The Refugee Fundraiser Campaign Explained

On my Facebook page the 'Single Adults' Blogs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints', I typically reply to inquiries. "Hi, How can I help you?" A man named Javad Afzali asked, if the church is in Canada.

I said "Yes. That country was the one of the first that we expanded into."

Confusion came when he mention that he is in Turkey. Why is he asking about the church in Canada, if he is in Turkey? Sending him a map of the church buildings in Turkey, I was informed that he was in a refugee camp four hours away from Ankara. Javad said that he has no rights, since he is not a citizen of Turkey, having to receive special permission from law enforcement to leave the camp.

Javad Afzali is a refugee because he is an Iranian, who converted to Christianity, and he asked me to donate to Dariush and Marya Worship Ministry. I did not call the number that he gave me because I wanted avoid the possibility that the number would direct me to some scam person. Visiting their website, I found their email address to ask if they have any connection with a refugee in Turkey. Although I did not name Javad in my email, Dariush responded, expounding his situation more than I initially understood.

Javad is seeking asylum in Canada for his family of three, including his wife and his son. He sent me a picture of his son, who suffers from favism and seizures. He also sent me pictures of some of his documentation. Dariush revealed that Javad needs 7,000 US dollars for each member of his family to support them for a year of asylum, totaling 21,000 US dollars. Dariush and Marya Worship Ministry is doing a fundraiser event for the family on December 7, 2019.

Dariush and Marya Worship Ministry is an Iranian Christian Church in Los Angeles, California.One of the ministry focus is translating Christian songs from English to Farsi. Their recorded music is impressive to listen to. I highly recommend looking them up on YouTube. They are dedicating a 45 minute performance to the Afzali family on December 7, 2019 7 pm at the One Church LA - Feiz.

I will donate; however, I want a more reputable way to transfer money than to mail a check. Dariush made a GoFundMe because they have the charity status to make a Free campaign. My birthday is on December 4th, and I hope that you would donate to support the Afzali family with their asylum to Canada and gain some liberty and rights.

Feast on the Book of Mormon

D&C 132:22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me. 

23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also. 

24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law. 

25 Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law.

Only wise God 

Satan is no wise.

Path to lives Path to deaths

Why is the path strait & narrow? The path is designed by God. a path to perfection covenant path

Lamp to your feet A light to your path

Integrity knows their standards. Life is uncertain without integrity, Integrity always has lives their standards.

Cultivating does not yield fruit in a day. Cultivating the gift of the Holy Ghost require consistent effort.

The spirit of prophesy was given to Oliver Cowdery & Joseph Smith, when they were baptized, speaking in prophesy.

Pray before physical & spiritual meals.

Practice, record principles learned

shape the style of study to fit you.

Where would I be without the Book of Mormon?

No worldly wealth is worth more than knowledge of Christ obtained by sincerely studying the Book of Mormon.

The world would be rotten without the Book of Mormon. I would be rotten without the Book of Mormon.

What would you not know without the Book of Mormon? No one would know the true nature of God without the Book of Mormon. The true nature of God was revealed by the restoration, and many Christian religions are taking it for granted. The Plan of Salvation is lost without the Book of Mormon. The atonement of Jesus Christ is expounded more than any book.

Alma 22:14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory;

1 Nephi 19:9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.

Idolatry, Tolerance, & Love

You become what you worship.

Anything that you prioritize before God is your idol.

Technology

Addiction

Yourself

Celebrities

Video Games

Family

Sports

Money

Prestige

Movies

YouTube

Pokemon

carnality

Addictions are never ending. More and more. Deeper and deeper. 

Addictions are self-centered.

Depression

Things as they really are. - David Bednar

Face God first.

Obedience brings freedom.

God has complete self-mastery.

Commandments are the path to God's life.

It is dehumanizing to live carnally.

Obedience to the Law of Chasity requires a higher self-esteem.

Power of force or influence.

Love of God enhances work.

Seek meaningful service.

Commandments gives power.

Obedience directs influence for good.

Good desires will increase obedience.

more commandments which inspired him.

Pray for service oppornities.

-------------------

Tolerance & Love

Tolerance is not the same as tolerant.

Love the person hate the sin.

2 Nephi 9:49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.

Abhorrence - disgust/hate

Sin destroys people

Boundary lines without war lines

Each person has beliefs and assumptions that brings each other to a conclusion. One should not judge and reject because people think differently.

Textcast: Moving away from Google (also Huawei, Phone Companies dying, and Fuchsia OS.)

Alex: Hi Trevor, You may not believe it, but I want to delete my Google account. I bought a iPhone SE last night. I have the following things against Google:

- YouTube is too addicting with their personalized home page. 

- Google's search is personalized too, making the result biased.

- Google's ad service is makes my phone a personal mall, seeking to sale me anything according to advertisers desires, if it matches my profile.

- Google does not respect the privacy of my email, using it to their advantage; keep in mind, the many other things that they track such as: search, browsing, having questionnaires, and more.

I want to become free from this culture. Like I freed myself cares of movie, music, & celebrity industry. I want to free myself from YouTube & Google.

Trevor: Okay

Alex: This iPhone will enable me to get my old 0611 phone number back. hopefully going to Xfinity mobile, having free calling & texting. You think so? Transitioning away from T-mobile to have one less bill. They only charge for data.

Trevor: Yeah if Xfinity can work for you.

Alex: What do you think of my reasoning against Google? Are they fair & accurate? I may want to get into Linux too. Didn't you say that you like the SE?

Trevor: The SE is a nice size but now it could be getting outdated for system updates.

Alex: What do you think of my reasoning against Google? Are they fair & accurate?

Trevor: I could see that. For me I use YouTube because I usually I keep up to date with tech, and entertain me on my work commute. Personally I like targeted ads because its for me better than random ads that don't apply to me. You can always delete any info Google has on you in your data. You can always use YouTube without logging in if you don't like personalization.

Alex: I may use YouTube without logging it, but it is definitely less attractive without logging in, which I am happy about.

Trevor: Linux is fun. I just don't have time for it

Alex: Is messenger private yet?

Trevor: Messenger from Facebook? Facebook is worse than Google in Privacy.

Alex: Yes. I may want to get away from Microsoft.

Trevor: Linux just has some compatibility problems if you need it for specific programs.

Alex: It is easier to get away from Facebook. You don't need a Facebook account to access Android. Facebook's advertising is not universal.

Trevor: That's true. You can opt out of targeted ads on Facebook. Android without Google is crippled. You can still use it but the versatility is severely dulled

Alex: I am not worried as much about Facebook. I barely use it; plus, they are trying to be more private.

Trevor: You would need to download things through APKs

Alex: Have you been following the Hauwei news? Their cellphone division was basically destroyed; 10 billion dollar market share. Trevor: Yeah because Trump is using Huawei as a asset in the China-USA trade war. It's not because of Chins is "spying on us" He has no evidence.

Alex: Painfully Honest Tech said evidence was presented on a Thursday a couple weeks ago. 

Trevor: On FPT Prosser cited a video in which Trump said he would consider letting Huawei work with the US if Chins would agree

Alex: Trump has no tact. Trade deal conversation makes it obvious, but it is on snippet of the entire conversation. Huawei would have been blacklisted a long time ago, if our politics had not become so liberal.

Trevor: Trump is a businessman not a political leader.

Alex: Huawei is China's main tech company; heavily part of their communist efforts.

Trevor: He hasn't been informing the consumers anything and isn't telling us the real reason Huawei has been banned with any US businesses.

Alex: Trump has no tact.

Trevor: Hopefully China can make a deal

Alex: I hope that the ban is not lifted with the trade deal; then, Trump would not be a businessman.

Trevor: Well it would suck to see Huawei and competition die. They're the only company to compete with Samsung and Apple

Alex: Competition would surely not die, but be as the Gods, knowing good and evil.

Trevor: Hahaha. Huawei would die without Android; thus, would leave Samsung and Apple yet again

Alex: Huawei is not a phone company.

Trevor: They say they have factories for in house chips and a OS they are working on it but I doubt it would give fruit

Alex: They existed before Android.

Trevor: Globally they are, Which is what matters

Alex: Smartphone companies have died before. Motorola.

Trevor: Competition encourages innovation and lower prices and variety. As a consumer I don't want just Samsung. Motorola is not dead.

Alex: It was huge.

Trevor: It's still around. They sell it in Best Buy

Alex: HTC

Trevor: HTC has unfortunately reduced to a Block-chain smartphone company. I think Google has HTC for some things

Alex: Samsung tried to kill them, but Google saved them.

Trevor: Yeah. Anyways Huawei was on the way to becoming a force to reckon with. A leader in smartphones Since this announcement it's very uncertain their future

Alex: China is like one gigantic company. Their business tactics are not fair.

Trevor: Huawei will still sell in the China

Alex: Yep.

Trevor: But they'll be just like the apple of China.

Alex: Oh yeah. That's an interesting thought. It might make them more profitable. Probably not. Chinese software sucks.

Trevor: I think Apple is endangered of being banned in China which could stifle their expansion and growth.

Alex: Taking business away from China would strength other international business ties, and increase our self-reliance.

Trevor: Maybe but we want good relationships with China being they make everything. haha I don't want high tariffs passed to me

Alex: Doesn't Apple have factories in India?

Trevor: I think so

Alex: Apple should be fine without China. People may buy more of Apple, if it were not made in China. Communism is evil.

Trevor: we have factories inland but Apple needs growth to not stagnate

Alex: Apple is diversifying.

Trevor: They're going towards services

Alex: Harvesting more wool from their sheep

Trevor: They need to saturate their sheep with endless bills

Alex: haha. I think the cell phone industry competition is dying anyways. It is stagnating. The ban will make new movement.

Trevor: I want Google to succeed and grow in the smartphone industry which they have started to show with their Pixel 3a. They have the potential.

Alex: What cellphones would the global market purchase without Huawei? Samsung?

Trevor: Samsung, Xiaomi could expand, except their Ex Googler leader have left them now. LG sucks they haven't done well in recent years. OnePlus will grow.

Alex: Sony's cell phones have died too. Who is OnePlus with?

Trevor: Except if Trump starts to ban more Chinese industries. Google needs more budget options to continue forth. Their last Q the Pixel 3 sold poorly.

Alex: Pixel 4 is almost more mainstream, but cell phone designs are more distinguished this year. It is not unique.

Trevor: It's a Samsung look alike, but it should have a 90hz screen like the OnePlus 7 Pro

Alex: I expect that the punch hole will not be like the notch. Samsung is not a company to copy this round.

Trevor: The punch hole is pleasing to the eye is more discreet. I don't think Google will risk with a popup camera.

Alex: I don't see punch hole city being built quickly. Notch City is huge.

Trevor: It's only Samsung who does it so you'll need to purchase panels from them. Maybe China has copied them already. Who do you think will rise internationally?

Alex: Internationality should not be dominated by China. China should not be its face.

Trevor: South Korea?

Alex: Them too.

Trevor: Apple? Google?

Alex: South Korea is a little Communist because Samsung and other companies are funded by their government.

Trevor: Is LG?

Alex: Apple & Google are not countries.

Trevor: 5555. They might as well be. They have more power than most countries.

Alex:

Trevor: Tariffs 😞 Do you think Trump will get any trade deals?

Alex: I don't know if this statement is true. "South Korea is a little Communist because Samsung and other companies are funded by their government." I heard it from a HTC person.

Trevor: I don't know either. I mean Obama's funded some car companies don't mean we are Communist.

Alex: Someone who worked there. He said Samsung was dominating Taiwan because it was helped by the government.

Trevor: Yeah I have no clue

Alex: Maybe it is a socialist practice

Trevor: Yeah socialist is more probable

Alex: Socialism leads to Communism.

Trevor: Yeah. Obama's idea of Federal funded health care was socialist

Alex: Yep. Samsung killed HTC. It's on its deathbed. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271496/global-market-share-held-by-smartphone-vendors-since-4th-quarter-2009/

Trevor: HTC didn't innovate after some higher-ups left; even though, their slogan was quiet brilliant. OnePlus is probably categorized as Oppo, since they're under them.

Alex: Sony died in 2012.

Trevor: Nokia died in 2011.

Alex: HTC died then too.

Trevor: Yeah that's when some of the leading designers left

Alex: Before 2011 was the hay day.

Trevor: Scott Scroyle went on to form Next bit which was bought by Razer and since he has moved on. I remember 2010 was a year of phones before I left on my mission. He left in 2014 i guess. Blackberry is still popular in some part of Canada/US. They died in 2010. RIM-BB. Samsung really sold the most Q4 2018

Alex: How do you think we will transition to Fuchsia OS? 

Trevor: Probably in a couple years. It will probably first be on Pixelbooks and Smart-home devices

Alex: hm

Trevor: Phones I think will be adopting it later since Android is so predominant https://9to5google.com/2019/05/09/what-is-google-fuchsia/

pocketnow.com/huawei-defends-apple-against-possible-ban

www.androidauthority.com/ungoogled-refurbished-smartphones-986985/

Christ's Parable about Suffering

Studying Matthew chapter 13, I thought that the following parable relates to suffering: 

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 24-30)

Why does the steward not remove opposition? It is because it would destroy the product of his field. His field would be more fruitful if he waits until the harvest to sort out the enemy's seeds in the end.

Characteristics of a Disciple

What is a disciple? a follower of Jesus Christ

• Jesus comes first before friends and family.
• Serve others before yourself.
• Humble & Modest   
• Seek no glory. Glory be to God.   

Why? To get to heaven.   

Obedience: Habits or rituals?

Live the commandments with purpose.   

What are the reasons that you are obedient to each commandment?   

Bonus:

Life is streamed live before the Heavens, and God can only edit it by your repentance & faith.

For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. (D&C 128)

Institute: Marriage (edited notes)

Marriage   

The marvel is eternity.  Man can be married for time and all eternity.

The congregation called Shakers reject marriage. Parley Pratt was sent to preach to them.

We teach the following about marriage:

Marriage is ordained of God, a partnership with God to raise his children. A student shared that his parents changed their habits of competing ideas, which may have contributed to his troubled nature; however, they united by practicing the following pattern: discuss, decide, & a confirm by revelation and prayer.

Eternal progression is a sole blessing of exaltation. All other glories have a limit to their progress, a damnation of sorts. Earth is created to be full, enlarging the human family.

The Doctrine of Mortal Suffering: Part 4

This talk on suffering by Francine R. Bennion is longer than expected. She questions general assumptions, making the following statement.

"If we believe suffering shouldn’t exist, but it does; or suffering is God’s way of testing and teaching, but what can a wailing infant be proving or learning; or prayer should cure the problem, but it hasn’t—then it is not only the suffering that troubles us but also the great cracks in a universe that should make sense but doesn’t." (A Latter-day Saint Theology of Suffering: Francine R. Bennion)

Is suffering only an aspect of mortality? When I read this, I made the following simple note: Don't ignore consequences. There are consequences to all decisions. Some have good results, and some have bad results. Most people would think enduring negative consequences is suffering. Negative consequences rarely affect one person; even, personal issues affect others. If this is the case, how can existence in Telestial, Terrestrial, or Celestial Kingdoms be absent of suffering? Telestial & Terrestrial Kingdoms are definitely full of imperfect immortal people, and the Celestial Kingdom is full of perfect immortal people; however, some Celestial beings are part of the marriage covenant, enabling them to have children. Will all of the children of God be perfect? No. It is a common Christian belief that one third of all of God's children chose to follow Satan. Spirit children before mortality exercise agency. How much anguish did God suffer at the loss of one third of his children? It must be tremendous. I expect that God feels a lot if not all that we go through by empathy. This empathy and suffering does not destroy all happiness and joy.

The Doctrine of Mortal Suffering: Part 3

Continuing my study of suffering, I have learned that a universal answer to suffering is important because it reflects on our understanding of and relationship with God. Some perceptions of Him that are brought up in the talk are depressing and false. The following are examples:

- Thirty-five years ago, one of my schoolteachers would not take medical help for a lump in her thigh because “God had given it to her.” 
- In Relief Society one Sunday last year, a class member told us we shouldn’t concern ourselves with events in the newspaper because God is planning destruction before the Millennium anyway, and all we should concern ourselves with is our own righteousness and that of our children, and then we’ll be all right. 
- A few years ago, one young woman’s confusion about God and suffering was central to her anguish and paralysis in the face of repeated violence: “I don’t know what it is God’s trying to teach me with my husband’s temper.” (A Latter-day Saint Theology of Suffering: Francine R. Bennion)

God does not delight in our suffering and misery unlike Satan. Heavenly Father desires man to have freedom, stability, peace, and prosperity; teaching them the way to achieve such a life. Man has their agency, and God granted them this gift, which he rarely intervenes. Earth is man's stewardship. Satan seeks to make mortality as miserable as possible, designing destruction. 

People of Diversity are chosen of God.

Last night I started to read the chapters for "Come, follow me," and I realized that one of Christ's original disciples was a Canaanite. 

"In the case of Matt. 10:4 and Mark 3:18, which refer to Simon, one of the Twelve, the word should be Cananean rather than Canaanite; it has reference to his political attachments rather than his lineage or geographical point of origin. Simon is also called a Zelote in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13, Zelote probably having reference to the Zealots founded by Judas of Gamala, which sect was called the Cananeans, and who openly opposed the census of Cyrenius. In other instances, Canaanite refers to land of origin or lineage through Canaan, son of Ham, as in Gen. 10:6–19; 12:5–6; and Abr. 1:21." (Bible Dictionary, Canaanite)

Nevermind, Simon's lineage is not of the Cananeans; however, Christ's apostles come from very diverse backgrounds. Jesus Christ ordaining of these people should help them feel embraced. People of many different cultures should feel comfortable in the church of Jesus Christ.

The Year-round Transportation, a Cycling's Advantage over Motorcycling

Last Saturday, I asked a motocyclist coworker about riding in the snow. He explained that bicyclist have an advantage in snow cycling because bicycling is an aerobic exercise; therefore, the body generates heat. Motorcyclists do not generate heat by physical exertion; therefore, they would feel the pain of the freezing climate. Motorcycling doesn't seem to be a year round means of transportation while I have found that it is at least in my residence of Portland, OR. I don't advise cycling on ice.

Looking for 50 GB Free & Affordable Cloud Storage

At work I had thoughts to back up the data of my external hard drive to cloud storage. Looking online, I found that Degoo gives 100 GB for free, but I could not transfer my files through my USB cable to my iPad. Degoo only allows people use their service if they use their app, or pay to use their service; lastly, a computer program is provided, if they invite ten people to use the service. That would be simple, but I did not want to deal with it. 

Apple only allows their users to transfer photos over USB. I think that Apple only allows that because they have an odd scheme. They have a "service," gathering individuals' photos. Apple syncs all the photos among devices. I think that this service is unnecessary. The scheme incentivizes people to pay for Apple cloud storage and phones with higher memory. They also make it difficult to delete individual photos. One practicely has to delete one at a time. Many dumb things like this makes Apple ridiculous. They have many little things that make their ecosystem difficult to get out of. This syncing of photos among Apple devices encourages people to upgrade to a more expensive device and subscribe to cloud storage.

Another cloud storage company that I considered is MEGA. They give additional storage space, if an individual is loyal to other products available. Their offer was satisfying my need, but a footnote soured it. The additional storage was a limited time offer, which is 180 days. 

I was looking for 50 GB, and I have been using OneDrive for sometime. Checking out Microsoft's offer, I found exactly what I was looking for, but their service cost 2 dollars a month.

This slowed down my day a lot, but I know that my data and files will be safe.

The Doctrine of Mortal Suffering: Part 2

7 March 2019

Today I studied more about suffering. Francine R. Bennion, the professor, taught that a quality of theology and religion is that it needs to answer questions universally. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints still doesn't have an official doctrinal answer to suffering; although, this speech was given one hundred years ago.

"There is no single theology of suffering in our church, one framework uniform in all respects in the minds of all leaders and all other members. Though we may share the same scripture, the same revelation, prophets, and belief that God and Christ are real, we have various frameworks for putting them together and for seeing suffering, either our own or someone else’s. One person thinks God sends suffering to teach us or to test us. Another thinks God or Satan can affect only our response to the suffering, and some think it is Satan who is causing the suffering. Others think there should be no suffering at all if we are righteous and certainly no misunderstanding at all about why it is happening. These are only a few of the varieties of LDS belief about the origins of suffering, and however contradictory they be, each can be supported by fragments of scripture."

I have not finished reading the talk, but the quote above offers some answers.

I will expound on these thoughts below.

"One person thinks God sends suffering to teach us or to test us."

Mortal life is hard, and the general term suffering can mean very different things for each of us. Difficult experiences vary for everyone. Many people rely on the school of hard knocks, learning from their mistakes. "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church." (Doctrine & Covenants 100:15) Who will walk uprightly before God? Who will trust God despite hardships, remaining faithful? This belief is a generic belief applicable to many mortal situations, but it may not be satisfactory to all.

"Another thinks God or Satan can affect only our response to the suffering, and some think it is Satan who is causing the suffering."

Each person's suffering can bitter or humble man, and both God and Satan will send their spirit to prompt them according to their influences. One may struggle to choose between the opposite enticing. I don't think that this explains suffering.

"Others think there should be no suffering at all if we are righteous and certainly no misunderstanding at all about why it is happening."

This is a utopia type belief, which I believe only exists in the Terrestrial and Celestial stages of the Earth. This belief is not applicable to our current life in the Telestial stage of the Earth.

Your Divine Nature (Institute notes)

Defend your divine nature.   

Does man's divine potential diminish or exalt God?    

God's ability to guide us in his grace & divine assistance to his nature is glorious.   

Man is changeable, yet the world would have you doubt that, thinking that God is flawed like mortal men.   

Christ had to learn how to figure out mortality too.   

Grace is divine assistance. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. The more influence an individual obtains the more we should seek God's grace to continue to progress.   

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

Divine Potential verses

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?  (John 10:32-34)

Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.   

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:16-17)

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.   

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 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. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Temple covenants maximizes man's potential  

Bonus thoughts

Temple ordinances guides us to our Savior.   

How can I do more?   

D&C 124:37-42   

Mountains were temples.   

Reveal ordinances   

sacred place for their administration   

Reveal that which was lost   

The original endowment took all day.   

Bonus thoughts 1

My work is to enable my wife to express her divine nature.   

Deep sweetness. Purity in charity.  

Bonus thoughts 2

unique uses of the 13 articles of faith

• A tool for missionary work
• guide to study the gospel   
• a tool for evaluating testimony   
• a witness of the restoration  

The Doctrine of Mortal Suffering: Part 1

Listening to the Mormon Channel Talk Radio this morning, I was introduced to an inspired woman's speech, which I started reading. The woman is Francine R. Bennion, and she was a professor, addressing the doctrine of mortal suffering. 

I was unable to pin down an edifying insight, so I decided to read it. The document exposes that there are contradiction or opposition in all things even scriptures, citing several. Thinking about it, I see contradiction or opposition in all things may be a doctrine. Prophets say that all things testify of God as an athiest say that all thing testify against God. Man's scientic theories have a lot of  studies backing them, yet it does not testify of God. Lehi speaks of opposition in all things, but what about contradiction in all things? Contradiction does not mean that their are falsehoods in God or science. Science is based on theories; although, the theories are based on evidence. It does not mean that they are completely true. God's gospel is true, yet the Earth is created with opposition and contradiction. 

Man needs to endure opposition in all things to understand happiness, peace, and joy. They cannot be understood; unless, man experiences sadness, dispair, and misery. The radio discussion said that fruits of suffering gives man empathy to understand each other and God, coming close to them. There was more to the podcast, but I don't know what more to write about it. I will most likely write more as I continue my study of the sermon.

God is just.

One scripture impressed me a couple days ago. It is Alma 6:13.

"For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God."

The Book of Mormon is so plain, teaching that God does not deny the agency of man to maintain temporal justice. If people make bad choices, it reflects on them. God's justice is not served immediately, and life is not fair in many temporal situations; however, God is just. Be faithful to him, and he will fulfill his promises unto you.

This is faith to live by your spiritual knowledge, assurances, and revelation.

I started reading Matthew chapter 8 per the schedule of "Come, follow me." If God were living on Earth, would you ask him to bless one of your loved ones? I think that this would be as natural as prayer. The following story impressed me: 

"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." (Matthew 8:5-13)

The centurion knew Christ can heal his servant, and he asked him to do so. The miracle would not have happened, if he had not asked. This is faith to live by your spiritual knowledge, assurances, and revelation. 

I tend to write a lot about this because an accounting teacher taught what faith really is. Faith is so abstract according to the general understanding of society that the teacher's explanation of the true understanding was enlightening. Faith is a principle to live by; not a general belief. We live it by trusting in the word and revelation that God gives man. I trusted that he would provide for me, so I worked at it to let him provide my current life situation including my career and family. That is one example of practicing faith.

The Sermon on the Mount: My CTR 5 Lesson

The following four precepts were the lesson topics: Golden Rule, Your Treasure is where your Heart is, Prayer, and Wise man & Foolish man. I was planning to bring a box of my treasures, but I forgot the box at home. I almost ditched that part of the lesson, but I thought to draw a treasure chest on the black board to have a good discussion. The children were impressed by my drawing. 

I told the children a story that the person, who sealed my wife and I, shared at my wedding. He said that after buying land he learned that a gigantic rock made excavation difficult. Consulting architects, he had them design his house with the rock as the foundation. The property was in California. When the 1989 earthquake came, all of the houses around fell apart except his, since his house had a rock foundation. I asked a child about what the rock represents, and he said that it is the courage to be righteous.

The treasures in my box were the following: a stone from Delta Stone products, a fabric elephant keychain, miniature art mannequin, a wooden box from Jamaica, a ceramic pot, and an appointment paper from my sealing. I felt a little emotional, telling Jessica about my treasures. The stone from Delta Stone Products represents that I treasure God's guidance in my education and career. The fabric elephant is from Thailand representing my treasure of family. The miniature art mannequin represents my talent, hobbies, childhood, and upbringing; which I treasure. The wood carven Jamaican box represents my missionary service. The ceramic pot was made by a high school friend expressing my friends are a treasure of mine. The appointment paper represents the  treasure of my marriage. Health is another treasure, but I could not think of a good item to represent it. Hints of my treasures are all over my apartment. 

The True Application of Faith

I finished reading Alma 58 this morning. Chapter 58 of Alma in the Book of Mormon is a great chapter to learn the true application of faith.

Helamen and his troops were not supported well by their nation due to pride. They were far from the safe capitol. Not being informed of the situation, they had to fend for themselves. Their small army feared the numerous armies of the Lamanites. 

"Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him. And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty." (Alma 58:10-12)

Helamen and his armies now had knowledge and an assurance that their endeavors will succeed. This is faith. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (JST, Hebrews 11:1) Assurance comes from revelation. Trust in your faith, and continually cultivate it to maintain  the fruits of hope. Read the whole chapter for full context.

Prioritizing Heavenly Things Over Vain Things

The following verses Matthew chapter six impressed principles of prioritizing Heavenly things over vain things:

Twenty-two

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."

One can obtain the glory of God, if the individual seeks unity. He said himself; "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Sharing his glory is his desire. He wants us to join him in eternal life.

Twenty-four

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

A principle of human relations requires a choice. Choose to be good or bad. One can't choose both. An individual will truly be faithful to one.

Twenty-five (Joseph Smith Translation)

"And, again, I say unto you, Go ye into the world, and care not for the world; for the world will hate you, and will persecute you, and will turn you out of their synagogues."

Don't worry about what people say, if they are presecuting you for Christ's sake. One may lose their worldly station, but they are securing their station in Heaven.

Twenty-seven (Joseph Smith Translation)

"And your heavenly Father will provide for you, whatsoever things ye need for food, what ye shall eat; and for raiment, what ye shall wear or put on."

God will provide. Serve him with your might. Don't seek for temporary needs, for God provides graciously for his servants. Focus on the Heavenly treasures of temple and family history work, missionary work, service and humanitarian work, & so forth.

Trials & Redemption (Unedited Institute Notes)

Have you ever felt:   

misunderstood   
no hope   
betrayed   
really sad   
lose of loved ones   
alone   
   
the atonement   
comfort, empower,    
You can turn to Christ in all things.   
   
Stirring   
Thomas Marsh   
President of the Quorum of the Twelve   
Joseph Smith sent many of the twelve on missions   
   
discontentment   
apostasy - new prophet   
D&C 112 revelation for Thomas Marsh   
10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.   
11 I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.   
12 And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Admonish them sharply for my name’s sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful before me unto my name.   
   
15 Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant Joseph; for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come.   
16 Verily I say unto you, my servant Thomas, thou art the man whom I have chosen to hold the keys of my kingdom, as pertaining to the Twelve, abroad among all nations   
   
Don't worry about other peoples' stewardship.   
   
Doubt cause us to inch away.   
   
Testimony of the Prophet   
confirmation with polyngomy   
personal revelation is vital.   
   
Liberty Jail   
False accusations by apostate members.   
four months   
   
D&C 121:1-6   
1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?   
2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?   
3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?   
4 O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.   
5 Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.   
6 Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.   
   
Where art thou?   
Why can't I understand you?   
How long do I have to suffer?   
   
Took a year to recover from a round of chemo because she doesn't have the enzyme to metabolize the chemotherapy   
grant me patience and I need it now.   
   
Endure well   
become bitter or better   
Right perspective   
   
Outward controllable   
inward overwhelming   
   
D&C 122   
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.   
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?   
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.   
   
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass.    
Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,    
fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.   
God knows everything about us, having a plan.   
   
Shake off the dust   
the dust of life's experience   
   
Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.   
   
Liberty, a prison temple?   
a place of learning.   
spiritual   
revelatory   
experience   
   
You can have sacred more revelatory experiences in any situation good and bad,   
Every experience can be redemptive   
God can turn any prison into a temple.   
   
Alvin Smith   
His mother described him as "a youth of singular goodness of disposition," whose "nobleness and generosity" blessed those around him "every hour of his existence."   
When Alvin died, the family asked a Presbyterian minister in Palmyra, New York, to officiate at his funeral. As Alvin had not been a member of the minister’s congregation, the clergyman asserted in his sermon that Alvin could not be saved. William Smith, Joseph’s younger brother, recalled: “[The minister] … intimated very strongly that [Alvin] had gone to hell, for Alvin was not a church member, but he was a good boy and my father did not like it.”   
   
D&C   
Section 137   
A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, January 21, 1836. The occasion was the administration of ordinances in preparation for the dedication of the temple.   
1–6, The Prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom; 7–9, The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed; 10, All children are saved in the celestial kingdom   
   
1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.   
2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;   
3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.   
4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.   
5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;   
6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins   
7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;   
8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;   
9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.   
10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.   
   
Mother & Father was not dead during the time of the vision.   
   
Salvation is determined by the desires of men.   
Justice & mercy is truly balanced perfectly.   
   
1840   
Baptism for the dead was first revealed in a funeral that Joseph Smith spoke at.   
The saints were excited in the introduction, practicing it without order.   
D&C 124 formalizes Baptism for the dead.   
   
D&C 127:5-7; 128:8   
proper recording with ordinance performance by the one holding the priesthood authority   
D&C 128:6-7   
records are part of book used at judgment day   
D&C 128:15, 17-18   
   
   
M Russell Ballard   
Responsibility given to a child   
Two years later, Joseph F., along with his family and faithful mother, Mary Fielding Smith, left his home in Nauvoo for Winter Quarters. Although not yet eight years old, Joseph F. was required to drive one of the oxteams from Montrose, Iowa, to Winter Quarters and then later on to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving when he was almost 10. I hope you boys and young men are listening and will realize the responsibility and expectation placed on Joseph F. during his boyhood.   
   
He endured a lot of death in his life; losing his father, mother, & daughter.   
That year was particularly painful for him. He grieved over the death toll in the Great World War that continued to climb to over 20 million people killed. Additionally, a flu pandemic was spreading around the world, taking the lives of as many as 100 million people.   
   
& many other family members   
   
And so it was on October 3, 1918, having experienced intense sorrow over the millions who had died in the world through war and disease as well as the deaths of his own family members, President Smith received the heavenly revelation known as “the vision of the redemption of the dead.”   
   
Read section 138 of Doctrine and Covenants with this introduction.

Your Treasure is Where Your Heart is.

Today I started noting how to focus on Heavenly things, for your treasure is where your heart is. This was inspired by the 'Come, follow me' curriculum. Seek after Heavenly things because they will never perish. The following are my thoughts and notes:

Don't seek the pursuits of pride.

- glory of men

I almost considered writing about the many pursuits of pride, but the term "glory of men" from Jesus Christ sums it up simply. If one find seeking the "glory of men" in their desires, the individual should evaluate their ambitions.

Don't talk or make visual presentations about your works.

- Alms and miracles 

Don't talk about your spiritual work. Let it talk for itself. Don't talk about the miracles in your life casually or regularly. Keep all of these things sacred. Treasure them secretly in prayer, and God will openly reward the faithful saints.

Your Treasure is Where Your Heart is.

Today I started noting how to focus on Heavenly things, for your treasure is where your heart is. Seek after Heavenly things because they will never perish. The following are my thoughts and notes:

Don't seek the pursuits of pride.

- glory of men

I almost considered writing about the many pursuits of pride, but the term "glory of men" from Jesus Christ sums it up simply. If one find seeking the "glory of men" in their desires, the individual should evaluate their ambitions.

Don't talk or make visual presentations about your works.

- Alms and miracles 

don't talk about your spiritual work. Let it talk for itself. Don't talk about the miracles in your life casually or regularly. Keep all of these things sacred. Treasure them secretly in prayer, and God will openly reward the faithful saints openly.

The Standards of Taking Care of a Cat

The job was simple. I fed them a couple hours late, but everything went late today. Taking care of cats is simple. The standards of taking care of a cat by our instruction are the following:

- give 1/6 cup of food twice a day

- serve clean drinking water once a day

- a clean the litter box; guessing twice a day

- Jessica threw out the cat litter yesterday. She said to do that twice a week; I believe.

The opposite is actually true.

'The phrase “I never knew you” in Matthew 7:23 was changed in the Joseph Smith Translation to “Ye never knew me” (Matthew 7:23, footnote a).' (Come, follow me) [Questions are from the same section.]

How does this change help you better understand what the Lord taught in verses 21–22 about doing His will? 

A doctrinal change is given, for the King James Translation says that Jesus Christ only knows the people, who are faithful to the gospel; however, it is the opposite. Only people, who are faithful to the gospel, truly know Jesus Christ.

How well do you feel you know the Lord? 

I think that I know him well. I read Jesus the Christ by Elder Talmage and the New Testament to learn of his life.

What can you do to know Him better?

I can learn of him more by practicing his attributes; then, I can learn of his thought patterns.

Learning from the example of the Lord's Prayer

Family Home Evening included watching videos of the Sermon on the Mount and discussing it. I learned from the Lord's Prayer that his example shows that man should express humility to God, seeking his will. Jesus Christ has also expressed that gratitude is appreciated in the story of the Ten Lepers' healing. 

I was reminded of D&C 59:21 "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." I would like to bear unto you my witness that my life would be meaningless without Heavenly Father, and his plan of Happiness. My efforts have not brought me to my station in life, but I trust that God will provide for me. His grace has blessed my best effort, and I express gratitude in this wise often.

Asking a retired sports columnist about writing side job opportunities.

I engaged in a couple new friendships in my temple service last Saturday; one, a service missionary, and the other, a retired sports columnist. I asked the columnist about writing side job opportunities. He said that newspaper companies don't have the staff to cover all of the events that they desire, and that correspondence writing is an opportunity. I may have used the wrong terminology. One would go to events, and write an article about it. My life is so busy that it would be hard to fit it in. I would have to network with newspaper companies to figure out this opportunity.

It is okay if you don't feel the spirit emotionally regularly.

During Sacrament meeting a mother talked about her experience with the Holy Ghost. Many people feel the spirit emotionally. She is not one of them. I am the same way. I sympathize with her, feeling disfunctional. Her talk cited an apostle recently stating that it is okay to not feel the spirit regularly. Everyone has a different relationship with God the Father. I wrote that I understand the mind receives promptings from good and bad sources. Fundamentally we have one's spirit, the light of Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The bad side has the natural man and Satan. My good thoughts come from the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. This is how I recognize the Holy Ghost in my life. There are different personality such as: abstract artistic thinkers, analytical thinkers, logic oriented people, and emotional empathetic people. The Holy Ghost works with the thought orientation of all man, and he does not work the same way with everyone.

Raising Stripling Warriors

This morning I finished reading the chapter of Alma 56, introducing the stripling warriors. I wrote that we need to treat the raising generation as stripling warriors because they have the faith to turn the tides of war. Completing the chapter, I learned how stripling warriors were treated as they grew up.

I believe that their valience comes from the faith in God implanted in them by the teaching of their parents. 

And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the strongest army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous...And it came to pass that we did flee before them, northward. And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of the Lamanites;... And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not overtake us, neither did Antipus overtake them; therefore we did camp for the night... And it came to pass that again, when the light of the morning came we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them. But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far before they halted; and it was in the morning of the third day of the seventh month. 
And now, whether they were overtaken by Antipus we knew not, but I said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have halted for the purpose that we should come against them, that they might catch us in their snare; Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle? And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites. 
For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus. Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it... 
But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war. (Alma 56:34, 36, 38, 41-48, & 56)

The sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi people believed that God would divinely protect them; insomuch-that, none of them would die. There were only two thousand of them, and they did not fear the largest and strongest army of the Lamanites; although, none were trained in combat. How could this be true?

The key is faith in Jesus Christ, and the youth obtained it through the teaching of their parents. 

Faith is based on the word of God and revelation. The stripling warriors did not just make up the belief that God would protect them. I believe that the Anti-Nephi-Lehi people fasted and prayed for the preservation of their children's lives, and God granted according to their desires by revelation.

This type of faith is a higher level of faith than the regular standards of belief. The temple recommend interview has many questions similar to the baptismal interview. These questions are the standards of faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each question requires revelations; however, God designed that when an individual learns the truth fulness of the Book of Mormon that all of the questions are affirmed. If God told an individual something, the individual should act based on that knowledge. This is faith. Faith is not a blind belief because people receive revelation and knowledge of God. Faith is also known as an assurance.

One must trust the assurances that an individual is given. Faith weavers in doubt.

The stripling warriors trusted God's word that he would protect them. They would have died, if they doubted. We need to trust in our revelations today, for doubt will destroy faith, knowledge, and revelation, if we don't continually remember them. The stripling warriors would not have this higher level of faith, if they were not raised by stalwart parents in the gospel, teaching of faith in Christ. 

What is the sacrament?

I was studying the law of Moses, relating it to the higher law given in the sermon on the mount, but Christ spoke so simply that I didn't think writing notes were necessary.

The following notes are from Sacrament meeting last Sunday, for I heard Ben a former student of mine ask her mother...:

What is the sacrament?   

I imagined teaching my child during the sacrament, saying the following.

Look. The bread represents the flesh of Jesus Christ. It is broken. The flesh of God is broken because all men will die, but Jesus has power over death. When he died, he resurrected, returning to the presence of Heavenly Father.   

Look. The water represents the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed, when he was doing the atonement. The atonement of Christ allows God to forgiven, heal, and comfort man.    

Partaking of the bread and water is an ordinance that renews my promises with God.

The Little Sons of Helamen

Reading the Book of Mormon this morning, I was impressed by the description of the stripling warriors. Helaman called them "little sons." (Alma 56:30) I imagine the Aaronic Priesthood age youth. Art typically depicts them as strong and "large in stature." 

The Kingdom of God's youth are mighty enough to turn the tides of war. The youth are the hope of the future, and all of them truly can have the faith to come home alive from the war as all of the sons of Helamen did. Let us believe that our youth have the faith of Christ to withstand Satan's attacks, and treat them as  such.

Easing the wear on a Hamilton Beach bread machine

Baking 2 pound loaves of wheat bread, I finally discovered a way after years of using a bread machine to ease the wear of its operation. It typically skips gears, making loud noices, because the dough is thick and rough on the kneading appendage. I learned to put the last half cup of wheat flour after its mixing the first four cups of wheat flour with ease about five minutes into its routine.

What is the covenant of salt?

I am working on a scripture study activity over a couple days, but I have a simple precept to write about.

I learned about the covenant of salt, which I never was taught about before. It is very symbolic, yet is very real too. It is mentioned in the following verse:

"All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee." (Numbers 18:19)

In the Old Testament we hear of prophets, numbering the minimum amount of saints required to preserve a nation from destruction. This is a tangible fruit of the covenant of salt. Abraham is known for negotiating with God about how many people were required to save Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18.

"Salt has long been used to preserve, flavor, and purify... When salt loses its savor, it becomes ineffective, or “good for nothing” (Matthew 5:13). This happens when it is mixed with or contaminated by other elements. As disciples of Christ, we keep our “savor” by avoiding spiritual contamination from the world. This allows us to fulfill our preserving and purifying work as the salt of the earth—for example, through sharing the gospel and being an influence for good in the world (see D&C 103:9–10)." (Come, follow me)

The benefits of salt are a reflection of God's promises to preserving and purifying his covenant people. Salt pulling out flavor could represent the joy of the gospel. We truly have to work at the gospel to pull the joys of life to our taste. The gospel is not easy, but it is easier on man than life in the corrupt world.

One can be depressed and valiant at the same time.

"Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind. And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy." (Alma 56:16-17)

Depressed people contend against an enemy day and night, facing a hopeless situation. They fear for their lives. This is a physical situation for the Nephite in these verses, but a spiritual war is depressing people daily.

One interesting thing, which is revealed in these verses, is that people can be depressed and be valiant in the fight for our lives.

Another great thing is that faith in Christ fulfills all that one can hope for. The sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi people were a great example of faith in Jesus Christ. They trusted in their lives so much to the Lord that all of them returned home from the war. We can share the burden of the depressed, relieving them of their fear. Although it is temperary, they will be comforted, feeling your love. The Nephites found much joy and hope in the stripling warriors. We can be stripling warriors in the spiritual war of today.