There once was an old man quite long in the tooth
he blathered and blustered and blubbered untruth
if once you saw his lips seem to move
invariably you knew it would not be the truth.
You like limericks? There are plenty of good ones around, as well as clever and not so nice ones to pique your interest and possibly raise an eyebrow, or two. There are also many people around that have a hard time being forthright in speaking the truth. They would rather embellish their stories and their facts. I'm reminded of a statement that I heard, or thought of and developed, perhaps back in the late 60s or early 70s -- "the first liar doesn't have a chance!"
Before I explain that let me explain bluster, blather and blubber. I have always liked words and consider myself as having and above normal vocabulary. I have always liked dictionaries. If one was to read a dictionary you would have to be pretty quick because the plot would change every liner to. I developed my affectation with books and reading and dictionaries in what they now call middle school. That would be another tale, another story, for another time.
Anyhow, blather and bluster and blubber are three different types of speaking -- not the only three however. There is also braggadocio, bragging, boasting buffoonery as well as just being a simple old blowhard. Then there are ways to talk. You can boast. You can blister. You can be banal. You can be blunt. You can be fooled by blarney. Someone can blunder, some can belittle. And finally after all of these ways and means and devices you can possibly, in the final point of fact, be believable -- if you have earned some ones trust -- if your tongue and lips have been used to employ veracity.
You can look all those words up in your dictionary. I only want to cover the topic as far as it concerns and pertains to us here and now. I have alluded to and given cause to think about people who talk. I want you to think about life in general, words in particular and how people might perceive you. Do you tell the truth? Can people trust you and believe you?
A few anecdotes...
While working in Scottsdale, in an electronics company plant, I was witness to a very particular phenomenon -- "Chuck's lie is bigger and better than yours!" While sitting in the cafeteria eating lunch one employee said that he read an article where a semi-tractor trailer loaded with oranges had spilled its load down a mile of California freeway. Chuck responded, "that's nothing! Why, I recall the time... spilled... 2 miles! You see what I mean!
There's an old "joke" -- when can you tell a lawyer is lying? His lips moved. You know what I mean!
Statements are a little suspect when they begin with, "you should have seen..." or when you hear, "you're not going to believe this..." And they are right, you probably shouldn't. Along with, "did you hear the one about..." be on your guard for blarney.
I am also a little suspect of someone leaning in closely to whisper, "let me just tell you what I heard..." or, "I shouldn't tell you this..." or, "I don't like to spread rumors..." I think one of my favorite beginning phrases is, "this may surprise you..." It probably would but is that more information than I need to know?
Let me finish this Jeremaid with words that come out of the candidates mouth and now a president's mouth. "If I see a bill, on my desk to be signed, with earmarks and/or "pork" I will do a line by line veto of those portions." Yeah! Right! Let me leave you with just the few more words, a list of descriptions of that statement...
BLANDISHMENT
NONSENSE
HUMBUG
INSIPID
EXPENSIVE
BALD-FACED LIE
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Gifts of God
Everybody has a gift! Sometimes they're hard to discern, almost hidden. Sometimes they are not obvious, but for a fact, everybody has a gift. Some have more than one. Everybody's duty is to recognize and develop, improve upon and use that gift for the benefit of themselves, their family and the world. If a gift is given from the divine being that we call God, then that gift is a divine gift, a spiritual gift.
Scriptures tell us that everything was created spiritually before it was created physically. That goes for our divine gifts as well.
I propose that there are many gifts that you do not recognize as either spiritual or as coming from God. Those gifts and their possibilities are endless in number and infinite in variety.
Joseph Smith once said, "We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth." That is a beginning list of spiritual gifts. That's the list that most people think of when they think of gifts from God. There is a lot larger list, a very much more comprehensive list, that I would like for you to think about.
Gifts come quietly and privately, almost sneaking up on a person. To what purpose do we receive gifts? Some purposes and gifts are described in the Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 12: 1-22; Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-33 Moroni 10: 8-18
Here's a beginning list of gifts for you to think about and consider...
the gift of birth, is death a gift? The gift to sow, to grow things, the gift to reap or to gather, the gift of humor when appropriate, the gift of a clean countenance, disposition and manners, to gift to sympathize and to morn, the gifts of dance, the gifts of sewing, the gift of invention, the gift of learning and knowledge and of great wisdom, the gifts of talking and speaking -- orating and preaching -- and the knowledge of when to be quiet, went to think and ponder, to study, to know the difference between good and evil and act as appropriate, the gift and ability to enjoy life, to build and construct the gift of great faith, the ability to know truth.
Further gifts...
Your mind, to be able to help others, to be able to rule and govern, to speak many languages, to interpret tongues, to be able to pass judgment correctly, to have foresight -- revelation and prophecy, the ability to serve, the ability to believe -- and spirits, profits, and miracles, in Scriptures, to be able to listen to angels, the gift to know that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he was crucified and resurrected for us and still lives.
And still, more gifts...
the gifts to understand the plan of life and salvation, to have the faith to be healed, the ability to ask, the ability to receive, to listen, to hear, to use the still small voice, to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the ability to avoid contention and nagging, to be agreeable, the gift to seek that which is right in righteous, the gift to be able to pray and listen, the ability to have a good vocabulary, the gift to be calm and untroubled, the gift of empathy, the ability to give comfort, the ability to grieve with others, the gifts you have the tongue of Angels -- calm, level, not profane, the gift of a chaste mind and body, the ability to treat yourself as a temple and child of God, and the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation and eternal life.
You may possibly think of other gifts -- they are endless and countless and a great variety. They could be gifts, or talents or abilities. As you study and ponder the lists I have made for you to think about, what gifts do you have and what gifts can you still develop? Think of yourself as a child of Heavenly Father. Think to yourself that I can possibly develop most of the attributes in this list of gifts. I can become much more like God. That's not such a bad thought, or hard thought. We are here to grow and develop in this life is but a beginning. Think about it. Dream about it. Do something about it.
Scriptures tell us that everything was created spiritually before it was created physically. That goes for our divine gifts as well.
I propose that there are many gifts that you do not recognize as either spiritual or as coming from God. Those gifts and their possibilities are endless in number and infinite in variety.
Joseph Smith once said, "We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth." That is a beginning list of spiritual gifts. That's the list that most people think of when they think of gifts from God. There is a lot larger list, a very much more comprehensive list, that I would like for you to think about.
Gifts come quietly and privately, almost sneaking up on a person. To what purpose do we receive gifts? Some purposes and gifts are described in the Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 12: 1-22; Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-33 Moroni 10: 8-18
Here's a beginning list of gifts for you to think about and consider...
the gift of birth, is death a gift? The gift to sow, to grow things, the gift to reap or to gather, the gift of humor when appropriate, the gift of a clean countenance, disposition and manners, to gift to sympathize and to morn, the gifts of dance, the gifts of sewing, the gift of invention, the gift of learning and knowledge and of great wisdom, the gifts of talking and speaking -- orating and preaching -- and the knowledge of when to be quiet, went to think and ponder, to study, to know the difference between good and evil and act as appropriate, the gift and ability to enjoy life, to build and construct the gift of great faith, the ability to know truth.
Further gifts...
Your mind, to be able to help others, to be able to rule and govern, to speak many languages, to interpret tongues, to be able to pass judgment correctly, to have foresight -- revelation and prophecy, the ability to serve, the ability to believe -- and spirits, profits, and miracles, in Scriptures, to be able to listen to angels, the gift to know that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he was crucified and resurrected for us and still lives.
And still, more gifts...
the gifts to understand the plan of life and salvation, to have the faith to be healed, the ability to ask, the ability to receive, to listen, to hear, to use the still small voice, to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the ability to avoid contention and nagging, to be agreeable, the gift to seek that which is right in righteous, the gift to be able to pray and listen, the ability to have a good vocabulary, the gift to be calm and untroubled, the gift of empathy, the ability to give comfort, the ability to grieve with others, the gifts you have the tongue of Angels -- calm, level, not profane, the gift of a chaste mind and body, the ability to treat yourself as a temple and child of God, and the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation and eternal life.
You may possibly think of other gifts -- they are endless and countless and a great variety. They could be gifts, or talents or abilities. As you study and ponder the lists I have made for you to think about, what gifts do you have and what gifts can you still develop? Think of yourself as a child of Heavenly Father. Think to yourself that I can possibly develop most of the attributes in this list of gifts. I can become much more like God. That's not such a bad thought, or hard thought. We are here to grow and develop in this life is but a beginning. Think about it. Dream about it. Do something about it.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
DADDY
My kids, many years ago, gave me a T-shirt that had a message on the front – "anybody can be a father. It takes somebody special to be a daddy."
So, what’s a father? And what makes me, or you men, a daddy? Would you say perhaps that a father is biological? And that a daddy is spiritual, and biological?
As you know, in the Scriptures, Jesus during his earthly ministry, said that he could do nothing unless it was " of the Father", His Father. He said he did nothing except it was commanded by his father. In other words, his work was His Father's work. Jesus respected and honored, and obeyed His Father's wishes. But still, there was a time when he asked for more help -- remember that time in the garden. On that most burdensome moment of all human history, with blood appearing at every pore and an anguished cry upon His lips, Christ sought Him whom He had always sought--His Father. "Abba," He cried, "Papa," or from the lips of a younger child, "Daddy!."
I don't want to sound sacrilegious or blasphemous, but Jesus had a daddy -- a biological and spiritual father -- Who watched as His Son suffered and ultimately died -- suffering far greater than any of us can imagine. In a smaller way, on a much smaller scale, we fathers have to watch our children's travails and suffering, with anguish of our own. There is a difference, however, Jesus suffered for us -- rescued us -- if we fulfill our part of the covenant -- obedience, repentance, hard work and success. All we fathers can do is hope that when one of our youngsters calls "daddy" we can help in some small way. We'll still be daddy and we will help where and when we can.
So, what’s a father? And what makes me, or you men, a daddy? Would you say perhaps that a father is biological? And that a daddy is spiritual, and biological?
As you know, in the Scriptures, Jesus during his earthly ministry, said that he could do nothing unless it was " of the Father", His Father. He said he did nothing except it was commanded by his father. In other words, his work was His Father's work. Jesus respected and honored, and obeyed His Father's wishes. But still, there was a time when he asked for more help -- remember that time in the garden. On that most burdensome moment of all human history, with blood appearing at every pore and an anguished cry upon His lips, Christ sought Him whom He had always sought--His Father. "Abba," He cried, "Papa," or from the lips of a younger child, "Daddy!."
I don't want to sound sacrilegious or blasphemous, but Jesus had a daddy -- a biological and spiritual father -- Who watched as His Son suffered and ultimately died -- suffering far greater than any of us can imagine. In a smaller way, on a much smaller scale, we fathers have to watch our children's travails and suffering, with anguish of our own. There is a difference, however, Jesus suffered for us -- rescued us -- if we fulfill our part of the covenant -- obedience, repentance, hard work and success. All we fathers can do is hope that when one of our youngsters calls "daddy" we can help in some small way. We'll still be daddy and we will help where and when we can.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Heritage
To begin this particular discussion I would like you to read the paragraph/statement, below, made by Ezra Taft Benson.
"There should be no doubt what our task is today. If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity."
There are a few things in addition to the above noted characteristics I would like to include and discuss, as they pertain to heritage – humor, steadfastness, trust and love.
You could of course look all those terms up in the dictionary, but I want to give my particular slant and opinion on those terms.
First, stalwart. When I think of someone that is stalwart I think of someone that is unwavering and strong. I think of common sense and strength -- not only of body but of mind and spirit. I think of someone that is well balanced and determined not to give in.
Second, forebears. When you talk about forebear it primarily means your ancestors or forefathers -- where you came from, your roots.
Third, faith in God. There are those people that do not believe in God. I do. I believe that God is my Heavenly Father. My belief and faith is strong enough to be a certainty. I also know that His Son, Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. With your faith in God as strong as those of your forebears you should be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to do.
Fourth, courage. When I think of courage I think more than just an upright person pounding on his chest, taking a deep breath, throwing back his shoulders and shouting to the world, "I am brave". I think of a deep mental and moral strength, to persevere and withstand dangers, hard times or difficulties. I also think of someone that can withstand opposition or persecution. A person full of tenacity. In this regard one side of courage that comes to mind is a person's strength to avoid doing what is evil or wicked and performing their best at doing what is right, even if it is unpopular.
Fifth, industry. To me, industry means being busy. Not just "busy work" but creative, useful, purposeful. It could also mean study and learning.
Sixth, frugality. I think that, in this case, the definition of frugality is living within your means. In accomplishing that goal part of it is being wise and be citing what are your wants versus what are your needs. I remember stretching my means or my budget to get something that I just had to have -- when we really could have done without it.
Seventh, self-reliance. Self-reliant means having the money or the means that you require to do what you need to do for your family and yourself. I think that it means having the capacity to work within your own talents and abilities. I think, therefore, that in includes training and study and self-improvement.
Eighth, integrity. When I think of integrity I think of how a person may act when he's by himself and nobody is looking. What kind of values do you live by I think of soundness being complete and of course honesty --to be true – to be faithful – to do what’s right!
Ninth, humor. I think that humor is sometimes mixed up with or mistaken for funny. Humor involves and includes smiling at the world. Enjoying a good laugh -- even at oneself. Humor involves even temperament. Life is supposed to be fun. Sometimes it's not easy, it's harsh. Sometimes it might even seem to be playing a joke on you. Smile, and bear it. You make it what it is.
Tenth, steadfastness. One meaning would be firmly fixed in place. I think it is important to remember a person that is steadfast is firm in their beliefs and actions -- faithful.
Eleventh, love. . everybody has their opinion on what love is. Some people get sex and love mixed up. Some people think of a warm fuzzy feeling. Some people don't get any closer to love than what they mean when they signed a letter -- love, Roger. Some people really know affection for a loved one. Some people have love in mind when they are idolizing -- sports, hobbies, work or food! I personally feel, and I think, that love involves a long list: tenderness, affection, emotional attachment, physical longing, a desire to improve oneself, a desire to improve the well-being of another, a concern for an eternal future and a very strong desire for success, together. I think that one of the strongest parts of true love is complete loyalty and devotion along with completely being unselfish. If you stop and think about it the love of God for humankind -- for each of us -- should be an excellent example of how we should love and treat those around us.
I think love is important enough for another paragraph. If one truly loves they hold dear. They cherish. They have passion and devotion. They have concern. Everything they do is for the good of others. Sometimes they might get amorous and that is fine with the right person, in the right place and at the right time. Sometimes love is a kind word, a hug, a kiss. Sometimes it's a smile, a twinkle in the eye.. Sometimes it's physical and caring, and fun. You need to remember that love is forever!
When you put all of these things together -- all 11 -- you have a pretty tough goal to meet. These characteristics or attributes, if followed and adhered to, will make you a pretty well rounded, important and successful person. Please sit, ponder, even pray, about these things. I testify you'll be better, and well on the path to becoming the person you need to be. You, and me!
So, please be wise! Make the changes necessary to live up to your heritage, so that you can be a success in this life and head towards future success in the life to come. Be proud of your name. You have legacy in this world, and an inheritance. There are traditions that you should follow and you have a birth right to live up to. I pray you will do well.
"There should be no doubt what our task is today. If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity."
There are a few things in addition to the above noted characteristics I would like to include and discuss, as they pertain to heritage – humor, steadfastness, trust and love.
You could of course look all those terms up in the dictionary, but I want to give my particular slant and opinion on those terms.
First, stalwart. When I think of someone that is stalwart I think of someone that is unwavering and strong. I think of common sense and strength -- not only of body but of mind and spirit. I think of someone that is well balanced and determined not to give in.
Second, forebears. When you talk about forebear it primarily means your ancestors or forefathers -- where you came from, your roots.
Third, faith in God. There are those people that do not believe in God. I do. I believe that God is my Heavenly Father. My belief and faith is strong enough to be a certainty. I also know that His Son, Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. With your faith in God as strong as those of your forebears you should be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to do.
Fourth, courage. When I think of courage I think more than just an upright person pounding on his chest, taking a deep breath, throwing back his shoulders and shouting to the world, "I am brave". I think of a deep mental and moral strength, to persevere and withstand dangers, hard times or difficulties. I also think of someone that can withstand opposition or persecution. A person full of tenacity. In this regard one side of courage that comes to mind is a person's strength to avoid doing what is evil or wicked and performing their best at doing what is right, even if it is unpopular.
Fifth, industry. To me, industry means being busy. Not just "busy work" but creative, useful, purposeful. It could also mean study and learning.
Sixth, frugality. I think that, in this case, the definition of frugality is living within your means. In accomplishing that goal part of it is being wise and be citing what are your wants versus what are your needs. I remember stretching my means or my budget to get something that I just had to have -- when we really could have done without it.
Seventh, self-reliance. Self-reliant means having the money or the means that you require to do what you need to do for your family and yourself. I think that it means having the capacity to work within your own talents and abilities. I think, therefore, that in includes training and study and self-improvement.
Eighth, integrity. When I think of integrity I think of how a person may act when he's by himself and nobody is looking. What kind of values do you live by I think of soundness being complete and of course honesty --to be true – to be faithful – to do what’s right!
Ninth, humor. I think that humor is sometimes mixed up with or mistaken for funny. Humor involves and includes smiling at the world. Enjoying a good laugh -- even at oneself. Humor involves even temperament. Life is supposed to be fun. Sometimes it's not easy, it's harsh. Sometimes it might even seem to be playing a joke on you. Smile, and bear it. You make it what it is.
Tenth, steadfastness. One meaning would be firmly fixed in place. I think it is important to remember a person that is steadfast is firm in their beliefs and actions -- faithful.
Eleventh, love. . everybody has their opinion on what love is. Some people get sex and love mixed up. Some people think of a warm fuzzy feeling. Some people don't get any closer to love than what they mean when they signed a letter -- love, Roger. Some people really know affection for a loved one. Some people have love in mind when they are idolizing -- sports, hobbies, work or food! I personally feel, and I think, that love involves a long list: tenderness, affection, emotional attachment, physical longing, a desire to improve oneself, a desire to improve the well-being of another, a concern for an eternal future and a very strong desire for success, together. I think that one of the strongest parts of true love is complete loyalty and devotion along with completely being unselfish. If you stop and think about it the love of God for humankind -- for each of us -- should be an excellent example of how we should love and treat those around us.
I think love is important enough for another paragraph. If one truly loves they hold dear. They cherish. They have passion and devotion. They have concern. Everything they do is for the good of others. Sometimes they might get amorous and that is fine with the right person, in the right place and at the right time. Sometimes love is a kind word, a hug, a kiss. Sometimes it's a smile, a twinkle in the eye.. Sometimes it's physical and caring, and fun. You need to remember that love is forever!
When you put all of these things together -- all 11 -- you have a pretty tough goal to meet. These characteristics or attributes, if followed and adhered to, will make you a pretty well rounded, important and successful person. Please sit, ponder, even pray, about these things. I testify you'll be better, and well on the path to becoming the person you need to be. You, and me!
So, please be wise! Make the changes necessary to live up to your heritage, so that you can be a success in this life and head towards future success in the life to come. Be proud of your name. You have legacy in this world, and an inheritance. There are traditions that you should follow and you have a birth right to live up to. I pray you will do well.
Truth,Trust and Honesty
When I had young children, I used to tell them there were three things that I hated. If you ask them, I'm sure that they would remember what they were, or are. If you ask them, I'm sure they would say yes, and nod. I don’t want them, or you, to just nod your head and agree, or shrug your shoulders and say, "yeah, right". Say them outloud with me: I hate cheaters; I hate thieves; I hate liars.
I may need to clarify something just a little bit. I don't hate the people that do those things. I just hate those things. I find it very interesting that there are things that a wise King, named Solomon, wrote in the Bible, explaining that there are six things that God hates. The verses are found in the book of Proverbs, chapter 6, verses 17 through 19.
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A falsewitness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What is a proud look? Do you know the term "smirk"? When I think of a proud look, or a proud face, smirk comes to mind. To smirk you probably do something with your lips, your mouth, your eyebrows, a tip of the head or lifting of the chin. If you’re tall enough you probably look down your nose. It might include a shrug of the shoulders, you might bite the tip of your tongue, It might involve several small nods of the head and is all based on something that is probably a misdeed or at least a misthought. It usually involves getting caught!
We know about a lying tongue, don’t we? Things are either true or not. There usually are no shades of difference other than black-and-white – true or false. A lie is a lie, whether you swear a falsehood or just remain silent so someone might think that you did not lie by your not admitting the truth. A falsehood stretches the amount of trust that you might be given. If you lie you cannot be trusted. Missuse of communal funds is stealing and a lie!
So far we don’t have to worry about shedding innocent blood.
What is a heart that defiseth wicked imaginations? I would submit that this might have many meanings, but one that comes to the foremost portion of my mind is a man looking at pornography. Right now in this world, in this day and age, I can’t think of anything more wicked than a husband looking at filthy pictures of one of God’s daughters and possibly comparing her with his own wife. In such an instance we are again misusing the trust, of a marriage and of a loving spouse. There really is no place in a marriage, that is supposedly ordained of God, for a misplaced heart, misplaced eyes and thoughts.
Let’s discuss feet running into mischief. What kind of mischief? I could joke right here that running in this case doesn't have anything to do with fleetness of foot or speed, especially in my case, walking with a cane. It does have to do with scurrying into wrongdoing! This category is quite all-inclusive – lying, stealing, pornography and drugs -- smoking and drinking. When I speak of drugs I mean prescriptions, use of tobacco and use of liquor. And when I say use I really mean misuse.
How about a falsewitness that speaks of lies? In this case what usually comes to mind is passing the blame, pointing a finger of supposed guilt at someone other than one’s self. Another part of this category would be not accepting blame for one's guilt. What I mean here is not living up to or owning up to one’s actions. I didn’t do it – not me! I’m innocent! It must’ve been somebody else! How did that get there? You know what I mean!
And finally what is sowing discord among brethren? This is a little more difficult. Are you familiar with the term "rabble-rouser"? What does such an individual do? He stirs up anger or violence or mistrust. Someone that stirs up discord usually does it by one of the previously mentioned six things that God hates – that all good people hate – that your spouse probably hates!
So, remember that there are lots of, "thou shalt nots" --lying, cheating and stealing along with those that God dislikes. They are totally not acceptable. You know and remember that there are Commandments: "thou shalt", what? Honor God, honor the Sabbath, honor father and mother, and as spouse.
None of us should do the things I just mentioned as "shalt nots". We have been taught better. We could say we’ve had great parents, countless teachers and advisers, brothers and sisters, even in-laws, and especially, a loving spouse that has sacrificed for us and loves us and needs us. We also have Prophets and scriptures to advise us.
If any of us need to make some changes, we should sit and ponder – really think – about where our life is heading and hopefully make a change in direction and get on the path to what could ultimately prove to be our eternal salvation.
We have quite a long distance to travel to get to where we should be. One of the things that we should do to get started is, what are commonly referred to as "Mormonisms". They are as follows: individual prayer, family prayer, family home evening, scripture study, church attendance, receiving and accepting callings, and following the principles and ordinances of Jesus Christ.
I may need to clarify something just a little bit. I don't hate the people that do those things. I just hate those things. I find it very interesting that there are things that a wise King, named Solomon, wrote in the Bible, explaining that there are six things that God hates. The verses are found in the book of Proverbs, chapter 6, verses 17 through 19.
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A falsewitness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What is a proud look? Do you know the term "smirk"? When I think of a proud look, or a proud face, smirk comes to mind. To smirk you probably do something with your lips, your mouth, your eyebrows, a tip of the head or lifting of the chin. If you’re tall enough you probably look down your nose. It might include a shrug of the shoulders, you might bite the tip of your tongue, It might involve several small nods of the head and is all based on something that is probably a misdeed or at least a misthought. It usually involves getting caught!
We know about a lying tongue, don’t we? Things are either true or not. There usually are no shades of difference other than black-and-white – true or false. A lie is a lie, whether you swear a falsehood or just remain silent so someone might think that you did not lie by your not admitting the truth. A falsehood stretches the amount of trust that you might be given. If you lie you cannot be trusted. Missuse of communal funds is stealing and a lie!
So far we don’t have to worry about shedding innocent blood.
What is a heart that defiseth wicked imaginations? I would submit that this might have many meanings, but one that comes to the foremost portion of my mind is a man looking at pornography. Right now in this world, in this day and age, I can’t think of anything more wicked than a husband looking at filthy pictures of one of God’s daughters and possibly comparing her with his own wife. In such an instance we are again misusing the trust, of a marriage and of a loving spouse. There really is no place in a marriage, that is supposedly ordained of God, for a misplaced heart, misplaced eyes and thoughts.
Let’s discuss feet running into mischief. What kind of mischief? I could joke right here that running in this case doesn't have anything to do with fleetness of foot or speed, especially in my case, walking with a cane. It does have to do with scurrying into wrongdoing! This category is quite all-inclusive – lying, stealing, pornography and drugs -- smoking and drinking. When I speak of drugs I mean prescriptions, use of tobacco and use of liquor. And when I say use I really mean misuse.
How about a falsewitness that speaks of lies? In this case what usually comes to mind is passing the blame, pointing a finger of supposed guilt at someone other than one’s self. Another part of this category would be not accepting blame for one's guilt. What I mean here is not living up to or owning up to one’s actions. I didn’t do it – not me! I’m innocent! It must’ve been somebody else! How did that get there? You know what I mean!
And finally what is sowing discord among brethren? This is a little more difficult. Are you familiar with the term "rabble-rouser"? What does such an individual do? He stirs up anger or violence or mistrust. Someone that stirs up discord usually does it by one of the previously mentioned six things that God hates – that all good people hate – that your spouse probably hates!
So, remember that there are lots of, "thou shalt nots" --lying, cheating and stealing along with those that God dislikes. They are totally not acceptable. You know and remember that there are Commandments: "thou shalt", what? Honor God, honor the Sabbath, honor father and mother, and as spouse.
None of us should do the things I just mentioned as "shalt nots". We have been taught better. We could say we’ve had great parents, countless teachers and advisers, brothers and sisters, even in-laws, and especially, a loving spouse that has sacrificed for us and loves us and needs us. We also have Prophets and scriptures to advise us.
If any of us need to make some changes, we should sit and ponder – really think – about where our life is heading and hopefully make a change in direction and get on the path to what could ultimately prove to be our eternal salvation.
We have quite a long distance to travel to get to where we should be. One of the things that we should do to get started is, what are commonly referred to as "Mormonisms". They are as follows: individual prayer, family prayer, family home evening, scripture study, church attendance, receiving and accepting callings, and following the principles and ordinances of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
CHRISTMAS TESTIMONY OF JESUS
This is a joy, During this Christmas time I wish to bear my testimony of Jesus. Before I do that, let me quickly say I appreciate every opportunity to ponder, think and speak of my savior. I pray that the spirit of my Lord will be with me and that you will feel that spirit also and you will know, as I do, with certainty that my testimony is very strong.
Who is Jesus? I recall being in the mission home in June of 1965 having an occasion to bear testimony in a testimony meeting held in the assembly hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were over 200 of us in attendance preparing to go on missions and we were told that we had 30 seconds within which we were to state our name, our mission field and then bear testimony. I remember I said, "I am Elder Roger Stapley, I am going to the Finish mission, and I know that my Redeemer lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. That’s it! That’s what I remember saying and I didn’t take much more, or if I even took, than 30 seconds. From that time until this time, nearly 43 years, I can still say that I know that my Redeemer lives!
I have picked up a few other ideas and feelings and thoughts since then and I would like to take five minutes and share them. Who is Jesus? He is the firstborn, the only begotten son, in the flesh, of God, the Eternal Father. He is the author of our possible exaltation. He is my friend. He is my brother and my savior. I love him!
God our Father and Jesus, his son, our brother, put their heads together and formulated a plan that would allow each of us to come to earth, gain a body, live our lives as we wish, but by being obedient to the laws of Jesus Christ, we could return to God to live eternally. This is made possible by the death of Jesus and His resurrection. Jesus is a God and his spirit left heaven to came to earth to take a body and walk among men. He lived among us, in our midst. To conclude his mission he went into the garden of Gethsemane to pray to his father, our heavenly father. He suffered for us, sweat great drops of blood from every pore, and why? He did it to follow the plan, because he could, because he wanted to,,because it was necessary, and it was according to God’s and his plan. The God, Jesus, ransomed us, reconciled us, gave us the chance to live our lifetime, to be able to return to God, from whence we came.
.When I contemplate the life and death of Jesus, and the suffering in the garden and the suffering thereafter, on the cross, I am reminded of just how much he really does love us. He suffered great pain and anguish in Gethsemane. After that great suffering he was betrayed and arrested. He was scourged, and if you don’t think that hurt, just imagine someone whipping your back with barbed wire. A crown of thorns was forced upon his head, jammed down. He was forced to carry his own cross as far as he could. Large stakes were pounded through his hands, or wrisks, and ankles--nailing him onto that cross.
He had to hang from his arms, which effectively suffocated him, so he had to stand on the nails pounded through his ankles, to allow him to breathe-- just imagine, just think of the pain, and you would let yourself hang on your wrists because your feet hurt. You suffer the pain so you stand so that you can breathe and not suffocate. You switch back-and-forth-- stand and breathe, hanging and suffocate. Thinking of that -- why did he put up with it? Why did he suffer? He could have saved himself, so why did he do it? Simply, so we won't have to suffer the same pain, the same agony or anguish! I know that if we live righteously and obey God's commandments, Jesus our brother, our friends, our Savior already suffered for us so that we don't have to suffer. I smile sometimes when I think of my brother, my lord, the Christ, and I know he loved me. He died for the sins of the world and he died for my sins. I know it and I so testify.
At this Christmas time I want you to think of the great gifts we have received from Jesus. There were actually many gifts. He gave us the gift of this beautiful earth. He gave us the gift of mortal life. He gave us the gift of his gospel, with it is teachings and examples. He gave us the gift of immortality. That immortality was his work. And finally, he gave us the gift of possible eternal life. That would be his glory -- helping us to live righteously and so be able to return to our Heavenly Father.
What kind of gifts are you going to give this Christmas?what kind of gifts are you going to be thankful for? Please think about it, ponder your savior, Jesus Christ, and have a happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas!
Who is Jesus? I recall being in the mission home in June of 1965 having an occasion to bear testimony in a testimony meeting held in the assembly hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were over 200 of us in attendance preparing to go on missions and we were told that we had 30 seconds within which we were to state our name, our mission field and then bear testimony. I remember I said, "I am Elder Roger Stapley, I am going to the Finish mission, and I know that my Redeemer lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. That’s it! That’s what I remember saying and I didn’t take much more, or if I even took, than 30 seconds. From that time until this time, nearly 43 years, I can still say that I know that my Redeemer lives!
I have picked up a few other ideas and feelings and thoughts since then and I would like to take five minutes and share them. Who is Jesus? He is the firstborn, the only begotten son, in the flesh, of God, the Eternal Father. He is the author of our possible exaltation. He is my friend. He is my brother and my savior. I love him!
God our Father and Jesus, his son, our brother, put their heads together and formulated a plan that would allow each of us to come to earth, gain a body, live our lives as we wish, but by being obedient to the laws of Jesus Christ, we could return to God to live eternally. This is made possible by the death of Jesus and His resurrection. Jesus is a God and his spirit left heaven to came to earth to take a body and walk among men. He lived among us, in our midst. To conclude his mission he went into the garden of Gethsemane to pray to his father, our heavenly father. He suffered for us, sweat great drops of blood from every pore, and why? He did it to follow the plan, because he could, because he wanted to,,because it was necessary, and it was according to God’s and his plan. The God, Jesus, ransomed us, reconciled us, gave us the chance to live our lifetime, to be able to return to God, from whence we came.
.When I contemplate the life and death of Jesus, and the suffering in the garden and the suffering thereafter, on the cross, I am reminded of just how much he really does love us. He suffered great pain and anguish in Gethsemane. After that great suffering he was betrayed and arrested. He was scourged, and if you don’t think that hurt, just imagine someone whipping your back with barbed wire. A crown of thorns was forced upon his head, jammed down. He was forced to carry his own cross as far as he could. Large stakes were pounded through his hands, or wrisks, and ankles--nailing him onto that cross.
He had to hang from his arms, which effectively suffocated him, so he had to stand on the nails pounded through his ankles, to allow him to breathe-- just imagine, just think of the pain, and you would let yourself hang on your wrists because your feet hurt. You suffer the pain so you stand so that you can breathe and not suffocate. You switch back-and-forth-- stand and breathe, hanging and suffocate. Thinking of that -- why did he put up with it? Why did he suffer? He could have saved himself, so why did he do it? Simply, so we won't have to suffer the same pain, the same agony or anguish! I know that if we live righteously and obey God's commandments, Jesus our brother, our friends, our Savior already suffered for us so that we don't have to suffer. I smile sometimes when I think of my brother, my lord, the Christ, and I know he loved me. He died for the sins of the world and he died for my sins. I know it and I so testify.
At this Christmas time I want you to think of the great gifts we have received from Jesus. There were actually many gifts. He gave us the gift of this beautiful earth. He gave us the gift of mortal life. He gave us the gift of his gospel, with it is teachings and examples. He gave us the gift of immortality. That immortality was his work. And finally, he gave us the gift of possible eternal life. That would be his glory -- helping us to live righteously and so be able to return to our Heavenly Father.
What kind of gifts are you going to give this Christmas?what kind of gifts are you going to be thankful for? Please think about it, ponder your savior, Jesus Christ, and have a happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
FIERY DARTS
I was reading in a couple of different places and the subject of this discussion came to mind. Did you know that in the Bible Jeremiah wrote a book with his own name and another that he called Lamentations. Another word for a lamentation is a Jeremaid. It's an interesting word. This discussion or treatise could be called a Jeremaid -- a complaint with a lesson.
I read the following Scripture in the book of Ephesians,.. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
And in other Scriptures -- the Book of Mormon… "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."
And further in the Doctrine and Covenants… "Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."
"Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; "
What exactly are fiery darts? I have given quite a bit of thought on the subject. For that reason I am writing this Jeremaid. I'm not sure many people are worried about fiery darts. Are they just simply parables or imagery or are they based in actual fact -- and then what?
I want to discuss what I found out and what I believe about fiery darts. I did like a lot of other people do -- Google the Internet. I got a few hits, people's opinions, but not what I was looking for. Some authorities on the subject, thought a fiery dart would be like a flaming arrow. In fact, that was the most prevalent idea or thought. In times past I read of another possibility. I know that I have read it in more than one place, but I must apologize that I do not know to whom to give credit for the idea that I like the best. It was a writer of Western novels. His fiery darts were described in excruciating detail while explaining and illustrating how one tribe of Indians tortured a captured individuals from another tribe, a different tribe. The captured enemy man/warrior was tied to a tree, stripped of garments, and mercilessly tortured and harassed -- the worst of it being "fiery darts".
The captors searched out a tree full of oozing pitch, cut out little "darts" -- small pieces of wood saturated with pitch,and prepared to torture and torment their captives. They probably had a cooking fire upon which they prepared their meals and it became perfect for the following scenario.
Grab your bow in one hand, placed a pitch saturated stick into the cooking fire, and when it bursts into flame, shoot it into the flesh of their captive. It depends upon the force exerted on the bow as to how far into the skin and flesh the fiery dart would penetrate. It really didn't matter how deep because the flames would consume the dart and sear and scorch the flesh! Even after the dart burned down to the skin it would smolder and cause the flesh to erupt in burns and boils! Time and again fiery darts would be shot into the captive. It only made things better for the captors if the captive screamed and howled and cried for mercy. Imagine the scene in your mind's eye. A captive warrior stripped naked, tied with arms bent back, wrenching the shoulders backwards, standing with as much dignity as possible, leering at his captors. Them holding their bows and dancing, hollering vile insults and shouting with glee at their captives pain and suffering. Wouldn't that get under your skin, even if the fiery dart didn't? You gotta know that those captors are the adversary, the wicked. At that moment they are the foe. And at that moment they are getting under your skin -- annoying, bugging, inveigling their way into your thoughts and actions, perhaps even changing your behavior. They are your enemy. They are not trying to make you comfortable. What should you do to avoid the fiery darts?
One of the above quoted Scriptures states that you should put on the armor of faith. Armor would stop little tiny fiery darts that is true. Having tough skin would help a little bit in stopping slurs and barbs and invectives hurled in your direction. The armor of faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ can turn away those fiery darts. Being strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ and walking in the steps he would have you follow can keep those irritating little fiery darts from getting under your skin. Ward off the fiery darts of the adversary and the wicked by following the true Savior of this world, Jesus Christ.
I read the following Scripture in the book of Ephesians,.. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
And in other Scriptures -- the Book of Mormon… "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."
And further in the Doctrine and Covenants… "Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."
"Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; "
What exactly are fiery darts? I have given quite a bit of thought on the subject. For that reason I am writing this Jeremaid. I'm not sure many people are worried about fiery darts. Are they just simply parables or imagery or are they based in actual fact -- and then what?
I want to discuss what I found out and what I believe about fiery darts. I did like a lot of other people do -- Google the Internet. I got a few hits, people's opinions, but not what I was looking for. Some authorities on the subject, thought a fiery dart would be like a flaming arrow. In fact, that was the most prevalent idea or thought. In times past I read of another possibility. I know that I have read it in more than one place, but I must apologize that I do not know to whom to give credit for the idea that I like the best. It was a writer of Western novels. His fiery darts were described in excruciating detail while explaining and illustrating how one tribe of Indians tortured a captured individuals from another tribe, a different tribe. The captured enemy man/warrior was tied to a tree, stripped of garments, and mercilessly tortured and harassed -- the worst of it being "fiery darts".
The captors searched out a tree full of oozing pitch, cut out little "darts" -- small pieces of wood saturated with pitch,and prepared to torture and torment their captives. They probably had a cooking fire upon which they prepared their meals and it became perfect for the following scenario.
Grab your bow in one hand, placed a pitch saturated stick into the cooking fire, and when it bursts into flame, shoot it into the flesh of their captive. It depends upon the force exerted on the bow as to how far into the skin and flesh the fiery dart would penetrate. It really didn't matter how deep because the flames would consume the dart and sear and scorch the flesh! Even after the dart burned down to the skin it would smolder and cause the flesh to erupt in burns and boils! Time and again fiery darts would be shot into the captive. It only made things better for the captors if the captive screamed and howled and cried for mercy. Imagine the scene in your mind's eye. A captive warrior stripped naked, tied with arms bent back, wrenching the shoulders backwards, standing with as much dignity as possible, leering at his captors. Them holding their bows and dancing, hollering vile insults and shouting with glee at their captives pain and suffering. Wouldn't that get under your skin, even if the fiery dart didn't? You gotta know that those captors are the adversary, the wicked. At that moment they are the foe. And at that moment they are getting under your skin -- annoying, bugging, inveigling their way into your thoughts and actions, perhaps even changing your behavior. They are your enemy. They are not trying to make you comfortable. What should you do to avoid the fiery darts?
One of the above quoted Scriptures states that you should put on the armor of faith. Armor would stop little tiny fiery darts that is true. Having tough skin would help a little bit in stopping slurs and barbs and invectives hurled in your direction. The armor of faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ can turn away those fiery darts. Being strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ and walking in the steps he would have you follow can keep those irritating little fiery darts from getting under your skin. Ward off the fiery darts of the adversary and the wicked by following the true Savior of this world, Jesus Christ.
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