Enoch's Vision

Today I read Moses 7, this is a truly fascinating chapter that details the vision Enoch is given by the Lord showing him all the generations of the world. This vision is unlike any other that the Lord has shown mankind and includes things that no other man has seen, or at least recorded. To me personally the neatest thing that Enoch is shown, is he actually got to hear the earth itself talk. How amazing would that be? Unfortunately though, from Enoch's vision, the earth is not happy because of the wickedness of mankind. Despite that, I personally think that is the coolest thing, that Enoch got to hear the thoughts of the earth.

The majority of this chapter is taken up by this vision and the wickedness of mankind. This vision also contains perhaps the creepiest thing in all the scriptures too. Enoch sees the earth veiled in darkness caused by a giant chain that Satan is holding and he and his angels are laughing and rejoicing. As creepy as this image is, it seems very true to me. I can't help but think that with all this evil and unrighteousness going on in the world right now, Satan must be extremely happy. Fortunately there are plenty of people, LDS and non-LDS alike that are still trying their best to do what is right. And as long as there are still righteous people in the world, Satan is losing!

As a mortal with finite understanding, it is hard if not impossible to completely understand the things of God. For example, the Lord tells Enoch that if mankind could number the particles that make up this earth and millions of earths just like it, that would not even be a beginning to God's creations. My mind can't even wrap around that concept. I can't even imagine how many earth's there are like that, and our God is of course just one of the Gods out there creating worlds and universes like this. It really blows my mind to even think about it. I think that is why most of the time, the Lord will only tell His prophets about this planet, because our minds cannot handle all the rest.

The other part of this chapter that I find interesting is that once Zion was established, the unrighteous people of the world started trying to fight against it. I do not understand what it is about the righteous that unrighteous people feel the need to destroy. Perhaps it is because the righteous people's lives make a mockery of the unrighteous people's lives, I really don't know. But any time there have been people that worship God in the correct fashion the world has persecuted them and tried to stamp it out. It happened in the meridian of time when Christ established His church among them and it happened when Joseph Smith restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It happened in Adam's time when Enoch established Zion.

However, unlike with Joseph Smith and the early Saints, in Enoch's time, Enoch was so mighty in the Priesthood and his people were so righteous, that the Lord fought their battles for them. When the armies arrayed themselves against Enoch and his people, the Lord moved mountains and changed the course of rivers to protect them and to destroy the wicked so that eventually the wicked got the point, there is no use trying to fight against Zion. It has long been a debate between my dad, my mom and I about this. My dad contends that if America were righteous enough, we would not need a standing army, that the Lord would fight our battles for us and he likes to cite this chapter as his reference. Whereas my mom and I like to point out that the Nephites in the Book of Mormon were commanded to take up arms to defend themselves against their oppressors as were the Israelites before them. Perhaps he is right, but I personally do not think we will ever get that righteous until the millennium and then it won't be needed.

This vision really is quite singular and worth the read if you haven't read it in a long time. The Lord has showed many people many things, but none that are recorded, that we know of, were greater. Moroni tells us that the vision of Mahonri Moriancumer was actually shown more than any other man, but we do not have a record of that vision yet. Perhaps some day we will and then we will see. But for now, there is none greater that we have record of and it is well worth the read as I have said before. I invite you all to read it if you have not done so or if it has been a long time since you last read it. Until tomorrow.

Enoch is Called to Preach the Gospel

Today I read Moses 6 which lists the genealogy of Adam's righteous posterity. It also is the first half of the mission of Enoch, the second half being in chapter 7 of the book of Moses. Enoch is an interesting character to study and the bulk of what we have and know about him in the standard works is here in Moses 6 and 7. He is the first recorded missionary. I'm sure Adam had it, but to my knowledge, he is the first recorded man to hold the sealing power. He is another person I can't wait to meet.

Most of the world think that Abraham is the first person that the Lord revealed His Gospel to because in the Bible that is the way it reads. Or perhaps they think that John the Baptist was the first prophet to baptize by water or maybe Alma the Elder. However, Enoch teaches us that Adam was baptized in the beginning and he preached repentance and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. Adam was taught from the beginning that a Savior would come and that He would atone for the sins of the world. Adam had the fulness of the Gospel that was later taken away from the Israelites because of their sins.

In a way, I find that a comfort to know that there is nothing new and all things were had since the beginning. In fact, and I could be entirely wrong on this point, but I think the only thing new that Christ introduced when He was on the earth that wasn't had in the past was temple work for the dead. I know of no place where it talks about people doing work for the dead before Christ walked on the earth. Everything else in the Gospel was taught to Adam and his posterity.

The Lord has also followed His pattern since the beginning. He called a prophet, Enoch, and purposefully chose the person who was young and as Enoch put it, "despised of all men" because he was slow of speech. Now, we don't know what he meant by slow of speech. Perhaps he had trouble talking because of a speech impediment like Moses. Perhaps Enoch was not good at making grand speeches like the rest of his family was. We don't really know. But it was apparently general knowledge that he was slow of speech, and surprisingly enough he apparently was looked down upon for it. But the Lord does not look upon man as others do as we learn in the Old Testament with David. Perhaps Enoch was more humble than most others because of his impediment and status among his family.

Whatever the reason, we know that Enoch was very effective and was able to convert an entire city but it took over 300 years to do so. It's always interesting to hear people talk about the city of Enoch because inevitably I hear them saying one of two things. Enoch did it so why can't we or it's impossible to replicate what Enoch did. First, it is silly to say the former because as I just pointed it out, it took him over 300 years to do it. The latter is just as silly because others have done it, just not to the scale that Enoch did. Our goal in this life is to become like God and to grow as close to Him as we can. That is what Enoch did. He brought his people to Christ and that is exactly what we should be doing too. Our goal is to become a Zion society and the definition is in the next chapter, having one heart and one mind with no poor among them. Basically it is the second great commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we do that we are growing towards becoming Zion.

We'll talk more tomorrow about Enoch and the incredible vision that he saw as well as discuss more in depth his city that he built, Zion. It should be a lot of fun. Don't you just love history? Until tomorrow.

Adam and Eve have Children

Today I read Moses 5, which is the story mostly of Cain and Abel and the descendants of Cain. This chapter clears up a lot of the misconceptions surrounding Cain and Abel and Adam and Eve. The first part of the chapter is about Adam and Eve and how they rejoice that they had eaten of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They recognized that it had tremendous benefits and that it was a small price to pay, being cast out of the Garden of Eden, for so much in return. It is also in this chapter that we learn from Eve herself that they could not have had children in the Garden.

This chapter also clarifies that Adam and Eve had other children before they had Cain and Abel. It always surprises me to learn that there are Latter-day Saints who believe that Cain was Adam and Eve's first born. Such is not the case, otherwise the first half of Moses 5 is REALLY redundant! We do not know how many children Adam and Eve had before they had Cain, but we know there were several, because Moses tells us that they had already begun pairing off two by two and having more children before Cain came around. It tells us later in the chapter that Cain took one of his nieces to wife and that could only happen if there were nieces around his age already available.

I have always loved this chapter because of the insight we get into their lives at this time. They all seem so casual in their relationships with God and Satan. When Cain kills Abel and gives his offering to God, he has an entire conversation with God, not just a prayer but has an honest to goodness conversation with Him. And we learn that Satan was actually physically there with the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. It is also important to note, that per verse 13, even the people who chose to follow Satan loved God. It never says they did not love God, it just says they loved Satan more.

One of my favorite books on this period of time is by Cleon Skousen called, "The First Two Thousand Years". He talks quite a bit about this period of time and Cain and how Cain is largely responsible for Satan's initial knowledge of how to tempt us. Think about it, Satan has never had a body, and prior to this time, never known anyone with a body who would tell him about it. But when Cain because Satan's master through the oath they both made, here Satan found someone who would be more than happy to explain all about human bodies to him. I wouldn't put it past Cain to have offered Satan the chance to have him or one of his followers possess one of Cain's children at some point. We really don't know. But we do know that this was the beginning of Satan's education on how to tempt mankind physically.

In all of this, it had to be extremely hard on Adam and Eve to have all their children, that we know of, reject the Gospel in favor of Satan and the one child they did have get murdered, which was also the first death as far as we know. Now, I don't remember exactly where we learn this, but we know Cain and Abel were NOT teenagers as is the popular thought process. For what I understand, they were both grown men and Abel had been baptized and ordained to the Priesthood so we can assume that Adam and Eve found comfort in the knowledge that he was saved and they would be with him again. But I can only imagine the pain and agony a parent must feel to have their children fall away from the Gospel. Poor Adam and Eve, I can only imagine the heartbreak they must have felt and the excitement and anticipation at each new child hoping that at last this one would accept the Gospel in its entirety.

Fortunately, this is the last chapter we have that focuses on Cain's lineage and that of his unrighteous siblings and the rest of Moses' vision is on the righteous line of Adam and Eve, including Enoch and his city of Zion. We will also learn that Adam did indeed have the entirety of the Gospel and was baptized and had the Priesthood. Until tomorrow.

Adam and Eve are Cast out of the Garden

Today I read Moses 4, where Satan tempts Eve and then Eve gives Adam the forbidden fruit and they are cast out of the Garden of Eden. There are lots of things in this story that I have always found very interesting. For example, I have often wondered if the snake actually had legs prior to this. I will find out some day, and I will find out the answer to all the rest of my questions one day.

It's not in this version, but in one of the versions of the creation story, Satan does not seem to think he is doing anything wrong. Now, of course we know that his real goal and purpose was to try and frustrate the plan of God so we know that is bogus to begin with, but he really does seem non-concerned with his actions. My personal belief is because he knew what the Lord was eventually going to do with Adam and Eve. In the same version of the creation story, God and Jesus tell Adam and Eve that they will be back to further instruct them. Well, what else was there for God to talk to Adam and Eve about? They had already told them the commandments, what else was there to teach them? My personal thoughts are that if Satan had not come along, God Himself would eventually have come down and talked with Adam and Eve and helped them understand the choice before them. He could not command them to partake of the fruit, because God cannot command someone to do something He has explicitly told them not to do. But He could explain the choice to them and the consequences to each course of action. That is my personal thought anyway.

And we know it was the mind of God that Adam and Eve partake of the fruit. He knew it was going to happen and had planned for it. That is why Satan fell in the first place. I personally think Satan was further punished because he once again tried to take the place of God. But the other thing I find extremely interesting, is that when Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden, God commanded Jesus to clothe Adam and Eve. Now, God does not give them clothing made from linen of even leaves sewed together like Adam and Eve had tried to do. No, He commands Jesus to give them coats made from skin, the skins of animals. I find this incredibly interesting because there are so many people these days that think it is cruel to use animals for food and/or clothing, and yet when God had His pick of anything in the world to use to give Adam and Eve clothing, He chose to use animals. I do not really know why He chose to do that since it would have taken no time at all for Him to create clothing out of linen or cotton or any other type of fiber.

I also think it is significant that Adam and Eve are commanded to work after they are cast out of the Garden. While they were in the Garden they were able to just eat of the fruit in the Garden without any thought at all. We have already discussed how God is a God of work and it only makes sense that we work as well. It does not make sense and goes against the natural order of things to get something for nothing. It also lessens the value of something when you get it for nothing. Have you ever gotten something as a gift, didn't really care too much about it and so let it go to waste? But then something else that you saved up for, spent a lot of money on it, that is something you take care of and make sure to protect no matter what. I believe it is because we can value it more when we have toiled for it ourselves.

So, not so much lessons, but those are the questions I always take away from this story every time I read it. I know that someday I will have my answers and I can't wait to find them out. In the meantime I have a lot of fun just pondering on them and seeing what I can come up with on my own. I invite you to do the same. Until tomorrow.

Adam and Eve were Married in the Garden of Eden

Today I read Moses 3, it is an interesting chapter where the Lord reveals that not only were all of mankind created spiritually before they were created physically, but all of His creations were created in their spirit form before they were created physically. This is really significant because it lets us know that all things, even the earth itself have a spirit. I was never one of those little boys that delighted in tormenting little animals and bugs. I was always really nice to stray cats and loved to pet the dogs in the neighborhoods. Even while catching crawdads in the creek behind our house, after I was done looking at them I would gently put them back in the water. I have never understood why so many people just seem to have a cruel streak in them, almost from birth. I wonder if more people understood that the animals they are being so mean to have spirits if it would change their attitude and how they treat them? Perhaps not.

As fascinating as it is though that all things have a spirit, it is not what has always impressed me about this chapter. This chapter is where I first realized, years ago, probably while on my mission that Adam and Eve were married in the Garden of Eden. In 3 of the 4 accounts of the creation, while still in the garden, Eve is referred to as Adam's wife. This is significant for several reasons.

First, when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, there was no death in the world. This tells us that as Adam and Eve were married in a state where there was no death, their marriage was not meant to end. How silly it would have been for God to conclude their marriage with, "till death do you part" when there was no death to do the parting! Marriage, even from the beginning, was meant to be eternal and unbreakable. Divorce was certainly not an option as there was no one else to choose from so we can rule out divorce as being of God. Now, I understand that in some cases divorce is needed so I am not saying if you get divorced you are going against the will of God, I am merely pointing out that we can conclude that divorce was not in the mind of God in the beginning.

Second, there is a common theme among some Christian religions that the reason Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden is because they had sex and that it was a sin for them to do so. Such doctrine is completely and utterly false. For starters, all 4 accounts of the creation agree that the reason mankind was expelled from the Garden is because they disobeyed God's command to abstain from eating of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Secondly, they had been given a commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, and that can only happen through sexual intercourse. So even if they did in fact have sex while in the Garden of Eden, a claim that is unprovable either way since no record of it happening or not happening exists anywhere, they would have been following the commandments of God.

Finally, as we have pointed out, Adam and Eve were married. So if they had chosen to have sex while in the Garden, it would have been perfectly fine! Sex is not only allowed between a man and his wife, it is encouraged and helps bond them so that they can grow closer together and become one flesh. Now, perhaps even given this point there is an argument to be made that the Garden was a sacred place, much like a temple, and so it was forbidden to have sex in such a place. After all, married or not, I can't picture any faithful Latter-day Saint having sex in a temple, or even a chapel for that mater. There is a time and place for everything. But even thinking along these lines, I do not think that it would have been prohibited by God since based on the language He uses with Adam and Eve, He was clearly planning on them remaining in the Garden of Eden indefinitely. However, all this aside, it is still quite evident that the sin of Adam and Eve was disobeying God and partaking of the forbidden fruit, not any immoral sin.

I don't know about you, but to me it is a wonderful thing to know that marriage is not only ordained of God, but that even from the beginning it was meant to last beyond death, for eternity. Even if I were not a Latter-day Saint I think I would be intrigued by the knowledge that Adam and Eve were evidently married before there was death in the world. That would probably make me stop and think. However it is surprising to find that despite such clear language of "till death do you part" in almost all marriage ceremonies, most couples truly believe they will still be married in the next life. Evidently the Spirit whispers truths to us on a spiritual level and helps us to realize Gospel truths without even realizing it.

I hope you too can appreciate the significance of Adam and Eve having been married while in the Garden of Eden and the hope and joy it brings me and should bring you in your own marriage. I love my wife dearly and the thought of spending eternity by her side just fills me with happiness and makes me grin like a fool. I hope you love your spouse just as much and are just as excited about the prospect of spending eternity with him/her. Until tomorrow.

The Creation and Replenishing the Earth

Today I read Moses 2, which is the story of the creation as was shown to Moses. It is very similar to the other 3 creation stories found in the Old Testament, the Book of Abraham and the temple. I've sometimes wondered at the order in which God did things during the creation. Now, most things make sense, why make animals before there is dry land. But the very first thing that God did during the creation was make light appear. So why does He wait until the 4th creative period, more commonly called days, before separating the light into the sun and the moon? It does not really matter, I'm just curious.

What I wanted to focus on today was verse 28, where the Lord tells Adam and Eve to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth. I find it very interesting that in the same breath He tells them to have children, God tells the first two people to replenish the earth. To me, that is suggestive. It seems like the Lord is telling them that the earth needs the animals and people on it.

It is very suggestive that the work of the creation was not deemed complete until man and his helpmeet, were placed on the earth. This is a far cry from what most environmental nuts would have us believe. Humans are the caretakers of the animals and the earth itself. In at least one of the creation stories Adam and Eve are commanded to take good care of the Garden of Eden that God had created for them. Now, it is entirely possible that the reason the work was not complete without mankind is because humans are the only one of God's creations that are in His own image, we are unique and have the same basic abilities for abstract thought and speech that God Himself does. But I think there is more to it than that.

Each of the plants and animal species were also commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. Just for fun I looked up the word replenish and the definition I was given is to make full or complete again, as by supplying what is lacking. This shows a clear intention on God's part that the earth is not complete without animal and plant life to inhabit it. That paints a very different picture than some in our country would have us believe, doesn't it? For whatever reason, the earth needs us to fulfill the measure of its creation.

Now, there are VERY few people out there who are capable of having children who purposefully don't. But such people, from what we read today, are not fulfilling the command that God has given them. Part of our responsibility as people is to, responsibly have children, meaning to have children only in marriage with our spouse. But those who are able to have children and don't for whatever reason, in my opinion, are just as guilty as those who have children outside the bounds of marriage. And both sets will have to answer to God for their actions one day. Children don't choose to be born and they for SURE don't get to choose their own parents. It is up to us to make sure we are creating the most loving and nurturing home that we can by preparing ourselves while we search for our companion and prepare for marriage. It is up to us to try and master our emotions while we are young so that when we are finally graced with children, we are not still raising ourselves.

It is a huge responsibility to raise a child and I have the opinion that really the only true easy way, if any way can be called easy, is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To teach them from the time they can crawl that it is important to be a good person and to learn to be like Christ. That is the true responsibility of a good parent since that is the ultimate goal of each of us anyway. It is commonly said there is no manual for parenting and doing what is right, and I humbly beg to differ. There is a manual that teaches you to be a good parent, it's called the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine of Christ. It will change you into the kind of person you want to be, and by extension, the kind of parent you want to be. And it will make being a parent just that much easier. Until tomorrow.

Moses Talks with God

Today I read Moses chapter 1. I have always enjoyed the Pearl of Great Price. There’s just something about ancient history that I like to read about . As I am sure most, if not all of you, know, the book of Moses is a revelation that was given to Joseph Smith when he translated the Old Testament and is the original first 8 chapters of the book of Genesis that were removed.

In this first chapter Moses sees Jehovah and beholds His glory. He also sees Satan and beholds his lack of glory. I have always found it an odd decision on Satan’s part to appear as soon as Moses had his strength back from such a spiritual experience. I mean, with it so fresh in his mind, Moses could not help but recognize the difference between Jehovah and Satan. I have heard lots of people use this encounter to state that Satan strikes at us when we are at our weakest, and surely Moses was physically weak at this point, but he was also probably at the most spiritually strongest point he had ever been in throughout his entire life. I mean, what sense does it make?

I have also liked this chapter because like most little boys, I was always fascinated with the stars and outer space. I have always found the thought that there are other worlds out there with other of God’s children on them a comforting thought for some reason. Moses is taken up into the heavens, as best I can tell, and he is shown all things that have to do with this world, but only with this world. I have always found that interesting that the Lord is only will, or perhaps can only, show Moses the things of this world because this is the world he is part of. But I have always been intrigued, and jealous, that Moses gets to see the whole of human history. I can only imagine how this was accomplished and how draining it must have been to Moses to see it and comprehend it. I think that is the more impressive feat, not that Moses saw the beginning and the end, but rather that he comprehended it. I mean think about it, Moses probably only spoke at best, a couple of languages. He for sure did not speak all the dialects of all the people of the world throughout time, and yet and he understood the people and the events that were transpiring before him. That of course is through the help of the Savior. I just have to be patient that I too will someday get to see it all just like we all will. I have always felt that when we do see it, several of the mysteries that we have will feel kind of like a letdown when we see what the truth behind them are. Just food for thought.

Perhaps the most famous verse in this chapter would be verse 39 where the Lord reveals that His work and that which He takes glory in is helping mankind return to live with him as immortal beings. We have already talked about this verse in other posts, especially in the aspect of God being a God of work and the difference between immortality and eternal life. So I won’t really dwell on this verse in this post. But it would be a disservice to probably the most quoted verse of scripture in our church if I didn’t at least mention it.

The last thing I want to talk about today is the fact that one of the reasons Moses was able to resist Satan is because he had a correct understanding of who he is. The Lord called Moses His son 3 times, helping him to understand correctly that he was of a divine inheritance. So when Satan appeared and called him the son of man, Moses was already on his guard, probably even before he realized he had not been transfigured. Although, I have never been transfigured so perhaps it is so altering an experience that when Satan appeared, the first thing Moses noticed was that he had not been transfigured. Again, it is something I will know someday, but not anytime in the foreseeable future. But for the rest of us, one of our strongest defenses is to have a good understanding of who we are. When we know who we are, a son or daughter of God, it is a lot easier to resist temptations and to overcome the desire to do that which is wrong in the sight of God. And I don’t know about you, but I need all the help in overcoming Satan that I can get. It’s hard to know who we are though if we do not know God, and the only way we can come to know God is to follow His commandments and gain a better understanding of who He is. And that is accomplished day by day through righteous living, one correct choice at a time. Until tomorrow.

The Priesthood is Available to all Worthy Males

Today I read the Official Declaration 2 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Official Declaration 2 was made in September of 1978 and it extended the priesthood to all worthy males in the church regardless of the color of their skin. Prior to this time, all those members of the church who had a skin color other than white were denied the priesthood and by extension, the blessings of the temple.

This one point has been a great stumbling block to a lot of people. I was not born until 1979 so I was obviously not alive when this happened, but my dad told me that when this was read in General Conference in September 1978 there were several members who left the church. They did not approve of extending the priesthood to all worthy men. I personally say good riddance. If such people did not have charity and appreciate what a wonderful revelation this was, then the church has no room for such bigots.

For the vast majority of the church though, this was wonderful, welcome news. To be able to extend the blessings of the restored gospel in its fulness to all men and women regardless of their country of origin and color of their skin is something most Latter-day Saints had waited for for decades. I know in particular President Spencer W. Kimball pleaded for years with the Lord until the Lord finally said the time was right.

I find it interesting that the two Official Declarations contain revelations concerning the two most controversial topics that people bring up about the church. There are lots of things the world at large does not like about the Latter-day Saint religion but nothing incites more debates and arguments like plural marriage and the priesthood being withheld from worthy men because of the color of their skin.

I remember once that a friend of mine asked me to come and attend their Wednesday church services and talk about the Latter-day Saints and explain what we believe and answer questions. They said they did this every month, they would showcase a new religion and that they wanted to know about the Latter-day Saints. As the day approaches it turns out they had also asked another LDS member to come that night, who I happened to know and happened to be the father of a good friend of mine. So we went together and we had a good time. I don't remember too much of what we said by way of explanation, but I do remember there was a lot of questions that we answered. I also remember he let me answer the question about why the priesthood was not available to all men sooner. I remember making a joke that he was letting me have all the "easy" questions. But I stand by my answer that I gave that night and it is still what I believe today. The real answer is that it was because that is the way God wanted it. God is the head of this church, not His prophets and not the Quorum of the Twelve or the other General Authorities. The Lord decreed that it should be this way and so it was. However, my person thoughts on the matter are that the world, and perhaps even the church, was not ready for it.

In 1830 when the church was founded, slavery was still very much a real thing, especially in the South of the United States. It is my opinion that if Joseph Smith had announced that they were extending the blessings of the Priesthood to all men regardless of color, the the United States would not have stood for it. At the time, as backwards as it seems to us now, people believed that people with black skin were lesser humans. That they were not as good as people with white skin. I don't know how any one could ever have believed such nonsense, but it's what people thought and believed. If they had believed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints treated their slaves as equals, there would have been no place in this country that was safe for the Latter-day Saints. Again, that is just my opinion and not doctrine. I think that 1978 was when the United States were ready to accept that all men are created equal, an idea that our Founding Fathers tried to get us to understand over 200 years prior to this revelation and that we are just now beginning to act on in this country.

It's so amazing to me that in a country that can be so technologically advanced in so many ways, that in such fundamental truths we can be so backwards. But the issue of slavery sadly still rears its head with some people. Some people cannot let it go that it happened and still choose to dwell on it and play the martyr. Thankfully most of us have moved past it and would like nothing more than to forget it ever happened. I am very thankful I did not live in such a time. I would like to think that even though I were taught it from a young age, I would have been one of the ones that realized how dumb it was and not believed it. Thankfully I'll never have to find out.

I am personally glad that the time has come when all Saints are equals and the world is able to accept that. I am so very grateful that the Lord gave President Kimball this revelation when He did and am only saddened that the world, and perhaps the church, was not ready for it sooner. It is a wonderful feeling to live in such an age and I am thankful that these are my times and that I can try and make my corner of the world a better place. Until tomorrow.

The Prophet Cannot Lead the Church Astray

Today I read the Official Declaration 1 in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Official Declaration 1 was given in regards to the Manifesto which ended the practice of plural marriage in the church. The Official Declaration 1 was actually written and given to address concerns the United States Government had that the Latter-day Saints were still practicing plural marriage despite Congress having passed a law forbidding it.

I've always found it interesting that so many people find the idea of plural marriage so distasteful and revolting and yet at the same time, these same men have no problems having a mistress or having an affair. The same women who yell and scream about how demeaning it is to women see nothing wrong with dating a married man. It really baffles me. Apparently they are not fine with God sanctioning a marriage between multiple spouses, but breaking their marriage contracts, that's perfectly acceptable.

We've already talked about plural marriage so I really don't want to focus too much on this. The interesting thing to me about the Official Declaration and by contrast, the Manifesto, is that so many people when it came out thought that Wilford Woodruff was a fallen prophet. They had a really hard time with the idea that, at least in their minds, the prophet of the Lord was bowing to the will of man, or in this case the United States Government. The major lesson of the Official Declaration 1 is that the Prophet of God is beholden to God and God alone and it was our Heavenly Father who decreed that plural marriage should end. President Woodruff did take the time to explain to the Saints that it such was not done, all the temples would be taken from the Saints, the Prophet and Apostles and many of the fathers in the church would be put in prison and that the end result would be the same.

I have often wondered why some men and women feel the need to question the decisions of the prophet. Don't they realize that they are actually questioning the will of the Lord and not just a man? Now, it does not happen very often that someone calls into question something the prophet says, rather in this day and age it is all too often the decisions the bishop or stake president makes. I have not encountered it too much in my own life where I see someone "having a problem" with a bishop or stake president. Although I find it amusing that when I have come across someone who has stopped going to church because of someone else, either through being offended or having a problem with a church leader, there has ALWAYS been some form of sin involved if you dig deep enough. It usually is Word of Wisdom or Law of Chastity related oddly enough.

Now I can understand that you may learn something about a church leader that causes you to stop liking that person and be shocked by it. But instead of leaving the church or stop going until that person is no longer in that calling, the thing to do if you really cannot come to terms with it through prayer and fasting, is to go above that person and speak to another church leader. If you have a problem with the bishop, go to the stake president. If you have a problem with the stake president, I suggest starting with the bishop and go from there. But don't let someone else's actions determine your salvation. What a silly thing to do.

You should never choose to be offended, because it is a choice. When you choose to become offended, you are giving your salvation over into the hands of another person. The easiest way I know of to not get offended is to have the Spirit about you. It is a lot harder, if not impossible to be offended when you have the Spirit in your life because the barbs of Satan will just roll off you like water off a duck's back. Having a firm grip on your emotions helps too. It's a lot harder to allow yourself to become offended if you have control over your temper.

In closing, I will second what President Woodruff said over 100 years ago. The Lord will not allow any prophet to lead the church astray. If any man tried to do it, he would be removed immediately. This is the Lord's church and will be directed as the Lord sees fit. There is comfort in that. Until tomorrow.

The Savior in the Spirit World

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 138, the last official section in the Doctrine and Covenants and the only recorded revelation given to the prophet Joseph F. Smith, the son of Hyrum Smith, Joseph's older brother who was martyred with him at Carthage. This revelation was given to Joseph F. Smith when he was pondering on some verses he had read in the New Testament in the book of 1 Peter concerning Christ's visit to the dead.

When Christ was crucified, he was dead for 3 days and 2 nights I believe it was. During that time, His spirit went where all the spirits of the dead go, the Spirit World, which is divided into Paradise, where the spirits of the just go, and prison where those who were not just and those who had not received saving ordinances go. Christ spent those days and nights among the spirits of the just in Spirit Paradise no doubt being ministered to in order to comfort Him as well as ministering to them.

Joseph F. Smith was pondering what had happened to those spirits that were in Prison. Did Christ go and visit them also. The answer is no, He did not. The scriptures teach us that those who have sin cannot abide the presence of Christ or Heavenly Father. So as far as we know, there is no way the Lord could have gone in person to those spirits of the dead who had not had the saving ordinances performed because they were all unclean because of their sins which they had committed in life. But this still leaves the question unanswered of how the Lord could preach to them who were dead that they might be judged according to the flesh, which Peter teaches us happened.

This vision tells us the answer. When Christ was in the spirit world, He gave to those who were righteous and had already had their saving ordinances performed power and authority to go to those who had not had the Gospel and preach it to them. They were taught the Gospel the same as if they had heard it in this life. And we know that the Saints in the days of Christ and His Apostles were performing baptisms for the dead after His resurrection because of Paul epistle to the Saints in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 15:29 states, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead baptized if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead" You'll notice that based on the way this question is phrased, Paul is assuming that baptism for the dead was a known, established fact. He is trying to prove the reality of the resurrection by citing a well know, probably by everyone, point of the Gospel.

As we discussed previously though, unfortunately, most of the spirits that were in the Spirit Prison probably did not accept the Gospel of Christ as it was preached to them. Because when we die, our same spirit and attitudes and everything that determine who we are are still there. Nothing has changed in us and the only thing we know differently at that point is yes we are still around after we die. But I'm sure a great many of them DID accept the gospel since there was no way they could have heard about it in their earthly lives and were grateful to have it.

I look forward to the Millennium, if it is to happen in my day, where we will know exactly who needs the work performed for them and who is taken care of already so that we can make sure everyone has the opportunity to accept the Gospel of Christ and the saving ordinances needed to return to live with Him. I don't understand how anyone who truly studies and learns about this Gospel can doubt its truthfulness when it is the only religion who can fully explain every question that we have about God and how to be saved. I am extremely grateful to know the Gospel of Christ and to be able to share it with others and I hope you all appreciate what a wonderful gift it is in your lives also. Until tomorrow.

A Just and Fair God

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 137 which was a vision that Joseph Smith was given of the Celestial Kingdom and how those who are not permitted to have a chance to hear the gospel and participate in the saving ordinances in this life. I used to wonder why if you were dead and you had the gospel preached to you why you didn't accept it then since you were dead. But that was before I truly understood that after death, we still have the veil and all we know that we didn't know before is that we are dead and we are still around, so I can understand why some people still don't accept the gospel after death.

One of the things I have always loved about the gospel is it has always had all the answers to whatever question you can think of. I have heard from so many converts who used to attend other churches, including Joseph Smith and my own father for that matter, that other churches just are unable to answer certain questions, or their answers don't make sense if they have an answer at all. For example the question of children and what happens to them if they die before they are of an age to be baptized, I find other religions answer to that question completely unsatisfactory and totally in-congruent with what I know of God's nature.

A correct knowledge of God and His character is essential according to Joseph Smith and God is above everything else a just God. So what sense does it make that people who didn't have a fair chance to hear the gospel to be damned forever? It especially does not make sense for children who aren't even old enough to be baptized to have no chance at salvation. When we understand this train of thought it makes a lot more sense why we cannot be saved without our dead.

It is a wonderful reassurance that the Lord will not condemn any man or woman or child in ignorance. All will have an opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All will be given the chance to hear it and understand it and reject it before the judgment. Such is the only fair way for all mankind to be judged. I am very grateful that I was born into the covenant and did not have to search out the gospel on my own and am extremely grateful for a just God that will give all mankind a fair chance to be saved. To imagine anything else would only drive a person insane. Until tomorrow.

Appropriate Music

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 136, the only revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants that was given to Brigham Young. This revelation was given to Brigham Young when he was at Winter Quarters during the mass exodus from Nauvoo and it gave the prophet instructions concerning the Saints and their trek west.

Most of this section is actually just instructions for caring for the Saints that were going on to Salt Lake City and those that were going to remain behind in Winter Quarters for another year. It also reenforced several commandments such as cease to content one with another and cease to speak evil concerning one another. Basic commandments that help keep the peace between the Saints.

The part of the section that stands out most to me is verse 28, which states "If thou are merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." There are few things as controversial, at least in my opinion, in the church as music. Few things can inflame passions and emotions as easily and completely as music can. Just like with the gospel itself, the facts are all known and are all there but still people just can't seem to make a decision on it.

No one will content that music can inspire and inflame emotions. And yet there are those, particularly youth, who will deny the power of music and will say it does not affect them. I remember when I was a missionary and we would be having a really good day and the Spirit would be very strong and then we would go into a restaurant for dinner or lunch and the Spirit would just be gone. Just as quickly as you can snap your fingers. And getting the Spirit to come back is kind of like getting something wet, when it hits that water it's soaked in an instant, just like the Spirit leaving, but it takes awhile to get it dry again just like it does for the Spirit to come back.

Just like smoking, swearing, drinking, pornography and all other sins that drive away the Spirit in an instant, the first time you are exposed to inappropriate music you feel the Spirit telling you that this is not a good thing. You feel the hurt that is caused by the Spirit leaving. But unfortunately just like with sin, listening to the wrong type of music can start to feel comfortable, then pleasurable.

Here in Northern Alabama there are not very many radio stations that play the kind of music I prefer to listen to. I like most types of music, particularly classical music such as Handle, Mozart, and Bach. However, when I'm driving I typically prefer to listen to rock and roll. There are only a couple of stations down here that play rock and roll music, most are country or hip hop music, which are not my cup of tea so to speak. There is one station that plays particularly hard rock and roll music that I typically shy away from, but every now and then will play an ok song. Well it's kind of scary to me that sometimes I'll check that station and hear a song I used to listen to all the time and get excited and turn up the radio to sing along. What's scary is inevitably within a few moments I will feel the Spirit leave me and get that empty pit in my chest telling me this is not appropriate. It's nice to know that I have progressed in the right direction and so I am better in tune with where the Lord wants me to be, but it is sad and a little scary that I used to not find anything wrong with those songs or that type of music.

My Dad listens to very, very little music outside of classical music. His favorite singer is Andrea Bocelli, sometimes known as the Blind Tenor. I once asked him when I was a young teenager why he only listened to classical music and he replied that he tried to only listen to music that the Savior would listen to if He were here. That's quite profound in my opinion and is a great measuring stick to judge our music standards by. Can you picture the Savior listening to the songs they sing on "American Idol" or listening to gangster rap? I can't either. Do you think Heavenly Father listens to music? I can assure you He does. He listens to hymns and I daresay that He probably listens to other classical music. Now, not all classical music is created equal of course, there is some classical music that is just as inappropriate. Just because it's played by an orchestra does not make it good or appropriate.

As with all other forms of media, the greatest test of music is to ask yourself if you feel the desire to live the gospel, or be a better man/woman when you hear it. If the answer is no, then it's time to change your music choice. I love how in my house when my daughter starts to get fussy the one thing that will calm her down, every single time, is my wife and I sing primary songs to her. Every time by the time we are into the second line of whatever song she will stop crying and listen to us. If we stop she will go right back to crying but if we continue on and sing more songs, she stays happy and quiet. There is power in music. Just make sure to use it appropriately.

Joseph Smith - Prophet, Seer and Martyr

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 135 which is actually not a revelation but rather the testimony of John Taylor concerning the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I have always felt a special affinity for Joseph Smith, even as a young child and when I reach the other side, aside from being reunited with family and the Savior, he is the person I am most anxious to meet. It is probably because he and I share the same birth date.

As a child my parents took our family on several vacations to famous church sites. I've been to Liberty, Missouri and seen the jail cell that Joseph and others shared for 6 months. I've been to Nauvoo and walked the streets and been to the temple site. I remember being annoyed that my parents would not let me climb on the few stones that were still present in the temple's foundation. I quite understand now why they, rightly so, did not allow me to play and climb on them, but I was quite put out with them at the time. We also went to Carthage Jail. At that time there was still blood on the floor and bullet holes in the doorway. We also listened to a tape recording of a dramatization of the events that happened on that fateful day of June 27th. It made a very big impression on me as a child.

When I was a missionary, we had a set course that were to study up to a point. After that point we were allowed to pick our own area of study that was approved by the Mission President. I chose to study Joseph Smith's life. I have read probably a half a dozen different biographies, my favorite being the one by George Q. Cannon and Lucy Mack Smith. One scene that always has stood out to me was the night before they went to Carthage Jail. The Prophet had been warned to flee and so he left with Hyrum and a few others. After they crossed the Mississippi river they stopped and looked back. Joseph was about to keep riding and then he and Hyrum had a conversation. Joseph said that if he went back it would be to his death but Hyrum was convinced that they needed to have faith and everything would be alright. Again Joseph stated that if they returned he would die but he trusted Hyrum and they returned. Sadly, Joseph was right and in this instance, Hyrum was wrong.

Just before my wife and I started dating, a close friend of ours, actually the friend who introduced us to each other, got married. She decided to get married in the Nauvoo temple. My wife sadly did not get to attend but my sister and I drove up and my sister acted as the photographer for the wedding. We were only there that one day but we made a special trip up to Carthage Jail. Now they do not have bloodstains on the floor and the bullet holes in the door are all filled in, but the sacredness of that room and the Spirit that I felt there is every bit as strong as any temple. If you have not gone I strongly suggest that you make the time and effort to visit Nauvoo and especially Carthage Jail. The Nauvoo temple is especially beautiful also if you have the time.

Lastly I leave my testimony of Joseph Smith along with all those that have gone before. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ that spring morning in 1820. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon and received all these revelations that we have been studying these past months. I know that he gave his life for this work. I know that, just as John Taylor said, he has done more for the salvation of mankind save Christ Himself. I know that when I die, after I bathe Christ's feet in my tears and kisses, that I will hug that wonderful man and thank him for all he did and for all he sacrificed for us all. That is my testimony and I leave it with you in Christs name. Amen. Until tomorrow.

Government is Ordained of God

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 134, which is not a true revelation but rather a declaration of beliefs in regard to governments of the earth. I remember when I was a new missionary, I lived in a townhouse with another companionship. One of the elders that I lived with was from New York, Long Island to be exact. One morning he was reading his scriptures during scripture study time and he came to this section of the Doctrine and Covenants. I can only assume he had never read it before because he was very surprised to find it and when he read it he was just floored that Latter-day Saints uphold their respective governments.

I was raised by my parents to believe that the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God and that the founding fathers were led here and put in place by our Heavenly Father for the express purpose of founding the United States of America on the principles of religious freedom so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored. Now, most of that is opinion but we DO know that most, if not all the founding fathers have accepted the gospel. It is one of my favorite stories in LDS culture that the founding fathers of this nation appeared to Wilford Woodruff and he was able to perform the saving ordinances for those wonderful men.

It is good to read this section and remind ourselves that governments are approved by God as long as they adhere to the principles in this section. In our current day when so many people are losing faith in the American government and by all appearances the American political leaders are following their own agendas instead of listening to the voice of the people who elected them, it is a comfort to be reminded that governments are instituted for the benefit of man. I of course was not alive during the time, but I am told that even during World War II members of the church in Germany were advised to follow their leaders and obey the laws of their land.

Obviously every law/rule has a circumstance when they can be broken. Even murder is condoned when it is self defense or when God Himself tells you to do it such as when Nephi was asked to kill Laban. Although I cannot think of a time when rape would ever be condoned, so there are exceptions to this exception. But I bring this up because I find it so interesting that in verse 5 of this section it states that as Latter-day Saints we are bound to sustain and uphold our governments and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen. I bring this up because I can think of multiple reasons to rise up against a government and in fact I can bring to mind at least 2 scriptural cases where this happened without even pausing to ponder on it. So while this is the norm, there are obviously cases where such is approved by God. I have never been in a situation where I felt God was telling me to disobey any law or commandment so I cannot speak from experience, but perhaps the difference is similar to Nephi, you know it to be ok because you feel the Spirit whisper it to you. Again, I can't say for certain because I have not had such an experience.

I remember back in the first part of the last decade when the government wanted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan I was in college. And even though I was attending BYU - Provo, there were still lost and lots of students that wanted to protest. I don't know what it is about college students and protesting, but they sure seem to love it. I felt at that time and still feel, most of the time I should clarify, that the government really does have our best interest at heart and that they have access to information that we do not. In matters of international affairs, I have always trusted that our leaders are acting on the information that they have and that they have the best interests of our country at heart. To believe anything else is only going to drive you crazy because there is no way to prove it for one thing, nor can you do anything about it. I personally try and leave the government alone and hope they return the favor.

I will close by urging everyone to read this section some time soon and ponder on it's message. Our government may not be perfect, none are or will be until the Savior returns and takes over, but the Constitution is ordained of God as was revealed to Joseph Smith in section 101. It is our duty as citizens of this country to uphold it's principles and uphold our leaders as long as they adhere to the terms set forth in this section. And truly, yes they make some blunders, but again, I do believe they have the country's best interest at heart, at least most of the time. Until tomorrow.

The Second Coming

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 133, a section that was given a lot earlier than the other sections in the latter half of the Doctrine and Covenants. This section was given back in 1831. It mostly consists of prophecies concerning the Second Coming of the Lord.

Most of the prophecies in this section should be familiar to most Latter-day Saints and non-LDS alike. The sun, moon and stars disappearing, the graves opening up and the dead appearing to many people. It is the same thing as what happened when Christ was Crucified. I've often thought about that prophecy where the Saints who were dead will rise up out of the graves and appear to many. Now, I have wanted to meet several men and women from history and just talk to them, but I think if they appeared to me before I died I'd be a little freaked out. I also think of what would need to happen for this to miracle to occur. Let's say for example when the Second Coming happens President Hinkley rose from the grave to appear to people. For that to happen, the concrete covering his casket would have to break, 6 cubic feet of dirt would have to be removed not to mention his body would have to be resurrected. It's quite the undertaking for those who have died to appear unto the living if we are to take the graves opening up part literally.

I've often wondered at the prophecies that state that people will be confused about when Christ will return. They say that there will be people that say Christ is in the desert and it will confuse and confound people. This is weird to me because according to this and all the prophecies when Christ returns it will be a global thing. There will be no misunderstanding that Christ is back. Now I understand that Christ will actually come back several times before this big global come back happens, but all those other appearances are for a select few and even if you hear of it happening, you weren't invited and you need to just wait for the actual coming of the Lord that will be unmistakeable.

That's all I really have to say on the matter and if you wish to know more on the Second Coming, I was once told the best way to learn about it is to study the First Coming. Joseph Smith Matthew 24 is particularly good for studying on this subject. But really the best thing we can do is to live our lives the best we can and act as if the Second Coming were going to happen today. Until tomorrow.

Plural Marriage

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 132, which is on the doctrine of plurality of wives. This is a hard doctrine for most people and it is consistently the one question I get asked more than any other when people find out that I am a Latter-day Saint. It is indeed a hard doctrine and from what I know of my church history, Joseph Smith knew about it for 12 years before he shared it with the church as a whole because he too had a hard time with it.

In the Old Testament there were several prophets who had more than one wife. The most famous were Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon. This is well known and they were all men of God and did not offend God in doing this. This fact has caused many to go astray and not understand the doctrines of the church appropriately. For example the Nephites during the time of Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, had studied the scriptures and were using those righteous men's example to commit whoredoms and break the hearts of their wives.

In this section the Lord explains how those men were able to have multiple wives and not offend God. The answer is really quite simple. The difference is that God gave those men their wives. He authorized them to take those wives and they were not an offense to God. The difference being that once Solomon stopped waiting on the Lord to give him more wives and he started taking them himself, he lost his standing in the sight of God. The same happened to David with Uriah's wife, Bathsheba.

Even in the early days of the church, no one who had multiple wives just woke up one day and decided to take another wife. Rather the Prophet would come to them and reveal the will of the Lord that they should take so and so to wife. It was always a case where the Lord came to them and commanded them to take another wife, the men were not seeking another wife. In most cases, if I correctly recall my church history, most of the men had a real problem with it and it was only after much prayer, and I am sure fasting, that they were able to come to terms that it was indeed the Lord's will. In some cases the men were told to marry a woman who was already married, a direct violation of what we read today in Doctrine and Covenants section 132. But in all such cases it was a trial of faith for that woman and her husband, similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac.

People tend to ask me if I am going to have multiple wives when they find out I am LDS. I tend to at first smile and joke saying that I can barely handle one wife. Then I sober up and explain the doctrine to them and let the know that any such people that practice plural marriage are not of our faith and that any who are of our faith who do this are excommunicated. That is usually where it ends, but occasionally I come across someone who really desires to know the truth so I explain a little further about it and tell them about the Official Declaration given by Wilford Woodruff in 1890. I have typically not had anyone ask me in earnest in years though and these days it's mainly debunking the myth that Latter-day Saints are still practicing plural marriage.

It is a hard doctrine and I am not sure how I would handle it if it were ever to come back and heaven forbid if I am ever called upon to practice it. Perhaps it is like children, people always wonder how they could ever love a second child as much as they love the first child but they always do, but I do not see how I could ever love another woman as much as I love my wife. I just don't see how it is possible and I am very glad that we are not called upon to live this doctrine anymore in this life. I do not know what the future holds or what the next life holds, but we do learn from section 132 that it is a celestial principle, so it is my thought that odds are we will all come across this again in the next life if we are living a celestial life. That is of course my opinion only and that is all I will say on the matter. Until tomorrow.

Celestial Kingdom and Marriage

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 131. It is a very short section that is most famous for its verses on marriage and the Celestial kingdom. It also talks about the fact that everything is matter even spirit is matter we just can't see it because it requires more fine tuned senses than we have.

But the part that I like the most is the part about Celestial marriage. This section teaches us that within the Celestial Kingdom, and we can infer in the other 2 kingdoms as well, there are 3 levels within the kingdom itself. According to this section in order to obtain the highest level where we presume Heavenly Father resides, we have to be married in the temple by proper authority. In other words, we have to be married in order to obtain the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom and the only way we are married in the next life is if we are married in the temple as that is the only place on earth that marries for time and eternity, not just until death do us part.

I remember when I was a missionary my mission president wanted us to ask people a certain question on our door approaches. He wanted us to ask them if they believed they would be with their loved ones in the life to come. I was amazed that 99% of the people I asked responded that they did in fact expect to be with their families in the next life. When I would ask them how though, none could give me an answer. The most common response I got was, I don't know, God is just too good, there is no way He would separate me from my family, He wouldn't let that happen. It is interesting how people have an innate yearning towards the Gospel and the truth even though they don't know it. It is also amazing to me how many people not in the church don't listen to their own wedding ceremonies. It clearly states in every single marriage ceremony I have ever attended, "till death do you part" and yet despite all this, they expect to be with their spouse after this life. But they don't see anything in-congruent with that. Go figure.

However, the Lord is very, very clear, especially in this chapter. In order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom and become like He is, we have to be married. And the only way we will still be married in the next life is if we have been married in the temple and have lived up to those temple covenants. I used to wonder why people could not be saved singly without their spouses but then I realized that it is because in order to create spirit children, which we will inevitably do as Gods, we will need a male and a female. Too often I think people give God a bad rap. He doesn't say don't do this and do this to be mean. He is trying to teach us what His life is like and what we need to do to live a life like His.

I have often mused what the two other levels of the Celestial Kingdom must be like. I have no idea of course but I often like to think on it and what type of people inhabit them. I mentioned that even though it is not stated thus we can infer that the other 2 Kingdoms have 3 levels also. I say this because if you think about it and think about the descriptions of those that inherit each type of kingdom, they are not all the same and even those that inhabit those kingdoms would not all be comfortable together. For example, those that inhabit the Telestial, or lowest, Kingdom are described as murders, liars, thieves and whoremongers. Do you really think that a thief is going to be comfortable with murderer or a liar with a whoremonger? I personally don't and I think God loves all His children enough to try and give them a place they can go where they will be happy and where they will feel comfortable. Again this is all just my opinion.

I'm personally glad I will be with my family in the next life and I want to dance for joy every time I think about being able to still be married to my wife in the next life since I can't imagine my life without her even for a minute. She is by far the BEST thing that has ever happened to me and I look forward to spending eternity by her side and progressing with her. I hope you also look forward to spending all of eternity with your spouse or future spouse if there are any single folks reading this. I thank Heavenly Father almost daily for my wife and for my family and I hope you do the same. Until tomorrow.

A Treasure Trove of Spiritual Knowledge

(I want to take a moment and explain why my posts have been sporadic lately and why they haven't been quite like my usual posts. I'm not sure I have mentioned it before but my family lives in Northern Alabama where all the tornadoes came through last Wednesday and we have been without power since Wednesday night, 5:30 pm-ish central time. I sent my wife and daughter up North to stay with her parents until this all blew over and we just got power back last night at 11:30 pm. Prior to the power coming on, I had been going to work and writing my blogs there and e-mailing them up to my wife so she could post them for me since my work would not let me get to this website. So a big thanks to my wife and I appreciate all of your patience and we should now be back to normal.)

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 130, a veritable treasure chest of spiritual knowledge. I literally don't know where to start with this post and what to focus on. Section 130 has long been one of my absolute favorite chapters/sections of scripture just because it contains SO much in there and what it does contain is rich with spiritual knowledge. This section explains the nature of a perfected world, more laws concerning angels, Urim and Thummims, a prophecy concerning the Civil War, Joseph's musing concerning the 2nd coming of the Lord, the nature of knowledge, blessings and the physical properties of the Lord God.

Where oh where to begin? I guess the first place to start is on the nature of angels. Joseph teaches that the only angels who visit this earth are those men or women that have lived on this earth or will live on this earth. And the scriptures confirm this with the help of prophets. Anytime we have a record of the angel's name when they visit someone it is someone who has already lived on this earth: Moses appearing to Jesus, Elijah, Gabriel(who are modern prophets teach is Noah from Noah and the ark), Moroni, Peter and James, the Founding Fathers of America and more. I had a strange thought just now, there is no record of female angels appearing to people. I wonder if they happen and we just are not told of them, which is possible because I don't believe for a second that we have a complete record of all the angels that have ever appeared on this earth. It's just really interesting that all the records of angels that we know their names have all been men. Very interesting.

The next thing in this section that has always captured my interest is the prophecy Joseph received concerning the Civil War. However, a careful reading will show that the Lord is not just telling Joseph about the Civil War here in America, but rather that there will many wars and they will start with the Civil War in America. It specifically states, "...the commencements of the difficulties which will cause much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of Man..." that to me states all wars that have come since that time. But I think it's neat that Joseph, being a prophet was able to prophecy that the Civil War would start because of South Carolina and it would be over the question of Slavery. How right he was.

The last 6 verses of the section are the meat of this section that most people use it for and they are spiritual gems to be certain. Verses 18 - 19 tells us that whatever degree of intelligence we attain to in this life will stay with us in the life to come. Moreover that if we attain more intelligence in this life we will be ahead in the life to come. I wonder how many people actually digest that information? We are still going to be learning in the life to come. That just makes sense to me when I think about it. If the Lord doesn't just touch our foreheads in this life and grant us knowledge, why would He suddenly change that pattern when we are dead? I'm honestly looking forward to studying in the next life or however we will be learning all we will need to know. To not have to contend with the veil and be forgetting things I have already learned and forgetting new things because my mind is mortal and fallible. It's gonna be GREAT!

Verses 20 - 21 talk about receiving blessings. Most of you reading this will probably be familiar with these verses so I won't quote them. It is really neat to me though that there were laws put into place before this world was created that govern what type of blessings we get for following what type of laws. I wonder how extensive it was? For example would it be too frivolous to suggest that the blessing of safety and health were put into place for all those who adhere to the law of gravity? Perhaps so. But I still think it is awesome to think that all blessings were put into place for their respective laws before this world was created physically. That means that the all too popular excuse of "No one told me" is not effective at all. We WERE told we just don't remember. But that is why we have scriptures and Prophets and Apostles. The Lord sees fit to tell them so they can tell us what those laws and their subsequent blessings are. Can you tell I love this section yet???? :)

Finally, we are treated to a couple of verses about the physical nature of the Godhead. We are told in verses 22-23 that the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, the Creator of our Spirits, both have glorified bodies of flesh and bone. Have you noticed that they don't say flesh and blood? They are very careful when they talk about resurrected bodies to make sure they do not say blood but rather say flesh and bone. I have often wondered why resurrected bodies do not have blood and have thought to myself that perhaps the blood is what makes us mortal? I mean think about when people die? Despite what killed them, the ultimate cause of death is lack of blood to the brain which then shuts down. You can lose too much blood so that there is not enough to power your body or your heart can be damaged so that it does not pump any more blood, but the end result is that the brain is not receiving the blood and oxygen it needs to function. So if that is the case, it makes perfect sense that resurrected beings would not have blood in their systems.

The Holy Ghost however, having never been born in this life, does not have a physical body, with or without blood. He only has a body of Spirit, like we all have inside of us. The verses tell us that the reason He only has a body of Spirit is so that He can dwell within us. Remember it is the job of the Holy Ghost to be a testator and to testify of the truthfulness of all things to us and He does that apparently by dwelling within us and communicating directly with our Spirits. I will admit I do not understand how this happens but I accept it as truth from the scriptures and our modern day Prophets and Apostles.

I need to stop myself because I could literally go on for hours about this section and all its wonderful knowledge that it gives us. If you have not read it in a long time or never read it, I really urge you to take some time out of your day and read it. It is only 23 verses long and you will not be sorry you did. Until tomorrow and happy reading.

Angelic Visitation

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 129. This section has always fascinated me because it is about the detection of angels and devils that pose as angels. I have always wondered what it would be like to have an angel appear to me. I imagine that it would scare me half to death. I do not imagine it would be a fun experience.

It is interesting though that so many people in the early days of the church were having visitations from heavenly beings that the Lord felt it necessary to give this sign and warning to let the members know how they could tell if it was a true angel or a devil in disguise. I often wonder if heavenly messengers have stopped or if we just don’t hear about them anymore? We are often told that such visitations are for the people who receive them and no one else so it would stand to reason that if they were in fact still happening they would not be broadcast, perhaps not even to those closest to the individual. Although if I had one visit me, unless I was specifically told not to, I don’t think I could keep it from my wife.

It also makes me wonder what the Lord needs to tell those persons that have an angel to them that He can’t tell them another way? Or perhaps it is a reward for their faithfulness? I personally don’t know. It also makes me think about Adam and Eve. When they were removed from the Garden of Eden the Lord sent angels to teach and instruct Adam and Eve. I wonder why the Lord did not just speak to them directly? Perhaps it had to do with helping Adam and Eve to develop faith that the Lord would help them? They knew the Lord was there for they had seen Him and talked to Him directly. Perhaps they had to learn to rely on Him in other ways.

I don’t have too much else to say when it comes to angelic visitation so here I will end, but please if you are ever lucky enough to receive such a visitation, remember what the Lord has told us in section 129 to ensure that you are not led astray. Until tomorrow.