We are in an unprecedented era of technology and change and our individual ability to affect the lives of millions. It is our duty and responsibility to share our lives and our personal observations of the world with those who freely search your opinion.
The Reflection Pool between the Abraham Lincoln Monument and the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. is a famous national treasure. Yet it is one of the most overlooked in symbolic meaning. This post will not serve to tell a history or even it's intended meaning. It will serve a greater purpose - to tell of it's personal symbolism to me. I am a simple American from the Midwest.
As I marveled at the Washington Monument's reflection in the Pool I rendered the state of America and what it means to contemplation. A reflection is a mirror image of substance. I pondered whether America's modern times are a reflection of true and pure nature of integrity and strength that even the Washington Monument holds. Does it reflect the same values in it's people as it did when it was erected?
We've been given so much prosperity and opportunity as a people yet our gratitude is ever so becoming misplaced. Does our misplacement of trust and faith reflect the traditional values of our fathers? Wireless communication is a common norm in society. Many see it as a necessity of life. A gift to human understanding and engineering to perpetuate growth and prosperity? Yes! However, is it not possible for it to be a reminder to mankind that the original wireless communication is just as real and may be more reliable? That original wireless communication is prayer. Something that was increasingly relied on as we progress backward through the annals of time.
My hope is that we may all one day view the Reflection Pool with full faith and association as with our fathers as when it was built. Only then may our Founding Fathers smile down upon us in solemn reflection.
It is a fine line distinguishing between things you want and things you need. Often we mesh together the two and fear they are one the same. This fear inhibits change and perpetuates dependency and apathy. The key in knowing your wants verses needs is discipline. Discipline is part of why we are here. Discipline is that part of our being that allows us to grow. Discipline enables one to incrementally understand what true liberty is. Liberty is exercising your agency to choose, and fully reap the benefits and consequences of those choices. As you compromise your discipline, you shrink your liberty, and the very view of life becomes skewed as to what's truly important and what is not.
Beware of the shiny things in this world. Check out YouTube for those Walmart videos. It's a literal mass hysteria and chaos of species during holidays and blowout specials. Sometimes it's a blood bath. Beware of Ipods, Galaxy phones, Kindles and the like, Ipads, anything Bluetooth, laptops, cars and even Facebook. None of what's listed is an absolute necessity to sustain life or foster happiness, yet we've come to a point where people are on the precipice of killing for it.
In a fast paced world we've become blinded by the "latest and greatest" thing to hit the shelves. Fifteen years ago teenagers and adults alike saw little use in constant companionship of cell phones. Heck, the term Internet was barely circulating and texting wasn't even a term. Now, it has become an obsession and people now view it as an absolute necessity. Interestingly, mankind has survived thousands of years without cell phones, Internet and computers but now our bowels loose at the thought of being without them. The 7 Habits of Highly Effecti (Google Affiliate Ad)
The lack of discipline breaks down the most important unit of society - the family. On more than one occasion I've seen teenagers get down right violent with parents because discipline was instituted and the phone withheld. All respect for the parents dissipates because that youth became so dependent on the cell phone and the ability to text. They thus failed to distinguish between the privilege of the electronic gadget and a "right" to have. The family needs to shore up it's defenses, unplug and have a conversation. The 7 Habits of Highly Effecti (Google Affiliate Ad)
Your perceived "need" is being inflated by money. All these tangible items are brought to you, presented to you and intended to be used by you by the almighty currency of choice. What level of weakness does that state about us as the human species? We are stronger than this! Most all of us are guilty of this including me, obviously. I strip not the technical marvels, but I do condemn mankind for not striving to acclimate and strengthen their discipline relative to the changing times.
As an appendage to that thought on money mankind is quickly losing the will and drive to work for their happiness. What do we purchase with money that we anticipate will bring us happiness? Virtually everything, right, from food to clothing to electronics? With our level of mass production we've filled our measure of society with "stuff" and it can all be purchased with money. With this ease of acquisition and government welfare programs the human technique of laboring with effort for your needs and wants is all but extinguished. The "sweat of the brow" is no longer seen as the key to happiness.
The point of all this is to help you refocus and reestablish what is a need and what is a want. Most of all, realizing in which direction happiness truly lies. There is a reason hundreds of thousands choose to acquire as much education as possible. The go through the toil and frustrations because they have a grain of faith that it will pay off in the end not only in income but also in happiness. There is a reason why vast numbers still attend church on a weekly basis and even wear their Sunday best. It's because they have a grain of faith that adherence to a set of standards will benefit themselves and their families. They also know the benefit of sacrifice offered on a regular basis. At the same time there is a reason why so many pursue a form of happiness in diverse avenues of life be it texting, sports, work or even not going to church. Just ask yourself if you are truly fulfilled with your level of effort into your varied aspects of life? Are you one to drive forward or be run over?
We do live in a marvelous time! The curtains of knowledge are rolling back and we are learning and understanding all things at an unprecedented pace. Yet, to maximize our worthiness of this gift we need to establish personal parameters to ensure continued discipline. This will ensure our growth relative to the times. To parents this means tough love for their children. Monitor and restrict access if need be to these modern privileges. To children this means less chatting and more outdoor play. It means leave your Ipods and cell phones at home while in the church or public school room. It means common respect for our fellow man whether it be a teacher or someone we are passing on the highway.
Learn to govern yourself. Only by governing your passions and desires can you truly discern your own personal wants and needs.
Short URL http://tinyurl.com/discipline-wants-needs
The Disney movie The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer opened in the summer 2013. The mere title stirs emotions and hopes in the hearts of those who remember the old black and white television series. That is probably the first and foremost hurdle for the success of this movie to conquer. Did it produce successful results? This movie was long anticipated and Johnny Depp always draws a crowd. Can a first run superhero movie steal the show from opening night?
I remember the original series starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels of the Mohawk tribe. To a young child they were the crest of Old West superheroes. The Lone Ranger was the reason we mounted our broomstick with a plastic horse head. They formed for us an assumed glory of the Old West that helped pave the way for how we viewed the world around us. It gave us courage and a sense of justice. Melissa And Doug Prance-N-Play Stick Unicorn (Google Affiliate Ad)
The Disney reincarnation of The Lone Ranger was a quaint cinematic production but hardly a credit to the original legend or memory of The Lone Ranger that most of us know and have come to love. As stated at the top it is hard to compete with the foundation of a legend. In order to view this film production objectively you must first strip any notions of the original series. It is vital in order to prevent association disappointments between the new and old duo. To go into the theater afresh is a task for any review.
From an objective standpoint there are some issues i'd like to address regarding this new rendition:
I've always enjoyed Johnny Depp and consider him one of the most unique actors of our time. Having said that, due to his popularity I don't believe he is a good match with Armie Hammer. There is too great a "credit" divide between the two actors. The movie title is The Lone Ranger and logic dictates that the primary focus should be on that character. Don't get me wrong, Johnny Depp made an intriguing Tonto. However, I believe he would've meshed better with a little more known actor like perhaps Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen is not as credited as Depp in the public eye but given his role in the huge success of The Lord of the Rings he would have made a good fit.
The credibility of the Ranger as a capable and knowledgeable crime fighter is seriously undermined in this new movie. Agreed, a learning curve for any superhero needs to be employed through any movie series like Ironman or Thor, but aside from John Reid's brilliance in law he is cast as a complete moron in tact, courage and basic human relationship knowledge.
Silver, the white horse. What's the deal with the horse? Did the producers have such a lack of confidence in Depp and Hammer that they had to trump up the horse to not only superhero status but also a gravity-defying one? I think the movie finally lost me when I saw Silver standing up on a tree limb. A 500-pound horse walking on top of a burning and weak barn roof, maybe, but on a tree limb? I get more pleasure watching Charlie the Unicorn.
I was not overly impressed with the 2013 release of The Lone Ranger from a legend standpoint. However, from a Friday night movie flick standpoint I recommend the film. It's not a badly produced film. It'll get it's ratings but it far underscores what it could have been. A better lead actor for Kimosabe, a firmer foundation for the actor to build on and a strong horse that doesn't stand on tree branches.
Getting right to the point we are at the point where clear decisions need to be made regarding the government of the United States. It is clear as never before that the American people, way of life and the fabric of the Constitution of the United States has been betrayed by the hidden agendas of a conglomerate of players in Washington D.C. and throughout the nation and world. When we come to a point where we witness absolute disgusting and revolting demonstrations of beheadings and point blank shootings on our viewer by those who are financed and armed by the very government that claim global superior morality, it is time to appoint new protectors, guards and sentinels for our liberty. Valley Forge Flag LIB-C Solar (Google Affiliate Ad)
Let's put this in as clear terms as we can. My fellow Americans, when you labor for meager living in your factories affording Uncle Sam his excess share you are financing a tapestry of horror. When you work for an overbearing condescending boss just to scrape a living, yet surely paying taxes, you are advocating our government stripping faith from our rooms of learning yet establishing a state religion built on bloodshed and murder. When you sweat laying concrete highways in 100 + degree weather just to make ends meet while being mandated to pay your taxes, you are enabling the powers that be to arm and finance those who have no regard for basic life - even to the beheading with a dull kitchen knife.
What say you America! You were reserved to come forth and be born on this land in this country for a reason. You are inheritors and benefactors of those who've sacrificed so much to preserve the liberty you enjoy. Your destiny in the eyes of God are absolute. Choose good over evil and ye shall prosper. Compromise your values little by little and you'll lose everything - even unto your very soul. That's what is at stake for Americans. We really do have a moral responsibility and obligation to the world. Believe it or not many nations look toward us for this leadership. Currently, they thirst for it because it cannot be found even in American representation.
When we have a White House spokesman that just shakes his head on television for public sentiment at continued questions over Benghazi just a few months after the murder of four Americans in Libya then it's time to clean house. When we have a State Department Secretary conveniently step down just when her answers to questions were most needed then it's time to break out the 409 in Washington. When the bloated IRS is proven to withhold liberties on certain individuals and groups in America then it's time to get out the brillo pads. When demographics in the inner metropolitan cities dictate national elections over the rest of the more sane nation it is time consult Mr. Clean. When our military chaplains are mandated to no longer display the Holy Bible for political correctness then it's time for a little surgery on a big cancer. There is a crystal clear pattern of disassociation from all accountability by our Administration.
I am not a conspiracy theorist. I believe that many who subscribe to conspiracies endanger their field of view of simpler explanations. However, I do know right and wrong. I do know when an individual, group or country is under the influence of an adverse power and influence bent on the destruction of the basic unit of family and individual choice and accountability. Yes, even bent on the destruction of an individual's ability to prosper and pursue happiness. Individuality Beads Sterling Silver Crystal, American Flag Star And (Google Affiliate Ad)
We've seen beheading videos before and unfortunately we've become all but desensitized to them. The murderer parades the head then places it on the street. The common chant in the Arab tongue is "Allah is great!" Can you tell me in all honesty how these types of groups and mindsets can be reasoned with? How can diplomacy thrive with those who view life as being only for the fittest? It is our duty as American citizens to reject the support of countries who demonstrate inhumane actions. I don't give a rats #$^%$% if they are a different people with a different culture and that we should strive to "understand" them. We are Americans who are supposed to be standing for truth and right.
This is not the America established by our Founding Fathers. Our government was to have been forged out of the refining fires of past tyranny and unrest. Our Fathers designed this country under the inspiration of the Father of all heaven to be governed of, by and for the people. Many cultures throughout history enjoyed a 200-400 year cycle. You will notice a rise in prosperity brought on by hard work and industry coupled with strong families and traditional values recognizing God in all things. During that prosperity you see a segment of apathy and entitlement where hard work is shunned, and gain at the expense of the neighbor is the means of happiness. Then comes the sharp decline of all morality and especially liberty. Before you know it either the people all end in bloodshed or totalitarianism and communism fills the vacuum of power.
I pray for the spirit of America. I pray for the foundation of America that it may be resolute and true. I pray that it be not made a wolf in sheep's clothing. I pray that this people will steer their thoughts away from what they think they are entitled to and start thinking about what they need to do to secure a nurturing home and family full of faith, love and liberty. I pray that unwavering dignity and integrity be restored to the White House and the halls of Congress. May they come to reflect the true interest of the American heart.
Scores of young men and young women from ages 14-18 set out this past week on a 27 mile trek as part of their Council Bluffs Iowa Stake Youth Conference. They started out in Imogene, Iowa and trekked west toward the Tabor area. It was an inspiring event for all. Memories and lessons learned will carry with them throughout their life. Clothed in pioneer-type apparel they were organized into families and assigned hand carts to pull. In an age of excess convenience it often takes reenactments like this to bring us back into focus. It takes a taste of hardship to help us realize the sacrifices that were made to ensure our way of life.
The Mormon Pioneer experience extended over a 1,000 mile stretch across the Midwest into the Salt Lake Valley in the 1840s and 50s. It was an essential product of years of persecution from other "would be" Christian factions and others just scared and paranoid of the faith and industry of the Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, was murdered in cold blood along with his brother, Hyrum, in Carthage, Illinois. This was an addition to the scores of other Latter-day Saints murdered previous and after this time. This escalated persecution and perpetuated the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from their homes near the Mississippi River in Nauvoo, Illinois.
After a miracle which enabled the Saints to cross the Mississippi they endured extreme hardships and immense death in their journey across Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and into Utah. Many families lost children, mothers and fathers especially during the winter of 1846-7 at Winter Quarters in what is now the Council Bluffs/north Omaha area. They pulled handcarts through deep mud and relentless shoulder high grass. They trekked across the ice and snow which barely allowed them to dig graves for their children. Though incredible pains were endured it was apparent that it was part of the plan of God to place these select Latter-day Saint families into a Refiner's Fire that they may come forth purified and exalted to stations of respect and honor with a legacy never more to be forgotten.
These families that these youth were organized in at one point had to endure, just as their forebears in the 1800s, the loss of the men. The men were removed as a reenactment of the calling of the Mormon Battalion. It is fascinating to comprehend. The Mormon Pioneers, though rejected by their government and countrymen for their faith, were fierce advocates of the Constitution of the United States and the founding principles of this great land. When the government came and asked for volunteers to aid in the Mexican War the men were encourages to stand and be counted. What an incredible burden these women had to bear in continuing the wagon train across the wilderness without the strength and manpower of their husbands, fathers and sons! They were eventually returned just as when the War ended to help their wives, mothers and children continue the journey.
An interesting note is that they were all given pins each with a name of an actual Pioneer. At the end of the journey and all were assembled to discuss their feelings it was announced that all who wore a brown pin had died on the trek. Place yourself in that scene and feel the humbled atmosphere. Then we can begin to appreciate the sacrifice of the Saints.
Many would ask, why? Why would they endure such a thing? Why wouldn't they just forsake their faith and assimilate into society? Why would any God allow such distress to take place among any of His children? In order to answer these questions we must look toward today and see the fruits of the hardships and labors of our Mormon Pioneers. Without these efforts millions of hungry around the world would not have been fed. Hundreds of thousands would not have clean water and been taught how to install well systems. Millions would not have been equipped with essential life skills learned from the Boy Scouts of America, which program the Latter-day Saints have long since advocated. Without these efforts you might as well have cut off most of the American West clear through Iowa. The entire landscape and demographics today wouldn't even be recognized in comparison had the Mormon Pioneer experience not taken place.
In my humble opinion the greatest affect is on the American family. The Mormons have always centralized the family as being the beginning and the end of all mortal and eternal existence. As spelled out in the Proclamation to the World the traditional family as designed by God is with a mother and father rearing their children in the home. They would be reared in righteousness and taught to not just fear God but more importantly to develop a personal relationship with Him. Had the Pioneer experience not happened the decay of the family that we see today would have been accelerated ten fold. Imagine where we'd be as a people today.........
I'm grateful that the Mormon Pioneer experience was granted to these modern youth. I'm grateful that they had that taste in order to more fully appreciate their own heritage. Through this exercise their convictions to God deepened and their association with the Pioneers strengthened. They are now armed more fully to go out into the world as they will soon be adults, and become loving responsible parents and Constitution endearing citizens with the spirit of liberty always in their hearts.
Just in the past few days the BSA Boy Scouts of America has voted to lift a long-standing policy rejecting the inclusion of openly gay boys into their troops. This lift on policy does not extend to adult Scout leaders. The biggest supporters of BSA are various churches such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Catholic and Baptist. The news of the vote in support of the lift came as no surprise given the social climate we are in. However, after silent pondering over the support my own faith has given this initiative I have come to terms with the change.
I am a Latter-day Saint and the church has announced support for allowing same-gender attracted boys into their various troops. Of course this is uncomfortable and change always is. However, the difference is in how we act on our impulses. We can debate the "morally straight" phrase from the Scout Oath all we want but the fact remains that with all the problems young people face these days many can still lead a morally straight life. Don't get me wrong, up until recently I was vehemently opposed to the action. Though I don't share the lifestyle, as long as those tendencies aren't being taught to my sons who am I to deny that individual the opportunity to learn such vital skills that the Boy Scouts of America has an impeccable history of teaching?
My views remain the same on the issue at large. It is the design of God for a man and a woman to join in institution of marriage. With the potential of procreation the family is central to the design of eternal progress. Only under those two elements, man and woman, can the term "marriage" be authorized by God. Now, having said that it is also true that we are all mortal humans prone to various conditions and environments. I submit that it may be that an individual might be prone or more easily tempted in the direction of same-gender attraction. In many cases it is definitely learned. In many cases it is encouraged by family, peers and environment. At the same time I cannot discount the possibility that there may be some genetic or other form of physical contributor to homosexual tendencies. I just don't know. Heck, I was born to be short so how does that change the field of opportunities for me in contrast to one who is homosexual?
Though I solidly remain with traditional values I also cannot let that blind me to the reality of compassion and understanding. I believe it a disgrace that organizations are being pressured and outright forced to open their doors wide open to those who don't share their moral or religious values. Part of the beauty of America is the right to assembly in however fashion we deem fit. Though this has deepened harsh feelings on both sides it has also opened our eyes that we can treat one another with kindness, understanding and with respect. We don't need to tear this country apart out of fear that we aren't included in a group, or that we fear a group's survival due to pressured legislation to include those we've originally deemed unqualified.
Yes, I do believe there is an active agenda to destroy good organizations through the means of pressured legislation. Were it not so advocacy groups would gleefully opt to form their own organization. Yet, there is a point when the people must say enough is enough.
I will support the BSA new policy to include these new young men as long as it is not an openly advertised orientation. This way all young men can continue to learn and form friendships and bonds of camaraderie. I will never support the inclusion of same-gender attracted Scout leaders. I believe the risk is too great and crosses the boundaries of appropriateness. The problems arise with heterosexual tendencies alone. We don't want to compound the problem with a new issue.
I welcome all young men to the Boy Scouts of America who are willing to abide by a code of conduct and ethics and who are willing to control and keep at bay any and all sexual tendencies. This is a big step for me but I admit that I'm human and is in need of change just as much as anyone else of my species. Though we may differ on the design of God in relation to the human family that doesn't mean that I am above or more worthy than any other for opportunities.
In closing I view things in this manner. If you feel you are right and are willing to put forth the faith even as a mustard seed, then isn't it your duty to trust that your good works and example will influence your neighbor? This may or may not include changing someone's orientation but aside from that it is your duty to influence the world around you for good. You cannot do this by constantly separating yourself.
You can keep to your traditional moral standards and be kind, considerate and respectful to all whom you interact with.
It's no secret that we live in precarious times. Arguably, it seems an all out assault on religion and all faith in general has been culminating into a new stable trend. No longer do we associate terrorist violence with certain extremism of one particular faith. Instead, behind the silver tongues of the media and government officials, religion and faith altogether is now seen and taught to be dangerous. I am a Mormon, more correctly a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I feel it necessary amid the curiosity and stereotyping to extend my own personal views on God, man, faith and the end of the world. In my own words I will touch on the basic questions of mortality that few have the courage to voice in private let alone in public forums. At the end I will round off my thoughts with my own views of where we are heading as a people.
Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?
Religion and faith is what our forefathers, our ancestry and blood, used as a foundation of character and family. Though religions numbered just as many in there time as there are today, for many it was an establishment of self that was taught to them by their mothers and fathers. This life passage of act would harness a set of principles and morals that would be the groundwork of a healthy home and future. Establishing principles and morals is vital in this world spiraling out of control. According to scripture, Acts 3:21 speaks of a restitution which in translation means a restoration of all things. It is my hope that somewhere in the world someone's soul may be quieted long enough for them to hear the voice of restoration. Not by my voice but by the voice which already sounds in the quiet reserves of the heart. This restoration of knowledge, by design, comes at a time of dire need. This knowledge comes, again by design, to help re-anchor the soul to morals and principles that will enable it to fully grasp the eternal concept of true liberty. It will also enable, if received by the person, the inseparable body and spirit to endure the presence of God.
Where did I come from?
Everybody wonders and the subject is among the least understood. What does your body mean to you? Though vast numbers of us find our bodies in unsatisfactory states it is important to understand that it's still a gift. We did not derive from apes. We have an inborn mystery that our potential has no end. We feel that we've been given dominions over certain things that we may prove ourselves for higher blessings and prosperity. Modern thought argues that we are destroying the world. If we have such power then logic would dictate that we have the power uplift the world and propel our civilization to heights unknown. Our body is provided to fill the full measure of our spirit.
This gift is granted because of what we did prior to our mortal birth.
We came from the presence of the Father and all the hosts of heaven including our neighbors, friends and family. There came a time when our eternal progression hung in the balance according to our choice of liberty and the agency to choose right and wrong or captivity through a predetermined life. All of us with bodies of flesh and bone chose correctly in the preexistence, or pre-earth life, to side under the banner of the Christ and against Lucifer and the hosts he lured away. They shall never be granted bodies or the prospect of eternal progression through immortality and eternal life. We have! That knowledge alone should give all of us pause in reflection into all our actions and thoughts. Overwhelmingly, I know I am not perfect and have a lot of work to do. Yet, this testament remains as my foundation. It gives me hope that the end result may be achieved.
Why am I here?
Again use the aforementioned choices we all made prior to our mortal journey and the gift given us. Our job now is to continue making those correct decisions. Decisions that compliment only to further our spiritual and temporal progress and that of our family. Consider it a "parting gift" from Jesus Christ when we left his presence. We are all born with the Light of Christ. That is the basic inborn knowledge of right and wrong that all humans are born with. It is that carpet into life that all humans are provided to walk.
We are here to develop a relationship with God. Scripture does state to fear God (Ecclesiastes 8:12 and even Exodus 20:20) yet little is taught in churches how to trust God and get to know him as the desired relationship between a father and a son. In fact, such action is considered blasphemy and shunned in most religions. Now, reflect and ask yourself why that is..... How can we expect to live with and feel at home with God if we haven't put in the lifelong journey to get to know him?
Where am I going?
Well, where do you want to go? Life is eternal. Being such there is no end to learning or expansion of knowledge. In order to be judged fairly in the justice of God we all must have that common knowledge by which to justify our mortal actions and thoughts. We all make various mistakes here and we all don't have common eternal knowledge. Imagine the billions who have died without hearing the name of Jesus Christ. It is inconceivable to me how any faith can claim these to be utterly lost and without hope simply because they lacked the knowledge. Now, where is the mercy of God in that? He wants us all to return to Him - not just the select few. Logic dictates and "restitution" has revealed that learning continues beyond the grave. We progress, precept upon precept, until the time we are thus resurrected according to our judged time. Many will reject the further light of knowledge and learning, and thus they shall be judged accordingly and their kingdoms also agreeably assigned to.
Keep in mind that we die with that same spirit we've grown and nurtured here. If we lived a life of procrastination how can we expect our willingness to learn improve after we die. That is why it is so important to take advantage of right now while you live. Live in constant search of self and God. That discipline of spirit will engage us to thirst for learning throughout eternity.
*What Mormons Believe
I am forever grateful for that restitution or Restoration of knowledge. As most know, Mormons are lead by a prophet that members sustain is led under the direction of Jesus Christ who has all power and authority to lead the children of men. Most faiths have used scripture against us citing the rise of false prophets (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, Revelation 16:13). In fairness I add those references. In defense I ask what is the nature of the adversary? Is it not to mimic or prepare the vice of that which is good?
If we are warned about false prophets then it only furthers the knowledge that a true prophet and the authority thereof must exist as well (Amos 3:7). If the restitution or Restoration is to take place (which it has) then that revealed knowledge can only come through the order of the prophets. I testify that Joseph Smith was, is and will always be a prophet of God. He was prepared to come forth in a new nation built upon liberty and religious freedom so that the restitution can take place. I have personally prayed about the Restoration and the validity of Joseph Smith and have received the answer according to the vehicle of the Holy ghost.
I believe that we are headed for even more difficult times as the moral decay of our nation and world continue. I believe that the establishment of the United States and the fabric of liberty that our Founding Fathers were inspired to bestow upon the people, was to prepare the people to embrace liberty and remember it's sweet taste when it is gone or threatened. I believe that all of us living in this time have been reserved to come forth and live in this time. We are uniquely armed to battle against tyranny and the vice of the adversary.
We must fight the fight! The restitution of all things has revealed knowledge hid since ancient times that affect not only our salvation but also possibilities. Because of the Restoration we know, from our finite scope, the measure that each of us can become a joint-heir with Jesus Christ in the eternal realms of heaven (Romans 8:17). Much courage and sacrifice will be demonstrated in order to realize this fact.
Our liberties will continue to be threatened and narrowed. The good people of the United States will continue to fall into apathy. I am not predicting a major civil unrest in America but I am proclaiming that it will be the liberty in the hearts of man that will save it. Religious freedom which is so vital will be on the brink of collapse. Yet, it will be the liberty in the hearts of man that will save it.
We have the adversary fronting an all out assault on the family. With all the issues facing the people nobody is focusing on healing the family where it all matters. Heal the family you heal the world. Establish morals and principles as our forefathers. Instill them into your posterity that they may cherish also the liberty they've been given. With that liberty they may nourish the will and spirit to always strive toward knowledge. With that spirit, if found worthy, they will be enabled to enter into the presence of God.
May the hearts of the fathers be turned to their children and the hearts of the children turned to their fathers (Malachi 4:6).
