures (meditate/reduce stress).
2) Walk/jog 6 days a week for 30-60 minutes (no formal exercise on Sunday).
3) Smile - be happy!
4) Drink lots of water.
5) Eat less but eat 5 times a day - always a protein and a carb.
6) Minimal sugar and no greasy foods for 6 days each week (generally, Saturday will be my "day off").
7) Try yoga?!?
8) Two walks around the office and park as far away as possible.
9) When in doubt, eat salmon and salad!
10) Fiber, sunlight, and vitamin C.

There you have it. This list is not quite as thought-provoking as Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues...but it will help me focus on a more healthy lifestyle. Consider it yet, another perspective.

The Vulnerability of Youth

2011-04-23T09:20:00.007-04:00

I've been meaning to blog...really I have. Since Christmas, all of my free time has been spent studying for various professional exams. I have one left out of the eight required to earn my Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. The exam is scheduled for May 5...but I decided to take a few minutes to blog.

Since Christmas, all of the topics I've wanted to blog about have been centered around political events. I wanted to publicly promote my support for Governor Scott Walker. I wanted to share some insight regarding refinancing our mortgage (from our conversation with the lender, it was clear that Obama promotes death, disability, and divorce). We give too much charitable contributions to refinance under his plan without experiencing one of those 3 "D" words.

There have been so many other topics as well. Our involvement with Libya and the budget debate...yep, I wanted to talk about those, too. But I'm finally taking time to share my thoughts on another political topic. I want to briefly discuss President Obama's recent 2012 campaign speech via facebook. I want to start by sharing a few scriptures that came to mind:

O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise... (2 Nephi 9:28) I'm not saying Obama is the devil. But I am saying Obama is employing those same tactics that Satan uses. I have an example to illustrate:

I was recently reading in the Book of Mormon when Alma and Amulek were preaching to the people of Ammonihah. There was a lawyer who came forward and questioned Amulek's testimony. "Now Zeezrom was a man who was expert in the devices of the devil, that he might destroy that which was good." Zeezrom asked several questions of Amulek. In reference to the Son of God, Zeezrom asked, "Shall he save his people in their sins?" Amulek responded no because for the Savior to save us in our sins would deny the truth that no unclean thing can stand in the presence of God. But the Savior will save us from our sins if we choose him over the world and repent.

Then Zeezrom turned to the people and said, "See that ye remember these things; for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people - as though he had authority to command God."

Zeezrom was deceitful and ommited a key phrase in his response to the people. Amulek never said that Christ would not save his people...he said Christ would not save his people in their sins.

O that cunning plan of the evil one!

Now read what President Obama said regarding Conservatives:

"Their basic view is that no matter how successful I am, no matter how much I've taken from this country... I wasn't born wealthy. I was raised by a single mom and my grandparents. I went to college on scholarships. There was a time when my mom was trying to get her Ph.D. where, for a short time, she had to take food stamps. My grandparents relied on Medicare and Social Security to supplement their income when they got older. Their notion is: Despite the fact that I've benefited from all these investments, somehow I now have no obligation to people who are less fortunate than me."

His statement is completely illogical and deceitful. It is full of anger and resentment. It begins with an unfounded premise, adds a little truth, and then distorts the truth by adding key words. And finally ends with a lie.

Rather than show appreciation for the blessings he was given to achieve his current status in this mortal life, he's ungrateful and even angry that he wasn't born wealthy. His mom had to take food stamps. He never mentioned that in either of his two autobiographies. And he was attending an expensive prep school at the time his mom would have been on food stamps. His grandparents relied on Medicare and Social Security. Never mind that his grandparents were wealthy beyond their means. His grandmother was a VP of a bank and his dad was an executive of an oil company.

If so many of the rich want to pay more in taxes (according to Obama all we had to do was ask), then why aren't the liberals paying their legal obligations NOW? Like Senator Kerry who legally docked his yacht in a different state to avoid higher property taxes...or the President himself who paid only 27% in taxes as opposed to his legal obligation of 35% because his accountants found loopholes.

At the 16-minute mark of the town hall, he actually said that increasing our tax rates would help reduce government spending. What?

Instead of helping Americans look for a brighter day when they can pull themselves out of unemployment and not rely on the government, the President of the United States is applauding welfare as the path to success. He's destroying the concept of work.

He's demonizing his own citizens. He's taking away private sector jobs (i.e.: allows Brazil to drill in the Gulf but still has a moratorium for his own country) and increasing the public work force...which is essentially buying more votes. He's doing his best to make a case for welfare and dependency - not the freedom, liberty and independence that made this country what it is.

And to whom is President Obama speaking?

The youth - the college aged facebook generation. Those who are still "taking" and don't value the freedoms of being an adult because they haven't experienced it yet. Who else appealed to the youth of their generation? Hitler comes to mind first. And I'm not comparing our President to Hitler. I'm comparing his approach and philosophy to that of Hitler, Chavez, Fidel Castro, Mao, and all communist leaders in modern history.

I've often wondered how Lucifer convinced one third of Heavenly Father's children to rebel and deny themselves eternal blessings? This speech that Obama gave on facebook made me consider something I never had before. I imagine that Lucifer addressed the younger spirits of Heavenly Father - those who lacked experience. As well as those prideful, angry, self-centered spirits who were learned and thought that was synonymous with being wise. Youth have an excuse...adults do not.

A Carpenter's Apprentice

2010-12-12T17:32:00.001-05:00

There's a man in our congregation. One of the most humble men I know. He works tirelessly at two jobs to provide for his family and when he comes home, he serves endlessly. His name is Mark.

Mark is a "jack of all trades." And he's a self-taught expert in all of them. His 72 year old best friend, Johnny, recent fell and broke his femur bone. The injury will confine Johnny to a wheel chair for at least 6 months as he endures physical therapy and allows time for the leg to completely heal. In the mean time, Johnny will need a ramp to his door. And because of the height of his front door, he needs 60 feet of ramp.

Mark has never built a ramp before...but he's built just about everything else. So he took the design provided by medical personnel and improved upon it. Mark is building the "temple" of all ramps. It's U-shaped with four landing platforms and there isn't anything in this natural world that can destroy it. This ramp is solid.

Saturday morning, Mark was given the morning off from work. So I got a phone call and headed over to the house to help with the ramp. Upon arrival, I quickly confessed my inadequacies. But I could follow instructions. Mark had already built the first platform and foundation for the first ramp. He needed the platform secured and the floor boards to be placed and secured on the first ramp. He showed me how to do the first board. Then he handed me the tools and left me to the work.

We talked for a bit while we worked. We took a break and he showed me his workshop that he had built with recycled wood from a 19th century home. I was amazed. And I knew I could learn a lot from Mark. We talked and worked a little more. Then he left for his job where he works at a local prison.

And I was left alone.

At first I felt like the karate kid. :) But, unlike Ralph Macchio, I knew what this service was preparing me for. And I was grateful for the chance. I don't have many opportunities to provide service that really benefits someone else. I can sing...and I can give a good Sunday school lesson...and I can teach someone about basic insurance and risk management...but I'm not a doctor, I'm not a scientist, I'm not an engineer, I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a car mechanic...

But Saturday, I was a carpenter's apprentice. And I thought that was quite fitting for December. I wish I could share the mental picture I took as I paused from putting the next floor board down and looked out across the yard. It was heavily wooded with 3 guinea hens off in the distance, some chickens, a turkey, a few dogs, some rabbits, a landscaped pond with a small cascading waterfall, and a pleasant December temperature with sunny skies. I enjoyed the solitude.

And I thought, "This is what Christmas is about." I don't often have opportunities where I can truly help someone through service...do something that really does make a difference. If this was the only reason we moved to Virginia, I would be satisfied. It has made it all worth it. There is only one true Carpenter. And He is building me into who I need to become. He is providing me with experiences and opportunities that I need. I love being the Carpenter's apprentice. I have so much to learn.

So this December is turning out to be a very special one. For the next 3 weeks, the wood I will be working with will be a constant reminder for me. I hope it makes a lasting impression.

Walking Straight Can Turn Into a Mystery

2010-11-22T21:42:00.004-05:00

I'm a social and fiscal conservative who loves listening to NPR while I drive in to work. Did you hear the segment about humans inability to walk straight this morning? It was fascinating...and the producers probably don't even know why it was so fascinating.

They've done these studies...80 years worth of studies...of placing a blindfold on someone and challenging them to walk straight. The first 20, 30, 40 feet are good. The subject walks relatively straight. But inevitably, the blindfolded individual begins to turn. And then they turn some more and some more and some more. Until, eventually, the subject is walking in circles. In one study, the person actually ended up where they began after making multiple circles.

If you haven't clicked on the link above, go back and do it. The audio version is less than 4 minutes. And the video is about the same length of time. Seriously...go listen and/or watch and then come back...

At one point in the story, the commentator states that there is a "profound inability in humans to go straight unless there's something in the environment you can see and focus on." He later states, "There is something in us that makes us turn."

What a perfect segway to the scriptures. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit... Mosiah 3:19 Without a fixed object we can focus on, the natural man can only go in circles. We can never progress without divine strength and assistance...or grace. There is a profound inability in humans to progress if we are "blindfolded." In scripture lingo, that blindfold is the natural man.

Of course, the "something in the environment you can see and focus on" is Jesus Christ. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
2 Nephi 9:41

Christ's example showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path. Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:9, 12, 18, 20

Fascinating. Now, if only I could stop walking in circles.

Why I Didn't Sleep In

2010-10-23T09:01:00.004-04:00

It's a Saturday. But I knew I wanted to get up and head to the lake. It took mental preparation to get up early on a Saturday, but it was worth it.

I've gone to the lake many mornings since we moved here. It's an opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the earth and reflect on life. I'm sure my perspective has changed as a result.

Turn To God

2010-08-16T13:05:00.002-04:00

"Everyone" (whoever everyone is) seems to have a favorite psalm. I've never really paid that much attention to them. The psalms haven't drawn me in as they have others. But a phrase came to mind early this morning and it caught my attention and caused me to search in the scriptures for the phrase, "Turn to God."

Psalms 80 will help me preface my thoughts. There is a verse repeated 3 times...the only difference being the title God is given in each. It reads: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Psalm 80 is my first favorite psalm. Here it is.

For the past 15 years (almost to the day), I have experienced a constant, reoccurring theme of turning to God and turning away from God. I'm learning what it means to endure; I'm learning what it means to strive.

Fortunately, one side hasn't given up.

Unfortunately, the other side hasn't given up either.

I'm tired of the battle. But I think I'm hearing something whisper to me that through the Atonement of Christ, I can turn my heart to God and rest...at least for a little. When the burden becomes too heavy, the Captain of my soul is willing to take the lead and fight a few battles while I rest. There's a story in the Old Testament that teaches this concept.

King Hezekiah had some trends to reverse in ancient Israel. The children of Israel had turned away from Jehovah during the reign of their last king. And Hezekiah was determined to restore their faith. He sent a proclamation among the people, commanding them to "turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel." He counseled them to be humble. And if they were humble, God's wrath would turn away from them.

2 Chronicles 30:9 then reads, "For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."

A good portion of the people heeded the king's counsel. The result was "great joy in Jerusalem."

But there were always enemies nearby. Battles were constant in ancient Israel--just as they are constant in our personal, spiritual lives. Guess what happened during Israel's next battle? It's really quite fascinating...

King Hezekiah prepared his people for war. But they did not have to fight it.

Hezekiah comforted the people by saying (don't peruse this...read it slowly and deliberately): Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Then King Hezekiah, with the great prophet Isaiah, prayed. They prayed.

And an angel destroyed the opposing army.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled in his last conference address to "pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."

The Spirit directed my thoughts and my fingers as I typed. He has taught me and I want that truth recorded here in my journal/blog. What an incredible spiritual experience this has been. I believe the "distance" between heaven and earth is being reduced in our day. And I'm praying for an angel to fight my battles right now while I figure out how to turn my heart to God.

I felt a breeze today...

2010-08-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

The city of Maracaibo is situated where the Gulf of Venezuela (off the Caribbean) meets Lake Maracaibo (one of the largest lakes in the world). Mix the water and the fact that it's just north of the Equator, and you have a natural recipe for heat and humidity in that particular part of Venezuela.

As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we walked all over the city to serve and teach. With an average of 90 degrees without factoring in the humidity, you can imagine how uncomfortable it felt being outside so much. I remember one especially hot day. I can almost see the buildings we were walking past as I said a silent prayer. I needed some relief. I was at a point where I could have literally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. As I concluded a 10 second prayer pleading for a slight breeze to cool my face and body, it came. And I knew that God was watching over me and understood my circumstances.

It had such an impact that I immediately thought of that experience when our Sunday School teacher asked the class to share a time when we experienced the tender mercies of the Lord. I don't speak up much in class...but the thought came so quickly that the Spirit raised my hand.

We were discussing 1 Kings and specifically Elijah. We read through the story of the woman Elijah came to after he had sealed the heavens. This widow was preparing to cook the last meal for herself and her son before they died. For the full account, read 1 Kings 17. A miracle occurs there.

But then...this: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. (1 Kings 17:17)

The widow was obedient, provided one last act of charity before facing an inevitable death in her mind, witnessed a miracle of having a now endless supply of food--only to have her son die soon after. The questions she asked in the next verse give us an idea of the struggles she must have gone through at that time. She seems to ask, "Why would God attend to my needs only to take away my son?"

The Lord knew this woman. He knew what she had done with her life and He knew her heart. As Elijah brought her son back to life, the Lord provided her yet another reminder that He knew her...and loved her.

Not long after, Elijah experienced something very similar. He had been obedient; he had been faithful; he had witnessed several miracles in his life. But even after an especially heavenly event, witnessed by countless others while Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal, there was no change in the hearts of the people. And it weighed on him as we read, But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:4)

The Lord knew Elijah. He knew what he had done with his life and He knew his heart. A prophet of God, Elijah was devastated that there wasn't a greater conversion after all the miracles that had taken place. He would rather die than continue on. He didn't think he could do as his "fathers" had done.

I consider this to be the test of enduring to the end. And when we are working through that part of our commitment, to endure to the end, the Lord blesses us, I believe, with tender mercies. God sent an angel to minister to Elijah during this particularly difficult time in his life.

In our moments of weakness in faith, or when we doubt or question or wonder if there's really a point...I believe God provides us a gentle reminder. We know blessings are predicated on obedience to laws...but we don't know when those blessings will come. Sometimes they are immediate. But, probably more often than not, our kind and loving Father in Heaven reserves those blessings for when He knows we will need them most.

He doesn't look at the last 5 minutes of our lives. He doesn't look at the past week. The Lord, as our Sunday School teacher taught by the Spirit, looks at our whole life. As His children, God knows how to sustain us.

Life in general has been a little rough lately. In between the good times, I've questioned my abilities as a husband and father. I've questioned my purpose in life. I've questioned the purpose of active church attendance. I've found reasons to be frustrated at work. I've allowed others actions to negatively impact me. I've brought on self-inflicted pain and sorrow. I've been tired. (This isn't an exhaustive list. :)) And all of this has given me a better appreciation for what it means to endure to the end.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

There aren't words to describe what I felt during this Sunday School class today, but...

I felt another breeze today. And it was refreshing. God reminded me that He knows me and loves me. Hopefully that, coupled with my faith, is enough to sustain me through this particular season of my life.

Where is it all heading?

2010-07-29T21:44:00.002-04:00

And when will it come to an end?

Should I be shocked that President Obama is more worried about improving poll numbers among women voters than he is the honorable tradition of the Boy Scouts of America?

Should I be shocked that Senator John Kerry was trying to avoid paying taxes in his own state by docking his new 7 million dollar yacht in Rhode Island (which is perfectly legal...although hypocritical)?

Should I be shocked that a young woman would be expelled from her graduate program at Eastern Michigan University because of her opinion about the sanctity of marriage?

Should I be shocked that our own federal government is suing one of its states for trying to enforce a federal law? And part of their rationale is that it would be overwhelming to the federal system?

Should I be shocked that the nation is obsessed with Lindsay Lohan's trial and jail sentence?

Should I be shocked that the government views tax decreases as an "expense" for them?

Should I be shocked that all of the major "benefit" changes from the recent health care legislation is an increase cost for my family? I received a memo from my employer yesterday outlining all of the major changes (that they are aware of so far...it states that many of the details are still being determined by the government).

Should I be shocked that the recent financial legislation is going to have a negative impact on my employer?

Should I be shocked that those in power are frighteningly close to voting against basic rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?

In this time of chaos, uncertainty, and moral decay, I am eternally grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am grateful for a living prophet. I am grateful for the scriptures. I am grateful for my family.

Come To The Temple

2010-06-09T21:13:00.006-04:00

I love this symbol on top each temple of the Angel Moroni sounding the trump...a call to the House of Israel to come to the House of the Lord.

I was in Raleigh this week and couldn't get to the temple fast enough on Tuesday. I needed strength and protection...physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It had been too long. And I was grateful for the opportunity. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I stood outside this gate...soaking in the feeling of gratitude, peace, and redeeming grace.

Since I don't keep a traditional journal, I'm using this to speak to the me of the future. If I should wander from the path 2 or 5 or 7 or 10 or 50 years from now, I testify that the temple is a source of strength and protection. I felt it quite literally Tuesday night. And I want to experience that more in my life...and not take it for granted.

The land on which these sacred edifices lay are certainly the most holy on all the earth.

And I love how more and more of them are on the same property as our church buildings. I told Karen that I want to live where we can see the temple each Sunday when we go to church.

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith...?

And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate...I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep... (excerpts from Alma 5)

The Sacred Valley

2010-05-19T21:50:00.006-04:00

Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man. I left him alone praying. I went home and told my wife, "I saw a sight and heard today what I never saw or heard before," and just related to her what I had seen and heard and observed. We never thought a man could be a soldier and a Christian, but if there is one in the world, it is Washington. We thought it was the cause of God, and America could prevail.
____________________________Isaac Potts

I went to Valley Forge this afternoon. It is holy ground. It marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. I walked where General George Washington walked. And I was moved...spiritually and emotionally. This was his headquarters during the Winter of 1777-1778. Not a single fire was shot at Valley Forge, yet 2000 of an army of 12,000 men died for the cause of freedom here. And it proved to be a victorious campaign. The army was tested. Their cause was tested. I believe Washington was tested here far greater than he was in any other battle of weapons. His will was tested...his faith was tested. And he chose to serve God despite the hardship. The army left this valley refined and prepared to endure several more years of war because of Washington's leadership here.

I walked the National Park wondering where the General offered his prayer of gratitude and supplication. I wondered if he passed by his men on his way to pray. Offering them words of encouragement...making sure they were as comfortable as they could be given the harsh circumstances. Reminding them of the cause of freedom similar to another great captain 1800 years earlier--"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children..." (Alma 46:12)

And then after visiting with his men, perhaps he continued walking alone. I looked for a grove of trees that may have been suitable for him. Wondering if he may have chosen an area with three majestic trees...symbolizing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Or perhaps General Washington walked further. Perhaps across this field and into a more secluded area. "And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land....A chosen land, and the land of liberty." (Alma 46:16-17)

Although I do not know the exact location of his prayer, the spirit of this sacred valley can still be felt today. His prayer must have been so sincere, heartfelt, and according to the will of God that the spirit of that prayer lives on. I felt something as I walked this valley. And I will forever thank God that George Washington lived his life in such a way that he was able to take part in preparing this land for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait to meet him someday. It will be an honor to be in his presence.

Champion Chess Players in the Scriptures

2010-04-26T18:13:00.005-04:00

I'm not a great chess player. I love the game...I love the strategy...but I'm not a great chess player. But there's another version of chess that I'm getting better at. It's a spiritual version. And I have champion spiritual chess players to look up to like Adam, Moses, Melchizedek, Nephi, Joseph Smith and the greatest one of all - Captain Moroni. Maybe some background will help you see how these men were such expert chess players.

In Seminary, we recently studied the Jaredite civilization. The group came out of present-day Iraq about 2200 B.C. Their language was preserved following the destruction of the Tower of Babel and they were brought by the hand of the Lord to the American continent.

Hugh Nibley wrote that "The insane wars of the Jaredite chiefs ended in the complete annihilation of both sides, with the kings the last to go." He went on to describe two Asiatic tactics of warfare:

1) Since every war is strictly a personal contest between kings, the battle must continue until one of the kings falls or is taken.
2) And yet things are so arranged that the king must be very last to fall, the whole army existing for the sole purpose of defending his person.

He goes on to say that "This is clearly seen in the game of chess, in which all pieces are expendable except the king, who can never be taken. 'The shah in chess,' writes M. E. Moghadam, 'is not killed and does not die. The game is terminated when the shah is pressed into a position from which he cannot escape. This is in line with all good traditions of chess playing, and back of it the tradition of capturing the king in war rather than slaying him whenever that could be accomplished.' You will recall the many instances in the book of Ether in which kings were kept in prison for many years but not killed. In the code of medieval chivalry, taken over from central Asia, the person of the king is sacred, and all others must perish in his defense. As long as the war went on, the king could not die, for whenever he did die, the war was over, no matter how strong his surviving forces. Wars of extermination are a standard institution in the history of Asia."

Fascinating. But what's the connection? How can I apply this game of chess to my spiritual life? Stay with me just a little longer. I'm getting there. It came to all of us as we were taking this journey together during the lesson.

Actually, I'll cut it short. Because it would make this post way too long if I went into the other part of this learning experience. I'll save that for another time. But here's the bottom line/application:

Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8:26)

The great men listed above were great chess players because they learned how to place Satan in checkmate. If we humble ourselves and learn how to do good continually, we too can place him in checkmate...and he will have no power over us...no matter how strong his surviving forces are. The Savior has given us the ability to overcome Satan.

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48:17)

Simple Prayers

2010-02-10T00:27:00.005-05:00

I wonder if God is being more intentional these days about answering prayers...or if I am just more observant lately? Or, if there is some truth to the first premise, I wonder if there is a reason God is being more intentional about answering prayers these days?

As a parent, one of my more heart-felt and sincere prayers is that God will answer my children's prayers. And the past few days, my prayers have been answered.

Like when my daughter loses a "precious" possession and comes to me in desperation. I'll often ask if she has prayed about it. Then, when she goes off to pray, I'll say a quiet, simple prayer myself, in desperation, that Heavenly Father will help her. And He has.

Or when my 5 year old comes running into our bedroom after lights have been turned off, as he did tonight, to excitedly share that he prayed his 2 year old brother would be quiet...and his prayer was answered. I encouraged him to tuck this away in his memory and/or write it down.

Another time, when our power went out in the dead of winter and we had to go to a hotel for a night. Eight individuals piled into one hotel room because 40,000 others in the area were in need of a room as well. It was a restless night. And our 2 year old woke up prematurely just before 6am. We desperately needed a little more sleep. And as I held him in my arms, I prayed that he would be calm so his siblings and mother could continue to sleep...just for a few more minutes. And the prayer was answered without hesitation.

Finally, tonight...a sweet 4 year old boy...who couldn't speak a single word 18 months ago due to a speech delay, offered a simple prayer of gratitude...using respectful pronouns:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for the lights.
We thank thee for our house.
We thank thee for the snow.
We thank thee for...
And this sweet 4 year old went on and on. He may not have asked for one single thing, but his prayer was heard and will be answered all the same...he will be blessed.

These are the simple prayers that I have taken note of in the past few days. And they are being heard and answered.

I need to be more consistent in my prayers. I need to exercise more faith when I pray. I long to commune with my Father and feel Him near. And I pray that He will continue to bless my children.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? --Matthew 7:11

John 12:28-29

2010-01-03T19:29:00.003-05:00

I discovered something tonight and was fascinated by it. So I must share!

First, to make sure all readers are on the same page, the Godhead is comprised of three distinct personages: God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God the Father and Jesus Christ have glorified and immortal bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a spirit and does not have a body of flesh and bone.

Jesus Christ has divine investiture, which is the authority to speak for and in behalf of the Father. The best comparison would be a power of attorney when someone gives you the right to act on their behalf. In the scriptures, God the Father rarely speaks to His children. 99.999% of the time it is Jesus Christ speaking on behalf of God. Those few occasions when God the Father speaks are referenced in Matthew 3:16-17 when Jesus was baptized; Matthew 17:5 on the Mount of Transfiguration; 3 Nephi 11:6-7 when God introduced His Son to the Nephite nation who lived on the American continent. Christ appeared to this people shortly after his crucifixion. And Joseph Smith-History 1:17 when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy Joseph in 1820.

But here is an account I was not previously aware of and which is filled with incredible application. John 12:28-29 begins with the Savior speaking:

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

God spoke and I've never picked up on that before. And it wasn't to introduce or to bear record of His Son. He testified of Himself...and no one recognized Who it was. They didn't recognize their Father's voice. Here's the application as written by a modern day prophet, Harold B. Lee:

In the Gospel of John is related a parallel experience in the Master’s ministry showing how, out of a multitude, only a few—or none—may hear God when he speaks.

Only the Master, apparently, knew that God had spoken. So often today, men and women are living so far apart from things spiritual that when the Lord is speaking to their physical hearing, to their minds with no audible sound, or to them through his authorized servants who, when directed by the Spirit, are as his own voice, they hear only a noise as did they at Jerusalem. Likewise, they received no inspired wisdom, nor inward assurance, that the mind of the Lord has spoken through his prophet leaders.

Has God, our Heavenly Father, spoken to you lately? Did you hear it...or was it just noise?

Choose the Right

2009-10-31T22:40:00.002-04:00

I need to do this more often...

Photo courtesy of Karen. Isn't it an amazing picture?!?

I'm keeping a list...

2009-10-16T21:28:00.002-04:00

Van Jones
Kevin Jennings
Anita Dunn

I would not feel at home at the White House.

Traitors. Apostates. Defectors. Deserters. All disgraces to the American cause.

Does anyone at the White House represent the America I love?

Theology of the Family

2009-08-23T13:32:00.002-04:00

So I'm getting ready to teach seminary in a week and am a bit anxious as to how it will all work out. In preparation, I attended a training session a couple weeks ago. The featured instructor based his lesson on a talk recently given by Julie Beck, Relief Society General President. So this post has no original thoughts from my head. :) They come from Sister Beck.

A key objective for seminary teachers is to include the Family in our daily lessons. They want The Family: A Proclamation to the World somewhere visible and referenced as often as possible. Church leadership is asking seminary teachers to help students prepare for eternal responsibilities. I believe it is in part because of what Paul taught the Ephesians: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Families are under attack from all directions. And the rising generation needs to clearly understand the importance of families (we all do).

There is a Theology of the Family in our Church...and it is based on the Creation, Fall, and Atonement. I had no idea. And yet this is the Plan of Salvation. I've been taught these basic pillars of the Gospel all my life...and until I heard Sister Beck share this insight, I had never connected the Creation, Fall, and Atonement to the family.

The creation of the Earth was intentional to form a family.

Through the leadership of Eve, the Fall provided opportunities for growth...both in numbers and in experience.

The Atonement allows the family to be sealed and provides eternal opportunities for growth.

The Plan of our Heavenly Father was created for the family. When we speak of qualifying for the blessings of eternal life, we are speaking of qualifying for the blessings of families. This was Christ's doctrine...and this is part of what was restored in these latter days.

Doctrine and Covenants 2 is a portion of Joseph Smith's interactions with the angel Moroni. And it is technically the earliest revelation recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. It's message? Turning the hearts of the children to their fathers and the promises made of old. And that got me thinking about the Book of Mormon--what's the first message of the Book of Mormon? Even the very first verse...

I'm excited for what I am hopeful I will learn this year.

A Prophetic Voice on the Family

2009-08-16T13:33:00.004-04:00

Society, without basic family life is without foundation and will disintegrate into nothingness.

Therefore, whenever anything so basic as the eternal family is imperiled, we have a solemn obligation to speak out...

Furthermore, many of the social restraints which in the past have helped to reinforce and to shore up the family are dissolving and disappearing. The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.

Whether from inadvertence, ignorance, or other causes, the efforts governments often make (ostensibly to help the family) sometimes only hurt the family more. There are those who would define the family in such a nontraditional way that they would define it out of existence. The more governments try in vain to take the place of the family, the less effective governments will be in performing the traditional and basic roles for which the governments are formed in the first place.

Delinquent adults still tend to produce delinquent children, and that awful reality will not change simply by our lowering standards as to what constitutes delinquency...

We are free to resist those moves which downplay the significance of the family and which play up the significance of selfish individualism. We know the family to be eternal. We know that when things go wrong in the family, things go wrong in every other institution in society.

Where there are challenges, you fail only if you fail to keep trying!

Families can be forever! Do not let the lures of the moment draw you away from them! Divinity, eternity, and family--they go together...

Spencer W. Kimball, October 1980

A Disgrace to the Sacred Office

2009-07-23T13:11:00.003-04:00

What kind of a President is this Barack Obama?!? He's either so ridiculously prideful that he really does think he's some sort of deity...or he's such a skilled liar that he's able to fool the devil.

Either way, I hope President Obama is a one-term president. Not only is he non-presidential in his speeches, he is unprofessional. He has the maturity of a teenager (ok--that might be my emotions coming out).

Two things that I have to shout from the rooftop of my blog:

1) Obama is a polarizing racist. Hear me out before you argue this point. Did you listen to his press conference last night? The last question had no relevance to be asked of the President of the United States. It referenced the arrest of a Harvard professor in his own home. President Obama should have stated that he doesn't know all of the facts and the issue will be addressed by the Cambridge police department and left it at that.

INSTEAD...he acknowledged he wasn't aware of all the facts AND THEN proceeded to state that the cops acted "stupidly." This was personal for Obama. The professor is his friend (surprise, surprise) and he's black. So Obama went on a wild tangent to take what should have been a local issue and place it on the national stage as an example of racial profiling. I love the statement given by the arresting police officer. He stated, "I had no other motive than to ensure my safety, or he could've been the homeowner who was unaware that there were people in his house unauthorized. I just didn't know." He later went on to reference when he gave Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis CPR by sharing, "I wasn't working on Reggie Lewis the basketball star. I wasn't working on a black man. I was working on another human being." I stand behind the actions of Sgt. James Crowley.

I know racism exists. But I believe the hatred of too many black men, like this professor and President Obama, keep the fire raging long after the majority of the population have left the bonfire. Obama had no business discussing the incident in Massachusetts.

2) Obama is an antagonist. Did you hear the blanket statement he made about pediatrician's last night? If he didn't intentionally do it, then his lack of professionalism alone disqualifies him to be President of the United States. President Obama directly implied that pediatrician's look at a fee schedule to determine if tonsils should come out of a child. In his own words: "Right now, doctors a lot of times are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and you come in and you've got a bad sore throat or your child has a bad sore throat or has repeated sore throats, the doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, 'You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid's tonsils out.'"

Are you kidding me?!? He's trying to make parents distrust their pediatrician. And he completely discredited the honest hard work that doctors do day in and day out--IRREGARDLESS OF SOME FEE SCHEDULE!!! He's done the same thing to countless other groups and individuals. President Obama is an antagonist, is polarizing, is disrespectful and an ungrateful human being. He's un-American.

I could go on and on about what a joke the press conference was last night. But I'll leave it at those two points. And have you noticed how often Obama says, "I am the President of the United States?" I think he likes to hear himself say that. What a disgrace to the sacred office.

Mission Stories

2009-04-12T20:59:00.003-04:00

I was inspired by a recent post by Laurel. So now it's my turn.

I was in the office for about 10 months of my mission as the financial secretary. Now before you think I was a slacker, those 10 months were probably the most productive of my mission as far as teaching is concerned. I worked in the office 5 days a week like any normal job (i.e.: 9-5) so the time we were out proselyting was very concentrated and effective. Our challenge from the mission president was to lead the mission in everything we did. And the Lord blessed us accordingly. It was awesome.

But on to a lighter side of the mission, here are a few random excerpts from my journal. Enjoy. :)

May 18, 1998
Pobresito Elder Axtell!! This morning I decided to throw a cold cup of water on him while he was taking a shower. Without knowing, Elder Romney had gotten him yesterday morning also. So I was blamed for both. Then Elder Romney got him again. So I got another cup and said, (before tossing over the shower), "Now you know it wasn't me, right?". He screamed and we laughed. He came into the bedroom and looked at me with bloodshot eyes. "Look--two days in a row. Water hits me and I open my eyes to see who did it...and shampoo flows in my eyes!" I laughed so hard. Elder Axtell's fun. And I've had the giggles the past couple days. I threw a blanket on Elder Romney yesterday and he's been sneezing ever since! Good times.

February 15, 1999
Today we had a fun activity. The entire district went up to La Sierra to see some waterfalls. Here's a Seinfeld moment: we were walking down a trail to get to another part of the river. Elder Soderquist (a greenie) all of a sudden stopped and was grabbing his arm. He apparently got stung and I looked down and saw a few black bugs flying around. Elder Poulsen and I were looking at the wound to see if the stinger was still there. Hermana Christensen and hermana Sanchez were walking towards us. Right when hermana Christensen was asking what was wrong, she grabbed her hand in pain. Without any warning, I immediately grabbed my arm in pain. At this point, Elder Poulsen took off running back to an open field. As he passed hermana Sanchez, she screams out in pain and grabs her arm. We all ran back and looked at each others stings. Those stings were killers! It swelled up pretty big, made a rash, and made the muscles in our arms sore. It was just funny how it happened. Some native up there said the sting makes you throw up and have a fever. Elder Soderquist had some ointment so we all put it on. Eventually the swelling went down and none of us got sick. The situation gave me a good laugh. We all got stung one right after the other and Poulsen took off running. To get home we hitched a ride in the back of a Pepsi truck--all eight of us. We had a good time.

October 17, 1998
So last night as E. Watson and I were walking home, we came up to three big dogs resting on the side of the road. It was very calm and peaceful. Then Elder Christensen gets an evil idea and without thinking of the outcome, gives E. Watson a good shove towards the sleeping beasts. Boy should you have been there! I was laughing the rest of the night. He tried to stop his momentum from charging the nearest dog. Immediately all three dogs showed how big their teeth were and surrounded Watson. He was hopping and jumping in every direction swinging his bag around trying to preserve his own life. He was screaming and I was rolling around on the ground. The dogs didn't even take notice of me! Poor Elder Watson. He got out of it safely and I apologized; but to this point can't stop laughing about it.

Lehi, Gaza, and Ophrah

2009-03-01T11:24:00.003-05:00

No, I did not spell "Oprah" incorrectly. But I think I know her name's origin...perhaps.

Did you know that Lehi was referenced in the Old Testament? Not the prophet himself who fled out of Jerusalem and came to the Western Hemisphere to inherit the Promised Land...but the name itself is referenced in the Old Testament. As is Gaza and Ophrah. I'm sure you scriptorians already knew this...but it was fun to discover and I wanted to share.

I was reading the account of when the Lord, through his servant Gideon, saved Israel from the Midianites in the book of Judges. I've heard about that story from two sources recently (Laurel and some Christian radio show on my way to Richmond yesterday) and decided to read it for myself and remind me of God's grace and power. It's an amazing story if you haven't read it lately. And I came across the names Lehi, Gaza, and Ophrah during my read (Judges 6-7).

And did anyone watch Rush speak to the CPAC yesterday? Inspiring...amazing...the one thing that sticks out the most is how he describes what makes the United States different from all other nations. We've been in existence less than 300 years, yet we are the world power, the economic engine that drives the rest of the world, a city on a hill as Reagan frequently referred to it. What makes our country different? It's not us as her citizens...you and I are no different than anyone else on the planet. We have the same DNA. So if it's not us, what is it?

It's the freedom upon which this nation was founded (which naturally leads to capitalism...and more importantly to the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ...but Limbaugh did not reference that).

And that capitalistic view has led to innovation, ingenuity, risks, challenges, losses, victories and...a ton of wealth. Yes, there are uber wealthy people in our country. But the vast majority earned their wealth. Why should that not be rewarded? Why is it the focus of blame? If the U.S. were a business, we would cater to the rich and support them and do everything we can to keep them going. Obama's message is not new. It's not change. And it's not hope. He is setting the stage to destroy everything that made the United States what it is today. If you haven't seen Rush's speech and would like to, here it is.

The president isn't suppose to "change" anything. Those in power are not asked to change anything. Their sole purpose is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Nothing more...nothing less. It's as close to perfect as man can get with man-made government. We have moved so far away from our core principles that it's becoming difficult for many to see the forest for the trees.

But the Lord is in charge. And in Him I will place my trust. If we are prepared we shall not fear. God bless the USA. Maybe He's preparing those who are faithful to battle as Gideon was asked to battle--with as few men as possible so we give the glory to God and Him alone. Because if everyone defended the Constitution we might trust more in the arm of flesh rather than God.

Slavery under a black president

2009-02-19T17:35:00.002-05:00

21st century socialism. Enough said.

But I will add this--I haven't figured the guy out yet. Obama will not support the revival of the 'Fairness Doctrine.' I applaud him for that. And as a side note to my title, he's not really black...I can't believe I gave into the norm just for a good title on my blog. Yes, his dad was from Kenya...but his mom is Caucasian and he was raised by his white grandmother. He's not black--he's a mulatto. I'm sorry to all of you who thought his election was historical for the shear fact that he was "black."

And finally, to follow up to the post below, Chavez bought the votes to turn Venezuela into a national socialist state. He plans to run for office until he turns 95.

Siguiendo el ejemplo de Chávez

2009-02-09T16:30:00.002-05:00

Maybe it's just me, but I'm seeing some eerie similarities between President Chávez in Venezuela and our very own President Obama. (Those two words together still doesn't look right to me)

President Chávez is very vocal and unapologetic about creating a 21st century socialistic rule in Venezuela. He has nationalized a good majority of the country and continues to push for a dictatorship...although he has sugar-coated that word by allowing the people to "vote" for an unlimited amount of terms one can serve in government. But what happens when those votes are bought? I was speaking with a friend in Venezuela last night and there is a great sense of fear among the majority of Venezuelans. Yet Chávez isn't concerned about the majority...it seems he is buying the critical votes and insulating himself. Ten years ago Venezuelans were pleading for change. I remember living there when Hugo Chávez won the election. I still have my copy of the paper for that day. But now the majority have lost their voice...and the change they had voted for has turned against them.

I wonder what our country will look like in 10 years?

President Obama is following in the footsteps of Chávez in two very specific ways currently.

1) Obama has a very nationalistic and socialistic agenda, in my opinion. I respected and admired President Bush...but I never understood why he pushed for and gave in so easily to the first "stimulus" bill. I can only assume there were underlying factors we may never be aware of. And this current stimulus package...we've been calloused by the first round so $1 trillion doesn't sound too bad now. Shovel ready...have you heard that phrase a thousand times today? It sounds socialistic to me. Hitler and Mussolini come to mind with images of shovels. Work for the government and we'll give you a home. But what's the fine print? And how inefficient are shovels anyway?!?! For such a push for change, it sure feels like we're moving backwards. Before we realize what's happening, the majority of the businesses in our country may be nationalized.

2) Have you been following the 2010 census? Rahm Emanuel will supervise the census. RAHM EMANUEL. The devil incarnate...sorry, did I say that out loud? Apparently, Emanuel has taken a play out of the game book of Joseph Stalin. Stalin said, "Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." It is very likely that Obama is setting the stage to manipulate the state of future congressional districts...thus ensuring his political party almost guaranteed power. Voting on a law that allows you to remain in power indefinitely provided you win the election may not be that far off...

Who knew the United States of America would follow in the footsteps of Venezuela? What Venezuela has done in 10 years...we might do in 3.

Remember Lot's Wife

2009-02-01T13:36:00.003-05:00

That verse of scripture in Luke 17:32 has created a paradigm shift for me. Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently gave an entire discourse on that one verse (and it was given on my birthday--just an added bonus). I encourage you to read it as well as read the context in which the scripture was given (Luke 17:20-37). My sister shared it with me earlier this week...and she could have never guessed the profound impact it is having in my life. This scripture speaks directly to the root cause of one (of my many) issue that has plagued me for years.

I had an incredible childhood. And an even better teenage experience. I loved everything about growing up. I had awesome friends...we laughed most of the time and occasionally discussed more serious matters. I loved school. I loved dating. I loved church activities. I loved the drama that only teenagers can deliver. It was an incredible time in my life. I've longed to go back...almost to the point of wanting to live in the past. And there's something eternally wrong with that mindset.

Not that there's anything wrong with reminiscing and thinking of yester-years (wow--now I really sound old). But my thoughts...and more importantly my heart has been stuck in the past. It has impacted my marriage and my whole outlook on life and eternity (and that's not the teenage drama coming out). And I haven't fully transitioned to adulthood as a result.

Thus the reason this scripture has become a paradigm shift for me. What was the sin Lot's wife committed? Do you remember the story?

Lot and his family lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. They were commanded to leave and not look back. Lot's wife turned back as they were traveling and she became a pillar of salt.

Elder Holland suggests that it wasn't just the fact that she disobeyed the Lord's commandment and turned around. More importantly, her heart turned back and she wasn't ready to leave their old life behind. Three days ago, had the end of my mortal life come and had I seen my Maker, my heart would have been very similar to Lot's wife. I know the promises and blessing of eternal life...but I may have said that a piece of my heart was still in the world. And I would have been subject to the same consequences as Lot's wife, figuratively speaking. Now...I'm still the same person I was earlier this week. But I'm making some changes.

My whole heart has not been living in the present. And that has impacted how I view the future. I'm married to an incredible woman. We have five amazing kids. My life now and my future with them should be everything to me.

Hopefully I'll leave my Sodom and Gomorrah and never look back.

Writing is therapeutic

2009-01-30T17:27:00.002-05:00

For me, atleast. I don't know about you. But after I wrote my post the other night I felt better. Not whole, but better. And thank you to those who have emailed, called, texted, etc. You've provided me with strength, support, and good counsel. I also emailed an extremely long note to someone else...which was even more therapeutic than this blog. And that email prompted a good conversation. So things are progressing in a variety of ways.

There are details that will probably always remain between me and God through all of this. Being the open book that I am, that's hard for me to accept. But it's probably for the best.

I learned last night that I have no clue how to pray. I know my prayers have been answered in the past. I know I only got through some phases of my life because of Him. But I have forgotten how to pray since I left Venezuela 10 years ago. Perhaps part of me doesn't want to open up anymore.

I've felt so overwhelmed the past 10 years, where do I even start? Many times, I'll get on my knees, think about "stuff," and eventually just get back up without even saying a word. I told God last night that I felt like I was talking to myself. I asked if I could talk to an angel so I could carry on a conversation--knowing that He could send one of necessary...but also knowing that it wouldn't happen...but it could. Then I started to scare myself and I backed off my request.

Prayer takes energy. And I haven't had that for years. My emotions are high and I'm fighting them. One of my goals is to figure out how to pray again...and know that my prayers go beyond the ceiling. I'm assuming it will take months or even years. One of those life lessons on endurance.

Through my recent struggles, part of me was hoping the world would come to an end...my life would fall apart...but neither thing happened. And now the really tough part begins--I have to continue moving forward and follow through. Oh...that's right. This is where faith and hope come in to play. Things we're taught all our lives but don't really understand until the devil stares us in the eyes.

Satan was attacking me on all fronts and he knew I was wearing down. God knows. And I'm still weak. But I took some steps yesterday to improve my many situations. Now I have to stick to it.

I'm that much closer...

2009-01-28T21:11:00.003-05:00

I want to be done. My priorities are all wrong. I know what's right but I don't do it. I'm exhausting myself and I struggle to know if it's really worth it. I negotiate and battle a constant internal struggle. I want to scream and cry and be done so I can have some relief and be happy. But would that really bring happiness? It's too much. The weight is too heavy. And my pride dictates that I carry it further.

Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows, Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.

He answers privately, Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind, Love without end.
--Text by Emma Lou Thayne

What do you do when all the answers lie before you, yet you refuse to accept them? I can't do it anymore.

Thank you

2008-11-25T16:55:00.004-05:00

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.

To Tom:

2008-11-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

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.

The U.S. Constitution

2008-10-28T14:35:00.006-04:00

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.

Presidential Oath

2008-10-27T20:22:00.005-04:00

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.

The Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit

2008-10-26T23:28:00.004-04:00

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).

Why?

2008-10-24T17:15:00.002-04:00

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?

From the heart

2008-10-09T22:53:00.004-04:00

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.

Unfiltered Conversations

2008-10-06T13:25:00.003-04:00

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?

He truly knows our hearts

2008-10-02T16:11:00.003-04:00

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.

He doesn't like it, but he needs it

2008-09-13T08:58:00.003-04:00

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?

Building the Tower of Babel

2008-09-10T01:05:00.004-04:00

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.

I apologize for generalizing...

2008-09-01T20:59:00.005-04:00

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.

What Religion are you?

2008-07-26T04:08:00.003-04:00

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.

How does God manage?

2008-07-11T10:10:00.002-04:00

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.

Strategem

2008-07-05T11:28:00.002-04:00

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?

Lesson Learned

2008-07-02T07:51:00.002-04:00

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.

Obama - a work in progress

2008-07-01T22:35:00.004-04:00

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 Parable of the Unjust Steward

2008-06-22T20:48:00.006-04:00

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.

I want this to be refreshing

2008-06-19T22:49:00.003-04:00

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.