The Eye of the Storm

I've always loves music. Emily's songs have inspired me, so I am starting to put some of my experiences to music. Here's my first song. Enjoy!

Inspiration behind “The Eye of the Storm”

During the fall of 2017 I experienced a situation that challenged my core. As I was crying to the Lord with heartache and anguish, I heard these words that were strangely comforting, “You just went over the wake of a speedboat. You are leaving the harbor and going into an ocean storm. Stay in the eye of the storm where it is peaceful.” 

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In an ocean storm, low pressure in the eye means the storm is likely strengthening. The eye of the storm is the center, and lower pressure there indicates a more intense storm with stronger winds. This is because the air pressure difference between the eye and the surrounding eyewall (the area of strongest winds) drives the storm's circulation. As the storm intensifies, the air in the center begins to descend, creating a relatively clear and calm area – the eye.

The harbor of popular opinion seems safe, but riding on the wake of others’ opinions causes doubt. As storms of life rage, the most calm and peaceful place to be is in the eye of the storm. This is where God is found.

Virtuous Woman … Righteous Woman

Recently, I found myself pondering about the qualities of a virtuous woman and then wondered to myself, “How often is a virtuous woman found in this fallen world?” I thought to myself, “Probably not as high a percentage as we prefer.” But then the question came to me, “Well, how about men?” I reasoned this question in my mind and concluded from my perspective, I think we would likely find a higher percentage of virtuous women than men.

I did a little research and here are a few descriptions I found regarding a virtuous woman:

• A virtuous woman is one who shows high moral standards and is morally excellent.

• She possesses qualities such as wisdom, faith, and compassion. 

• She is a leader who is active, dependable, and trustworthy. 

• She is also a woman who is kind, humble, and prayerful. 

• A virtuous woman is compassionate and caring. 

• She is a good mother and wife.  “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” (Proverbs 2:67 RE)

• She cares for her family and community. 

• A virtuous woman is hardworking and diligent. 

• She is willing to put forth the effort to do what is right. 

• A virtuous woman has faith in God and His plans. 

• She is prayerful and turns to God for strength. 

• She gives glory to God and praises Jesus for His sacrifice. 

But then the thought came to mind: From the perspective of many people, perhaps including the virtuous woman herself, it seems like she has nearly reached sainthood, right? It appears this virtuous woman must surely be in good standing with God and certainly, by peer-review, mankind unanimously votes on her behalf regarding her compassion, caring, hardworking, diligence, dependability, and trustworthiness. People validate her, but what is God’s perspective?

• As this virtuous woman continues to talk to God, what if God starts talking back? 

• Then what?

• What if she starts receiving the strength and help she has been asking for? 

• What if the prayers of this virtuous woman become like they never have been before? 

• What if her prayers start being clearly answered in a manner she has not previously experienced?

• What if God has something to say to her and declares it.

• What if she, who is an active, dependable, and trustworthy leader among her peers, is clearly asked by God to do something both uncomfortable and almost unimaginable for her to do? 

• What if God’s request of her is the polar opposite of her current way of thinking, being, and acting? 

• What if His request will be offensive to her valued peers and cause serious negative feedback for her?

• What if it threatens some of her prominent virtues she has been living and safeguarding for years?

• What if the instructions she has received from God precisely contradicts the virtuous and righteous life she believes she has been and is living?

• What if God explains to the woman the difference between virtue and righteousness and makes it clear they are not the same thing?

• What if on one hand virtue is a quality that is considered morally good or desirable in a person and helps keep one from “bad behavior” as perceived by society, whereas on the other hand, a person is considered righteous in God's eyes when they live in accordance with God's will and demonstrate obedience to His word?

• What if conforming to God’s laws can be and often are different than conforming to man's laws?

• After conversing with the Lord through the veil for a while, learning these things, and receiving a clear request from God that contradicts “a lot of stuff within her”, she gets to make a decision and act. 

• What will she choose to do? 

• How will she choose to act? 

• After so many years of faith and work and doing the best she knew, why is her world now changing? 

• Even falling apart?  

• Why do the things God is asking of her now seem so contradictory to her past? 

• Why would God ask her to do things contrary to what she would normally do? 

• Why is she asked to do things so embarrassing to her and greatly offensive and disturbing to others? 

• This is a hard and difficult task to even think about. She is well aware that if she follows through with God’s request, her life will never be the same. There will be no turning back and no reasonable chance to recover what will be lost. On the other hand, by simply hearing what God clearly shared with her, she knows her life will never be the same anyway, whether she follows God’s plan or not. What should she do? What would you do?

Assuming she ends up choosing God over man and everything else, by definition, I think she becomes a righteous woman, who is wise and alert with acute awareness. As she continues and follows God (Not man), she becomes more intelligent, informed, and clever. She acquires further light and knowledge and is enlightened with a sage perspective and outlook. A righteous woman possesses wisdom and has the ability to make wise choices. She knows what to take in and embrace and she also knows what to reject and ignore. She carefully “clues in”, observes what is happening, and follows her conscience. She has greater discernment each day and receives better views behind the curtains of deceit and secrecy. She more clearly sees preconceived and hidden agendas and addresses it all with wisdom and care.

She lives what she believes, walks her talk, and makes righteous decisions. A righteous woman honors the agency of others and manifests charity and love to all. She submits to the word of God, acts in Divine timing, and understands that is a key to success. By doing so, everything tends to work out better. She is now taking notice of something new to her where occasionally she offends people, but pleases God. This phenomenon (the woman choosing God’s will and fulfilling His righteousness causes a social perception of the woman performing unvirtuous acts) seems to be increasing in both magnitude and frequency. She views a transformation occurring within her and she is strangely happier than ever before. 

I think she knows what she is doing in choosing God over everything else!

Truth - Ignoring, Avoiding

Some run from the truth and hide from it. Others ignore the truth and avoid it. To adapt Gandhi’s quote, one might say, “First they ignore the truth, then they laugh at the truth; then they fight the truth; and then the truth absolutely wins.” Why do people attempt to avoid reality or ignore the truth when it’s clearly presented?

In an era where information is at our fingertips, one might think that the truth would be embraced and celebrated. After all, with the vast resources available to us, uncovering facts and arriving at informed conclusions should be easier than ever, right? Unfortunately, that is not how things always turn out. 

When God shares information, instructions, and truth with mankind, few are interested. When authentic and authorized messengers from God declare His message for mankind, many fail to pay attention, correctly understand, or adhere to His words. Whenever knowledge, understanding, or truth originates or comes directly from God, it would seem reasonable for everyone to perk up with enthusiasm and never ignore or reject it. 

Yet, paradoxically, people often run from the truth, especially when it’s presented to them in a clear, unvarnished manner. People tend to run away even faster with greater determination when repentance or internal change is required. This avoidance of truth isn’t just a fleeting tendency; it’s a deeply ingrained behavior that has profound implications for individuals and society as a whole.

… “Now the people were deceived; so they ignored Abinadi’s words and tried to arrest him from that time forward. And king Noah completely ignored the Lord’s word and didn’t change his evildoing.”  (Mosiah 7:9 RE)

… “He has no rank or position deserving respect, and when we notice Him, there’s nothing about Him to please us. He is despised and rejected by men — a man of sorrow and familiar with disease. And we turned our faces away, ignoring Him. He was despised and thought to be of no value. Yet it was our sickness He took upon Himself, our suffering He endured.”  (Mosiah 8:3 RE)

… “They ignored warnings about their iniquities, and they wouldn’t abandon them. And though they were commanded to repent, they refused to repent.”  (Mosiah 8:14 RE)

… “How can you ever gain light and truth when you use one another as the final authority on truth, and ignore the light sent by the Most High God?” …   (T&C 171 - TSJ 5:10 RE)

Since God is truth, wouldn’t it be wise for me to read or hear His words, ponder their meaning, and determine how they specifically apply in my life? How are my current paradigms and ways of living matching up to the words I have received from God? What do I need to change? Start? Stop? Reconsider and repent of? Is there anything that I need to correct or make right? If I have questions, shouldn’t I ask God, reason with him, and correctly understand His perspectives and suggestions so I can properly live His words revealed to me for my situation? Wouldn't it be wise to be obedient to His instructions given to me? How could I realistically expect God to give me further instructions if I ignore and discard what He has already given me? If I obey what God has already given me, He promises to give me more. I believe this promise applies to all because God is no respecter of persons.

… “Many people are given knowledge of God’s mysteries; however, they’re placed under a strict command to only discuss that part of His word He allows to be given to mankind, corresponding to their obedience and diligence given to Him. Those who harden their hearts receive less of His word. Those who don’t harden their hearts are given a greater part of His word, until they understand God’s mysteries. They can be given God’s mysteries until everything is fully known. However those who harden their hearts are given less of His word, until they know nothing about His mysteries. Then the accuser captures them and leads them by his will down to destruction. This is what the chains of hell mean.” (Alma 9:3 CE)

I am Buddhist, Christian, Jew, and Mormon

Mahatma Gandhi was a Hindu who dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth. He believed that love, respect, and truth were the underpinnings of all religions and the basic foundation for a moral life. As he famously once said when asked if he was a Hindu, “Yes I am. I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, and a Jew.”

When I was little, my mom babysat a little boy named Hilliard. When asked what religion he was, Hilliard said, “I'm a Mormon Methodist!” :-)

I too see myself as a Buddhist, Christian, Jew, and Mormon. I do not know much about the Hindu and Muslim religions, but I think I would find much in common with them if I took the time to understand their beliefs. Gandhi was part of every group yet not affected by “group think” or group prejudice. The truth motivated him to love, respect, and serve others.

Love is the most motivating power in all the world. God has the greatest power because They (God includes both a man and a woman, Father and Mother) have the greatest capacity to love. Their dominion is an everlasting dominion that flows to Them without compulsory means. Why? Their intelligence and love is so compelling that it draws me to Them.

I have learned to recognize God's voice because They persuade me with Their reasons. They are gentle and meek. Their knowledge is so full of light that when they present their ideas, I want to change because I can see a better way. They are kind and patience as They suffer with my ignorance. Their love is real. When They correct me, I am still full of hope because I can see my next step.

I follow God because it brings me great joy to do so. It is my delight. I love to be enlightened and taught by Them. They are Truth, and I love the Truth. They bring light, understanding, peace, joy, and comfort to me.

I cannot say I know a lot about God because I find my paradigms are often changing as I am on this journey of life, but I do know what it feels like to be in the presence of the God of Love. I know what They sound like. I would do anything to live a life with Them and learn to be like Them.

And so like Gandhi, I am Buddhist, Christian, Jew, and Mormon because all of these people have taught truth that has enriched my life and brought me joy.

If someone has Truth that can increase this love I feel in my heart, I am interested.

TA / C = I - RAM ... What are You Talking About???

ta/c = i-ram

ta = c(i-ram)

ta = ci-cram

e(ta) = e(ci-cram)

eta = eci-ecram

eat = ice-cream

a = (loge(ce)+loge(m)+loge(i/m-ra)) / t

ta = loge(ce)+loge(m)+loge(i/m-ra)

ta = loge((ce)(m)(i/m-ra))

ta = loge((ce)(i-mra))

ta = loge(cei-cemra)

e^ta = cei-cemra

e^at = ice-cream

Please take note of the two different mathematical equations above. Both begin differently but end up communicating the same message.

In both equations, the first line tends to make little sense and therefore provides less meaning to most people. However, after using mathematical laws to rearrange the equations, the last line begins to make sense and the message becomes more clear to almost everyone. In fact, it can be quite enticing to me, and therefore, I have probably found ice cream and enjoying it now as you are reading :)

That's how a lot of things from God seem to be at first. They sometimes appear to be unclear, incomplete, or simply wrong from our limited perspectives. Unfortunately, the very words of God are often attributed to the wrong source and considered to be of error, delusion, or apostasy. In addition, persecution arises toward those who recognize, believe, and live according to His word. The things of God are often misunderstood, run contrary to what we have been taught in this world, clash against religious beliefs and bonafide men, and therefore can be very offensive and repulsive when first encountered.

On the other hand, after the word of God is seriously considered, observed from all angles, pondered upon, and tried over a period of time with due diligence, it all becomes much more clear and the things of God seem to fit much better. The things of God become enticing and greatly desired. When a person finally chooses to embrace God and sacrifice all else required, she may never want to look back and it will likely never be the same :)

New Year's Resolutions ... At This Time of Year???

Over three months ago on the 3rd of January, I sent a text to my children and a few others, approximately as follows: 

"I don't believe new year's resolutions are necessary, unless you sincerely feel a need to alter your behavior or begin a process of change on January 1st. If you want something changed, change it today instead of waiting for another 363 days for a new year to roll around again.

If you asked me for my new year's resolutions, I would say that happened two days ago and I am succeeding. If you asked me what my plan for now as of today is, it would be to receive answers to three questions from God Himself:

1) With detail and in the fullest sense, who I am?

2) What is my current state and standing with you, God?

3) And God, from your perspective, what is my next step of progression or assignment that would be most beneficial?

Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, "Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." ... Or woman of course"

Sooo... Since new year's day (as of today) is approximately 102 days in the past and there are about 263 days before the next new year's day, would you find it wise to make a new resolution today, rather than waiting? If so, what is your new resolution, goal, desire, question, relationship with God, whatever? As of today, April 13, 2018, what do you want?

God's Wheel

Sit back, relax for a moment, and carefully listen to the Lord. Let Him take your steering wheel. I believe that as you believe in His word, exercise faith by acting accordingly, He will teach you, ask you to sacrifice your unneeded "favorites", and take you on a higher road that may surprise you.

God's Wheel

God says to me with a kind of smile, 

'Hey how would you like to be God awhile 

And steer the world?' 

'Okay,' says I, 'I'll give it a try. 

Where do I set? 

How much do I get? 

What time is lunch? 

When can I quit?' 

'Gimme back that wheel,' says God. 

'I don't think you're quite ready yet.'

by Shel Silverstein

Without God in the World

“And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.” (Alma 41:11)

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” (Ephesians 2:12)

“For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.” (Mormon 5:16)

“Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.” (Alma 32:16)

Without God, life is like a doughnut. It may be good for a time, but the center is empty and without substance.

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil. No point.

Life was never meant to be lived without God.

Without dreams we reach nothing. Without love we feel nothing. Without God we are nothing.

Life without God is a life little appreciated and less valued. It seems to be merely a number of days and years passing by without being fully utilized.

God without man is still God, but man without God is nothing.

God owes us nothing, but gives us everything.

With God life is an endless and eternal hope. Without God, life is hopeless and makes little sense.

Being a "Friend" of God

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:13-15, emphasis added)

“Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—” (D&C 93:45, emphasis added)

“And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my friends;” (D&C 84:63, emphasis added)

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23, emphasis added)

I believe God is your true and faithful friend. You can trust and count on that, but the big questions that arise are: "Are you a true and faithful friend of God?" With whom do you walk every day? With whom do you continually converse?  Who and what do you think about all day long? What do you do in your spare time?

“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.” (CS Lewis)

Here are a couple links that may shed further light on the subject of becoming a "friend" of God: Developing Your Faith   and   A "friend" of God 

Happy Life

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:” (Job 5:17)

“Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws? And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.” (Mormon 9:3,14)

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18)

“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21)

“He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” (Proverbs 16:20)

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)

“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” (Psalms 144:15)

“And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” (4 Nephi 1:15-16)

“And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.” (1 Nephi 8:10)

Faith in God ... In Nothing Else!

"I suppose that the rising generation knows little about the Lectures on Faith. In my own judgment, these Lectures are of great value and should be studied. I consider them to be of extreme value in the study of the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Joseph Fielding Smith, "Seek Ye Earnestly")

The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants included the Lectures on Faith, which represented the “doctrine” portion, and were accepted as scripture by common consent of church members. In 1921, a committee of six apostles chose to remove the Lectures on Faith from the Doctrine and Covenants WITHOUT common consent of the members. These six men, on their own accord, left the covenants to remain, but took away the entire doctrine portion, which teaches a man how to attain sufficient faith to claim eternal life, literally know the Lord, and see His face.

Bruce R. McConkie evaluated the lectures as "some of the best lesson material ever prepared on the Godhead; on the character, perfections, and attributes of God; on faith, miracles, and sacrifice. They can be studied with great profit by all gospel scholars." (Mormon Doctrine, Page 439)

"In my judgment, it is the most comprehensive, intelligent, inspired utterance that now exists in the English language-that exists in one place defining, interpreting, expounding, announcing, and testifying what kind of being God is. It is written by the power of the Holy Ghost, by the spirit of inspiration. It is, in effect, eternal scripture; it is true. I will only read part of it, and even then, because of the deep content that is involved in the words, we cannot measure or fathom their full intent. We need to study and ponder and analyze the expressions that are made." (Bruce R. McConkie, lecture at Brigham Young University, Jan. 4, 1972)

Here is a podcast link that may further our view on Faith

Faith ... Principle of Action and Power

"And as faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual; for the Savior has said, and that truly, that he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. (Mark 16:16)

As we receive by faith, all temporal blessings that we do receive, so we, in like manner, receive by faith all spiritual blessings, that we do receive. But faith is not only the principle of action, but of power, also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven, or on earth. Thus says the author of the epistle to the Hebrews. (11:3):

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God: so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By this we understand that the principle of power, which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power, existing in the Deity, that all created things exist—so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith, as it existed in HIM.

Had it not been for the principle of faith the worlds would never have been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust—it is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal, as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute, (for it is an attribute) from the Deity and he would cease to exist." (Lectures on Faith 1:12-16)

Why Do You Follow God?

Over the past month, I've asked many friends,”Why do you follow God?” This question brings up some of the best conversations.

Even when friends say, “I don't follow God and think the rest of you are crazy for following some fictitious character!” This still leads to interesting conversation.

Everyone has a different way of expressing their answer, but I found a common element among most. They follow God because it brings them happiness, joy, and fulfillment. They feel free and at peace when they follow God.

As I was coming out of the traditions of my fathers, I gave a lot of thought to how I had been deceived. I didn't want to make the same mistake.

I kept hearing the words, “Jennifer, follow your joy!” These wise words have been a compass to me over the last several years. I follow God because of the incredible joy I feel. If life never got better than it is today, I have not been cheated of living in heaven. Yet, every day life expands, becomes more adventurous, and is a delicious experience.

People talk of a god who condemns, accuses, judges, and has a scowl of his face for me and my weakness. I am not too interested in living with that kind of god. He can take his angels and others who think like him and go live in their own place. I want nothing of it. It would be hell for me to live with a god like that.

Lest you misunderstand, there is a great difference that I experience when living a dark life of drudgery and despair which is riddled with false perceptions, and the fear that is manifest when seeing my darkness brought into the light.

My God works with me by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness, and pure knowledge. He does reprove and correct me. He shows me exactly where I've strayed and how to get back on course. When the course correction is made, there are no lingering guilt or unworthiness issues hanging over my head.

I used to berate myself over my mistakes, and this wasn't good for my progress. Jesus helped me with my false perceptions about my tripping and failings. Now, when I make “mistakes”.  Jesus asks, “Did you learn something?”

“Yes, I did. I learned this and this and this . . .” I find Jesus continually making lemonade out of all the lemons in my life. Stumbling and falling has lost its judgment; it is just part of my journey.

I also see Jesus as a rearing stallion. Only the bravest and most courageous dare ride Him. I have fallen many times, been bucked off, and sometimes drag along with one foot in the stirrup as my head bounces along the dirt path. I've also been covered with dirt and mud with my hair in a ratted mess. My God who treats me with such tender love also says, “If you get bucked off, get back on! I'm not slowing down so as to be transformed into a gentle mare! :-) Learn to ride and I'll give you the ride of your life! ;-)”

I've heard of another god. This god also requires those who worship him to sacrifice everything for him, but it is for a very different reason.

While I was living Haiti, I learned something about the Haitian culture. Christianity is a small minority there, and the majority of the people, when asked their religion, identify as voodoo. They explained to me that there are two gods. One is the Good God and one is the mean god. I asked why they worship the mean god. I found that they do so out of fear. If they don't worship the mean god, he makes their life more miserable than it already is. Obedience is required by both the Good God and mean god, but one is obeyed out of love and the other out of fear.

The God of Light and the god of darkness work under opposite governments. I recently learned a great lesson from a close friend. Actions performed under the government of Light have totally different results than those same actions performed under the government of darkness.

God of Light – Honoring Agency

god of darkness – violating agency

God of Light – Charity & Love

god of darkness – unrighteous dominion

God of Light – Being as a Little Child

god of darkness – deception

God of Light – Working in the Light – Transparency

god of darkness – doing things in secret

God of Light – Working in God's Divine Timing - Thy Will be Done

god of darkness – asking amiss, impatience, hastening the work

Example: I offer my friend a drink of water. She says “No thank you”. I offer again. She declines. I offer again, and she accepts. I just violated her agency. I wouldn't take no for an answer. I operated in the dark even though I was offering her a “good thing”.

Example: I want to get baptized and take the sacrament, but I know my husband won't approve, so I don't tell him. Baptism and taking the sacrament are good things, right? But I just did something in secret. Because we are married, I have an obligation to tell him. If God tells me to get baptized and take the sacrament, I should tell my husband and let the consequences follow. Then God can bless my path.

Example: Many times people tell “white lies” because they don't want to hurt someone's feelings. It's not good to hurt others feelings, right? No, because it is deception and is done under the government of darkness.

Example: The loss of the 116 pages was a violation of agency..

Example: Eve partook of the fruit in the Garden of Eden out of God's divine timing.

The September 2017 Covenant

There has been much conversation on this topic. If I take the covenant under the government of darkness, it will turn to my condemnation. If I take the covenant under the government of light, it will be a blessing in my life. Each person needs to make this decision for herself. For example: If I have anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and worry about what is being offered, STOP and DO NOT make the covenant. On the other hand, if I feel at peace, look forward to the offering, and am getting answers from God about my concerns, then by all means go forward with confidence and make the covenant. The confusion comes when we look at the action and not the government under which the action is performed. What is right for me may or may not be right for you. People are saying the covenant is good and others are saying it is bad. They are both right. Work under the government of God and all things will turn to your blessing. Work under the government of darkness, and you will be cursed. Baptism, sacrament, and covenants can be administered under each government. One can be doing it in darkness while the person sitting next to him can be doing it in the light. Your heart can discern the difference and what is right for you.  

Climbing the Mountain – Reaching for God

Climbing the mountain can teach us many things about life and point us to God.  “And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.” Moses 6:63

As we hike the mountain, we can look at and contemplate the symbols, types, and shadows God provides.  If we look with eyes to see, we can learn much of Him and our journey back into his presence.

Today is the Summer Solstice. It is a day of most sunlight and begins summer. To help us remember that all light comes from God, we decided to climb the mountain and celebrate this day with Him.  “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Each time we climb the mountain we learn many things that help us in our daily walk.  We’ve learned to take a notepad so we can remember the lessons of the day.  Writing our thoughts frees our minds to discover the next idea. We will share just a few of these insights.  

 

#1 It takes a Dad and a Mom to raise children.  Dad has much strength and bears a large load in the family while Mom carries and prepares bodies for the little ones.   In our home, the family wouldn’t function very well without Dad’s constant care. On the other hand, Mom’s weaker and well-worn body is essential in giving life.  Even after the baby is born, Mom is always near during the first year of the baby’s life.  Mother provides food, love, and emotional strength for the new baby.  

It’s been nine months since we climbed the mountain. Jennifer was 5 months pregnant with Emma the last time we made the ascent together.  Emma is five months old today.  We brought her along because she still needs her mother.

#2 About 15 minutes into the hike, Jennifer realized that she didn’t have her walking stick, so John ran back to get the stick. While Jennifer and Emma waited, a song of prayer came to mind.

In heaven they communicate with thoughts.  The voice is only used for singing.    The idea came to sing a prayer instead of speak it.  We discovered that when we sing our prayers it doesn’t sound vain or repetitious.  The more the words are sung, the deeper the meaning enters into our soul.  Here is a simple prayer and tune that came to mind.

Father in Heaven we thank thee for this day

For thy bounteous blessing each and every holy day

Father in Heaven we thank thee for this day

For thy bounteous blessing each and every holy day

Father, Mother we come to you today

Father, Mother into thy arms to stay

#3 Climbing the mountain is difficult and strenuous, but it is a journey to be enjoyed and cherished.  There is no need to rush to the top.  There are many beauties to take pleasure in.  When we are tired, we stop, rest, talk, and laugh. 

Jennifer is quite a bit slower than John, so John is designated as the scribe, and he writes down our thoughts and experiences.  John is nicknamed “Run – Rest - Write” and Jennifer is nicknamed “Steady Eddy”. 

Some might feel that they can’t make the journey quickly, so they give up.  It’s better to go slow and steady than to give up because we can’t go fast.”  Jennifer always makes it to the top of the mountain and back, even though it takes her all day to do it. 

As we tromp through the trees and brush, we walk single file. We enjoy the shade, and John leads the way.  On the barren hillside we walk side by side. We make the journey staying close together.

#4 About half way up the mountain, the slope gets really steep.  At this point, the mountain seems almost too difficult to climb.  It is so steep that when we look up, we see what looks like the top of the mountain.  When we get to what we thought was the top, we realize that the rest of the mountain was hidden from view by the sharp incline.  These pictures show two different inclines, one right after the other.  When looking at the first incline we can’t even see the second one.

When Jennifer was pregnant, John put his hand behind her upper arm and gave her extra strength to make this part of the journey.  Now that Emma is on the outside, he carries the baby and lightens Jennifer’s load.

This is so much like life. Sometimes it seems like we can only take one baby step at a time because the challenge is so demanding.  Even though we aren’t taking large strides, we gain the greatest elevation on the steepest slopes.  These are the times to keep pressing forward.  We still need to take the steps forward, and God sends help to strengthen us and make it possible.

In addition to having John’s help, Jennifer has a walking stick that she uses each time she makes this hike.  The stick is slightly curved.  On the way up the mountain the curve bows forward and is used to help pull her up the mountain.  On the way down the curve bows backward and helps brace her as she carefully descends the steep slope. John carries the stick when it isn’t needed.

In life as we look up, we think we see the top of the mountain.  When we get to what we thought was the top, we discover that much of the mountain is still ahead of us. We don’t see the beginning to the end. If we did, we might give up before we even begin.  As we tackle each obstacle, our confidence in meeting the challenge is increased.  We know what it feels like to climb, conquer, and obtain, and are willing to do it again.

As we look back to where we came from, we can see our progress. What used to be so high above our head is now low beneath our feet. We continue to look up and focus on reaching the top.  In the pictures, the yellow dot marks the top of the lower mountain that used to tower over our heads.

 

#4 The Kidron Valley runs along the eastern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. To come off the mount and go up to the temple, you must first go down.  The Jews sing the song of redemption as they are going down because they know that the descent is part of the ascent.

What goes up must come down, and those who willingly go down will be lifted up. Those who exalt themselves will be humiliated, while God exalts those who are humble and have been humiliated for His sake. “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

Christ made the great descent and ascended up on high. “He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;” D&C 88:6

 
The first time we ascended the mountain, we thought we were at the top when we reached the ridge.  We were tired. When we looked up and saw a higher peak, we realized our journey wasn’t through.  To reach the higher peak, we needed to walk along the ridge.  There are three peaks with a valley in between each peak.  To go up, we had to go down.

Once we tried to take a short cut and walk across the front face to avoid the ups and downs.  Walking sideways on the steep slope was much more difficult than walking along the ridge and taking the ups and downs.

It is also difficult to descend the mountain. We have to watch every step and keep our balance.  It would be easy to fall and tumble down the mountain.  It is hard on the feet and legs as each step is braced.  

There are many ups and downs in life. Each experience stretches us in different ways. It’s all part of our round trip.