Helaman has already touched on one of these signs.

I was flipping through the pages of my newly acquired book and glancing at the various signs that Brother Ridges covered when I was a bit startled to see that, according to Brother Ridges, number 27 has been fulfilled.

27. The Sun Will Be Darkened and the Moon Will Become as Blood

This is a very popular sign that was first introduced to the world by the prophet Joel:

Here is Brother Ridges’ explanation for why he has categorized this prophecy as having been fulfilled:

In the Saturday morning session of the October 2001 General Conference, “President Gordon B. Hinckley said something that changed my mind on this prophecy (he had previously thought it wise to leave this prophecy undefined). He revealed to us (bold added for emphasis):”

The era in which we live is the fullness of times spoken of in the scriptures, when God has brought together all of the elements of previous dispensations. From the day that He and His Beloved Son manifested themselves to     the boy Joseph, there has been a tremendous cascade of enlightenment poured out upon the world. The hearts of men have turned to their fathers in fulfillment of the words of Malachi. The vision of Joel has been fulfilled wherein he declared:

28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call”

(Joel 2:28–32).

However, he does mention that it is feasible that President Hinckley was referring to a part of the mentioned verses as being fulfilled, but not all. If that was the case, then why mention verses 31-32 after he just boldly stated that these words of Joel were fulfilled? I assume that it is possible that the latter explanation could be correct, but it does not seem plausible.

There remains a third explanation as well.

The scriptures, especially the Bible, are full of symbols. Is it possible that this well-known sign of the times could refer to concepts rather than objects? Oftentimes the sun is used to symbolize the celestial glory, while the moon is used to symbolize terrestrial glory (see D&C 76:75). Using this as a possibility, Brother Ridges suggests that the phrase the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood could symbolize “that the vast majority of the inhabitants of the earth will cease to live according to either celestial or terrestrial law.”

But then again, it could very well refer to some sort of physical change to both the sun and the moon.

What are your thoughts?

Respect Others

I was cooking dinner the other night, and I decided to listen to the Mormon Channel to try and recoup the spirit in our house. At the time, it was a talk portion called “Standing Up” and this episode was on “civility”. As the show progressed, I thought it might make for a good Topical Guide installment. While I didn’t find “civility” in the topical guide, I did fine the next best thing, “respect”.

I didn’t get to catch the entire show, but it started out by talking about what things have gone missing [in some] in our daily lives. Specifically speaking about what “reality tv” shows are presenting to those watching. They spoke about the anger and backbiting, and other awful behavior they present as everyday life.

Recently, we’ve had to move to the Salt Lake valley – in that move we picked up a broader cable package because there was a deal – but it’s been less then a blessing. There’s too many channels and a lot of them are just garbage, at any rate it’s left me with a lot of flipping around and no shortage of reality shows on. The promotion of disrespect is painfully oblivious, and makes me sick. They group people who will have issues, and then pray on these issues to create the conflict. I’m not actually sure why people need to watch others conflict when I’m sure they have their own, or is there something deeper that needs to be quenched by all the fighting and disrespect? Alright, enough of that diatribe – let’s move on…

I am in love with using an online edition of a very specific dictionary, it puts things in better perspective when it comes to the scriptures, and this countries greatest document the Constitution. It is the 1828 Noah Websters dictionary. But I wanted to look up both words, civility and respect to see what they mean at that time period.

CIVILITY, n.

1. The state of being civilized; refinement of manners; applied to nations; as distinguished from the rudeness of barbarous nations.

2. Good breeding; politeness; complaisance; courtesy; decorum of behavior in the treatment of others, accompanied with kind offices, and attention to their wants and desires. Civility respects manners or external deportment, and in the plural, civilities denote acts of politeness.

RESPECT’, v.t. [L. respecto, or respectus, from respicio; re and specio, to view.]

1. To regard; to have regard to in design or purpose.

In orchards and gardens, we do not so much respect beauty, as variety of ground for fruits, trees and herbs.

2. To have regard to, in relation or connection; to relate to. The treaty particularly respects our commerce.

3. To view or consider with some degree of reverence; to esteem as possessed of real worth.

I always loved and respected Sir William.

4. To look towards.

Palladius adviseth the front of his house should so respect the south. [Not in use.]

To respect the person, to suffer the opinion or judgment to be influenced or biased by a regard to the outward circumstances of a person, to the prejudice of right and equity.

Thou shalt not respect the person of the poor. Lev. 19.

Neither doth God respect any person. 2Sam. 14.

I also want to mention another aspect of respect, this is personal respect. The trend, and this goes beyond my meager  life – but it seems progressionary. People have been loosing respect for themselves and it’s getting worse every year.

I have to say, my kids are pretty neat – at their ages they already understand modesty. So it’s rather annoying when we go out shopping all the filth they are witness too. The half naked women, the swearing, etc that people are so proudly displaying as if a badge of honor. We try to teach our kids that going outside the house we are to look respectable and that we use proper language. Now I don’t know everyone’s circumstances but in my mind it’s merely a choice, nothing else on how they behave, or dress. Skimpy clothes do not cost less then modest clothes and choosing what to say is free.

I guess my question, or better yet my reasoning behind talking about respect and civility is that I’ve noticed a big lack of it, and yes Im guilty of it too – but I want to be better then that. I believe to some degree, some of our current social ailments are attributable to the definite lack of respect and civility.

So let’s see what kind of difference we can make by adding some extra respect and civility to our lives.

The Eternal Family Through Christ by Judith Mehr

I know, I know – it’s been awhile. I have no excuses really – though I have been busy, though lately I’ve been the opposite of busy – I’ve actually had nothing to do since the end of May (workforce reduction).

This past Sunday, my wife had the opportunity to speak being part of a newly installed Primary Presidency, and her topic was the Eternal Family. I thought, what better way to get back in the saddle then with that topic. I mean, I have a family and we’re sealed together and I never really thought much past the topical notion of being sealed for all time and eternity. But what does it mean beyond that?

I’m sure some of us have had that thought, so if I’m sealed to my family and to my parents and so on, in theory isn’t everyone sealed to someone? I know it might be a bit juvinile, and I know that a lot of it gets worked out on the other side of the veil, but it’s been one of those nigglers in the back of mind since I was a kid and I really haven’t found much of an answer for it – but I digress, let’s get back on topic.

So looking up Family, Eternal in the topical guide yeilds a list of scriptures to reference. The one that cought my attention (well really because I had read in it another article) is D&C 138:48.

Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the ^atemples of the Lord in the ^bdispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the ^csealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming.

Which got me wondering about this “earth be smitter with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming”. What exactly is going on here? I don’t remember (and it might be I wasn’t paying attention that day) ever learning about it. But I need to find some answers.

While I don’t have a direct answer, after reading “The Sealing and Binding” [When A Child Wonders by Robert L. Millet] I did start to get an idea of what’s so important here. We’ve all heard the message of Elija concerning “the hearts of the children should turn to their fathers” and vice-a-versa, right – well the curse also comes from Elija. Basically, and please correct me if I’m wrong but I think it’s that these eternal familia bonds are a representation of how a spiritual family works. The plan was laid out, and given to Joseph Smith – explained if you will, and he understood it to mean that if this isn’t done then what was the point and we on earth fail. Did that make sense?

Let me break it down with a little example.

You are stranded on a desert island, all you have with you is the plans to build a house. If you follow the plans and build the house you will have a warm, safe shelter to live in. If you don’t, well you’ll end up dying a horrible death.

So in this example, the plan is the sealing powers. To be an eternal family we have to be sealed, which require those keys and ordinances which enable us to become an eternal family  The house is the eternal family. So if we build a strong home, it will shelter us through thick and thin, keep us warm in our hearts with the love of Christ. And well dying a horrible death is the curse.

Something else to think about,

Every person married in the temple for time and for all eternity has sealed upon him, conditioned upon his faithfulness, all of the blessings of the ancient patriarchs, including the crowning promise and assurance of eternal increase, which means, literally, a posterity as numerous as the dust particles of the earth” (Millennial Messiah, 264).

Granted I haven’t covered all the aspects of the Eternal Family – but I hope I have shed a little light on the subject. I emplore you to study more on the subject by reading some of the pertinant articles found from  searching on LDS.org. There’s always so much to learn, or relearn, or update…

Don't get led astray

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

This post was brought about after reading about a bill that would in essence force people to be charitable, which got me thinking about all the things that Satan has mimicked. By this is I mean all those things that God has given us that are direct gifts from Him. Without further todo, the list.

Priesthood vs Priestcraft

Priesthood – The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth.

Priestcraft - 2 Nephi 26:29, we read: He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts, for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

It seems like a no brainer, right? On the one hand you have an eternal power and authority, this is what created the universe! Then on the other you have people mimicking a power and authority that wasn’t bestowed upon them, and in some cases they will even say they don’t have it nor do they need it to perform miracles.

Charity vs Selfishness

Charity – Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is the love that Christ has for the children of men and that the children of men should have for one another. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul (see 1 Nephi 11:23).

Selfishness – I know this is like the polar opposite here, but think about it. What are some of the root causes of today’s problems? In the Topical Guide we can read that selfishness, also goes with Covetousness, Greed, Lust, and Pride. But these are promoted as good things!

There’s been a round of commercials on lately, I don’t recall the name of them or who’s putting them on, but they’re about couples or families. Basically the premise is they take the phrase “Mine and Yours” and convert it to “Ours”, or the word “Me” and convert it to “We”. Truth is, I know a lot of people who have gotten into a mindset that what’s theirs is theirs and that’s all their is to it. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this is one of the reasons (along with others listed up there) that marriages fail so often – people aren’t willing to be charitable in their relationships.

Love vs Lust

Love - I know, this was mentioned above, but I think it takes a closer look. Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God’s love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Love for God and fellow men is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.

Lust – And what does Satan come up with as a knock-off, lust. Lust can destroy families, where Love promotes families. Lust is dark, and dirty and gives into cravings, where Love is bright and give power to overcome and strengths out of our weaknesses.

I see a trend here. But another reason for the ailments in the world can be chalked up to lust. Lusting for riches, power, reputation, people. If a person was truly a loving person there would be none of that. I’ve always maintained that if a person was truly living a Christ like life, the side-effects would be these attributes listed here. The world wouldn’t be the way it is.

Consecration vs Socialism

Consecration – The United Order exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process both are sanctified. The poor, released from the bondage and humiliating limitations of poverty, are enabled as free men to rise to their full potential, both temporally and spiritually. The rich, by consecration and by imparting of their surplus for the benefit of the poor, not by constraint but willingly as an act of free will, evidence that charity for their fellowmen characterized by Mormon as “the pure love of Christ.” (Moro. 7:47.) [1. Marion G. Romney - Socialism & The United Order 1966]

Socialism - Socialism, wholly materialistic, is founded in the wisdom of men and not of God. Although all socialists may not be atheists, none of them in theory or practice seek the Lord to establish his righteousness.[2. ibid, Marion G. Romney - Socialism & The United Order 1966]

Of course Consecration only works when we are truly living a Christ like life (remember, you gotta have those side-effects!). Socialsm is just a fake way of trying to make it happen, except it really is nothing like it. Being forced into giving up my extra is nothing like loving my fellow man and giving him of my extra. Compassion does not equal compulsion.

I know there’s more of these out there, I’m always thinking to myself “look another imitation” but wouldn’t you know it, my mind has gone blank. So if you have any suggestions, let me know – and I’ll update this post with additional items.

Constitutional Convention

Alright, so I’m going to cheat a little bit here, some may have noticed that “Constitutional” doesn’t exist in the Topical Guide. It’s really more of a stretch verses a cheat. If you look up  the word Constitution in the Topical Guide, you’ll get referred to “Citizenship; Governments”, I chose Governments and ended up with a list of scriptures, one of which used the word constitutional. So you can see how I came to the word I am using.

Over the weekend, there was some discussion, or arguing depending on which side you were on, about what our prophets have said on the matter and what we’re suppose to be doing.

Why this topic stuck in my mind was due to a comment my father in law said that our Constitution was given to all people, not just America. That struck me, because I had never heard that nor ever really thought about it that way.

The verse that gave me constitutional also, I think answers that question. D&C 98:5 states:

5 And that ^alaw of the land which is ^bconstitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

It’s pretty plain, “belongs to all mankind“, but what does that mean to you or I?

I don’t want to go into a huge diatribe about all the ins and outs of this topic, it could be huge – but suffice it to say there are a number of talks given by our prophets on the subject.

But there is something more I want you to glean out of that of that verse and the one that follows it.

6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the ^aconstitutional law of the land;

We should be trying to learn as much as we can about our Constitution, our Government and the laws that are being made daily.

When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations. This is part of the program and as long as we do what is right and fear God He will help us and stand by us under all circumstances. –John Taylor, JD 21:8, August 31, 1879

We have an obligation to learn and teach, and spread the word of this great document. We have been asked by our prophets if we are ready to take up the reigns, and if we are not then we are to be held accountable.

So the question remains, are you ready?

The goals for the week, learn the Constitution, learn about current laws being enacted, learn about our (LDS members) roll in keeping this nation free and what that really means.

Contention

It’s Tuesday again, that means another exciting installment of TOPICAL GUIDE TUESDAY (say it like those monster truck announcers). This week, and maybe this is going to be a continuing thing – but I’ve been thinking about my own issues, and I suffer from this affliction, so let’s talk about it and see if we can come up with something.

Did anyone remember to try and thank the Lord for our blessings from last weeks challenge? I did, and even though I didn’t make it all week, I consciously thanked him a number of times and noticed slight changes in myself. I still need to continue with that, but let’s move on and look at another topic.

I went looking for Contention’s definition but came across a number of them that really didn’t make contention out to be so bad. It was merely arguing or debating. So I went looking for it among the teachings and writings of our modern day prophets.

Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.[1. Ezra Taft Benson - Beware of Pride - Ensign May 1989 p4]

It’s funny, last night my wife and I were discussing Pride, and I had made the comment that Pride is like a root to a number of problems, and look here – I was right. But it’s no laughing matter. In this day and age, there’s a lot of contention. In my life it’s progressively grown into a problem. Concerning politics and religion I’ve gotten to where I will usually avoid the conversation entirely and talk about something else because I can get so passionate.

Elder Russell M. Nelson says this, and remember this is back in 1989,

My concern is that contention is becoming accepted as a way of life. From what we see and hear in the media, the classroom, and the workplace, all are now infected to some degree with contention. How easy it is, yet how wrong it is, to allow habits of contention to pervade matters of spiritual significance, because contention is forbidden by divine decree:

“The Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another.” (2 Ne. 26:32.)[2. Russell M. Nelson, "The Canker of Contention," Ensign, May 1989, 68]

While this may have been written 20 years ago, I think it’s just as pertinent today, probably more so. I see it being completely true – with today’s political and religious climates.

Where is this getting us? How does one deal with what you know to be wrong, when others think something else? How do you not contend, yet still hold your moral high ground?

Luckily, in the same talk he gives an answer.

Yet, mercifully, the anointed pray for those who attack them, knowing the sad fate prophesied for their attackers. (See D&C 121:16–22.)[3. Russell M. Nelson, "The Canker of Contention," Ensign, May 1989, 68]

Alright, maybe not a specific answer, but you can read into that more. My problem is, and I know I do this often is to add that one little quip at the end, I’ll let them go with a “I understand your position” then give it that snide, contentious little “but your wrong” ending that just begs them to continue the debate.

So now comes the question, what can I (we) do about this?

The first suggestion from Elder Nelson, is to “control your tongue, pen, and word processor“, though I think you can replace or add blog, forum, twitter, etc.

Next, “Bridle the passion to speak or write contentiously for personal gain or glory“.

Then “respectfully disagree without being disagreeable“. While I need to work on all aspects of how to over come, I think here’s where I need to work the most.

And the last piece, which ties right back to pride – “Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God“.

So, the challenge this week, for me at least is to try and be a gracious person when it comes to disagreements, debates, or arguments when I don’t subscribe to what others think. I need to add this to my work on thanking the Lord for all my blessings and drop the pride, in all forms.

I hope you will try to make your life better by following the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the words of our Prophets and leaders.

The Opposite of Pride

Today’s Topic – Pride.

Out of the numerous verses listed, I was drawn to the following verse. I think it speaks volumes of our current situations in the world. The surrounding verses enumerate a lot of cause and effects, and “wo unto’s”.

2 Ne. 9: 28 –   “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.”

The “cunning plan”

Sometimes you have to think how easy it is for satan. I mean, he has the advantage. Not only does he know man’s weaknesses, but he knows us individually and our individual weaknesses. A whisper in the ear, a fleeting thought – how fast can one slip? I know for me it can happen in an instance. While I have been counseled in my own blessing to frequent the Temple for this very reason – it’s partly due to this reason I tend to not go as often as I should.

Quick note: I was looking for an image to add to this post, so I went to google and typed in “Pride”, it would seem now that the word pride is now synonmous with homosexuality – how ironic.

Vainness, frailities, foolishness

Why don’t people believe in God? I think you could actually answer that question with each of these words. Vanity or self-idolatry would put one’s self in the place of God – not needing anything else but yourself. Frail or weak, can lead to lead to resentments, covetous – even vanity (think of those who were shamed into going to great and spacious building). Foolishness, I think we could all agree we’ve made a foolish mistake or two – and really what is the motive behind that, could it be…..pride?

They are wise, but will perish

Of course they think they are, if you are proud and vain – you are the smartest man around. You know it all – you have all the answers. So let’s look at today’s world, what are some things that might change if people we’re so prideful?

I don’t want to act as if I’m not guilty of my own pride (whoa, wait – does that mean since I admit to it, I might not have such a problem? lol). I have my own issues with pride that I am striving to overcome. I’m fairly certain everyone does – otherwise, why would it be one of the deadliest of the 7 sins? But really I think a big key to breaking it down – the topic that ModernMolly spoke about – Humility.

So here’s the challenge – try to humble yourself. Even if it’s one little thing, saying thank you to the Lord for helping you pass a test, write a bit of challenging code, making the team, earning enough money to pay for your shoes – anything, then build on it – keep it up. With God, all things are possible – but remember to thank him for making it so!