Relieving Suffering

The following scripture has been the driving force in my life for the past 5 years:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;" D&C 93:1

I consistently ask the Lord, “What are my sins?” He had shown me my abomination and idolatry in worshiping and following men. We've already discussed that topic on this blog. I have no desire to return to that sin.

There is a new theme that keeps showing up, “If you want to repent, relieve the suffering of others.” As a gentile, I see need for repentance in this area.

"And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor." 2 Nephi 26:20 

"And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple." D&C 52:40

I desire to be a disciple of Jesus.

"Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.

"Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;" Alma 4:12-13

There are many ways to help.  The Lord will guide us as we have the desire.

If you are looking for ways to help relieve the suffering of others, here is something to look at.

The Liahona Children's Nutrition and Education Foundation (LCF) is a grass-roots organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of children to lead healthy and productive lives. They do this by providing nutritional supplements to malnourished and underweight LDS children and their friends ages 6 months through 5 years who live in resource poor countries. They also promote sustained breastfeeding for infants and young children and provide education in hygienic and healthy food preparation. In areas where funds permit, LCF also provides small scholarships to elementary students to enable them to attend local school programs. They currently have programs in operation in the countries of Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers except for native coordinators who are provided a small stipend for their services in measuring children and in purchasing and distributing the nutritional supplements.

The Liahona Children's Foundation is a federally recognized 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Danger of Anger

In the English language, danger and anger are only differentiated by one letter. Why is anger so dangerous?

Power

We loose our power when we succumb to anger and fear.

There are two types of power. One is an everlasting power, the power by which God operates.

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; D&C 121:41-43

The other is a temporary, worldly power illustrated in the following definition:

Power: the ability or right to control people or things, political control of a country or area, a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations Mirriam Webster 

When we choose to obey to the laws of God and obtain his power, “[our] dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto [us] forever and ever.” D&C 121:46

Those who choose to exercise unrighteous dominion or temporary power over the souls of others, will find their life riddled with insecurity, turmoil, and fear.

How is anger used as a tool of control?

The Book of Mormon teaches us how corrupt leaders use anger to control their people and promote their purposes. People who would normally be at peace one with one another allow themselves to be stirred up to anger by evil and conspiring men. These men are not concerned about their people; they seek for worldly power.

3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them unto anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites.

8 For behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into bondage Alma 43:3, 8. See also Mosiah 21:1-13, Alma 2:7-10, Alma 24:1, Alma 47:1- 48:4, Alma 63:14-15, Helaman 1:16-17, Helaman 4:1-5, Ether 15:6

We are taught how anger is used as a tool of the devil.

19 For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;
20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. 2 Nephi 28:19-20

When we feel ourselves stirred up to anger, we can know it is not of God.

Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. 3 Nephi 11:30

Warning: The following video is full of violence and anger. You will notice that violence and anger come from both sides. No one can claim to be innocent in the riots that ensue. Those who participate in the fighting bring bondage and destruction upon themselves.

I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man; D&C 63:33 

But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed. Mormon 4:5

Who is in control?

“While we all like to believe we have the fortitude to stand by our own convictions during any situation, most of us tend to follow the behaviors of others. But what’s particularly strange is that when enough of us get together, we end up doing some really bizarre, nonsensical, and downright violent things that we’d never consider on our own. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as herd or mob mentality, and when you consider the past and present, you realize it’s led to some major “What were they thinking?!” moments.” Top 10 Instances Of Mob Mentality 

Why I don't watch the news

I don't believe pretending all is well when it is not, but watching the news promoted by the mainstream media doesn't help solve the problems. The news is almost entirely fear based.
I find it interesting that the fearful are ranked right in with the liars, whoremongers, and sorcerers.

Wherefore, I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. D&C 63:17

Here are the headlines of Fox News October 26, 2013, 10:16 a.m. Are they fear based or faith promoting?

Latest News

• Suspect in California officer shootings surrenders

• 'Cannonball' director Hal Needham dies

• First public auction for solar energy rights on federal lands draws no bids

• THE KELLY FILE: Rep. Grayson under fire for linking Tea Party to KKK

• FBI to probe shooting death of teen with fake gun

• Saudi women's driving kicks off without arrests

• Report shows Iran weeks away from nuke, Israel says

• Georgia man runs into burning home to get beer

• Mass. students return to school after teacher's killing

• JPMorgan strikes $4B mortgage settlement
• NSA denies website was hacked, cites internal error
• Coast Guard seizes reporter's gov't records in search
• No reports of damage after earthquake rattles Japan
• Grand jury wanted abuse indictment against JonBenet Ramsey's parents
• Military bases open their doors to home-schoolers
• Ex-Gitmo prisoner was present during Benghazi attack
• Atheists seek end to Ala. grief counseling by clergy
• Charges likely in Philly ‘Rocky’ steps stunt
• TODD STARNES: Air Force makes 'God' reference optional in oath
• Newtown residents relieved by Sandy Hook demolition

How can we more easily be controlled when we are fed a daily diet of fearsome events? Why would someone want to promote anger and fear? How are these tools used against us?  What can we do?

Why be married in the temple, when the scriptures teach otherwise?

We found another treasure in our newly acquired 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.  My daughter was thumbing through the book and came across the Marriage section. When she read it to us, we realized that this section challenges our temple marriage paradigms.

Note: The 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants was compiled and edited by Joseph Smith and the first presidency. It was accepted as scripture by a unanimous vote. See General Assembly page 255. 

The last paragraph of the preface reads as follows: 

We do not present this little volume with any other expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced, in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of every man's labor will be given him.
    With sentiments of esteem
      and sincere respect, we subscribe
        ourselves your brethren in the bonds of
          the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

JOSEPH SMITH jr.
OLIVER COWDERY.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
F. G. WILLIAMS.
Kirtland, Ohio, February 17, 1835.

The section on Marriage is included in the Kirtland 1835 edition but not in the Salt Lake City edition (1876 Utah Mormon Church). It is interesting to note that the section on marriage is included in four of the five editions of the Doctrine and Covenants: Kirtland edition1835; Nauvoo editions 1844, 1845, 1846; Cincinnati edition 1864 (RLDS church); Lamoni edition 1911 (RLDS church).

Why did the Salt Lake City Mormon church choose to delete this section?

M A R R I A G E.

SECTION CI. of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants

1 According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies; therefore we believe that all marriages in this Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints should be solemnized in a public meeting or feast prepared for that purpose, and that the solemnization should be performed by a Presiding High Priest, High Priest, Bishop, Elder or Priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority. We believe that it is not right to prohibit members of this Church from marrying out of the Church, if it be their determination so to do; but such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

2 Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving, and at the solemnization, the persons to be married, standing together, the man on the right and the woman on the left, shall be addressed by the person officiating as he shall be directed by the Holy Spirit, and if there be no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by name: 'You both mutually agree to be each other's companion, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condition: that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all others, during your lives?' And when they have both answered 'yes,' he shall pronounce them 'husband and wife,' in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested in him. 'May God add His blessing and keep you to fulfill your covenants from henceforth and forever. Amen.'

3 The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages solemnized in his branch.

4 All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this Church should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this Church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare that we believe that one man should have one wife, and one woman but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband; neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All children are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence them to embrace any religious faith, or be baptized, or leave their parents without their consent, is unlawful and unjust. We believe that all persons who exercise control over their fellow beings, and prevent them from embracing the truth, will have to answer for that sin.  

After reading this section that is accepted by Joseph Smith and the church as scripture, I wonder why temple marriages are even promoted. I looked on the LDS church's website and found an article:

Why Temple Marriage?

"We talk a lot about temple marriage in the Church. Have you ever wondered why?

"There’s been a lot of talk lately about marriage—what it is, why we have it, the role it plays in society. In church we talk a lot about temple marriage. You know it’s important because you’ve heard about this since you were taught your first lessons about the gospel, whether you were a Sunbeam or a convert in your youth.

"But some of you may be wondering, “Why?” To you it may be more than a question of what temple marriage is all about. You want to know—in your heart, not just in your mind—why you should work so hard to marry in the temple . . ."

The only scripture reference given in this article is D&C 132:7, 15–19 , and these scriptures don't even mention a temple marriage. In these verses we are taught about being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the  keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. D&C 132:19 

So, what does it mean to be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise? Who is the Holy Spirit of Promise?

2 Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels rejoice over you; the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth , and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified, even them of the celestial world.

 3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another  Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.

 4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;

 5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son— D&C 88:2-5

What is required to be sanctified? Who is the Second Comforter? How does one receive the promise of eternal life? When are you promised the glory of the celestial kingdom? Who are the members of the church of the Firstborn?

Are these eternal blessings to be conflated and blended with the wedding ceremony? Have most young couples even qualified to be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise?

So, when the scriptures say, “We believe that all marriages in this Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints should be solemnized in a public meeting or feast prepared for that purpose,” why do we ignore/delete the scriptures and encourage temple marriages? Does Joseph Smith know what he is talking about?

Our family is excited about this information. Everyone gets to be included in the weddings. No one has to wait outside closed doors while a select few get to witness the ceremony. Our little children can watch their older brothers and sisters be married. There are no “worthiness” interviews for those in attendance. Come as you are and join the celebration:)!!!

Where is the doctrine in the Salt Lake City edition of the Doctrine and Covenants?

We recently bought a facsimile reprint of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants because this edition of the Doctrine and Covenants was edited by Joseph Smith and accepted as scripture by a unanimous vote. See General Assembly page 255. 

In the 1835 edition, there are two parts. Part one is the Lectures on Faith.

T H E O L O G Y.

LECTURE  FIRST 

ON  THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  THE 

LATTER  DAY  SAINTS. 

Of  Faith. 

Part two is comprised of the covenants and commandments of the Lord. 

PART  SECOND.

COVENANTS  AND  COMMANDMENTS 

OF  THE  LORD, 

to his servants of the church of the 

LATTER DAY SAINTS. 

I am familiar with most of the revelations in the second part because they are included in the Salt Lake City edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, and this is the edition I have studied.

It appears that the Lectures on Faith is the doctrine of the church and the other revelations are the covenants and commandments of the Lord.

So, if the Lectures on Faith was removed, where is the doctrine in the Salt Lake City edition of the Doctrine and Covenants?

Make Believe

Can you imagine the best-case scenario in life?  What do you desire to experience now? In this lifetime? In the eternities?

As I was having a discussion with a friend about receiving an upgraded life, Jesus said, “Tell her to Make Believe.”

In my mind, I questioned, “Jesus, what do you mean?”

“You know, you need to make believe. There are so many unbelievers on the earth.  I need more believers who follow me.  Make believe.  Make believers;)”

My friend said, “That makes sense, I’ll work on it.”

Jesus made a quick correction, “You don't work on make believe, you play make believe.  Become as a child and play with me.”

Playing make believe with Jesus sounds like a lot of fun because he can do anything. 

We were born creators.  We are in the image of our God. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26

We are constantly creating whether we know it or not.  “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . .” Proverbs 23:7  As thought (male)  and emotion (female) come together, a new seed is planted.

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Alma 32:28

The adversary also understands our ability to create. Through the media, educational systems, and societal pressures, he plants seeds of despair, fear, doubt, arrogance, depression, trepidation, anger, bitterness, smugness, dread, boredom, envy, anxiety, jealousy, greed, resentment, lust, hatred, prejudice, self-pity, enmity, pride, self-importance, inferior complex, etc. There are many times when we let others do the thinking for us. 

For example: When we sit down to watch a movie, we go into semi-hypnotic state.  I know this because I’ve tried getting the attention of my children when they are watching a movie. Many times they aren’t even aware I am in the room. The intensity of the scenes, the music, the words and actions all combine to plant seeds that begin to grow.  Things are created spiritually and then manifest in the physical world.  Those who are not aware will use their creative gifts to the destruction of their soul.

We are seeing the creation of the collective thoughts of mankind.  We are the ones that can turn the tide and make a different decision.  God desires to give us power and gifts.

23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me.

 24 And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief.

 25 And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God. Moroni 10:23-25

Jesus has prepared the way for us to do greater works than he did. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

I believe Jesus speaks the truth.  When he says all things are possible, I believe him.

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:14-20

As we make believe with Jesus, nothing shall be impossible.  Whatever the heart and mind conceives becomes our new reality.  This process works both ways.

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. Mosiah 4:30

I am more aware of this process today, but for a long time I’ve known the power of my desires and thoughts.  With spring in the air, I am reminded of an experience that happened 24 years ago.

I was serving a mission in Arizona for the LDS church.  Everyone was out of school for spring break and our threesome companionship was working overtime.  We didn’t have time to go to all of our appointments, so we split up and went with stake missionaries.  I was working hard and was tired. I wanted a rest.  On a March afternoon, I remember saying, “Everyone else is having a break; I want a break.”

That night as we were finishing up the work of the day, a drunk driver hit our little car.  My two companions were in the front seats and received minor injuries. I was in the backseat.  When I came back to consciousness, the sirens were flashing, and I realized they were there for me.  The Jaws of Life was used to pry away the metal so they could get me out of the car, and I was taken to the hospital.  

The socket of my hip was broken, and I spent two months lying around letting my hip heal.  God has a sense of humor.  I didn’t specify which kind of break I wanted, so he gave me two different breaks just to make sure I knew I had received my request.  

I know this seed planting works because I’ve had other experiences manifest as I’ve planted seeds of faith with intention.  It’s spring and gardeners are ordering seeds.  Which seeds do you want to order?  You can have everything Father has.  What do you want?

"And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him." D&C 84:38

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14