tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70531672023-11-16T01:12:46.232-05:00Time Experience ThoughtsScott VanatterScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-85450674893226309372018-07-18T11:12:00.000-04:002018-09-11T11:15:27.654-04:00POEM: Yes, You (for Becky's 64th birthday)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, You</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The idea of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The very thought of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each and every
beautiful part<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The reality of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The new day, a new view<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another start<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The vision of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The whole of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The allure of your
face and soul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pull of your
heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">~<br />
By Scott Vanatter, July 18, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Poem for Becky’s 64<sup>th</sup> birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-77931111270273125212016-05-08T02:51:00.002-04:002016-05-08T03:04:51.490-04:00POEM: Mothers of Eve, Expansion<h2>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Mothers of Eve, Expansion </b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Scott L. Vanatter, May 8, 2016, Mother’s DayPoem for Carrie and Sydney -- and their Mother. (Original minimalist version written November 15-17, 2015.)</span></span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Like their Mother: Three Agencies</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">INHERENT </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Deep within each of them exits their very own, individual Inherent Agency.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Since time immemorial they have possessed this power.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> It propels them on. Choosing. Acting. Becoming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Because they exist, it is there. It was always there. It is always there. It will always be there.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> This uncovered power reveals their very own personal eternal yearning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Yearning for good, for improvement, for progression.</span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">(Having been Prepared from Eternity, they are now Fulfilling their Destiny, and Forging their Eternal Identity. // Chosen they are. They act with real Intent. Freely they Consent to eternal verities. In Descending to Earth, they Ascend to Heaven. Having been Sent, they prepare and send forth their own descendants. // What can be seen, they see. Perceiving even the unseen truths that so many miss. For us, they turn the Key of Knowledge. Their knowledge, understanding, and wisdom transforms any bitterness in our lives into delicious sweet fruit. // In the exactness and honorable Precision of their Decisions, they share the most important kind of Knowledge (the inner, experiential love of the Divine) and we catch the Vision.)</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">INHERITED </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">As a divine Daughter, through countless interactions with their Mother -- some so very subtle -- they have Inherited an active example of knowing, lively Agency.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Their very own personal, inner vision.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> Of what is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> And what can be.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> And what they are about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Since their time here in time they have learned these outward and inward lessons, gaining even greater insight, awareness, and practiced/proven power. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><i>(By precept, by example, and by osmosis, Their Mother shared and shares with them a vision of the power of Choice; they’ve pondered this vision, and have secured their very own. They have observed, and considered the natural consequences, Outcomes of their choices. Somehow they recall pre-mortal Decisions and promises made long ago. Even when not crystal clear, this ‘remembering’ empowers each new (old) decision. // In Creating their family, they (with their help mate) and their Children, are Pilgrims on a journey of discovery. Ultimately, they will inherit their Kingdom, and Queendom, and become themselves, the reigning, radiant Wisdom personified. // Their Courage -- enough and to spare – is infectious.)</i></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">ACQUIRED</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Through personal choice, as a fully-functioning agent, they have Acquired significant and growing levels of personal Agency.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> This has become a power – even a priesthood power flowing through them.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> Through their righteous influence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Through their temple-centered endowment.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> They now pass through the everlasting gates of glory…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> And we follow them, and they embrace all that is good, and holy, and whole. We are At One with them, and the Whole Family of Heaven. Glory, Immortality, and Eternal Life because of them, and with them. Forever and ever.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><i>(Now with decades-long, authentic Experience they are empowered and exerting their own powerful influence. The circle is One Eternal Round. Generation after generation of powerful women, every generation that much more powerful, loving, and eternally effective. Generations of power exemplified and perfected and whole. // An ever-progressing Fullness is theirs, and their endowment to all of us and to generations yet unborn. Their Glory, now realized and growing, is their legacy. // Their Generation and those before and to follow, all their Relations, are destined to receive Exaltation – in no small part because of the Eternal/Maternal which they have become. In fact, they have become and ARE “Life” to us. They are the Mother of All Our Living.)</i></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">~</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>Like their Mother: Not Twins, but One</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">They are Mirrors of the Divine, in both Heart and Mind.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> No, they are not twins.<br /> But still they are one, in so many ways. Like their Mother.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> They are not the same. But they are of the same mold, the same training, the same vision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> They possess the same Real Love. AND the same outward and inner Loveliness.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /> They both Reflect and Refract the Divine Light into a thousand times ten thousand brilliant rays.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> They are, in their own way, Beautiful, Wise, Life-Giving Eve: LIFE to all they meet and know. To a million, million. To me.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><i>(Yes, they and their Mother ARE “Life” to me.) </i></span></div>
<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-60389101118240551532015-11-27T07:44:00.001-05:002015-11-27T07:46:49.349-05:00POEM: Mothers of Eve<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mothers of Eve </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP54Ti2HMzmhu5R57Zeef524hexU9S-fsWsVMIbSCVhYK4qlYKj3xXTXqOWHrBTYIpVnpxWn_7Ihkdnzgq0SI0CIvvhR0mtSevv3s-Kpub8Ee7w_TvIHxdPZIPF-xiYkVVsfIiFQ/s1600/Sydney_Carrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP54Ti2HMzmhu5R57Zeef524hexU9S-fsWsVMIbSCVhYK4qlYKj3xXTXqOWHrBTYIpVnpxWn_7Ihkdnzgq0SI0CIvvhR0mtSevv3s-Kpub8Ee7w_TvIHxdPZIPF-xiYkVVsfIiFQ/s320/Sydney_Carrie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scott L. Vanatter, November 15-17,
2015, Poem for Carrie & Sydney (and their Mother)</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like their Mother</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I. Inherent (Agency) </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prepared from Eternity</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fulfilling her Destiny </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forging her Identity </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Chosen, Intent, Consent</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Descent, Ascent</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sent</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What can be seen, she sees</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perceiving even the unseen </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turning the Key</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Precision, Decision</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Knowledge</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Vision</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">II. Inherited (Agency)</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choice(s) pondered </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Outcomes considered</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Decisions remembered </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Creation, Pilgrim, Children</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Kingdom, Queendom </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Wisdom </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Courage -- enough and to
spare </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">III. Acquired (Agency) </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Experience (authentic), her
empowerment </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fullness (progressing), her
endowment </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Glory (realized), her legacy </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Generation, Relation,
Exaltation</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Maternal/Eternal </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Life </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~</span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like their Mother </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mirrors of the Divine </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Heart and Mind </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">II.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not twins, but still one</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not the same, but the same </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The same Love</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The same Loveliness </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">III.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reflecting </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refracting </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Divine Light </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They are </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In their own way</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Eve </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-49103735990936962472015-07-26T17:05:00.003-04:002015-07-26T17:05:59.911-04:00The Sabbath: Holy and Delightful<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">The Sabbath: Holy and
Delightful</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Scott L. Vanatter, July
19, 2015 (Chantilly Ward), July 26, 2015 (Franklin Ward)</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">INTRO - Illustration</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Picture in your mind a
beautiful song. Imagine how it sounds. And feels. Melody and harmony
wonderfully blend together. At times, the song soars -- and you are lifted. At
other times, it settles into a soft, gentle phase -- you are at peace. You notice
no dissonant chords. All the parts of the song come together as One Great Whole
to form one of those perfect songs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s compare the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>melody</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
in this song to how we daily interact with our family and our neighbor here on
earth. Let’s think of the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>harmony</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> as how we daily interact
with God in heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this thought
experiment, the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>melody</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> mirrors the kindnesses we extend and the hope we
engender; the truth and goodness we embrace – everything which is “virtuous,
lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” on this earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Closely-related is the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>harmony</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.
It is written daily by our “deep and often poignant thoughts” of God. [1] It is
our yearning for -- and our reaching out to -- God our Father through his
Beloved Son. It is reflected by how we seek His Righteousness, His Vision, His Way,
His Truth, His Life, His Love. This harmony is the immediate and constant
“at-one-ment” which we feel with everything which is “virtuous, lovely, or of
good report or praiseworthy” in God’s true nature and character.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>soaring</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
musical interludes are sacred events such as births, baptisms, ordinations,
temple experiences, marriages, awakenings – perhaps even large
multi-generational family reunions. Moments of exquisite joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversely, perhaps the </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>soft,
poignant phases</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> are such things as funerals, or personal or shared
trials, troubles, and tribulations. Moments when we receive soothing comfort.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Question</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">:
Over time, what keeps the beat? ‘Turn
your thoughts into your hearts, and ask yourselves,’ what is the
heartbeat of the beautiful music of our lives?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Humbly, I suggest, it is
the Sabbath Day. The Sabbath Day provides the firm foundation for the beautiful
melodies and harmonies of Holiness.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THEME – The Idea</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remember the Sabbath Day,
to Keep it Holy – both at Church and at Home. That is our theme today. A Holy
Sabbath Day provides a constant, rhythmic, steady heartbeat. ‘These [are] days,
never to be forgotten’ as we discover and re-discover the tender mercies of the
Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remembering Jesus on the
Sabbath Day provides a needed oasis and focal point of a heaven-connected life.
The Sabbath provides a sure anchor and familiar touchstone in the sometimes
hectic busyness of life. [2]</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BACKGROUND: What prompted subject</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s discuss for a moment
why we have been assigned to speak on the Sabbath Day, to keep it Holy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over the past year the
prophets, apostles, and general women’s auxiliary leaders of the church
pondered what teaching could be undertaken which would most help the church
grow in faith and spirituality. After prayerful deliberation, they determined
that, for now, it would be to “elevate the spirit and power of the Sabbath
Day.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Last April conference, in
training meetings for visiting local leaders . . . various apostles, seventies,
and women’s auxiliary leaders spoke on keeping the Sabbath Day holy at church
and at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Russell M. Nelson, who
led this effort to elevate the Sabbath Day, gave a talk in general conference entitled,
The Sabbath is a Delight. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By the way, he has now
been formally set apart as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> In this talk, President Nelson said that when he was
younger he studied various lists of things to do and not do on the Sabbath Day.
Later, he learned the deeper truth about our attitude and conduct on the
Sabbath Day. He related that after he learned that a holy Sabbath serves as a
“sign” of the relationship between us and our Heavenly Father, he, quote, “no
longer needed lists of dos and don’ts.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He cited Ezekiel’s revelation, “Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a
sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” A sign
can be a remembrance, a token, or proof of an agreement -- where we gave our
consent.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we grow in how we “always remember Him” we create
and receive an even ‘more sure’ sign
-- or symbol -- of the status of our relationship with the Father and
the Son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elder Nelson cited scripture calling the Sabbath a delight. A delight is
something pleasant, soft, delicate, happy. This calls to mind the Still Small Voice,
and the ethereal counsel, “Be Still and know that I am God.”</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DEFINITIONS: Key words</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s take a few moments
to briefly define some scriptural concepts. As we do, think of how Jesus relates
to each of these core principles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let define the words of
the phrase: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep
it Holy.</i></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: To
remember is to have an image in your mind of a person, place, or something that
happened or was said in the past. To remember is to bring a fact back into your
mind that you knew before. To remember is to keep a particular fact in your
mind because it is relevant. To remember is to do something that you promised
to do – and not forget about it. To remember is to think about someone or
something with respect, honor, or positive feelings.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sabbath</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: In
Hebrew the root of the word of Sabbath means “rest.” To rest is to stop doing a
particular activity, or stop being active for a period of time.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Keep</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: To
keep is to observe, to guard, to preserve, to heed. To keep is to stay in a
state, condition, or place. To keep is also to do something many times. To keep
is also to continue to have something. Lastly, to keep is to do what you said
you would do.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Holy</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">: To be
holy is to be set apart as sacred, consecrated, sanctified, or hallowed. To be
holy is to be dedicated to righteousness, goodness and truth. [3]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, with all these
definitions in mind, listen to and ponder once again, the phrase:</span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it Holy.</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Levels of Meaning</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As Sister Patricia T.
Holland taught a few years ago -- in relation to Eve and the phrase “Mother of
all living” -- the words we read in the scriptures can be thought of as, quote,
“very carefully chosen words . . . . Rich words -- with meaning after meaning
after meaning.” End quote.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s look at the deeper levels of meaning of the scriptural idea of
Rest. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews (in chapter 4) informs us that:
“Jesus [has] given [us] rest . . . 11Let us labour therefore to enter into that
rest.” Alma connects ordinances with the idea of rest. “Now these ordinances
were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the
Son of God, it being a type of order . . . that they might enter into the rest
of the Lord.” Joseph Smith revealed more about the deeper meaning of this kind
of rest when in 1832 he taught (D&C 84) that this “rest is the fulness of
his glory.” A careful study of the Doctrine and Covenants shows that there are
several near synonyms -- or cross references -- for the word rest: Such as
life, light, power, fulness, even honor, work and glory. In last April’s
leadership training, Elder Oaks briefly spoke of another close synonym for
rest: name. The name of Christ. By the way, Elder Oaks has written a whole book
on the meaning of taking upon us the Name of Christ.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DOCTRINE: Basis of
change</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of the wisest and most
important insights of President Boyd K. Packer’s was to observe: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“True
doctrine, understood, changes attitude and behavior. The study of the doctrines
of the gospel will improve behavior </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">quicker</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, the true doctrine of
the Sabbath, understood, will change our attitude AND behavior. The study of
the doctrines and purpose and blessings of the Sabbath will help make our
Sabbath Days a delight </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">quicker</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> than
will a study of a list of dos and don’ts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is reported that a
Catholic Bishop once visited Joseph Smith in Nauvoo – which at the time rivaled
Chicago in size. He asked Joseph, “By what power do you govern so great a
people?” Joseph replied, “I do not govern them. I teach them correct principles
and they govern themselves.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let us be wise in applying
this same principle as we seek to understand -- and delight -- in the doctrine
of a Holy Sabbath Day.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">COVENANTS: Remember Jesus</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now, let’s think about our
covenants partaking of the sacramental bread and water. Mormons are a covenant
making and keeping people. Covenants give life to Truth. [4]</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why Ordinances are connected to
Covenants</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lesson 5 of the Temple
Preparation Course which can be downloaded from LDS.org by anyone in the world,
teaches that ordinances, quote, “help us remember important things…. [They] can
teach us abstract truths that might be hard to learn in other ways…. When
[ordinances] are repeated, we learn to understand them better…. [Ordinances
provide] a visual and tactile reminder of [our covenants…].” End quote. [5]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course, the Sacrament
ordinance is the pinnacle and most sacred part of Sabbath Day worship. As we
fully participate in the ordinance of the sacrament we offer to God a sacred
sign of our devotion. In this sacred ordinance Sister Oscarson said women, especially
those with young, active children yearn for an oasis. We can imagine a
refreshing Sabbath Oasis in the midst of a sometimes lone and dreary and
parched world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we let the focus and
power of this sacred covenant wash over us, we will enjoy the “at-one-ment” we
all yearn for. Women and men alike. This sacred sacrament oasis is a weekly
stand-in for ALL our</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (baptismal, priesthood, and temple) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">covenants in the New and
Everlasting Covenant.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus as Bread and Water</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Sacrament is a
curious, yet wonderful, thing. Think of it. It is both private and communal. It
is both simple yet also as deep and wide as eternity. It is both plain and
beautiful. It is only a moment in time, but it connects us to the Eternities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We meet together to
remember Jesus by taking into our bodies the most basic sustenance, bread and
water. Yet, it can be – should be -- a feast for souls yearning spiritual food,
manna from heaven. [6]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus declared, “I am the <b><i>bread of life</i></b>: he that
cometh to me shall never hunger…. I am the living bread which came down from
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread
that I will give is my [body], which I . . . give for the life of the world…. [7]</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">so he that eateth [in
remembrance of my body], even he shall live by me.” (John 6:35, 51, 54, 56,
57) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Likewise, Jesus, the </span><b style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Living Water</i></b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, said “If
any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as
the scripture hath said, out of his belly -- or, rather, out of his inmost self
-- shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38) In other words, His kind
of life flows like refreshing water into and through our whole soul -- body and
spirit.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Comparing</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus often paired two
principles together to illustrate eternal truths about his life and mission.
Bread and Water, Yoke and Burden, Resurrection and Life, Work and Glory, Light
and Life, even Alpha and Omega.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thinking of the bread and
water of the sacrament ordinance, I can imagine the Bread signifying His Yoke,
and the Water signifying His Burden. Paradoxically, as we partake, our yoke
becomes easy, and our burden becomes light.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can imagine the Bread
signifying Resurrection and the Water signifying The Life. “Jesus said . . . I
am the resurrection, and the life . . . .” (Matthew 25)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can imagine the Bread
signifying His Work and the Water signifying His Glory. For, said He, “This is
my Work and my Glory to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of
man.” (Moses 1:39)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can imagine the Bread
signifying the Beginning and the Cup signifying the End of the Atonement He has
wrought. “I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end.” From 3 Nephi 9 (18).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can imagine partaking of
the Bread as signifying the Outer. We live in the physical world; a world of
action; a world where we extend tangible blessing to others. In other words, a
realm of doing. In like manner, I can imagine drinking of the Cup as signifying
the Inner. We yearn for the eternal world. A world of the spirit, and the
spiritual life we must live. In other words, being or becoming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thoughtfully partaking of
the Bread and Water helps us to remember to </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">always
remember</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Always remember Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How we remember</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How is this ordinance the
heartbeat of our lives? The Sacrament is the time set aside during each week
where we slow down, pause, ponder, and model how, during the rest of the week,
we can “always remember Him” and “always have His spirit” – in each moment of
every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">No longer do we bring an
animal sacrifice to the altar, but rather, we offer up a broken heart and a
contrite spirit. We don’t resist Jesus; we receive Him, and His will as we
“receive the Holy Ghost”. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We don’t hold on
to bitterness and wallow in sorrow; we rejoice in His holiness and the spiritual
confidence which replaces a sometimes nagging, or even despairing doubt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this sacred ordinance
all these things are “manifested” to our souls. In this holy ordinance our
souls are “sanctified” as we humbly bow our head and acknowledge that not only
has Jesus died for all mankind, but that, “Jesus died for me.” And in love we
are drawn to Him.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is why the Sabbath is the heartbeat of our
mortal/eternal lives. It gives order and structure and fullness to the melody
and harmony of our lives.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember what </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">[8]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The more we cherish up His life and teachings in our
studies, prayers, and in our service to others, the more closely we can focus during
the sacrament service on His heart and His love for us. We can recall to our
minds who He was, what he did, and especially His relation to us, and our
personal connection to Him . . . that we have the spark of divinity deep within
us. That He desires us to be with Him and be like Him.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We as parents and grandparents can be “creatively
persistent” in helping our children and youth have a unique Sabbath Day
experience. One tailored to your and their interests and personality. One,
where the Sabbath becomes a delight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During the week, we can remember to see Jesus in others.
For, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.” And, after all, when we are in the service of our
fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PERSPECTIVE: Why not</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s recall that Jesus pointedly taught that the
Sabbath was made for us, not the other way around.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did you know that the component parts of the word
religion means to re-tie ourselves to God. IOW, not just to tie ourselves to
God; but to re-tie ourselves to Him. To bind ourselves back to Him once again. In
all Christendom, Mormons uniquely have a keen insight to this “re-tying” as we
teach for doctrine that we all used to live with God in our pre-mortal life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Joseph Smith offered keen insight on how our
already-existing relationship with God should help us as we re-connect with
him, quote, “The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to
advance in knowledge.” And that when we “understand rightly the character of
God . . . [we] comprehend [our]selves.” End quote.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why Not</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So. If there really is a
God in Heaven who wants to teach us and reach us, why NOT give Him sufficient
time to make the connection. Yes, overtly several minutes every day, but why
not several hours each Sabbath day. There are literally scores of ways He can
and will reach us, if we give ourselves over to the idea that he wants to
relate to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can imagine this, as we are grandparents living across the country
from beloved grandsons. Believe me: When you have grandkids so far away, you
would want to spend more than a minute or two with them on the phone or via
video conferencing. And it is a true joy when they eagerly and of “their own
free will and choice” want to spend extended time with you as the grandparent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why NOT seek to keep the
Sabbath Day holy? Why not devote an extra amount of time on THAT day to
learning and experiencing Holiness. [9]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">On every day, but
especially on THIS day, why not turn our hearts to God? Properly viewed, a
restful, engaged Sabbath Day is filled with hope, and promise, and blessings,
and comfort, and Joy and Delight. It is filled with “at-one-ment” -- which becomes
the model for the other days of the week. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
can be filled with the key experiences associated with Purpose of Life itself.<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I invite us all to earnestly
and creatively see the Sabbath Day for what it is, an opportunity to rest and
reach out and grow by having authentic spiritual </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">experiences</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> [10</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">] When we do, we will thoroughly enjoy
expending the effort to gain the inspiration to create the attitudes, skills,
and habits that bind us to God.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PURPOSE OF LIFE: Follow Eve</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It has often been observed
that we are not just physical beings seeking to have a transcendent spiritual
experience, but, rather, we are spiritual beings sent here to have a tangible /
physical experience. We come to this earth to bind as “inseparably connected”
the inner and the outer. When we are one within ourselves, and with God, we can
then “receive a fullness of joy.” We come here so we can experience the heights
and depths of a tangible world – one filled with the struggles of opposition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This “tangibleness” with
all its ups and down</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> helps make real all the
theoretical, preliminary joy we were introduced to in our pre-mortal world. It
is during the struggle here on earth that we learn and grow the most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Like Eve’s courageous,
conscious decision, we knew this mortal journey could be punctuated with
moments of loneliness, pain, disappointment, suffering, and sometimes even crushing
sorrow. However, being valiant in following the Son -- as he followed the
Father’s plan – we realized that to ultimately appreciate the scintillating
heights of ecstatic joy in the Celestial Kingdom, we needed to be fully exposed
to the depths of sorrow in a lower sphere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this we were assured
that our Elder Brother also would experience all that we could possibly suffer
-- and so much more. In the worst of our suffering we would know that we are never
ever alone. He is right there with us. Just as he will be right there with us
welcoming us back home when our time comes to pass through the veil for the
final time -- to enter fully into the glorious Rest of living with “the whole
family of heaven” in Celestial Glory.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Where every day will be a Holy Sabbath Day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During each moment of every day, how can we “always
remember him”? I have found that this is closely related to “praying always.”
In a wonderful way, we can literally have a constant echo -- of all our studies
and all our desires and all our prayers and all our service – that informs each
and every thought. We may not be fully conscious of particular specific
thoughts, but I testify that we can have a constant awareness, a constant
closeness, a constant connection to and with our Savior. When we are proactive
in letting Him in, and willingly letting our heart be soft (and even broken) and
our spirit open to where we can repent and improve (being contrite) then we can
enjoy the sweet co-dependent blessings of “always remembering” along with
“always having his spirit to be with us.”</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">TESTIMONY</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God promised that as we give ourselves over to
Holiness that blessings would naturally flow unto us and distill upon our souls
as gently and thoroughly as the Dews of Heaven. [11]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I bear my witness that the beautiful melody and
harmony of our lives can be fostered and perfected on the sure foundation of
the heartbeat of a holy Sabbath day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I pray we let the Holy Spirit draw us into a more
sacred, more spiritually aware, more spiritually satisfying Sabbath experience.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I pray we worship more deeply, and more often, more
intimately.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I pray we would always remember Him, that we would
always have his Spirit to be with us, in the sacred name and power of Jesus
Christ, who is our Exemplar and Friend. Amen.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"># # #</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OUTLINE</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">INTRO:
Illustration<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">THEME: The Idea<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">BACKGROUND: What
prompted subject</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">DEFINITIONS: Key
Words<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">DOCTRINE: Basis
of change<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">COVENANTS:
Remember Jesus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">PERSPECTIVE: Why
not<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">PURPOSE OF LIFE:
Follow Eve<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">TESTIMONY<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">NOTES</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#1 This harmony is written by our personal and
familial and communal encounters with the Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#2 I invite us
all, old and young, male and female, convert and life-long member to remember
to keep and enjoy a holy Sabbath Day – one where we “remember Him” and where
“we always have is spirit to be with us.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#3 A key
component of all of these definitions: they all end up being related to and
fulfilled in the ordinances of the temple, which, in turn, are epitomized by
the sacramental prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#4 Inherent in
the New and Everlasting Covenant is the fact that it is God’s constant yearning
that we enter into the covenant. Further that we actively participate in and
receive its blessings not only when we die, but now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#5 Joseph Smith
taught the power of symbolism, “All things whatsoever God has seen proper to
reveal to us are revealed to us in the abstract…” Remember that whether it is
baptism, the sacrament, or temple endowment, all these ordinances are abstract
representations of “vast [spiritual] realities” -- too vast for our minds to
comprehend -- without the aid of the spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#6 The
ordinance of the Sacrament is the ritual focal point of our weekly worship.
This intimate interaction with the Divine comes through giving ourselves over
to the solemnity and intimacy of the experience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#7 [and he]
dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by
the Father: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#8 So, how can
we “always” remember Him? What specifically can we remember, and when? During the Sacrament prayers, we let the
eternal principles denoted and connoted by each word and phrase -- and the
reality that supports them -- speak to our eternal mind and our softened heart.
During the passing of the Sacrament, we can continue to remember the Teachings
He taught, the Life He lived; the Atonement He wrought. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#9 What an
opportunity! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#10 What a day.
What an opportunity! An opportunity to keep, to delight in our Savior. To let
our Sabbath Day worship serve as a sure sign of our heartfelt devotion to the
Father and the Son. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#11 Let’s love
it, revel in it, and yes, remember and keep it. Keep it holy. I testify that a
Holy Sabbath Day can be the lively heartbeat needed to transcend the
ordinary-ness of everyday life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-17682689473660596992015-02-15T19:44:00.003-05:002015-02-15T19:44:41.103-05:00Learn, TeachBy Scott L. Vanatter <br />Learning and Teaching in the Home and the Church (2014 Auxiliary Training) <br /><i>In our daily ministries as we participate in all the broad aspects of Hastening the Work </i><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TRUTH <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear brothers and sisters: Truth exists and can be known. Truth is beautiful. Truth is powerful. “Truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” (DC 84:45) Jesus, of course, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. <br /></div>
<div>
Think of the meaning and implications following Doctrines: The First Vision, The Book of Mormon, The Plan of Salvation, Eternal Progression. Temples wherein sacred truths are taught, and powerful ordinances performed; where Families Are Forever. Taken together as “one great whole,” there is nothing like it -- unique in all Christendom, unique in all religions of the world. <br /></div>
<div>
All this is made real and efficacious by the power and reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is not only our Savior and Redeemer, but our Exemplar and Friend, and he is the Master Teacher. <br /></div>
<div>
I bear witness this doctrine of the Restored Gospel is glorious and beautiful, sweet and delicious, enlightening and inviting, expansive and generous, infinite and eternal, empowering, comforting, ennobling and exalting -- because Jesus is there at the center, with his arms outstretched, reaching toward and drawing us back into his close embrace. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
THEME </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our theme for this lesson is taken from the 2014 Auxiliary Training: Learning and Teaching in the Home and Church. Note the order of this heading. This video training was led by Elders Holland and Christofferson, along with the presiding bishop, and presidents of the Relief Society, Young Women, Primary and Sunday School. Today’s lesson is offered in support of a couple of the items from that training: The value of “Lifelong Learning,” and the absolute necessity that “We All Need to Be Nurtured.” <br /></div>
<div>
Pointedly and somewhat poignantly, Elder Holland commented that we do a pretty good job in Teaching, but he thought we could do better with respect to Learning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
GOAL </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I invite us all to re-enthrone, re-new, re-energize our love of learning – no matter where we are in our progression. <br /></div>
<div>
The stake has invited me to teach this lesson and to invite my wife to help. I will introduce the theme today by focusing a bit more on the Mind of the Mind/Heart continuum, and my wife will wrap up focusing on the Heart. <br /></div>
<div>
The bishop has also asked us to consider how we can apply Learning and Teaching in our daily ministries -- as we participate in all the broad aspects of Hastening the Work. So, as we begin to develop a few ideas today in this lesson, look ahead and think of how Learning impacts Teaching. <br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>How Learning enlightens an awareness of who We are. </li>
<li>How Learning empowers our Covenants. </li>
<li>How Learning makes us more tender toward the Poor and Needy. </li>
<li>How Learning grows Faith. </li>
<li>How Learning prods us to Share, and gives life to Prayer. </li>
<li>How Learning increases our Love of all things Holy. </li>
<li>How Learning turns our hearts to our Ancestors, and cements our Relationship to God. To the Whole Family of Heaven. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SUBLIMITY OF THE IDEAS <br /></div>
<div>
John Taylor characterized what Joseph Smith taught as: “So much more comprehensive, enlightened and dignified than that which the people generally knew and comprehended.” (John Taylor on Joseph Smith, JD 10:147-148) <br /></div>
<div>
Joseph himself used this language with respect to the impact of the Plan of Salvation: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“The sublimity of the ideas; the purity of the language; the scope for action; the continued duration for completion . . . are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of men, that every honest man is constrained to exclaim: ‘It came from God’.” (DHC 1:252) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is how Joseph Smith challenges us to interact with Diety. Please notice how far and wide and deeply we need to Learn. <br /></div>
<div>
“The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. <br /></div>
<div>
“Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity – thou must commune with God.”</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, a rhetorical question or two. Think of a recent experience where you learned something new, or gained some insight, or re-learned something that meant a lot to you. An ah-ha moment. <br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Who have you shared it with? Your spouse, your kids, your parents, a friend, a neighbor, a stranger? </li>
<li>What settings can you create to help ensure the most sacred of these insights -- these revelations -- are transmitted to the ones you love? </li>
</ul>
Boyd K. Packer famously and insightfully taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitude and behavior. [I repeat, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.] The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” Question: Why is this true? { . . . . . . } <br /></div>
<div>
Jesus said, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart…” And it goes on. (See Matt 11) Note, I believe that the second phrase has something to do with the first phrase. But for now: What did Jesus mean when he said, “learn of me.” { . . . . . . } <br /></div>
<div>
Another rhetorical question: How can a lively knowledge of our literal relationship with Deity -- or, a humble recognition of the divine spark deep within each of us -- or, an immediate and personal participation in the Atonement Jesus offers us TODAY -- inform how we participate in Hastening the Work?* <br /></div>
<div>
PONDERING </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Prophets from Moroni to MacKay have extolled the benefits of pondering**, meditating, or Joseph characterized it: gazing into heaven. Listen to how Joseph recommends we tackle real learning. <br /></div>
<div>
“Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam on the relations of God and angels [that’s all of us] in a future state, we should know very little about it. <br /></div>
<div>
“Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you could possibly by reading all that ever was written on the subject.” (9 October 1843 -- The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 254.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TESTIMONY </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am encouraged by this new generation of young families, you are peers of our daughters. Your sincere approach to Family Home Evening, learning and personal study is a marvelous work and a wonder. (~ And . . . our own peers.) <br /></div>
<div>
With you, I bear witness of the joy and value of Learning. I invite us all to re-enthrone the place of Learning in our personal lives – and creatively and strategically meld it into how we help Hasten the Work of Salvation. <br /></div>
<div>
# # # </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*How does a commitment to Lifelong Learning help us Become or Be all that we, as heirs, are to become? <br /></div>
<div>
Another approach to learning: When a problem presents itself at home or at church, rather than rush to the “answer” let’s experiment with an examination of what Doctrine, properly understood, would clear the way to a more permanent solution, or perspective. <br /></div>
<div>
**One final note on the power of Pondering. Pondering has been compared to a pilot practicing take offs and landings. The pilot takes off and circles the airport, then comes in for a landing but rather than apply the brakes when the wheels touch down, the pilot immediately takes off again. He circles the air strip once again perhaps from a slightly different perspective. The pilot touches down but immediately takes off again. <br /></div>
<div>
Circling high above airport is pondering. Touching down on the airstrip is returning to read the actual text at hand. Perhaps SOME passages are so key and intriguing to us, that we spend more time pondering than actually READING the text. We might even take up a helicopter, rather than a plane. <br /> </div>
</div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-734646329035571042015-01-03T02:21:00.001-05:002015-12-10T01:15:36.915-05:00POEM - In The Beginning<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpuyc6ZSj4/TacIrpigTqI/AAAAAAAADJw/E1Gf5GtfQZQ/s1600/Scott%2Band%2BBecky%2B1975.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpuyc6ZSj4/TacIrpigTqI/AAAAAAAADJw/E1Gf5GtfQZQ/s1600/Scott%2Band%2BBecky%2B1975.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In The Beginning</span></h2>
By Scott L. Vanatter, January 1, 2015 (Poem for our 39th wedding anniversary, January 2, 2015)<br />
<br />
I<br />
<br />
<div>
Long ago now<br />
We saw enough<br />
We knew enough<br />
Then, waking up</div>
<div>
Slumbering<br />
No longer</div>
<div>
Easily, actively we choose<br />
One another<br />
<br />
II<br />
<br />
The idea<br />
Planted, buried<br />
Deep in our hearts<br />
Clear in our minds<br />
We journey<br />
Through life together</div>
<div>
An adventure<br />
<br />
III<br />
<br />
Encountering<br />
A sometimes lonely world<br />
<div>
A sometimes dreary world<br />
We wend our way as beloved companions<br />
Enjoying a lively shared<br />
Endeavor</div>
<div>
Engaging . . .</div>
<div>
Innocence and awareness<br />
Wonders and puzzles</div>
<div>
Disappointments<br />
Accomplishments</div>
<div>
Darkness and light<br />
Dim shades gray and brilliant gradations of white</div>
<div>
Pleasure and pain<br />
Loss and gain</div>
<div>
Sickness<br />
Sorrow<br />
Sadness<br />
And gladness</div>
<div>
Heights<br />
Depths</div>
<div>
And breadths</div>
<div>
In the clamor and commotion<br />
Shadows cower</div>
<div>
Darknesses flee<br />
Peace and tranquility<br />
Calmness and serenity<br />
In you and me</div>
<div>
IV</div>
<div>
Heavenly visions and ecstasies<br />
Overwhelm the hazy cloud of earthly trials</div>
<div>
Initial inklings have become<br />
Fully-developed sight</div>
<div>
Then wisdom</div>
<div>
V</div>
<div>
Peering past veils of forgetfulness<br />
Seeing the future<br />
Briefly<br />
Partially</div>
<div>
Now remembering<br />
Covenants<br />
Relations<br />
And identity</div>
<div>
Gazing into heaven – if only for a few moments<br />
We see more</div>
<div>
We know more</div>
<div>
Now aware<br />
Now awakened to<br />
Our identity</div>
<div>
Our purpose<br />
Our potential<br />
Our selves<br />
Our love<br />
Our family</div>
<div>
VI</div>
<div>
Drawn upward and filled<br />
With light from within<br />
And love from above</div>
<div>
Being, becoming<br />
Yearning, learning<br />
Living, loving</div>
<div>
Growing<br />
Experiencing<br />
Forever</div>
<div>
Never better<br />
Ever-centered<br />
Measured as dear treasure<br />
We surrender to one another<br />
As One</div>
<div>
Still<br />
We’ve only just begun<br />
To Live</div>
<div>
Forever and ever and ever</div>
<div>
Ever Together<br />
As One</div>
<div>
# # #</div>
</div>
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<i>In this there is safety, peace</i><br />
By Scott L. Vanatter, Reston Ward, July 20, 2014<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">INTRO</span><br />
Please return with me to my senior year in high school over forty years ago. It was just prior to my <span style="text-align: center;">receiving a testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. The foundational truths of the Restoration revealed by God through the Prophet Joseph Smith were about to be made known to me.</span><br />
<br />
At the time I was ignorantly, blissfully satisfied existing in the world without a belief in God. While others found truth and solace in religion, I was compelled to reject what I saw as the false, double predestination of automatically consigning most of humankind to eternal damnation. This very narrow sliver of philosophy, to me, seemed to infect most of the Christian churches I had encountered. I couldn’t conceive that, if there was a God, this plan was what he or she or it designed and set in motion. If there was a God, this world could not have begun as a major accident. If there was a God, why would he conceive of a plan where most would fail and suffer eternally in a lake of fire and brimstone, also inconceivable to me. As I say, these ideas seemed to inform every discussion, and everything I read.<br />
<br />
Let’s consider for a moment the simple but miraculous process of such a person moving from a position of doubt, disbelief, and disconnection . . . to one of testimony, vision, and covenant. Imagine with me -- or remember your own -- sacred moments in time where doubt faded into faith. Remember when light overcame darkness. Remember when a lively hope of eternal life replaced the cold fact of the future death of the body. Remember when truth replaced misconception. See once more how inspiration and revelation blasts like the dawning of a brilliant early-morning sun, the frost of a cold earth-bound science -- or a lonely, lowly, soley philosophical logic. The inherent and self-admitted limitations of reason can only accept a narrow lane of truth – only those few facts which can be overtly measured with the earthly calculus of rulers, scales, or microscopes. However, God stands ready to reveal to us the greatest spiritual verities – vast spiritual realities -- via the celestial calculus of a quiet discernment, assisted by the collected wisdom of living prophets. Even a child can apprehend these truths, though there are the beautiful, deep things of God which only “time and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts” can find out. We, of course, need to be ‘in tune’ so as to be able to perceive these authentic spiritual intuitions, inspirations, revelations, realizations, and revelations -- awakenings out of a deep sleep.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">THEME</span><br />
So, today/now, I sincerely seek your quiet assent in a brief shared silent prayer as we consider together our theme today (chosen by the stake presidency): The value, necessity, and safety in following the living prophet -- in unity.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">MISSION MODELS</span><br />
After being a member for a little over a year, and after attending Institute which my bishop had highly recommended, I realized that I too needed to serve a mission. Soon I submitted my papers and was called to serve in the Australia Sydney Mission. Coming from the rough world of football and wrestling, I looked to a more Mormon-oriented set of heroes to inspire me through the twenty-four month journey I had embarked upon.<br />
<br />
I chose two subjects as a convenient go-to model of attitude and action. I often thought of them as a tool to self-check the Why and How of my service as a fulltime missionary. Wanting to reserve Jesus to the higher role of the being on whom I would focus my worship, and whose example of the finest godly and divine attributes I would seek to emulate, and keeping Joseph also in the lofty role of latter-day prophet whose expansive doctrine I needed to more fully apprehend, and passing over the many exciting prophet and apostle heroes of the Bible and The Book of Mormon, I chose to focus on the modern apostles and prophets -- particularly using a 45 year old apostle, Thomas S. Monson, who was rather young and easy to identify with, as a convenient place holder for all of them. Really, more than imagining him in any particular missionary setting, I tried emulate what I conceived as the general positive attitude and proactive energy that an Elder Monson would bring to serving a mission if he was to server a mission in the early 70s.<br />
<br />
Secondly, I chose to ponder the faith of the Pioneers. They did many extraordinary things, for the most lofty of motivations. They would follow the prophet with courage and sacrifice even at a high cost. They had a vision of Zion and what was to be done, and set about to do it – no matter what obstacle was placed in their way. Physical or otherwise.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">ADOPTED</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-d3usEiOjcSPoQgfJxZCRGh41FdfVF7WsculiFZre5eov_4fyXNwr35YqEngnqMfongqdQNN_PVsvybqjp2FGfSR7Mf-muaqWDdEcaJxpW2CFBYwexGXIAIz5H4NPd8udqZIiQ/s1600/mormonexodus2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-d3usEiOjcSPoQgfJxZCRGh41FdfVF7WsculiFZre5eov_4fyXNwr35YqEngnqMfongqdQNN_PVsvybqjp2FGfSR7Mf-muaqWDdEcaJxpW2CFBYwexGXIAIz5H4NPd8udqZIiQ/s1600/mormonexodus2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-d3usEiOjcSPoQgfJxZCRGh41FdfVF7WsculiFZre5eov_4fyXNwr35YqEngnqMfongqdQNN_PVsvybqjp2FGfSR7Mf-muaqWDdEcaJxpW2CFBYwexGXIAIz5H4NPd8udqZIiQ/s1600/mormonexodus2.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
After I joined the church, my wife’s extended family of aunts, cousins and her beloved and sweet Grandmother gave me a baptism by fire of their family’s participation in early church history and as Pioneers. I felt wholly adopted into the family lore of those who knew Joseph Smith as a living prophet, or who participated in the most marvelous spiritual or physically dangerous scenes of early church history in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, or who crossed the Plains in the vanguard company, or in several other migrations from Europe over the ocean and across the Plains to Nauvoo or Salt Lake City. Then they helped settle Utah and Arizona.<br />
<br />
So, I let several favorite Pioneer stories rest in my mind. Athletes did tough things, but Pioneers did all this and much more often settings of life and death.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">“WEE GRANNY”</span><br />
One of the stories I heard shortly after joining the church, which has never left me, is the grand overarching vision and sure testimony of one immigrant Pioneer widow, a convert from Scotland, Mary Murray Murdoch. She was only 4 foot, 7 inches tall, and weighed 90 pounds; she was known as Wee Granny. She and her family joined the church in the early 1850s. Her son, John, a sheepherder was soon asked to come to Utah to tend Brigham Young’s sheep. After five years he saved enough money to send for the rest of his family -- brothers and sisters, a brother-in-law, etc., and Wee Granny, now 73 years old. Across the ocean they came, then by train to Iowa. Then, they undertook to travel the rest of the journey by handcart. The company had to camp at Chimney Rock, Nebraska for a few days because so many were too weary and sick to travel. Her spirit was strong, but her body was not able to finish the journey to Zion to join her son, John. The next morning (October 3, 1856), word was sent through the camp that sister Mary Murray Murdoch had passed away during the night from the hardships of the trek. In ten more days she was to turn 74.<br />
<br />
As she lay near death there on the plains of Nebraska, the family gathered around her. Her last spoken words were a plea that the burning faith and love she shared with her son of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ be made known to her son in Utah. She concluded, "Tell John I died with my face toward Zion." This kind of pioneering vision of the great latter-day work continues to inspire me to this day.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">NOT ABANDON PROPHET</span><br />
I remember the day on my mission when hoped that if I lived in Joseph’s day, I would have been one of those who did not abandon him -- no matter how many other members or leaders did. Not that there were nearly as trials in latter-day Australia, but I determined that I would follow the living prophet -- the First Presidency and Quorum or the Twelve Apostles -- no matter how many others in or out of the church would seek to criticize or reject their considered counsel.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">EXTREMITIES</span><br />
President David O. McKay related the story about one of our pioneers. This man had crossed the plains under the most trying circumstances. In a meeting in Utah years later, members were criticizing the brethren for errors in outfitting and in the timing of their handcart trek. The man who had been in the company said, “I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie . . . whom you have cited was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? … Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church,” the old man said, “because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.”<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">PIONEERING TODAY</span><br />
One of my wife’s great-great-grandmothers, Elizabeth Reese (Craig), compared the relative challenges which the saints encountered over her lifetime. In her old age, she looked back and wrote: “Yes, I’ve pioneered in Arizona, but my mother was a pioneer before me -- she came from Illinois to Utah with the first handcart company, and my husband‘s father James Craig, was a bugler for the [vanguard company of] pioneers of 1847 and crossed the Plains into Salt Lake City with Brigham Young. . . . Yes, I suppose you‘d say that pioneering in those early years was hard, but we were all trying to develop the country and build a better nation. No one was trying to destroy it or tear it down. Everybody worked together and tried to follow the teaching of one of the Apostles who said, ‘Stick to the good and work for the right.’<br />
<br />
“Of course we worked hard, but hard work is good for the souls of men. Hard work kept our children out of mischief and kept men from getting into trouble. If I had my life to live over, I believe I’d take the hardships of our [early] times rather than the problems of today. We built the nation. A lot of people now are trying to tear it apart. No matter how hard, it is easier to build a country than to keep the enemies from destroying it afterwards.<br />
<br />
“There’s a tremendous job of pioneering for our young people today -- pioneering in a wilderness of unrest, selfishness, intolerance, greed, and dishonor. True courses must be charted through this wilderness just as we broke trails through nature’s wilderness sixty-nine years ago.”<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">EXAMPLES</span><br />
What is really needed -- as much as it has ever been -- is a listening ear attuned to the spirit and a believing heart grounded in the core, basic elements of revealed truth. We need to develop a lively faith in the living God. And, as per today’s theme, there is safety in Following the Prophet.<br />
<ul>
<li>The people of Zion followed Enoch to Heaven. </li>
<li>The children of Israel followed God’s chosen prophet Moses out of bondage. </li>
<li>Scores, then hundreds, then thousands followed a new prophet, Joseph Smith, as he declared that the Heavens were once again opened, and then revealed this marvelous work and a wonder -- of the First Vision (and all it teaches on the nature of God, and the nature of Man), of The Book of Mormon (and its witness of Christ), and this beautiful and ennobling doctrine of the Plan of Salvation and Exaltation and Happiness of the “whole family of heaven” (wonderfully laid out in the ordinances of the temple). </li>
<li>Later, the Pioneers followed Brigham Young across the country to the tops of the mountains. </li>
<li>And today, we follow a modern prophet in a wilderness of “sophistication” – as one modern prophet has labeled our modern age.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">INTELLIGENT TOLERANCE</span><br />
President Hugh B. Brown spoke of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, quote. "A sense of relationship and co-partnership with God involves the concept of universal brotherhood -- and that will help to develop intelligent tolerance, open-mindedness, and good-natured optimism. Life is really a battle between fear and faith, pessimism and optimism. Fear and pessimism paralyze men with skepticism and futility.” Fear and pessimism also fosters a nagging, destructive doubt.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">DOUBT, IN CONTEXT</span><br />
Let’s discuss doubt for a minute prior to moving on to faith and following the living prophet. Late last year (2013), President Uchdorf reminded us that the search for truth has led millions of people to the Church. However, he added, there are some who leave the Church they once loved. Quote.<br />
<br />
“One might ask, ‘If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave? Sometimes we assume it is because they have been offended or lazy or sinful. Actually, it is not that simple,” he explained. “In fact there is not just one reason that applies to the variety of situations.”<br />
<br />
President Uchtdorf said some members struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. “We openly acknowledge that in nearly 200 years of Church history — along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events — there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question. . . . Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction.”<br />
<br />
President Uchtdorf said there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. “There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles or doctrine. I suppose the Church would only be perfect if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us — His imperfect children — and imperfect people make mistakes.”<br />
<br />
Speaking to “those who have separated themselves from the Church,” President Uchtdorf said, “Come, and add your talents, gifts, and energies to ours. We will all become better as a result.”<br />
<br />
He said it is natural to have questions or doubts. “Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (Alma 32:21),” he said. “Therefore, please, first doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith.” Some, he said, don’t think they fit in with the people in the Church. “If you could see into our hearts, you would probably find that you fit in better than you suppose.” End quote.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#A. On hearing and believing the Word of God . . .</span><br />
Let’s consider for a moment why we need to follow the prophet in unity. Above all, there is strength in unity. Whether this is declared or exhibited by the most famous of successful political leaders, award winning coaches, prophets, caring bishoprics, or relief society or priesthood presidencies, or close growing families.<br />
<br />
Listen to how Paul desires us to be one in his epistle to the Ephesians. What advice does he offer? (See Ephesians chapter 4) -- I therefore . . . beseech you that ye walk . . . 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. . . .<br />
<br />
These verses immediately precedes the famous LDS missionary scripture where He calls prophets and apostles for the following purposes: -- 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [the church]<br />
<br />
He then addresses the question of how long we will need prophets. Answer: -- 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God . . . [even that we are raised up] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:<br />
<br />
He continues: 29 Let [only that] communication proceed out of your mouth, . . . which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God . . . .<br />
<br />
Then he addresses how we go about living in unity: 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.<br />
<br />
Along these lines, Joseph Smith counseled: “let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated; and let love to God and man predominate, and reign triumphant in every mind…. The work in which we are unitedly engaged is one of no ordinary kind. The enemies we have to contend against are subtle and well skilled in maneuvering; it behooves us to be on the alert to concentrate our energies, and that the best feelings should exist in our midst; . . . We, all of us, have our friends, our connections, our families and associations; and we find that the ties of friendship … and brotherhood have indissolubly united us together with a thousand endearing associations; . . . A kindred sympathy runs through the whole body, even the body of Christ [which is the church]. . . . By a concentration of action, and a unity of effort . . . the blessings of heaven must flow unto us in an uninterrupted stream; . . .”<br />
<br />
Elder Hugh B. Brown illustrated the absolute need for a living prophet, to a great judge in Brittan just as evil tyrants were raising their ugly head prior to World War II. He clearly and convincingly demonstrated to this judge, not a member of our church, the need for a prophet in those troubled time. Elder Brown later reported, “what was the reaction of this judge, when we finished? He sat and listened, intently. He asked some very pointed and searching questions. And then he said, and his eyes were moist when he said it, ‘Mr. Brown, there never was an age in the history of the world, there never was a people or a time, when the voice of God was needed as is needed now.’ And at the end of [our discussion], he said, ‘Mr. Brown, I wonder if your people appreciate the import of your message. Do you?’ He said, ‘If what you have told me is true, it is the greatest message that has come to this earth, since the angels announced the birth of Christ.’ Elder Brown said, “This was a judge speaking. A great statesman. An intelligent man. He threw out the challenge, ‘Do you appreciate the import of what you say?’ The judge said, ‘I wish it were true. I hope it may be true. God knows it ought to be true. I would to God,’ he said, and he wept as he said it, ‘That some man could appear on the earth and authoritatively say, ‘Thus sayeth the Lord.’”<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#B. On receiving God’s Promises . . .</span><br />
Now, let’s speak of the promises related to following the prophet and the need and blessing of acting in unity.<br />
<br />
On the value of being united, President George Q. Cannon said, “I suppose each of us is fond of having his own way. I know I am. … But I do not like my own way well enough to want it in opposition to my brethren’s way. That is our duty as the First Presidency of the Church. It is the duty of every presidency throughout the Church. … Suppose that one [person in the presidency or related organization] has more wisdom than another; it is better to carry out a plan that is not so wise, if you are united on it. Speaking generally, a plan or a policy that may be inferior in some respects is more effective if men are united upon it than a better plan would be upon which they were divided.”<br />
<br />
Joseph Smith published an editorial about building the Nauvoo Temple which stated, “The cause of God is one common cause, in which the Saints are alike all interested; we are all members of the one common body, and all partake of the same spirit . . . . . Party feelings, separate interests, exclusive designs should be lost sight of in the one common cause, in the interest of the whole.” [May 2, 1842]<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#C. On Overcoming the World</span><br />
President Hinckley remarked that, “There are many little things that test our willingness to accept the word of the prophets. . . . So it has been through the history of mankind, and so it is today. . . . Now again, as always, we are faced with public moral issues, [for example, gambling, laws about concealed firearms in our church buildings, warnings about debt, abuse, the family, pride, and of course, the policies and procedures of the church.] The Presidents of the Church have spoken clearly and unequivocally on these matters.” End quote.<br />
<br />
In the Book of Mosiah, we are counseled that “that there should be no contention one with another, but that [we] should look forward with one eye, . . . having [our] hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#D. On becoming a Servant of the Lord</span><br />
President Hinckley declared, “I say for each and all that we have no personal agenda. We have only the Lord’s agenda. There are those who criticize when we issue a statement of counsel or warning. Please know that our pleadings are not motivated by any selfish desire. Please know that our warnings are not without substance and reason. Please know that the decisions to speak out on various matters are not reached without deliberation, discussion, and prayer. Please know that our only ambition is to help each of you with your problems, your struggles, your families, your lives. . . . Ours is the responsibility outlined by Ezekiel: ‘Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me’ (Ezekiel 3:17).” (Oct. 1992)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#E. On the Blessing of following God and His Prophet . . .</span><br />
Please deeply consider how this beautiful recent statement by President Monson applies to you and your loved ones. “Your Heavenly Father loves you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.” End quote.<br />
<br />
No matter where our loved ones are, in or out of the church.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#F. On Being One with God and His Son</span><br />
Sharing the perfect oneness which he enjoys with his Father, Jesus prayed, in his Great Intercessory Prayer (see John 17) –<br />
<br />
Holy Father,<br />
keep through thine own name [or, his power, or nature, or identity]<br />
those whom thou hast given me,<br />
<i>that they may be one</i>, <u>as we are</u>. . . .<br />
<br />
20. Neither pray I for these alone,<br />
but for them also which shall believe on me<br />
through their word;<br />
<br />
21. <i>That they <b>all </b>may be one</i>;<br />
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,<br />
that <i>they also may be one</i> <u>in us</u>: . . .<br />
<br />
<i>that they may be one</i>, <u>even as we are on</u>e:<br />
23. I in them, and thou in me,<br />
<br />
that<i> they may be <b>made perfect</b> in one</i>….”<br />
<br />
Perfection in the scriptures speaks of wholeness and completeness, etc.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">#. TESTIMONY</span><br />
In conclusion, looking back to the years prior to my testimony, I could make the case that my doubt with respect to all things religious helped pave the way to my accepting the truth when it was finally presented to me. Of course, it was not only this ‘healthy skepticism’ but also a fair amount of curiosity, inquisitiveness, searching, openness, yearning, responsiveness, and a thousand other motivations which led me to the truth, the divine, and to God. And to Jesus Christ who he has sent.<br />
<br />
I do bear my personal witness that God our kind, loving, Eternal Father in Heaven, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost enjoy a perfect and glorious Oneness. As Jesus declared in his Great Intercessory Prayer, they desire all to receive it.<br />
<br />
I also testify that there is help, safety and peace in following the living prophets. I wholeheartedly sustain the President of the church, the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.<br />
<br />
I have discovered for myself from firsthand experience that the other General and local authorities of the Church sincerely serve with your best interests in their hearts. There is no personal agenda. They seek the Lord’s will in all things discussed and decided.<br />
<br />
I understand that there are those who have doubts, or who do not agree with church leaders. Some of my decade’s long friends have recently left the church. I have a strong belief, though, that someday they will return to the fold, without reservation and without rancor. It may take a while, as President Kimball once said, a hundred, a thousand, or even a million years. Till then, we will show unfeigned love till they return, where they will once again enjoy the power and blessings of their covenants in unity and harmony -- which has been the hallmark of the Saints in all ages. I pray in the sacred name of my Savior and Redeemer, my Exemplar and Friend, even Jesus Christ. Amen.<br />
<br />
# # #<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTES</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SIX-STEP OUTLINE </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[I.] On hearing and believing the Word of God . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[II.] On receiving God’s Promises . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[III.] On Overcoming the World – Calamity, WWII</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[IV.] On becoming a Servant of the Lord </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[V.] On the Blessing of following God and His Prophet . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[VI.] On Being One with God and His Son </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"># # # </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ON A DESTRUCTIVE DOUBT</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">As I have intimated, there is still such a thing as a Destructive Doubt – one that absolutely negates the other, finer, more nuanced aspects of our search for truth, beauty, meaning, and connection. Surely there has been over the millennia, such a thing as faith run amok -- a blind, unthinking, uninformed, unaware and unengaged approach to God. But doubt run amok is the subject of the following couplets. Please remember I am discussing here a Destructive Doubt as it relates to loving and following God -- and the prophets he has called.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[I.] <i>On hearing and believing the Word of God . . . </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith creates clarity. Doubt causes confusion. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith enlightens. Doubt darkens. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith feels. Doubt numbs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith Sings. Doubt Sorrows. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[II.] <i>On receiving God’s Promises . . . </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is assurance; doubt, misgivings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith creates commitment; doubt, discord. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith fills us with promise; doubt limits. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith opens new opportunities and beautiful vistas. Doubt closes doors. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[III.] <i>On Overcoming the World</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is action. Doubt is delay, hesitation, wait, pause, ‘not now’, later.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is dynamic. Doubt is static.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith moves forward. Doubt is bogged down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith Overcomes. Doubt Succumbs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[IV.] <i>On becoming a Servant of the Lord</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is the power to act. Doubt is paralysis. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith builds up. Doubt tears down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith builds respect; doubt, disrespect. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is trust. Doubt is [constant] suspicion. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[V.] <i>On being Blessed by following God and His Prophet . . . </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith creates hope; doubt, cynicism. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith includes a healthy skepticism, and a searching inquisitiveness. But, Doubt says there can be no answers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is a steady, dependable Perseverance. Doubt is cut and run (in times of trouble). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith Preserves the best. Doubt Destroys hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[VI.] <i>On Being One with God and His Son </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith connects. Doubt separates. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is Heaven-sent. Doubt is earth-bound. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith is Now. Doubt is never. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And finally, Doubt is a divisive cacophony. Faith is Unison and Harmony. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">#</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Key Insights from the King Follett Discourse</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Joseph Smith’s seminal April 1844 speech </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please see below for several nuggets taken from this important speech. Prayerfully considered and thoughtfully presented, many of these insights are suitable for use in any LDS meeting. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">On the Nature of God and Man</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend their own character. . . . They do not know—they do not understand their own relationship to God. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">If the veil were rent today and the great God that holds this world in its sphere and the planets in their orbit and who upholds all things by His power—if you were to see Him today, you would see Him in all the person, image, fashion, and very form of a man, like yourselves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">The first principle of truth and of the Gospel is to know for a certainty the character of God, and that we may converse with Him the same as one man with another . . . . </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the Nature of Close Relationship Facilitates Communication/Connection</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here, then, is eternal life – to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation….</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">When we begin to know how to come to Him, He begins to come to us. When we are ready to come to Him, He is ready to receive us. As soon as we begin to understand the character of God, He begins to unfold the heavens to us and tell us all about it before our prayers get to His ears. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement and improvement. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the Nature of How We Know</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is good doctrine. It tastes good. You say honey is sweet and so do I. I can also taste the spirit and principles of eternal life, and so can you. I know it is good and that when I tell you of these words of eternal life that are given to me by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the revelations of Jesus Christ, you are bound to receive them as sweet. You taste them and I know you believe them. I rejoice more and more. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">All things whatsoever God . . . [sees] fit and proper to reveal to us, while we are dwelling in our mortal state . . . are revealed to us in the abstract. . . . </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the Definition of What Constitutes Salvation</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">If a man has knowledge he can be saved, for knowledge saves a man. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bonus: One more on the Shared Nature of God and Man</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am going to tell of things more noble. We say that God Himself is a self-existent God. Who told you so? It’s correct enough, but how did it get into your heads? Who told you that man did not exist in like manner upon the same principle? . . . Man existed in spirit; the mind of man—the intelligent part— is as immortal as, and is coequal with, God Himself. . . . Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it. The first principles of man are self-existent with God. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">#</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">OTHER MISC IDEAS CONTEMPLATED, BUT NOT INCLUDED</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"># </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">PRIVATE INSPIRATION</span> </span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A side note. The day after I had determined to tell the missionaries (and what turned out to be my future wife) that I wanted to be baptized, I was standing Becky’s kitchen alone waiting for the missionaries to arrive. As I reviewed what I was to say to them sometime over the next hour, and as I was about to walk out of the kitchen into the living room where we held our lessons, the impression came to me, clear and distinct (from this God who I have just discovered) that, no matter what, Joseph was a prophet. And that it is right to join this church. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And in an age prior to PCs, prior to the Internet, prior to anyone trying to tell me anything negative about Joseph Smith, in an instant I saw that a thousand and one things would be said against Joseph. That no matter the most astounding, puzzling, hard to understand, e.g., coincidences or problems concerning the translation of The Book of Mormon, or this or that horrible thing that might be said against his character, he was a prophet. In this instant, I was assured that any one of a hundred, no more than a thousand individual potential controversies which I perceived, I was not to worry. There would be an answer, some answer, and that I could trust that he was indeed the prophet of this dispensation. That what he taught about the First Vision, about God the Father, about Mankind, about the Plan of Salvation and the Temple . . . all this unique combination of eclectic Gospel was of God, and good. No matter how many years and now decades have transpired, I cannot forget the power of this simple message. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Through hours and year of study to of all the primary sources with respect to Joseph’s teaching and character, I can tell you from firsthand experience with the spirit, this stand true to this day. I have not encountered anything which violates what was made known to me that afternoon of March 1972. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">#</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BEING TAUGHT</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Going back to 1972, I fondly recall the late afternoons after wrestling season concluded when I was taught the missionary lessons (using the old flannel board method). I also recall keenly the private evening hours later each night devoted to reading and pondering the scriptures and pamphlets – capped off with humble prayer. I can almost see the very moment realizing that for the first time two twin ideas – practically simultaneously, #1.) that God does indeed live, and he sent his Son to our earth, and #2.) that Joseph was His prophet. Of course The Book of Mormon was key in this discovery. But for me it really was the import of the First Vision. I have read and studied and reveled in each recitation of this extraordinary event. For me, we can almost divide written religious history into Before 1820 and After 1820. Considering how Parley P. Pratt described Joseph Smith’s leadership as being lived in crescendo, this implies much about what was taught in Nauvoo. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">#</span>Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-57345298718936996372014-07-18T10:55:00.004-04:002015-02-26T08:15:50.870-05:00POEM: The Things of Mom<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InzQ002w4Es/R4cKAJUGN2I/AAAAAAAA7PU/nK3jjsJbpnA/s1600/VANATTER%252Band%252BLIFER%252Bteenagers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InzQ002w4Es/R4cKAJUGN2I/AAAAAAAA7PU/nK3jjsJbpnA/s1600/VANATTER%252Band%252BLIFER%252Bteenagers.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The Things of Mom </span><br />
<i>On the occasion of her moving out of her home, and giving up and giving away the stuff of her life’s accumulations </i><br />
<br />
<i>Things</i><br />
Whether “dust collector,” simply useful, or family treasure. . . <br />
Impossible to measure.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<i>Memories</i><br />
Regrets? (“Too few to mention.”) Overcome and offset<br />
By a thousand beautiful memories . . . impossible to forget.<br />
<br />
<i>Reach</i><br />
An Eternal chain of new “Dollybabes” are the results of her instinctive divine maternal impulses. . . <br />
Impossible to number. <br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Her Soul</i><br />
The depth and breadth of the tears she wept <br />
on behalf of loved ones here grieved <br />
Echo in the eternal realm and are felt <br />
by dear ones who long before us have left </div>
<div>
This frail existence, but who now know where they are what we must here accept <br />
to appreciate thereby the heights with them later to be received. <br />
<i><br /> Her joys and glories and the extent of her sphere of influence in the next world there,<br /> Will a thousand fold compensate for any pain or worry while dwelling in this world here.</i><br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
By Scott L. Vanatter, July 17, 2014 (A poem for Mom as she moves to her new home with Tracy in Washington State)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-32138620208655046532014-07-07T18:21:00.003-04:002014-07-07T18:34:50.824-04:00POEM: Sounding Joy<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounding Joy<br />
<br />
I.<br />
She speaks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NUf5ZquWH55fVikXpkX7ecHWaCmqBg0xAiAepwKIls1_RMS424nGMoM8ZKJJ-qCjkqBKu0_kiG0TUo9xmJ_8py3dXhyLBYHVR-QYtAQ__Ki2iRcoHFIou6HzLpwBpa2vHzs4HQ/s1600/lola+lenore+lee+allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NUf5ZquWH55fVikXpkX7ecHWaCmqBg0xAiAepwKIls1_RMS424nGMoM8ZKJJ-qCjkqBKu0_kiG0TUo9xmJ_8py3dXhyLBYHVR-QYtAQ__Ki2iRcoHFIou6HzLpwBpa2vHzs4HQ/s1600/lola+lenore+lee+allen.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Really she never ceased.<br />
<br />
II.<br />
Her boundless voice of love now echoes not only in Time, but Eternity.<br />
With all the angels she shouts, and even dances.<br />
<br />
More than ever, she is there for us.<br />
No, she is <i>here </i>for us.<br />
<br />
III.<br />
Into all the Eternities, she beckons us. (Yes, we <i>can </i>hear her.)<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Finally, her communication is again</i><br />
<i>Sounding and heard by her dear ones there (and here),</i><br />
<i>Vibrant, clear and audibly brilliant for them (and us)</i><br />
<i>Till that Great Day when all shall hear clearly.</i><br />
<br />
IV.<br />
Embracing her <i>mother</i>, with all of Heaven’s Family welcoming her home,<br />
She stops to think of us, and whispers to us,<br />
We are <i>not </i>alone.<br />
<br />
One day we shall behold her shining face again,<br />
She will look deep within our eyes, and in a moment, into our very souls.<br />
We yearn to talk and walk with her – looking forward with her to Eternal possibilities.<br />
<br />
<i>In our deepest trials, her voice will sound in our ears</i><br />
<i>The silence of our night will be broken</i><br />
<i>Punctuated with a needed comfort,</i><br />
<i>Or pierced with her still small sacred voice, of “I love you.”</i><br />
<br />
V.<br />
Forever clear is her now language.<br />
She speaks, literally now, with the voice of an angel, with power to stir the whole world,<br />
Though, now much softer than even the quiet of recent years – for <i>another reason</i>.<br />
<br />
VI.<br />
Knowing the depths and heights of our world – she years for us to understand hers.<br />
I can hear her (even now). I hear her drawing us into Eternal perspective<br />
Which, in ways perhaps unknown to our outer self, give us inner satisfaction and joy.<br />
<br />
Her expressions to us, now impressions, lodge deep in our hearts – as we let them.<br />
Ever will her loving invitations draw us to her – and back to our Heavenly Home.<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
By Scott L. Vanatter, December 2011. (Poem for Lola Lenore “Lee” Allen on the occasion of her passing out of this world into the next.)</div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-82717549041148535892014-06-07T13:19:00.000-04:002014-06-07T13:36:19.833-04:00Family History and Temple Work (including, Nauvoo Temple experience)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 26.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Family History and Temple Worship <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Scott L. Vanatter, May 18, 2014, Chantilly Ward<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#A1. PERSONAL
EXPERIENCE</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As a convert, Nauvoo the city Joseph Smith founded and named
in 1839, has always held a special place in my mind and heart. I have been
fascinated and inspired by Nauvoo -- the name, its Hebrew meaning, even its
sound, its history, and more importantly, the doctrine revealed there -- the
ultimate in Mormon theology. The ennobling doctrine that we can be sealed to
our loved ones in the Temple as part of God’s whole family in heaven. ##1 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Sacred Experience
(Nauvoo Temple)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jCJKZLFf9kYaNREDDgMIli2qryciE0bPhmur4ieWWWLPU9QaHTlTC19OEJ_hwWobn4XIVeVJ9zih7OMM1Ds1ZzZ43tWaUSkRbQNRHCCX0B9ZUvRHYo-SJrh_ndRdRgNS7ONOw/s1600/526688_10150699943861317_856507262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jCJKZLFf9kYaNREDDgMIli2qryciE0bPhmur4ieWWWLPU9QaHTlTC19OEJ_hwWobn4XIVeVJ9zih7OMM1Ds1ZzZ43tWaUSkRbQNRHCCX0B9ZUvRHYo-SJrh_ndRdRgNS7ONOw/s1600/526688_10150699943861317_856507262_n.jpg" height="400" width="220" /></a><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">We were fortunate to be able to serve as patrons in the
Nauvoo Temple the very first week it opened in 2002. I had several Vanatter
family names with me so we could do all aspects of temple ordinances, from
baptisms for the dead, confirmations, and ordinations, to initiatory,
endowment, and sealings -- sealings of spouses, and sealing of children to parents.
Actually, it was my mother and one of my sisters – who are not members of the
church – who did the careful and loving genealogical research and shared their
extensive labor of love with us so we could perform the temple ordinances. My
wife had introduced them to genealogical research over 30 years ago, and they
have really taken to this great labor and have done extensive work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">So for two days in the Nauvoo Temple my wife and I performed
ordinances for several of my ancestors, including my very first ancestors to
arrive in upstate New York from Holland in the 1650s. . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Near the end of the day, we sealed my father’s father to my
father’s grandparents. NOTE: My father’s father died when by dad was just a boy
of six. More on this in a minute. . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">As we were sealing sons to their parents, I was acting on
behalf of the various sons in all these generations. ##2 After several sealing
ordinances were performed . . . I lifted my hand, paused and said to the
sealer, “That was my dad’s dad. He died when my dad was six.” The sealer looked
right at me, then slowly and calmly said, “He’s here, right now.” He paused,
and then repeated, more slowly, “He’s here. Right now.” Needless to say, this
was a sacred experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Sacred Experience
(Kitchen Table)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Four months later our youngest daughter returned from her
mission . . . . The whole family gathered for her homecoming talk. My parents
and sisters, none of them are members of the Church, traveled to Virginia for this
mini family reunion -- as did our oldest daughter and her husband.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">After sacrament meeting I gathered them all around our
kitchen table and shared with them my testimony. My father sat immediately to
my left, my mother across the table from me next to my wife.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9taqhszZ0uqoA6JSWs7PuC2W-8vOStUtSNAVVseSxgyQ1K3V18hr6k6E88R2nOxpYh2-qeYMYDRWee2BTVUBDe1akPmEGbxm3JKhdYiEgGQT2S5gzfpZsTGac-KSMY2bLCfEvcw/s1600/560744_10150697940036317_1148530895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9taqhszZ0uqoA6JSWs7PuC2W-8vOStUtSNAVVseSxgyQ1K3V18hr6k6E88R2nOxpYh2-qeYMYDRWee2BTVUBDe1akPmEGbxm3JKhdYiEgGQT2S5gzfpZsTGac-KSMY2bLCfEvcw/s1600/560744_10150697940036317_1148530895_n.jpg" height="400" width="220" /></a><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">I began by sharing with them my witness that it was my
sincere belief that our loved ones – our ancestors and our friends -- really
are there on the other side of the veil, in what we call the Spirit World. That
it is my personal opinion -- and firm belief -- that there is not one person we
know that ultimately will not want to be together forever, after the option is
presented to them in the spirit world -- no matter how hard their family circumstances
here on the earth. Further, that we will all clearly see there that it is Jesus
that offers this opportunity to everyone to be together forever. I shared with
them that I sincerely believe that we will all meet each other there, and we will
all want to be together -- forever. “Every one around this table,” I said. I
shared with them my confidence that one day we will all be reunited as an
extended family with our loved ones and ancestors in Heaven. That Heaven
wouldn’t be Heaven if it were otherwise. Not to us. Not even to God. I bore to
them my testimony that God was a loving God of mercy and not one of vengeance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">I told my Dad that I was confident that he would see and
know and enjoy the close association with his Dad once again—someday in Heaven.
##3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">I then related the sacred experience my wife and I had in
the Nauvoo Temple where we sealed together forever my Dad’s father to my Dad’s
grandparents. I looked at my father and shared with him that the sealer looked
right at me and said, “He’s here, right now. He’s here. Right now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Things got very quiet. All of the sudden Dad quickly and forcibly
reached over with his right hand and grabbed hold of my left forearm which was
resting on the table. He held it very tight – in love and affection. For a few more
moments no words were spoken. I felt his love and saw his eyes well up with
tears. (Tears, on his part, had previously been very, VERY rare.) He then rose
from the table, excused himself, and went straight into the bathroom to have a
good cry in private. Around the table it was silent and still. No one spoke. My
angel Mother appropriately broke the silence reminding us how much my Dad loved
and missed his Dad. My sister said, “Well, that makes it all worth it.” (Meaning,
the genealogy work.) Almost simultaneously, my Mom echoed her words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">It was a moment we will not soon forget, a sacred experience
for our family. ##4</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1pFFlENlOXMcdHov1bSRYdL9zg0nH0DfBviUYrs-PoUYJpZiQBkiA1huMHXM57IsKzTPoaY4n29m-uNhb_BfOuKpxhsFmN3iCr9Gg_9OslIcyCaaW4zsHySJJ-q6OGft3es2HQ/s1600/565397_10151171052496317_1768131117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1pFFlENlOXMcdHov1bSRYdL9zg0nH0DfBviUYrs-PoUYJpZiQBkiA1huMHXM57IsKzTPoaY4n29m-uNhb_BfOuKpxhsFmN3iCr9Gg_9OslIcyCaaW4zsHySJJ-q6OGft3es2HQ/s1600/565397_10151171052496317_1768131117_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Dad’s Temple Work</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">A few years later my dad died. After we returned home from his
funeral, my dear Mother (again, not a member of the church) called and asked
whether and when we were going to do Dad’s temple work. With her permission --
and urging -- I performed by proxy his temple ordinances, including sealing him
to his own parents here in the DC Temple. ##5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Theme</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The theme of my talk today is Family History and Temple
Work, with a special focus on the important part the Youth of today will play
-- and the blessings which flow to them. So, to the youth of the ward please
listen for the next few minutes how far-reaching are these great and glorious
promises associated with temple work, or in other words, Temple Worship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#A2. PARTNERSHIP</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Ancient prophets spoke of the highest promises of God being
planted in our hearts. These promises apply to you, your ancestors, and your
posterity. Later, I will remind you of specific promises of protection made
especially to you by modern apostles. ##6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">An Agreement with
the Almighty</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Elder John A. Widtsoe explained that before we came to earth
we were participants in the Council in Heaven. Quote. </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“In our [pre-mortal] state, in the day of the great council,
we made an . . . agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan. . . .
We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all [people], we became parties
to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and
there, to [help save] the whole human family. We went into a partnership with
the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work,
and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in
partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of
salvation. That places us in a very responsible attitude towards the human
race. By that doctrine, with the Lord at the head, we become saviors on Mount
Zion, all committed to the great plan of offering salvation to the untold
numbers of spirits. To do this is the Lord’s self-imposed duty, this great labor,
his highest glory. Likewise, it is man’s duty, self-imposed, his pleasure and
joy, his labor, and ultimately his glory.” End quote. (“The Worth of Souls,”
The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189) – Elder David
B. Haight, Ensign, November 1990, p. 59) ##7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The Whole Human
Race</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Joseph Smith said that, “A [person] filled with the love of
God, is not content with blessing [their] family alone, but ranges through the
whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">#B1. PROMISES</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Among the very first things Moroni taught Joseph Smith
included the foundational truths having to do with the everlasting promises
made to the fathers. Moroni told Joseph that God would “reveal . . . the
Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet . . . . And [that God] shall
plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the
hearts of the children [would] turn to their fathers.” (D&C 2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Welding Link</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Commenting on this almost twenty years later Joseph said: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“It is sufficiently plain . . . to know . . . that . . .
there is a welding link . . . between the fathers and the children . . . . And
. . . what is that [link]? It is . . . baptism for the dead. For we without
them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect . . .
. It is necessary . . . that a whole and complete and perfect union, and
welding together of . . . keys, and powers, and glories should take place . . .
. (DC 128:18) </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me
assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living
that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their
salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning
the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without
our dead be made perfect.” End quote. (DC 128:15)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Together</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Joseph Smith summarized: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid
upon us is to seek after our dead. The apostle says, ‘They without us cannot be
made perfect’ . . . It is necessary that those who are going before and those
who come after us should have salvation in common with us; and thus hath God
made it obligatory upon man. ”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Before they even arrived in the Great Basin, Brigham Young instructed
the saints on the purpose of temple ordinances. He said: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“The Apostle Paul, while speaking of the Fathers & the
Ancients, said that they without us could not be made perfect. . . . [and]
Joseph said [it is] an item of the celestial law [that they are] not perfect
without us. [Not] until our children rise up in the last days and attend to all
the ordinances [of the temple]…. [None] of us can get any glory alone. We must
finish our work together, and so with the whole human family. . . . ##8 The
Chain of [the] Priesthood [has been] restored. . . . Suffice it to say that
[we] must be linked [in] …the Chain of the Priesthood . . . [and we will] as
soon I can get a temple built. I have heard Elders say they were not dependent
upon any man. . . . [But,] I consider that we are all dependant one upon
another for our exaltation and that our interest is inseparably connected. . .
. If men are not saved together, they cannot be saved at all. . . . The
business of this Church [is] to [bring the] blessings of the Priesthood to all
that have lived . . . ##9 Neither can you without me, nor I without you be made
perfect. . . . This applies to the whole Human family.” End quote. (Brigham
Young, Mormon History, Tuesday, Feb 16, 1847)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">A Day Contemplated
by Prophets</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Joseph Smith challenged: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“Let every man, woman and child realize the importance of
the work, and act as if success depended on [their] individual exertion alone; let
all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live in a day, the
contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings, Prophets, and righteous
men thousands of years ago.” End quote. (History of the Church, 4:214.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Tentacles of
Divine Providence</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Dear youth, please listen to how far reaching are these promises.
President Hinckley cited the following quote several times during his
presidency, and in a seminal address, his counselor President Faust explained
the following blessing in detail in general conference. Quote. </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught a
more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the
divine promises made to them . . . would save not only themselves, but likewise
their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd
is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine
Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in
this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their
debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path;
but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and
forgiving father’s [and mother’s] heart and home, the painful experience will
not have been in vain.” End quote. (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report,
Apr. 1929, 110)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">None of us will be satisfied if someone we love is not with
us. The hope of Eternal Life which we receive at our baptism, becomes the
promise of Eternal Life in our temples.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">When? A Million
Years</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">President Kimball observed that, quote: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“The time will come when there will be a surrender of every
person who has ever lived on this earth, who is now living, or who ever will
live on this earth; and it will be an unforced surrender, an unconditional
surrender. When will it be for you? Today? In twenty years? Two hundred years?
Two thousand, or a million? When? Again, to you... I say, it is not if you will
capitulate to the great truth; it is when, for I know that you cannot
indefinitely resist the power and pressure of truth. Why not now? Much time has
been lost.” End quote. (President Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Sept. 1978, p. 8)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">This applies to all of us, all of our friends and neighbors,
all of our ancestors, all of our posterity -- even and especially those who
stray. ##10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Vast Realities</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Elder John A. Widtsoe beautifully described how temple
ordinances are infused with symbolism. He said: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“Mighty spiritual ordinances are carried on daily in [our]
magnificent Temple[s]. [These ordinances are] a series of symbols of vast
realities . . . . It is the meaning of things that counts in life. We live in a
world of symbols. We know nothing except by symbols. . . . [When we are]
endowed as [we] should be [we will see] beyond the symbol, the mighty realities
for which the symbols stand.” End quote. (Elder John A. Widtsoe, Utah
Genealogical Magazine, 12:62)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">President Faust cited Joseph Smith’s King Follett discourse.
“If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend
themselves.” ##11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">#C. CHALLENGE</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Genius</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">An emeritus Yale professor, and perhaps America’s preeminent
literary scholar, Harold Bloom, has become an admirer of the doctrine of the Prophet
Joseph Smith. Bloom who characterizes himself as a lapsed, Gnostic Jew, said
that Joseph Smith was a “religion making genius.” It was his opinion that Joseph
Smith created The American Religion. ##12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Of the many unique/former Christian doctrines restored
through Joseph Smith, Bloom cites the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead as,
perhaps, the most important – more than the Book of Mormon, more than the First
Vision, as seminal as they are. He suggests that baptism for the dead
succinctly captures the essence of the expansive and generous Plan of Salvation
as understood in Mormon chapels, in Mormon Temples, and in the hearts of endless
generations of Mormons. Bloom is describing the effects of the Spirit of
Elijah.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">In our temples is a marvelous power connecting the
generations – making as one all of God’s children past, present, and future. Truly
teaching the eternal implication of what President Hugh B. Brown spoke of as,
The Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Provision <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Joseph Smith stated that even those without knowledge of -- or
obedience to -- the Bible would be enfolded in the arms of mercy. Quote: “God
hath made a provision that every spirit can be ferreted out in [the spirit]
world.” End quote. Joseph’s was a generous vision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Continued Duration
for Completion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Joseph commented on the Vision of the degrees of glory in
the heavens, thusly: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“Nothing could be more pleasing to the Saints . . . than the
light which burst upon the world through the foregoing vision. . . . . Every promise,
every truth, and every point touching the destiny of man . . . go[es] to show
the [the truth of the revelation] . . . . The sublimity of the ideas; . . . the
scope for action; the continued duration for completion . . . are so much beyond
the narrow-mindedness of men, that every [honest] man is constrained to
exclaim: ‘It came from God.’” (Joseph Smith, Feb., 1832. DHC 1:252-253.)</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">#D. YOUR ROLE</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">In our last general conference, Elder Cook discussed the importance
of the role our youth will play. He said: “The First Presidency has encouraged
members, especially youth and young single adults, to emphasize family history
work and [temple] ordinances . . . . We need to be connected to both our roots
and branches. . . . ##13</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Rising Generation
to Lead the Way</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“The leadership of the Church has issued a clarion call to
the rising generation to lead the way in the use of technology to experience
the spirit of Elijah, to search out their ancestors, and to perform temple
ordinances for them. Much of the heavy lifting in hastening the work of
salvation for both the living and the dead will be done by you young people.
##14 Of course, the main objective is to determine what ordinances still need
to be done and make assignments for the essential temple [ordinances]. . . .” This
temple worship by our youth “will bless their entire family to experience the
spirit of Elijah. Our precious roots and branches must be nourished. . . . End
quote. (Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2014 Conference, Roots and Branches)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Roots and
Branches, Remembered</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">As Jacob said, “How merciful is our God unto us, for he
remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches
forth his hands unto them all the day long; and . . . as many as will not
harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God.” (Jacob 6:4)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#E. PROMISE OF
PROTECTION, PRESERVATION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">In reviewing this theme with your bishop over the past few
weeks, he desires that you young women and young men receive the specific
blessings of protection promised by modern apostles and prophets. As you participate
in this work he is confident you will “gain a deeper understanding of the
commandment and doctrine of ‘honoring our fathers and mothers’ – ‘and that
you’] will see doing family history and temple work in a whole new light.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">No Greater
Protection</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Elder Scott has spoken of the blessing of protection for our
youth as they become involved in this work. He said: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the
influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your
ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in
the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the
ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. ##15 I can think of no
greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.” (Elder
Richard G. Scott, October 2012)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Question: How and why does this work? It works through the efficacy
of Lord’s marvelous promises and power, in partnership with your inherent and
refined ‘desires, appetites and passions.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Conversion Deep
and Abiding, and Protected</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Elder Bednar has also promised specific blessings, including
that of protection, for our youth. Quote. ##16 </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and
experience the Spirit of Elijah. . . . And I urge you to help other people
identify their family histories. . . . You are sons and daughters of God,
children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until
you reach an arbitrary age to . . . assist in the work of salvation for the
human family. . . . ^ As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts
shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will
be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing . . . will link you to
these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your
ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will
become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the
intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this
holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives. Parents
and leaders, please help your children and youth to learn about and experience
the Spirit of Elijah. But do not overly program this endeavor or provide too
much detailed information or training. Invite young people to explore, to
experiment, and to learn for themselves. . . .” ##17</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">In our last stake conference President Wheatley, commented
on these promises, “Brothers and Sisters, if we would claim these promises of
protection for our youth, let us obey the law upon which they are predicated. If
we do, the promises are sure and are ours.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">President Boyd K. Packer has given wise counsel on improving
behavior. He said, “True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior.
The study of the doctrines of the Gospel will improve behavior quicker than a
study of behavior will improve behavior . . . .” (Boyd K. Packer, “Little
Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">In Nauvoo, Joseph Smith was asked by a visitor to from the
Illinois state government how he governs so many people so well. Joseph
replied, “It’s easy.” The visitor asked, “How?” Joseph stated: “I teach them
correct principles and they govern themselves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#F. PRISONERS FREE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus came out of the
desert and entered into a synagogue. He opened the scriptures and read the following
words from Isaiah. One might say that they form something of a mission
statement for our Savior’s ministry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Opening the Prison</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Quoting Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;
because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath
sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and
the opening of the prison to them that are bound . . . . ” End quote.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Glad Tidings for
the Dead</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Last month Elder Cook cited the following soaring words from
Joseph Smith’s beautiful letter to the Saints introducing the doctrine of baptism
for the dead – which is also cited in D&C 128. </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">“Now, what do we hear in the Gospel which we have received? A
voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; And a voice of truth out of
the earth. Glad tidings for the dead; A voice of gladness for the living and
the dead; Glad tidings of great joy. Let your hearts rejoice, and be
exceedingly glad. . . . Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to
the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would
enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.
. . . And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven,
proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and
eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!” (D&C 128)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">As Soon As</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">I bear my witness that there is now no spirit prison in the
eternities -- or of one’s own making here on earth -- that can or will forever hold
bound those who Jesus has already set free. They can walk out of the door
anytime they want -- as soon as they will.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">And I bear my witness that we have now the wherewithal and
opportunity and obligation and vision and love to help secure their freedom -- as
soon as we will.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">In so doing, I testify that we -- and especially our youth
-- can and will receive the promised blessings of connection with our
ancestors, and protection from the adversary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;">I pray we do so joyously and profitably sooner rather than
later . . . in the powerful and merciful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"># # #</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">OUTLINE</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#A1. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#A2. PARTNERSHIP <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">#B1. PROMISES</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#B2. PROMISES BECOME REAL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">#C. CHALLENGE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#D. YOUR ROLE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">#E. PROMISE OF PROTECTION, PRESERVATION</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">#F. PRISONERS FREE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;"># # #</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">FOOTNOTES</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##1. SIDE NOTE: A large framed piece of art – an image of an
old daguerreotype of the Nauvoo Temple -- hangs prominently near our front
door. Before we moved to Virginia, the California license plate on my car was
Nauvoo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">My wife Becky’s early Mormon ancestors lived in Kirtland,
Far West, and Nauvoo. They trekked across the plains as pioneers. Some of them
received their endowment and were sealed in the original Nauvoo Temple. I have
felt adopted into Mormon history and her family lore as I have read and
pondered her ancestors’ experiences. . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##2 We had invited a couple from Kansas (near where I was
born) to help us by acting as proxy for the various sets of parents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##3 (Remember, my dad’s dad died when my dad was six.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##4 Reflection -- Years later our oldest daughter remarked,
quote, “This was so significant to me, feeling the Spirit of Elijah in that
room, and knowing my Grandma and Aunt have caught the Spirit of Elijah and
accepted that day the beautiful happenings in the Temple with their family
members. While they have not yet joined the church, I know that someday, all
the pieces that they have felt and heard and seen over the years will all fit
together and it will all instantly click for them.” End quote.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##5 To make that day even more special, my mission president
in Australia in 1973-75 was then serving as the DC temple president. He
performed the sealing -- two important men in my life brought together in
different aspects of one sweet and eternal sealing ordinance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##6 So, please open your minds and hearts as we consider
what great things God has in store for us, and especially for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##7 A Sense of Relationship and Co-partnership -- President
Hugh B. Brown also spoke on this idea of partnership. He said, “A sense of
relationship and co-partnership with God involves the concept of universal
brotherhood.” He said, “that [this sense] will help to develop intelligent
tolerance, open-mindedness, and good-natured optimism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##8 ‘Neither is man without the woman, neither the woman
without the man, in the Lord.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##9 This is another strong proof of the Apostle’s saying
when he declared that, they without us could not be made perfect. [Neither we
without them.]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##10 Jesus used the following words to set up the Parable of
the Prodigal Son. We were all in the pre-mortal world, looking down on the
happenings here on earth. Imagine being with your loved ones and friends when
you heard Jesus say these words: “4 [Who among] you, having an hundred sheep,
if [you] lose one of them, do [you] not leave the ninety and nine in the
wilderness, and go after [the one] which is lost, until [you] find it? 5 And
when [you] [find] it, [you] lay… it on [your] shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when
[you] come… home, [you] call… together [your] friends and neighbours, saying
unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say
unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one . . . that repents…,
more than over ninety and nine [who] need no repentance. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">One Vast and Grand Work -- President Kimball also said, “The
more clearly we see eternity, the more obvious it becomes that the Lord’s work
. . . is one vast and grand work with striking similarities on each side of the
veil.” End quote. (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jan. 1977, p. 3) ]]</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">Brigham Young also taught that: “The whole subject of the
marriage relation . . . lays the foundation for worlds, for angels, and for the
Gods; for intelligent beings to be crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal
lives. In fact, it is the thread which runs from the beginning to the end of
the Holy Gospel of Salvation -- of the Gospel of the Son of God; it is from
eternity to eternity. When the vision of the mind is opened, you can see a
great portion of it . . . . [which] we can see and understand . . . .” (JD
2:90)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##11 PROMISES BECOME REAL -- Question: How can these “vast
realities” be apprehended?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">Only by Experience, Gaze Five Minutes -- Joseph Smith
cautioned that, simply, “Reading the experience of others, or the revelation
given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true
relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience
through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into
heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that
ever was written on the subject.” End quote. (TPJS, p. 324; cf. HC 6:50)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">Must Experience -- Brigham Young explained regarding the
meaning of “the ordinances of the House of the Lord in their fullness” that,
“to know, [one] must experience; and to experience, a Temple must be built.”
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, Pg.31, April 6, 1853)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">You are to be Instruments -- Joseph Smith encouraged those
who were embarking in this work – and this applies especially to our youth who
are growing into powerful leaders. Quote. “Do not be discouraged on account of
the greatness of the work; only be humble and faithful . . . Therefore, inasmuch
as you are to be instrumental in this great work, He will endow you with power,
wisdom, might, and intelligence, and every qualification necessary; while your
minds will expand wider and wider, until you can circumscribe the earth and the
heavens, reach forth into eternity, and contemplate the mighty acts of Jehovah
in all their variety and glory.” End quote. (History of the Church, 4:128–29.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">In our last General Conference, Elder Quentin L. Cook said,
“Our Father’s plan is about families. . . . The spirit of Elijah . . . as Elder
Russell M. Nelson has taught, is ‘a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing
witness of the divine nature of the family.’ . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">“On October 11, 1840,
in Nauvoo, Vilate Kimball wrote a letter to her husband, Elder Heber C.
Kimball, who with other members of the Twelve was serving a mission in Great
Britain. The October general conference had been held a few days before. I
quote from parts of Vilate’s personal letter: ‘We had the largest and most
interesting conference that ever has been since the Church was organized. . . .
President [Joseph] Smith has opened a new and glorious subject. . . . That is,
being baptized for the dead. Paul speaks of it, in First Corinthians 15 . . . .
Joseph has received a more full explanation of it by revelation. He says it is
the privilege of [members of] this Church to be baptized for all their kinsfolk
that have died before . . . . By so doing, we act as agents for them, and give
them the privilege of coming forth in the First Resurrection. He says they will
have the gospel preached to them in prison.’ Vilate added: ‘I want to be
baptized for my mother. … Is not this a glorious doctrine?’” End quote. Indeed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">Vilate Kimball was right to exclaim that first month, “Is
not this a glorious doctrine!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##12 That what he taught was on par with that of Emerson,
and other great American poets and thinkers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##13 “Less than a year after President Thomas S. Monson was
called as an Apostle, he dedicated the Los Angeles Temple Genealogical Library.
. . .” [ NOTE: It was in this same Genealogical Library that my wife would go
to do family history research once a month as I served as a veil worker in the
L.A. Temple.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##14 “If the youth in each ward will not only go to the
temple and do baptisms for their dead but also work with their families and
other ward members to provide the family names for the ordinance work they
perform, both they and the Church will be greatly blessed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">##15 As you grow older, you will be able to participate in
receiving the other ordinances as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##16 “It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools
have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range
of information and communication technologies. . . . The skills and aptitude
evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the
work of salvation. . . . Our young people are excited to learn about the lives
of family members—where they came from and how they lived. Many have had their
hearts turned to the fathers. They love the stories and photos, and they have
the technological expertise to scan and upload these stories and photos to
Family Tree and connect source documents with ancestors to preserve these for
all time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">##17 -- “My beloved young brothers and sisters, family
history is not simply an interesting program or activity sponsored by the
Church; rather, it is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation. You
have been prepared for this day and to build up the kingdom of God. You are
here upon the earth now to assist in this glorious work. . . . “I know the
youth of the rising generation have a key role to play in this great endeavor.
. . .” End quote.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">As Elder Bednar said, doing family history and temple work
(or, rather, we might say, Temple Worship) affords us promises of not only
being preserved in this world of trials and tribulations, and protection from
the adversary, but also a sweeter, more intimate relationship with God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">In order to receive
these promised blessings and the associated beauties of the ordinances, we need
to ponder the mysteries of Godliness, as revealed in the scriptures, the
temple, and our own sincere prayers. Prayers can be thought of as an
individual, personalized portal piercing this veil of tears and into the
eternal realm where we can commune directly with the Divinity – with our Father
in Heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">“Things of God are of deep import; and
time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only
find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must
stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the
darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity -- thou must commune with
God.” (Joseph Smith, Teachings, Page 137)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">Joseph Smith said,
“This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal
life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ;
and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to
me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet,
and so do I.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">“I can also taste the spirit of eternal
life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were
given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as
sweet, and rejoice more and more. . . . All things whatsoever God in his
infinite wisdom has seen fit and proper to reveal to us…are revealed to us in
the abstract . . . . (Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">And he had this to say about how we grow over time into a
more effective servant: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small;">“We consider that God has created man
with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in
proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from
heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the
clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, . . . But we consider
that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have
been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees,
until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety,
justice, equality, and consistency of the same.…” (Joseph Smith, Letter to the
Brethren, January 22, 1834. Teachings, Page 47)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"># # # </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-75402668500691727432014-02-26T19:06:00.000-05:002015-02-26T08:19:13.188-05:00A poem for Mom's 80th Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0cxiiC95wTdmY07iJ44DlD8Vajm5uK8HN6TZ1xQv0CB1GOA31JVYYngQ95aJy7ELFCcwwfGzb-kNvntS2dzTDXrnw1e3cHCSOMgzAmQdBs9J7C5whix0UQ1rqujKvZsfC2CauA/s1600/Geneaologist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0cxiiC95wTdmY07iJ44DlD8Vajm5uK8HN6TZ1xQv0CB1GOA31JVYYngQ95aJy7ELFCcwwfGzb-kNvntS2dzTDXrnw1e3cHCSOMgzAmQdBs9J7C5whix0UQ1rqujKvZsfC2CauA/s1600/Geneaologist.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Center </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Through the heart
and words of a natural mother AND through the heart and works of a
natural genealogist, Mom (Grandma Dot) is at the very center of all that
is important. Connecting our hearts and the generations.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
Looking back (and forward), seeing past an earthy veil <br />
Into the heart. <br />
<br />
Love no longer lost, the chain no longer frail,<br />
Is now rebuilt and an inherent part . . . <br />
<br />
Of those we knew. But being separated<br />
Here in our own time . . . <br />
<br />
And forgotten. Are now recovered and remembered -- <br />
With faint inklings sublime. <br />
<br />
Weak links, now strong. Those long asleep, now awakening,<br />
No longer alone.<br />
<br />
She, at <i>the center </i>point of our shared existence, connecting<br />
Our Hearts and the Generations. Now one -- and known.<br />
<br />
(Poem by Scott L. Vanatter, written Feb. 26, 2014, in honor of my Mother’s 80th birthday.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-57254885345320266852014-02-13T17:52:00.003-05:002017-05-02T12:28:53.756-04:00The Steward, By Carol Lynn Pearson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
http://www.amazon.com/Beginnings-Beyond-Carol-Lynn-Pearson/dp/1599558602<br />
<br />
<br />
The Steward<br />
~ a poem by Carol Lynn Pearson, from her book, Beginnings and Beyond<br />
<br />
Heber looked at his lands<br />
And he was pleased.<br />
He’d be leaving them, tomorrow, and his hands<br />
Hurt with anticipated idleness.<br />
But he knew there was no other way<br />
When a man is seventy-eight and has to make<br />
Two rest stops with a full bucket of milk<br />
Between the barn and the kitchen.<br />
Condominiums-do they have gardens?<br />
He wondered.<br />
His son had arranged the place for them in town<br />
And he was ready. He sat down<br />
On the rock that knew his body<br />
Better than the front room chair.<br />
<br />
Could it really be fifty-five years ago<br />
That sitting right there<br />
They had talked?<br />
His father’s voice had never left him:<br />
“Heber, I’m trusting to you<br />
The most precious thing I’ve got.<br />
I worked hard for this land. You know all about<br />
The crickets and the Indians and the drought,<br />
And the buckets of sweat it took<br />
To make what you see today.<br />
I’m giving it to you as a stewardship, son.<br />
And when your time with the land is done<br />
And we get together again<br />
I’m going to call you to account.<br />
I’m going to say, ‘Heber, did you make it more<br />
Than you found it? Did you watch it<br />
And tend it? Did you make it grow?<br />
Is it everything it can be?’<br />
That’s what I’ll want to know.”<br />
<br />
Heber looked out on the fields<br />
That for fifty-five years had been<br />
Green and gold in proper turn-<br />
On the fences and the barns and the ditches<br />
And the trees in careful rows.<br />
Even his father hadn’t been able to get peaches.<br />
He could hardly wait to report about those.<br />
<br />
Margaret was finishing the last closet.<br />
Just a few things were going to the city<br />
And the rest rose in a mountain<br />
On the back porch, waiting for the children<br />
To sort through and take what they chose.<br />
She opened the lid on a shoebox of valentines.<br />
Perhaps just one or two for memory’s sake?<br />
But whose-whose would she take?<br />
<br />
She put the box aside and reached again.<br />
“What in the world?” In an instant her face<br />
Cleared and in her hands was the old familiar case.<br />
The violin. She hadn’t touched it for forty years,<br />
Hadn’t thought of it for twenty at least.<br />
Well, there they finally were-the tears.<br />
Her mother’s dishes hadn’t done it,<br />
Or the little Bible she had buried with Ellen,<br />
Or the valentines –<br />
But there they were for the violin.<br />
She picked up the bow.<br />
Had it always been so thin?<br />
Perhaps her hand had grown so used to big things,<br />
To kettles that weighed ten pounds empty,<br />
And to milk cans and buckets of coal.<br />
<br />
The wood felt smooth against her chin<br />
As she put the bow to a string.<br />
A slow, startled sound wavered, then fell.<br />
How did she used to tune it? Ah, well.<br />
No sense wasting time on moving day.<br />
If Heber should come in, he would say,<br />
“Well, there’s Margaret – fiddlin’ around<br />
With her fiddle again.”<br />
He’s always said it with a smile, though.<br />
<br />
“I could have done it,” she said out loud.<br />
“And it wouldn’t have hurt him.<br />
It wouldn’t have hurt anybody!”<br />
<br />
He hadn’t minded that she’d practiced two hours<br />
Every afternoon – after all, she got up at five<br />
and nobody in the world could criticize<br />
The way she kept the house<br />
Or the care she gave to the children.<br />
And he was proud that she was asked<br />
To play twice a year at the church.<br />
And music made her so happy.<br />
If she missed a day things were not quite<br />
So bright around the house.<br />
Even Heber noticed that.<br />
<br />
And then she was invited to join the symphony in town.<br />
Oh, to play with a real orchestra again!<br />
In a hall with a real audience again!<br />
“But, Margaret, isn’t that too much to ask<br />
Of a woman with children and a farm to tend?”<br />
<br />
“Oh, Heber, I’ll get up at four if I have to.<br />
I won’t let down – not a bit. I promise!”<br />
<br />
“But I couldn’t drive you in,<br />
Not two nights a week all year round,<br />
And more when they’re performing.”<br />
<br />
“I can drive, Heber. It’s only twenty miles.<br />
I’d be fine. You would have to be<br />
With the children, though, until Ellen<br />
Is a little older.”<br />
<br />
“But I couldn’t guarantee two night a week –<br />
Not with my responsibilities to the farm,<br />
And to the Church.”<br />
<br />
“Heber, there’s no way to tell you<br />
How important this is to me. Please, Heber.<br />
I’ll get up at four if I have to.”<br />
<br />
But Heber said no.<br />
What if something happened to the car?<br />
And then it just wouldn’t look right<br />
For a man’s wife to be out chasing<br />
Around like that. What would it lead to next?<br />
Once in a while he read of some woman<br />
Who went so far with her fancy notions<br />
That she up and left her family, children and all.<br />
He couldn’t see Margaret ever doing that,<br />
But it’s best to play it safe.<br />
Two nights a week – that was asking a lot.<br />
So Heber said no.<br />
It was his responsibility to take care of her.<br />
<br />
She had been given to him, in fact.<br />
He remembered the ceremony well,<br />
The pledges, the rings,<br />
And he didn’t take it lightly.<br />
She had been given to him,<br />
And it was up to him to decide these things.<br />
So Heber said no.<br />
She had seemed to take it all right,<br />
Though she was quieter than usual<br />
And more and more an afternoon would pass<br />
Without her practicing.<br />
<br />
He didn’t really notice how it happened –<br />
The shrinking of her borders,<br />
The drying up of her green.<br />
If Heber ever thought about it in later years<br />
He marked it up to the twins.<br />
Motherhood was hard on a woman,<br />
And Margaret just wasn’t quite the same as before.<br />
<br />
She laid the violin in its case<br />
And rubbed away the small wet drop<br />
On her thin hand.<br />
<br />
“I could have done it,” she said aloud.<br />
“Heber, you didn’t understand.<br />
I could have done it and not hurt anybody.<br />
I would have gotten up at four!”<br />
<br />
Slowly she made her way to the porch<br />
And put the violin with the things<br />
For the children to sort through.<br />
“Will any of them remember?<br />
I don’t think so.”<br />
<br />
Heber gave a last look at his lands<br />
And he was pleased.<br />
He could face his father with a clear mind.<br />
“Here’s my stewardship,” he would say,<br />
“And I think you’ll find<br />
I did everything you asked.<br />
I took what you gave me – and I made it more.”<br />
<br />
He got up and started toward the house,<br />
Putting to his lips<br />
A long, thin piece of hay.<br />
“Better get movin’. Margaret will be<br />
Needing me for supper right away.”<br />
<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-2286398067922099072014-01-20T11:24:00.002-05:002014-01-20T11:30:14.333-05:00Martin Luther King, Jr. expounding/applying scripture<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In Memphis to support
sanitation workers, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated April 4, 1968. The
previous night he spoke at the Church of God in Christ Headquarters there in Memphis where he delivered another (and final) of his famous speeches. This “I’ve been to the mountaintop” speech
poignantly ends with the following words: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #999999;">“And then I got into
Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were
out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I
don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it
really doesn't matter with me now, because <b>I've been to the mountaintop</b>. And I
don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its
place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And
He's allowed me to go <b>up to the mountain</b>. And I've looked over. And <b>I've seen
the Promised Land</b>. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight,
that <i>we, as a people, will get to the promised land</i>! And so I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! ‘Mine eyes have seen
the glory of the coming of the Lord!’”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Earlier in the speech
Dr. King discussed the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, then challenged us to “make
America what it ought to be.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Let us develop a kind
of dangerous unselfishness. One day a man came to Jesus, and he wanted to raise
some questions about some vital matters of life. At points he wanted to trick
Jesus, and show him that he knew a little more than Jesus knew and throw him
off base....</span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Now that question <i>could
have easily ended up in a philosophical and theological debate</i>. But Jesus
immediately pulled that question from mid-air, and placed it on a dangerous
curve between Jerusalem and Jericho. And he talked about <u><b>a certain man</b>, who
fell among thieves</u>. You remember that a <b>Levite </b>and a <b>priest </b>passed by on the
other side. They didn't stop to help him. And finally <b>a man of another race</b>
came by. He got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy.
But he got down with him, administered first aid, and helped the man in need.
Jesus ended up saying, <i>this was the good man</i>, this was <i>the great man</i>, because
he had the capacity to project the ‘I’ into the ‘thou,’ and to be concerned
about his brother.</span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Now you know, we use
our imagination a great deal to <u>try to determine why the <b>priest</b> and the <b>Levite</b>
didn't stop</u>. At times we say they were <i>busy going to a church meeting</i>, an
ecclesiastical gathering, and they had to get on down to Jerusalem so they
<u>wouldn't be late</u> for their meeting. At other times we would speculate that
there was <u>a religious law</u> that <i>‘One who was engaged in religious ceremonials
was not to touch a human body twenty-four hours before the ceremony.’</i> And every
now and then we begin to wonder whether maybe they were not going down to
Jerusalem -- or down to Jericho, rather to organize a ‘Jericho Road Improvement
Association.’ That's a possibility. <u>Maybe they felt that it was better to deal
with the problem from the causal root</u>, <i>rather than to get bogged down with an
individual effect</i>.</span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #999999;">“But I'm going to tell
you what my imagination tells me. </span><u style="color: #999999;">It's possible that those men were afraid</u><span style="color: #999999;">. You
see, the Jericho road is a dangerous road. I remember when Mrs. King and I were
first in Jerusalem. We rented a car and drove from Jerusalem down to Jericho.
And as soon as we got on that road, I said to my wife, ‘I can see why Jesus
used this as the setting for his parable.’ It's a winding, meandering road.
It's really </span><i style="color: #999999;">conducive for ambushing</i><span style="color: #999999;">. You start out in Jerusalem, which is about
1200 miles -- or rather 1200 feet above sea level. And by the time you get down
to Jericho, fifteen or twenty minutes later, you're about 2200 feet below sea
level. That's a dangerous road. In the days of Jesus it came to be known as the
‘Bloody Pass.’ And you know, </span><u style="color: #999999;">it's possible that the <b>priest </b>and the <b>Levite
</b>looked over <b>that man on the ground</b> and wondered if the robbers were still
around</u><span style="color: #999999;">. Or </span><u style="color: #999999;">it's possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely
faking</u><span style="color: #999999;">. And he was </span><i style="color: #999999;">acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize
them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure</i><span style="color: #999999;">. </span><span style="color: red;">And so the <u>first
question</u> that the <b>priest</b> asked -- <b>the first question</b> that the <b>Levite</b> asked was, <u>'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?'</u> But then the
<b>Good Samaritan</b> came by. And <b>he reversed the question</b>: <u>‘If I do not stop to help
this man, what will happen to him?’</u></span></span><b style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #999999;">“</span><i style="color: #999999;">That's the question
before you tonight</i><span style="color: #999999;">. Not, ‘If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will
happen to my job.’ Not, ‘If I stop to help the sanitation workers what will
happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and
every week as a pastor?’ The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in
need, what will happen to </span><u style="color: #999999;">me</u><span style="color: #999999;">?’ The question is, ‘If I do not stop to help the
sanitation workers, what will happen to </span><u style="color: #999999;">them</u><span style="color: #999999;">?’ That's the question.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: red;">
“Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater
determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of
challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make
America a better nation.”</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Listen to the, "I Have a Dream" speech here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm">http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm</a>
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Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-33465504204459598392013-08-24T14:32:00.000-04:002014-01-20T11:27:20.767-05:00I Have a Dream, 50th Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-jVSjDdtw/Uhj9pqAGsPI/AAAAAAAAkwM/HNDPzRBrXhk/s1600/martin_luther_king_jr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz-jVSjDdtw/Uhj9pqAGsPI/AAAAAAAAkwM/HNDPzRBrXhk/s320/martin_luther_king_jr.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
August 28, 2013 is the fifty-year anniversary of Martin Luther King, Junior’s seminal 1963 speech, “I Have a Dream.”<br />
<br />
Below I offer brief commentary on a few paragraphs from the front half of the speech with the corresponding paragraphs of the back half. This arrangement also highlights what I believe to be the center section(s) where often the most poignant imagery of Christ obtains.<br />
<br />
So, in honor of the fiftieth anniversary and to remind us all of the best of what American can and should be, I offer this suggested outline and related commentary, with a link to the entire speech.<br />
<br />
<h2>
I Have a Dream <br /><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963</i></span></h2>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Suggested outline, summary</b><br />
<br />
A — The Greatest Demonstration for Freedom<br />
B — The Emancipation Proclamation<br />
<br />
C — An Exile in His Own Land<br />
D — Honoring This Sacred Obligation<br />
<br />
E — Stand on the Warm Threshold which leads into the Palace of Justice<br />
F — Our Struggle on the High Plane of Dignity and Discipline<br />
E’ — Justice Rolls Down like Waters and Righteousness like a Mighty Stream<br />
F’ — Veterans of Creative Suffering. … Unearned Suffering is Redemptive<br />
<br />
C’ — Let Us not Wallow in the Valley of Despair<br />
D’ — I Have a Dream<br />
<br />
B’ — We Will Be Free One Day<br />
A’ — Let Freedom Ring<br />
<br />
Below I compare, for example, the frontside A with the backside A’. Much more could be said about each paragraph, each sentence, each phrase which Reverend King so beautifully and effectively spoke that warm Summer day fifty years ago.<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending A Structures </b><br />
A — The Greatest Demonstration for Freedom<br />
A’ — Let Freedom Ring<br />
<br />
Notice he begins this seminal speech [A] by introducing the event as the “greatest demonstration for freedom” while he ends the speech [A’] with the clarion call to “let freedom ring” citing the words of the most beautiful and poignant Negro Spiritual. (One of the most beautiful examples of a concluding A’ structure, Salvation Song, we have run across.)<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending B Structures </b><br />
B — The Emancipation Proclamation<br />
B’ — We Will Be Free One Day<br />
<br />
He then moves into [B] the thrust of the promise of what he and the throngs were there that day to secure, a renewal and fresh start of a modern day ‘Emancipation Proclamation’ -- where he speaks of it being a “light of hope.” The fulfillment of the promise of true freedom is mirrored in his words near the end of the speech [B’], that with this “stone of hope” they know “that we will be free one day.”<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending C Structures </b><br />
C — An Exile in His Own Land <br />
C’ — Let Us not Wallow in the Valley of Despair<br />
<br />
He next describes the problems of living in a world [C], where “the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination” create “a lonely island of poverty” and the Negro is still “languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.” King returns to this general theme near the end of the speech [C’] where he tells the gathered crowd to go back to “the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” It can be overcome. He then challenges, “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair” (even though there be segregation, discrimination, poverty, and exile).<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending D Structures </b><br />
D — Honoring This Sacred Obligation<br />
D’ — I Have a Dream<br />
<br />
Next he describes [D] the “promissory note” which “the architects of our republic wrote [in] the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.” “This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He declares that “we’ve come to cash this check – a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.” He returns to this [D’] when he beautifully and memorably describes his Dream, “rooted in the American Dream.” That “one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-¬evident: that all men are created equal.’” That, this land “will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending E Structures </b><br />
E — Stand on the Warm Threshold which leads into the Palace of Justice<br />
E’ — Justice Rolls Down like Waters and Righteousness like a Mighty Stream<br />
<br />
Then, he gets into what is perhaps the most challenging and poignant section of this speech [the center E and F sections], where such a chiastic organization in the scriptures usually bespeaks of how we are to emulate our Savior Jesus Christ (especially as he was our Exemplar as the Suffering Servant). In our studies we have found that the front E structure often has verbiage where paths or passages or some boundary is crossed to get from the E to the center F structure.<br />
<br />
Here [E] King speaks of “the sunlit path of racial justice.” And that his people “stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice.” (For those of you who have been in the Temple, this is where we might think of the imagery of coming into the presence of the Lord through the veil.) This is the “hallowed spot” (King’s words) where followers of Christ encounter or begin to see how Christ’s suffering was for them. Following this, King warns [E’] that “we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”<br />
<br />
<b>Beginning and ending F Structures </b><br />
F — Our Struggle on the High Plane of Dignity and Discipline<br />
F’ — Veterans of Creative Suffering. … Unearned Suffering is Redemptive<br />
<br />
At the very center of the speech [F], he pointedly challenges those gathered – and indeed all of us – to follow Jesus as, and whenever, we ourselves suffer (for whatever reason). “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.” In the most heart-felt, loving fashion, King challenges us all [F’] to be “veterans of creative suffering.” And to, “Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.”<br />
<br />
(This, in my opinion, is one of the keenest insights into the general state of the world where inequities too often abound. Not just here in America, where we have had to overcome racial inequities and discrimination, but across the world, where injustice of all kinds continues to exist. King challenges those who suffer to do so creatively and knowing that it is redemptive. Much more could be said about the trials and tribulations found in this world. Of course, King’s Dream is that all of this trouble will be made right and whole. We can extend this not only to America, but to the whole world.)<br />
<br />
The other major theme common to a center F structure is the coming together of two things, two people, two principles, etc. This is where supposed ‘separateness’ is revealed to truly be, in fact, ‘connected.’ Where two is, in fact, one; where disconnected or disparate feelings, conditions, situations, or relationships are made ‘whole.’ King most insightfully says, “many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.”<br />
<br />
When we all become aware -- deep within -- that we all are, indeed, brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father, Martin Luther King, Junior’s Dream will come to pass for everyone, everywhere. This is – should be -- our shared dream.<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
See full text at: <a href="http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/blog/authors-non-lds/martin-luther-king-jr-dream/">http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/blog/authors-non-lds/martin-luther-king-jr-dream/</a> <br />
<br />
*Note: My good friend Jared Demke (1957-2006) and I worked on many such parallel and/or chiastic outlines over the years, several of which are presented on the website above.<br />
<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-44028146404592065232013-07-21T22:28:00.001-04:002014-01-20T11:30:42.998-05:00The Heart of The Book of Mormon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7053167" name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7053167" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The Heart of The Book of Mormon<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Scott Vanatter, July 21,
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PICTURE</span></b><b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Picture with me, in your
mind’s eye, that you are present at the crowning event -- the heart -- of The Book
of Mormon. The Lord Jesus Christ descends out of heaven and stands before you
-- in all his majesty, grandeur, and glory – yet somewhat paradoxically, with a
sweet inner humility. And you are drawn to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The darkness has
dispersed. As the new day begins to dawn, you gravitate toward the Temple. You
finally recognize the voice of Heavenly Father introducing his Beloved Son.
This is the moment that has been prophesied for so many years. This is the
moment you have eagerly awaited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">You can see him with your
natural eyes. But, in a special way, you now see him as never before with your
spiritual eyes – the eyes of your understanding. You see him as he is. You not
only see his face, you see and understand his heart better than ever before. And yours swells as wide as eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">You can feel his love for
everyone there, for everyone <i>everywhere</i>,
and for you. You yearn that someday soon
everyone you know will see as you see, know as you know, and love Him as you
love Him. Everyone. Your faith is being made perfect; but you do not lay it aside.
It is now more powerful than ever before, and is the moving cause of all your thoughts,
desires, and actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Yes, the darkness is now
gone. You were shocked at how palpably exquisite, how perfectly dark it was
across the land. But now in its place, is a light which lightens every part of
your soul. Though it is new to you, it is so very familiar. The light of his countenance
enlightens your eyes, both physical and spiritual. And warms your heart. You
know this is the Christ. You are now one of his special witnesses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ONE BY ONE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">And it is about to become
that much more real, that much more intimate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The Book of Mormon
records that there were with you that first day of the Lord’s visit to the Land
Bountiful, two thousand five hundred souls. The prophet was careful to record
that the 2,500 consisted of men, women <u>and</u> children. Ah, the children. </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">It is still early in the
morning when Jesus gently commands, <b>“14
Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and
also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that
ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth…”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">I estimate that it may
have taken about seven hours for all 2,500 to personally encounter the Savior
-- to become and stand forever as one of His special witnesses. Memorialized on
plates of gold, and in the words of a book (as is reported in Isaiah 29), and also
written on the fleshy tablets of our hearts -- and seared into every corner of
our minds. We will never forget those loving eyes for as long as we live. And,
ultimately, we will live forever! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Without being directed in
how to do so, naturally and without commotion the gathered crowd nearest to Him
quietly dissolves into something of a line so that everyone would be able to
personally greet the Savior of the whole world – one-by-one as he said. There
is no pushing, no shoving. No worry that anyone would miss out. Those of us who
wait for hours somehow know that we needed just an extra bit of time to prepare
to meet our loving and beloved Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Imagine further on that
day, that you are one of the last of those who humbly but with full purpose of
heart approach the Savior. See yourself among loved ones -- and with your
beloved angel ancestors and descendants in attendance by your side just beyond
the veil. Slowly your part of the gathered crowd moves nearer to where the
Savior is waiting for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Now, your group is getting
nearer to him. You can see him much more closely now. There are only twenty or
so persons before you. Now, there are only two or three people between you and
the Savior. Now, there is no one between you and Him. It seems your physical surroundings
have disappeared around you. The soft sounds of the birds and the gentle
breeze, and the almost imperceptible breathings in and out of the crowd fade
into a peaceful, barely perceptible, rhythmic silence -- a still, small ambient
background hum. Previously, when there was darkness and silence in the land, the
silence was empty. Now, this new silence is the polar opposite of that lonely
silence. Now it is filled with the experiential moment of just you and Him. What
you see and what you hear for the next few moments will suffice till that day
when you can -- with your loved ones -- read the round of eternity and stand in
his presence in One Eternal Now (as Joseph Smith describes it) and partake of
this fullness to your heart’s content. This new silence is filled with all the
beautiful anticipation and focus of meeting the One who you now seem to
recognize as your true Friend. You seem to remember being with Him for time
immemorial, living and learning in his presence prior to our coming to earth.
You had learned so much, yet you knew – truly knew -- only so much. Now, with a
lifetime of experience filled with the joyous heights and the lonely, painful
depths – you bring your whole soul’s experience to the One who gave his whole
soul – for you. For me. For the whole world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ONE WITH HIM<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Now, you are standing in
front of him. After a life of prayer and service and worship, you now come unto
him – and with no need of deception or shame. You are repentant. You meet the
One who made forgiveness both theoretically possible in everyone’s life and individually
effectual in your own. More than ever before, you now know you are forgiven.
You are clean. You are whole. You are at One with the Holy One of Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As you draw near to him,
he softly calls your name. So naturally does your name fall from his lips, you are
surprised that you are not surprised at his naming your poor name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Now, you begin to kneel.
But he reaches out his arm, and takes you into his close embrace. Heart to
heart, you are encircled about in His love. In an instant you see and know not
only that he has totally forgiven you – even in your halting repentance – but
that he completely loves you. You know that he knows your sorrows, and
yearnings for the Divine. He knows your efforts, he knows your strivings, he
knows you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The veil of forgetfulness
is now so very thin. You now see clearly things that are just between Him and
you. Things you previously stumbled to find utterance when you could barely
formulate a prayer. You had forgotten some of these prayers, some of these
strivings. Now, the whole span of your existence and your relationship with Him
stretches out in both directions, forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><br />
Now, you realize it is time that you humbly follow his gentle command, to feel
the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet -- and in his side. Yes,
you are aware that they stand as a temporary symbol of the suffering he must
have bore on your behalf . . . but now you see that in these tokens, they also
more perfectly reflect the transference of your pains and sorrows and
infirmities through him and into the abyss. Yes! He has overcome Death and Hell
and Pain and Sorrow. He has vanquished them all. They have no power over you –
not that they ever really did. As you withdraw your hand from his side, he wipes
away the tears you now realize are rolling down your cheek. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">YOUR CONTINUED WALK <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As you walk on to an area
off to the side with your group of family and friends, you turn your head to
glance back at him as you make way for others to follow in your footsteps. Time
indeed stood still while you heard him call you by name, while you looked into
his eyes, while He embraced you as dear friends, while you felt the warmth of
his embrace and the warmth of the Love of Christ. Your love is now pure, your
love is now overflowing, your love now yearns to reach out even as he reached out.
To do His will, to be his disciple, to take upon you His Name, his power, his
desire, his purpose, and even the Divine Nature of the Father – which Christ so
perfectly reflects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Though your feet are on
solid ground, sacred ground, you almost feel like you are floating, gliding
just above the earth. Soon the sounds of a beautiful earth return to your ears .
. . One day in the future you will encounter another pain or sorrow. But not
today. Not now. Everything is in perspective, everything is in its proper
frame, everything is right, you now know that He will make things right –
sooner or later. Somehow, without words, you know that you and your loved ones
will be made perfect and live forever in His presence. After all, as Paul, his
most bold apostle, and as Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration have
said, “They without us cannot be made perfect, and we without them cannot be
made perfect.” In other words, none of those who the Father hath given Jesus will
be lost. We will not cease in our eternal labors to recover and rescue the lost
and the unconnected till they are found and at one. Till they willingly and
without compulsion discover the joys of a close embrace, their own At-One-ment
with him. [1] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CENTRAL THEME; INTIMATE EPIC</span></b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">On its face The Book of
Mormon is the intimate story of an epic journey of a family trekking across an
ocean to a new land, a new world, a land of promise. It is the story of the
clash of brothers, a clash of cousins, cultures, and civilizations --
inter-tribal disagreements, grudges, and warfare from generation to generation
– even as we can see in the Middle East to this very day. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The story is personality
and hero and prophet driven -- a</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"> continuing </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">clash of faithful leaders
against unbelieving sophists, lawyers, challengers -- against wicked kings,
against the evil of all kinds and in all places. Sometimes wickedness where
there should have been righteousness. Yet, the title page of the book declares
that it was written not only to convince the world that Jesus is the Christ,
but also to comfort those who have messed up that they are not “cast off
forever.”</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MARVELOUS WORK AND A WONDER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Now, as great and
marvelous a work and a wonder as was the translation of The Book of Mormon, and
as key as it is to understanding the Restoration in these latter days, it is
not so much the <i>context</i> of The Book
of Mormon – as important as that is – it is the internal spiritual message of
the <i>text itself</i> which has the real
power do a marvelous work in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As it says on the title
page, that the book was written “to the convincing of [of the whole world] that
Jesus is the Christ” – and in the very last chapter, that by applying Moroni’s
promise, one can know not only the truth of The Book of Mormon, but “the truth
of all things,” and especially, quote, “ye may know that he is, by the power of
the Holy Ghost. [2]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BECOME AS A LITTLE CHILD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, I reckon that the
Savior descended out of heaven early in the morning that first day. After he
declares himself to be the Son of God, and after they had all gone forth
one-by-one, Jesus preached about baptism. Concluding this initial important sermon,
he summarized, “37 . . . I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little
child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Then he immediately
repeated himself. “38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized
in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the
kingdom of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Again the children. This
presages what will happen later that afternoon. [3]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">“1 . . . Jesus . . . looked
round about again on the multitude . . . he said unto them: <b>Behold, my time is at hand. 2 I perceive
that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded
of the Father to speak unto you at this time. 3 Therefore, go ye unto your
homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in
my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I
come unto you again. 4 But now I go unto the Father . . . .” </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Again, you don’t want
this day to end. But you have had enough and to overflowing. You dare not ask
him to tarry longer. You don’t want to be that demanding. He has been so
generous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">“5 . . . when Jesus had
thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld <i>they were in tears</i>, and <i>did look steadfastly upon him</i> as if they
would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, you did indeed “ask”
him to tarry, just not in words. Kind of like the silent prayers you offer
every now and then. Even if you do not form the words in your mind or even your
lips. You are, in effect, praying always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">COMPASSION <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, in response to your
yearning for him to stay, he says, “6 . . . Behold, my bowels are filled with
compassion towards you.” [4]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LITTLE CHILDREN<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Then, “11 . . . he
commanded that their little children should be brought.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Remember, he has twice
asked you to become as a little child. Innocent, believing, submissive, joyful,
happy. Remember, in the most fortunate of circumstances, little children are
somewhat oblivious to the harshness of the world. Little children are usually
protected from the evils of the world. They love everyone, they can find
happiness in the most simple of things. A ball, a leaf, a cat or dog, a smile,
a hug. They see and explore the world through eyes un-tinged by cynicism, or
skepticism. They believe. So joyous are they at life in general, often in
traveling from here to there, they’d skip along, happy and content! Can we
translate this innocent joyous believing approach to life into our adult lives?
Yes. With God inspiring us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, these parents who had
been so counseled, “12 . . . brought their little children and set them down
upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the
multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PRAYER CANNOT BE WRITTEN, HE WEPT<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">“14 . . . when they had
knelt upon the ground, Jesus groaned within himself, and said: <b>Father, I am troubled because of . . . wickedness
. . . </b>15 And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the
earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed <i>cannot be written</i>, and the multitude did
bear record who heard him.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">“16 And after this manner
do they bear record: ‘The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard,
before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the
Father; 17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man,
neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both
saw and heard Jesus speak; and [further] no one can conceive of the joy which
filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Now, this was still not
the end of the day, or the end of your inconceivable joy. Or his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Because “18 . . . when
Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was
the joy of the multitude that they were overcome. 19 And . . . Jesus spake unto them, and bade
them arise. 20 And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: <b>Blessed are ye because of your faith. And
now behold, my joy is full</b>. 21 And when he had said these words, he wept,
and the multitude bare record of it,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHY WEEP?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Why did he weep? For joy!
The simple answer is that he is much more connected emotionally to the children
than we are, if not infinitely more so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Another simple answer: It
is for you he wept! Jesus also wept at the raising of his dear friend, Lazarus.
When he wept for Lazarus, he wept not so much only for Lazarus sake, but I
suspect for the scintillating, thunderstruck moment that some will have when
they realize Christ’s power is enough to raise the dead physically, and the
cold heartless hearts that only beat with hate or disdain or indifference, or
scorn to a spiritual heights. [5]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BLESSED ONE BY ONE; HE WEPT AGAIN<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, after praying for <i>all</i> of them, now “he took [<i>each</i> of them], one by one, and blessed
them, and prayed unto the Father for them.” This must have taken another hour
or two. The record reports that it is not evening yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, Jesus wept prior to praying
for all the children, then after blessing each of them one-by-one over the
period of another hour or so, “22 . . . he wept again;”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Why does he weep now?
Perhaps because he knew he was helping us see the value of not so much all
children, but each individual child. [6] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEHOLD YOUR LITTLE ONES<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, we come back to the
literal account of the wonderful scene. He has wept twice over the children,
once for all of them, a second time for each of them. He then turns to us, the
parents of these children and says, “23 . . . Behold your little ones.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">24 And [. . . we] looked .
. . saw the heavens open, and [we] saw angels descending out of heaven as it
were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled [our] little ones
about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Who were these angels?
Perhaps it was ancestors; perhaps it was descendents. Perhaps it was you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Who knows but what there
are angels descending and encircling our loved ones in celestial fire at the key
times in their lives, but we don’t see them. [7]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BEHOLD YOURSELF<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, as Nephi says, if we liken
the scriptures unto ourselves, we might see ourselves as one of these children.
If so, then it is for you that he prayed for in words too sacred to record. It
is you he blessed. It is you he wept for -- for joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHALLENGE TO READ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As you may know, the
stake president invited the youth to read The Book of Mormon this Summer. Today
he extends the same invitation to the rest of the stake. By the way, I’m with
many of you, I’m in 1 Nephi - -a truly wonderful portion of the book. A good place
to start! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">I invite us all to dive
in, catch the wave of its being spread throughout the world, read ponder and
pray about its eternally-challenging contents. There is nothing quite like it,
in that it was a single author (Mormon) editing his people's records for future
generations' use. For our use. For my use. For your use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHALLENGE TO SHARE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">As you may also know, the
Broadway play titled, The Book of Mormon, started this month in Washington DC.
The stake president has offered the simple suggestion that when our friends,
neighbors, or co-workers mention the play, or ask us about it, we simply say
something like, “Would you like to read it?” And hand them one while you ask.
This would require we have one on hand, just in case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, I took a book to
work, and wouldn’t you know it, in a company meeting on Monday six days ago the
topic of the play came up. One person said they saw the play and didn’t care at
all for the tacky, crude humor. They said it was not about the book itself, but
about two young naïve, well-meaning Mormon missionaries. I said, “I’m a Mormon,
and I served a mission when I was young.” We wrapped up this part of our
conversation by her saying that she was a Hindu and didn’t appreciate it that
the authors of the play took such cheap shots at a religion that happened to be
a bit different. That she would not have appreciated it if Hinduism had been
targeted. As it was, she did not recommend the play to the group or to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">So, at the end of the
business day, I asked her, “Well, you’ve seen the play, would you like to read
the book?” She said sure, that she grew up in Rochester, New York and had been
to the Hill Cumorah pageant many times, but never received a copy of the book. I
do not anticipate that she will start the lessons, much less join the church
anytime soon. Perhaps someday. Perhaps sooner, rather than later. I guess I’ll
have to bring another copy of the book to work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PROMISE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">From experience and from
intuition and inspiration, I promise that you will find new, even hidden
treasures in the book when you read it again. And I am confident you will see old
and familiar treasures with new eyes. After all, since you last read it, you
have experienced life in ways which have connected you that much more dearly to
our Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TESTIMONY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">The older I get, the more
I glory and joy in The Book of Mormon. I love its heroes, I love its visions,
its prophecies, its structure, its sermons, its message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Because of The Book of
Mormon, I love our Savior that much more. Paraphrasing Nephi, I do love my
Jesus, my exemplar and friend that much more because of The Book of Mormon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">It is in His name that I
pray to share this inner witness and the tangible evidence of it – The Book of
Mormon -- in all its sweeping grandeur, and its personal insights and intimate
messages for me and for you and our friends. I pray I adhere that much more
closely to my Savior as he is revealed in these sacred pages, even Jesus Christ.
Amen.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;"># # #<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">NOTES<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#1 This is his
heart’s desire and joy. This is now our heart’s labor which is a joy as sweet
as any we’ve known. It becomes delicious unto us. It is no burden to be like
him. It is our pleasure and self-imposed motivation now to share and love and
be like Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Yes, for the
few seconds you were with him personally, time seemed to slow down, time seemed
to stand still. You hoped those few seconds would never end. In an important
way, they never will. They are with you for all time and throughout all
eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#2 The Book of
Mormon has power to transform the lives of adults who sincerely read it for the
first time. It has power to infuse in youth with the spirit and power and
yearning for truth – the diamond truth that Jesus loves everyone. It has power
to educate and ennoble even the most skeptical of learned professors of
academia. It has power to touch the hearts of little children as they read or
listen to Book of Mormon stories that their teachers tell them. That their
parents tell them. That their older brothers and sisters tell them when they
read aloud to their toddler siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#3 He
continues to teach into the afternoon principles and doctrine similar to that
of the Sermon on the Mount. Late in the afternoon he is about to conclude for
the day. Quote: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#4 He asks
that you bring those among you who were “sick or . . . afflicted in any
manner.” “Bring them hither,” he said, “and I will heal them, for I have
compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.” And they did bring them,
and he did heal them. “…and as many as could come . . . did kiss his feet,
insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#5 Hearts can
and will change. I submit to you that he weeps for all good reasons including
and especially those who repent and turn to the good, the holy, the
light-filled, the connected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">Lazarus can be
seen as a stand in for you and for me. More than likely he has wept for you,
not only symbolically via Lazarus, but literally, in the heavens for you too.
Not because he fears you will falter, or will not make it, or will suffer, but
that he knows and loves you and weeps at the anticipatory joy at your
overcoming all, and being with him where he is in the eternities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">When he weeps
for the children, he can be seen as weeping for you. In this case, he wept
probably not because of wickedness per se which he previously mentioned, but
that these children, all children, would ultimately be redeemed and live
forever in eternal happiness in spite of wickedness in the world. Perhaps he
wept because as he knows that he has overcome the world, he knows that these
children will too – with him — overcome the world. And be with him in one of
the mansions he would prepare for them. Perhaps he wept because he knows that
none of those which the Father has given him would be lost. In Palestine He
asked the Father that they all be with him in the eternities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#6 Perhaps he
wept now, because He so wants us to see each child as precious as He does, and
I seem to get the feeling that he is weeping because we are beginning to see
anew how precious each child of God is. Each one. Every one. Individually. Not
just collectively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">#7 The record
states, “25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know
that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for
himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: grey; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;">< By the
way, just before the day turns to night, Jesus institutes the sacrament. > <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-64005719419146814742013-07-04T13:18:00.002-04:002014-07-04T11:55:20.826-04:00The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner -- and our county, and us.<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>The Star Spangled Banner</b><br />
Fourth of July (2013)<br />
<br />
This is the story about the Star Spangled Banner. And a little bit about our country, and a little bit about you.<br />
<br />
Some historians claim that the most important political act in American History was neither the daring signing or publishing of the Declaration of Independence, nor was it the brilliant design or ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But that it was when George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, purposely chose to step down from power. Evidently this was the first time in world history that the leader of a great nation voluntarily left office of his own accord. Prior to Washington, if a leader or king did not die of natural causes they were either overthrown or assassinated. By the way, this was not the first time Washington gave up power. After he won the Revolutionary War, rather than take over as the conquering hero/general, he turned back his military commission to the civilian leaders who initially asked him to lead our ragtag rebel forces.<br />
<br />
In 1799 just over two years after he stepped down as president, he died at his beloved Mt. Vernon. Adams serves one term, Jefferson serves two terms, then James Madison – the Father of the Constitution -- is elected. In the middle of his two terms, America fights what has been called the Second War of American Independence -- the War of 1812. Really we had been warring with Brittan on and off since 1793.<br />
<br />
By the way, it was in the middle of that war, that seven year old Joseph Smith has his leg operation. Six years later, he asks his questions and has what we now known as the First Vision. The country was just barely strong enough to guarantee freedom of religion, freedom of worship. Congress shall not establish a religion, “nor prohibit the free exercise” of it.<br />
<br />
Both countries wanted to end the war. Negotiations were taking place. However, both sides continued to fight -- fiercely. In fact, in August of 1814, British troops were marching on Washington, DC. President Madison moves the Federal government en masse in a train of wagons to Leesburg, Virginia. They take the main copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and the story goes that Dolley Madison would not depart till they took down the large iconic painting by Gilbert Stuart of George Washington.<br />
<br />
The British burn the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the U.S. Treasury. One of the servants in the White House said that the president and First Lady left in such a hurry, that they left dinner on the table. He also reports that prior to burning the White House, British soldiers ate the Madison’s dinner and drank their wine. The British generals then turn their army and navy toward the north to attack Baltimore and cities on up the Eastern Seaboard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkPVYK9IWi_ThkqK7_JS1hUAg5oQQkqLjAogURMe5MMmrYWtaIgvL0L6nVJ8R6T8XveE_S93CPr3yhT0vZvz9IgcMyYmQe6y-hzGQmmIelq76hsfmVxOBzjPeE7PnsbSu-9qfSw/s1600/Star_Spangled_Banner_circa_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkPVYK9IWi_ThkqK7_JS1hUAg5oQQkqLjAogURMe5MMmrYWtaIgvL0L6nVJ8R6T8XveE_S93CPr3yhT0vZvz9IgcMyYmQe6y-hzGQmmIelq76hsfmVxOBzjPeE7PnsbSu-9qfSw/s1600/Star_Spangled_Banner_circa_1964.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
In preparation for the onslaught, the U.S. commander of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry commissions a local seamstress, along with three relatives and two Black assistant, to sew two flags -- one which will be so large (30’x42’) that the British would have “no difficulty seeing it at a distance.”<br />
<br />
So. The stage is set.<br />
<br />
Prisoners of war were taken on both sides. As the British attacked Washington DC, they captured a beloved local Doctor, William Beanes. His friend Francis Scott Key, a 35-year old lawyer and amateur poet, approached the British with the approval of President Madison under a flag of truce to negotiate an exchange of prisoners. They held their negotiations on a British ship which was preparing for the Battle of Baltimore. At first the British heard that Dr. Beanes was harboring British soldiers who turned to our side. They were not disposed to release him. But when they heard that the doctor cared for wounded soldiers on both sides, without regard to defecting, they agreed.<br />
<br />
Because Key had heard much of the preparations for the Baltimore attack, they were held captive till the battle was over.<br />
<br />
On September 13, at 7:00 a.m., the British fleet of 19 ships attacked the fort and the Battle of Baltimore had begun. Bombardment of the fort lasted till 1:00 a.m. of September 14. Some smaller gunboats attempted to slip past the fort, but were turned away by gunners – the city’s last line of defense. During the rainy night Key had witnessed the bombardment and observed that the fort’s smaller “storm flag” continued to fly. But once the shelling stopped, he could not tell whether the flag still flew or whether the 5,000 British soldiers had taken the fort. He would not know till dawn. Darkness obscured whether it was the British or American flag which flew.<br />
<br />
By morning’s first light the smaller storm flag was lowered and the larger main garrison flag had been raised. But Key did not know it. Till “dawn’s early light.”<br />
<br />
The next day, while still onboard ship, Key wrote a poem on the back of a letter he had in his pocket. After being released in Baltimore on the evening of September 16, he finished the poem -- which he originally entitled, “The Defense of Fort McHenry” -- at the Indian Queen Hotel where he was staying. Key gave the poem to his brother-in-law, Judge Joseph H. Nicolson. Nicholson took the poem to a local printer. It was printed in Baltimore in just a couple days. Within a month the poem was printed in newspapers up and down the whole Eastern Coast.<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
Now, let’s briefly review the several verses. Poets use imagery and symbolism in the words they use.<br />
<br />
In the first verse Key talks of light. Dawn’s early light -- twilight’s last gleaming – and the red glare of rockets and bombs bursting in air.<br />
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He then poses the question as to whether he would see the American flag still flying the next morning. Or, whether the British flag was flying. At dawn he would be able to tell.<br />
<br />
<b><i> The Defense of Fort McHenry</i></b><br />
September 15-16, 1814, by Francis Scott Key<br />
<br />
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,<br />
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?<br />
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,<br />
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?<br />
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,<br />
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.<br />
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave<br />
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?<br />
<br />
In the second verse Key uses the imagery of sight. Seeing, that is, the flag (and all it represents). At first, dimly seen – then through mists – then it is half concealed, half disclosed. The, it catches the gleam of the mornings first beam – then IN FULL GLORY the flag reflects the light of the sun’s streaming brightness.<br />
<br />
He then sees -- and declares -- that indeed, it IS “the star-spangled banner” which waves, and yearns, even prays, “Oh, long may it wave…”<br />
<br />
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,<br />
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,<br />
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,<br />
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?<br />
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,<br />
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:<br />
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave<br />
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! . . .<br />
<br />
In the last verse he changes the focus from what he would see, what he did see the next morning, to what WE should do. And what we should be. It is not enough to triumph in war, but to do so only when our cause is just, and when we praise the Power that made and preserves us as a nation.<br />
<br />
Note that the “free men” in the first verse are not those of us at home, but are those in the military service who “stand between” their “loved homes, and the war’s desolation.” We stand in our homes; it is our soldiers and others who defend us and our “loved homes” -- and our loved ones.<br />
<br />
O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand<br />
Between their loved home and the war's desolation;<br />
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land<br />
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!<br />
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,<br />
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"<br />
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave<br />
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!<br />
<br />
Coda<br />
<br />
Exactly fifty years after the Declaration of Independence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died, on July 4, 1826. Later that day, Adams’ last words were, “Jefferson lives.” In fact Jefferson had died earlier that day.<br />
<br />
It is my hope and prayer that the spirit of Jefferson and Adams and Washington and all the Founders lives in our hearts…<br />
<br />
SIDENOTES<br />
• On July 27, 1889, the Navy formally made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official tune to be played at the raising of the flag.<br />
• In 1916, Woodrow Wilson ordered that "The Star Spangled Banner" be played at military and other appropriate occasions.<br />
• Two years later, in 1918, the song was first played at a baseball game; in the World Series, the band started an impromptu performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the seventh-inning stretch.<br />
• The players and spectators stood at attention, took off their hats, and sang, giving rise to a tradition that is repeated at almost every professional baseball game in United States today, though it is now performed prior to the first pitch.<br />
• On November 3, 1929, Robert Ripley drew a cartoon in his Believe it or Not!, saying, "Believe it or Not, America has no national anthem."<br />
• In 1931, John Philip Sousa published his opinion in favor, stating that "it is the spirit of the music that inspires" as much as it is Key's "soul stirring" words. By Congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was adopted as the national anthem of the United States on March 3rd, 1931.<br />
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Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-56567776463668628722013-07-04T13:13:00.001-04:002014-01-20T11:31:48.905-05:00Ode. Adams and Liberty.<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Robert
Treat Paine -- named Thomas Paine at birth -- had his name changed to that of
his father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. (NOTE: The original Thomas
Paine had fallen out of favor with the public later in his life.) Robert Treat
Paine wrote a song: <i>Adams and Liberty</i>.
It was perhaps the most popular political song of its era, and was even
republished in Great Britain. It was one of many songs sung to the tune of the
English song <i><a href="http://www.potw.org/archive/potw234.html"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">To Anacreon in Heaven</span></a></i>.
A later, now more famous, <i><a href="http://www.potw.org/archive/potw62.html"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The Star-Spangled Banner</span></a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This
poem/song is, in its own right, quite a commentary on the promise and character
of the new nation. (Try singing it to yourself in the melody mentioned above.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ODE. <br />
ADAMS AND LIBERTY.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Robert
Treat Paine (1773-1811)</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">Written for, and sung at the fourth Anniversary
of the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society, 1798.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">1 </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">Y</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9pt;">E</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">sons of Columbia, who bravely have fought,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For those rights, which unstained from your Sires
had descended,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
May you long taste the blessings your valour has brought,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And your sons reap the soil which their fathers
defended.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
'Mid the regin of mild Peace,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
May your nation increase,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
With the glory of Rome, and the wisdom of Greece;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">2 In a clime, whose rich vales feed the
marts of the world,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Whose shores are unshaken by Europe's commotion,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
The trident of Commerce should never be hurled,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
To incense the legitimate powers of the ocean.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
But should pirates invade,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Though in thunder arrayed,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Let your cannon declare the free charter of trade.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">3 The fame of our arms, of our laws the
mild sway,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Had justly ennobled our nation in story,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
'Till the dark clouds of faction obscured our young day,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And enveloped the sun of American glory.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
But let traitors be told,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Who their country have sold,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And bartered their God for his image in gold,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
That ne'er will the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">4 While France her huge limbs bathes
recumbent in blood,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And Society's base threats with wide dissolution;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
May Peace like the dove, who returned from the flood,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Find an ark of abode in our mild constitution</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
But though Peace is our aim,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Yet the boon we disclaim,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
If bought by our Sov'reignty, Justice or Fame.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">5 'Tis the fire of the flint, each
American warms;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Let Rome's haughty victors beware of collision,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Let them bring all the vassals of Europe in arms,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
We're a world by ourselves, and disdain a division.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While with patriot pride,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
To our laws we're allied,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
No foe can subdue us, no faction divide.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">6 Our mountains are crowned with imperial
oak;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Whose roots, like our liberties, ages have
nourished;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
But lone e'er our nation submits to the yoke,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Not a tree shall be left on the field where it
flourished.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Should invasion impend,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Every grove would descend,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
From the hill-tops, they shaded, our shores to defend.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">7 Let our patriots destroy Anarch's
pestilent worm;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Lest our Liberty's growth should be checked by
corrosion;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Then let clouds thicken round us; we heed not the storm;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Our realm fears no shock, but the earth's own
explosion.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Foes assail us in vain,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Though their fleets bridge the main,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For our altars and laws with our lives we'll maintain.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">8 Should the Tempest of War overshadow
our land,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Its bolts could ne'er rend Freedom's temple
asunder;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For, unmoved, at its portal, would Washington stand,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And repulse, with his Breast, the assaults of the
thunder!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
His sword, from the sleep</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Of its scabbard would leap,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And conduct, with its point, ev'ry flash to the deep!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
For ne'er shall the sons of Colmbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">9 Let Fame to the world sound America's
voice;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
No intrigues can her sons from their government
sever;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Her pride is her Adams; Her laws are his choice,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And shall flourish, till Liberty slumbers for ever.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Then unite heart and hand,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
Like Leonidas' band,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
And swear to the God of the ocean and land;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
That ne'er shall the sons of Columbia be slaves,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its
waves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"># </span></div>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-20449581555570204162013-06-28T01:32:00.000-04:002014-01-20T11:32:28.099-05:00The Assassination<!--[if !mso]>
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<b><span style="color: #408080;">By Miss Eliza R. Snow, July 1, 1844</span></b> </div>
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Poetry<br />
For the Times and Seasons</div>
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The Assassination of Gen'ls Joseph Smith and Hyrum
Smith,<br />
First Presidents of the Church of Latter Day Saints;<br />
Who Were Massacred by a mob in Carthage,<br />
Hancock County, Ill., on the 27th June, 1844;<br />
_____</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>A. GIVE EAR</b></span><br />
Ye heav'ns <b>attend</b>! Let all the
earth <b>give ear</b>!<br />
Let Gods and seraphs, men and angels <b>hear</b> -<br />
The worlds on high - the universe shall know<br />
What awful scenes are acted here below!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B. BLOOD SO NOBLE/PURE
BLOOD ON INNOCENCE</b></span><br />
Had nature's self a heart, her heart would bleed;<br />
For never, since the Son of God was slain<br />
Has <b>blood no noble,</b> flow'd from
human vein<br />
As that which now, on God for vengeance calls<br />
From<b> </b>"freedom's ground" -
from Carthage prison walls!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Oh! Illinois! Thy soil has drank the blood<br />
Of Prophets martyr'd for the truth of God.<br />
Once lov'd America! <b>What can atone<br />
For the pure blood on innocence</b>, thou'st sown?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">C. WRETCHED MURDERS</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Were <b>all
thy streams in teary torents</b> shed<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To mourn
the fate of those illustrious dead;<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> How vain
the tribute, for the noblest worth<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> That
grace'd thy surface, <b>O degraded Earth!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Oh <b>wretched
murd'rers</b>! fierce for human blood!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> You've
slain the prophets of the living God,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Who've born
oppression from their early youth<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To
plant <b>on earth</b>, the principles of truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">D. OFFERED AS A SACRIFICE</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Shades of
our patriotic fathers! Can it be,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Beneath
your blood-stain'd flag of liberty;<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The firm
supporters of our country's cause,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Are
butcher'd while submissive to her laws?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Yes,
blameless men, defam'd by hellish lies<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Have thus
been <b>offer'd as a sacrifice<br />
</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> T'appease
the ragings of a brutish clan,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> That has
defiled the laws of God and man!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>'Twas not
for crime or guilt of theirs, they fell -<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Against
the laws they never did rebel.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> True to
their country, yet her plighted faith<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Has prov'd
an instrument of cruel death!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">E. THY PROTECTING CARE</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are
thy far-famed laws - Columbia! where<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Thy
boasted <i>freedom</i> -<b> thy protecting care?<br />
</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Is
this a land of rights? Stern-FACTS shall say<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> If legal
justice here maintains its sway,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The
official pow'rs of State are sheer pretence<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> When
they've exerted in <b>the Saints' defence.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">F. </span></b><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TWO, SO WISE, SO VIRTUOUS, GREAT AND
GOOD</b></span><br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Great
men have fall'n</b> and <b>mighty men have died</b> -<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Nations
have mourn'd their fav'rites and their pride;<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> But <b>TWO,
so wise, so virtuous, great and good,<br />
</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Before
on earth, at once, have never stood<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Since
the creation - men whom God ordain'd<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To
publish truth where error long had reigned;<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Of whom
the world, itself unworthy prov'd:<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It
KNEW THEM NOT</b>, but men with hatred mov'd<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> And with
infernal spirits have combin'd<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Against
the best, <b>the noblest of mankind!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;">E. UTTER DESTRUCTION</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Oh,
persecution! shall thy purple hand<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Spread<b> utter
destruction</b> through the land?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Shall <i>freedom's</i> banner
be no more unfurled?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Has <b>peace
indeed, been taken</b> from the world?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">F. THIS AWFUL STROKE</span></b><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Thou <b>God
of Jacob, </b>in this trying hour<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Help us
to trust in thy almighty pow'r;<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Support
thy Saints beneath <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">this awful stroke</b>
-<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Make <b>bare
thine arm to break </b>oppression's yoke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D. THY PROPHET</b></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> We <b>mourn
thy Prophet, from whose lips have flow'd<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The words
of life</b>, thy spirit has bestow'd -<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> A depth of
thought, no human art could reach<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> From time
to time, roll'd in sublimest speech,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> From the
celestial fountain, through his mind,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To purify
and elevate mankind:<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The rich
intelligence by him brought forth,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Is like
the sun-beam, spreading o'er the earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Now <b>Zion
mourns - she mourns an earthly head<br />
</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The
Prophet and the Patriarch are dead!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C. WIDOWS' AGONIZING
GRAONS</b></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The
blackest deed that men or devils know<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Since <b>Calv'ry's
scene, </b>has laid the brothers low!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> One in
their life, and one in death - the prov'd<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> How strong
their friendship - how they truly lov'd:<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> True to
their mission, until death, they stood,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Then seal'd
their testimony with their blood.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> All hearts
with sorrow bleed, and ev'ry eye<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Is bath'd
in tears - each bosom heaves a sigh -<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Hart
broken <b>widows' agonizing groans<br />
</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Are
mingled with the helpless <b>orphans' moans!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B. IN HIS PROMISE</b></span><br />
Ye Saints! be still, and know that God is just -<br />
With steadfast purpose <b>in his
promise </b>trust<br />
Girded with sackcloth, own his mighty hand,<br />
And wait his judgments on this guilty land!<br />
The noble martyrs now have gone to move<br />
The cause of Zion in the courts above.<br />
____<span style="color: red;">_</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>A. SLAIN FOR THE WORD OF GOD</b></span><br />
<b> a.</b> "And when he had opened the
fifth seal, I saw under the alter,<br />
the souls of them that were
slain for the<b> word</b> of God,<br />
and for the<b> testimony</b> which
they held;<br />
And they <b>cried</b> with
a loud<b> voice</b>, <b>saying</b>,<br />
<b> b. How long, </b>O Lord, holy and
true,<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>d.</b> dost thou
not <b>judge and<br />
c. avenge our blood </b>on them
that dwell on <b>earth</b>?<br />
<b> e.</b> And <b>white
robes</b> were given <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">f.</b> unto every one of them;<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>f. </b>and it was
said unto them,<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>e. </b>that they
should <b>rest</b> yet for a little season,<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>d. </b>until their
fellow <b>servants</b> also, and their brethren,<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c. </b>that should
be <b>killed</b> as they were,<br />
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b. </b>should be <b>fulfilled</b>."<br />
<b> a.</b> [Ellipsis]<br />
<br />
Rev. 6:--9,10,11.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nauvoo, July 1, 1844.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
_____</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Summary:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>a. </b>... give ear<br />
<b> b. </b>... blood so noble/pure blood on innocence</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b> c. </b>... wretched murders<br />
<b> d. </b>... offered as a sacrifice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b> e. </b>... thy protecting care<br />
<b> f. </b>... TWO, so wise, so virtuous,
great and good<br />
<b> e. </b>... utter destruction</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b> d. </b>... thy Prophet<br />
<b> c. </b>... widows' agonizing graons</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b> b. </b>... in his promise<br />
<b>a. </b>... slain for the word of God</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-1645784691289760712013-05-27T11:57:00.000-04:002014-01-20T11:33:19.002-05:00Duty-Honor-Country<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;">General Douglas MacArthur's
Farewell Speech</span><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Given to the Corps of Cadets at West Point on May 12,
1962, Awarded the Sylvanus Thayer Medal (the Highest Honor of the </span><st1:place style="font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">United States</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Military</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-size: x-small;">),
Reminiscences pg. 423-426. (Outline suggested by me.)</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><b>A. GREAT MORAL CODE</b>As I was leaving the hotel this
morning, a doorman asked me, "Where are you headed for, General?" And
when I replied, "<st1:place w:st="on">West Point</st1:place>," he
remarked, "Beautiful place. Have you ever been there before?" No
human being could fail to be deeply moved by such a tribute as this. Coming
from a profession I have served so long and a people I have loved so well. It
fills me with an emotion I cannot express. But this award is not intended
primarily to honor a personality, but to symbolize a great moral code the code
of conduct and chivalry of those who guard this beloved land of culture and
ancient descent. That is the meaning of this medallion. For all eyes and for
all time, it is an expression of the ethics of the American soldier. That I
should be integrated in this way with so noble an ideal arouses a sense of
pride and yet of humility which will be with me always.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>B. WHAT YOU OUGHT
TO BE, WHAT YOU CAN BE, WHAT YOU WILL
BE</b>Duty - Honor - Country those three
hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what
you will be. They are your rallying points to build courage when courage seems
to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to
create hope when hope becomes forlorn. Unhappily, I possess neither that eloquence
of diction, that poetry of imagination, nor that brilliance of metaphor to tell
you all that they mean.<br />
<br />
<b>C. EVERY PEDANT...DEMAGOGUE...CYNIC...HYPOCRITE...TROUBLEMAKER</b>The unbelievers will say they are
but words, but a slogan, but a flamboyant phrase. Every pedant, every
demagogue, every cynic, every hypocrite, every troublemaker, and, I am sorry to
say, some others of an entirely different character, will try to downgrade them
even to the extent of mockery and ridicule.<br />
<br />
<b>D. CUSTODIANS OF
THE NATION'S DEFENSE</b>But these are some of the things
they build. They build your basic character. They mold you for your future
roles as the custodians of the nation's defense. They make you strong enough to
know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid.
They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and
gentle in success; not to substitute words for action; not to seek the path of
comfort, but to face the stress and spur of difficulty and challenge; to learn
to stand up in the storm, but to have compassion on those who fail; to master
yourself before you seek to master others; to have a heart that is clean, a
goal that is high; to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; to reach
into the future, yet never neglect the past; to be serious, yet never to take
yourself too seriously; to be modest so that you will remember the simplicity
of true greatness; the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.
They give you a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of
the emotions, a freshness of the deep springs of life, a temperamental
predominance of courage over timidity, an appetite for adventure over love of
ease. They create in your heart the sense of wonder, the unfailing hope of what
next, and the joy and inspiration of life. They teach you in this way to be an
officer and an gentleman.<br />
<b><br />E. ONE OF THE WORLD'S NOBLEST FIGURES</b>And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are
they brave? Are they capable of victory? Their story is known to all of you. It
is the story of the American man-atarms. My estimate of him was formed on the
battlefields many, many years ago, and has never changed. I regarded him then,
as I regard him now, as one of the world's noblest figures not only as one of
the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. His name
and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and
strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs
no eulogy from me, or from any other man. He has written his own history and
written it in red on his enemy's breast.<br />
<br />
But when I think of his patience
under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am
filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to
history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism; he
belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles
of liberty and freedom; he belongs to the present, to us , by his virtues and
by his achievements. In twenty campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a
thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that patriotic
self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his
status in the hearts of his people. From one end of the world to the other, he
has drained deep the chalice of courage.<br />
<br />
As I listened to those songs of
the glee club, in memory's eye, I could see those staggering columns of the
First World War, bending under soggy packs on many a weary march, from dripping
dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankle deep through mire of shell-shocked
roads; to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and
mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective, and for
many, to the judgment seat of God.<br />
<br />
<b>F1. ALWAYS FOR THEM: DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY. ALWAYS THEIR BLOOD, AND SWEAT, AND TEARS </b>I do not know the dignity of their birth, but
I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with
faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to
victory. Always for them: Duty-Honor-Country. Always their blood, and sweat, and tears, as
they sought the way and the light and the truth.<br />
<br />
And twenty years after, on the
other side of the globe, again the filth of murky foxholes, the stench of
ghostly trenches, the slime of dripping dugouts, those boiling suns of the
relentless heat, those torrential rains of devastating storm, the loneliness
and utter desolation of jungle trails, the bitterness of long separation of
those they loved and cherished, the deadly pestilence of tropic disease, the
horror of stricken areas of war.<br />
<br />
Their resolute and determined
defense, their swift and sure attack, their indomitable purpose, their complete
and decisive victory - always victory, always victory, always through the bloody haze of their last
reverberating shot, the vision of gaunt, ghastly men, reverently following your
password of Duty-Honor-Country.<br />
<br />
<b>E. DIVINE ATTRIBUTES/THE NOBLEST DEVELOPMENT OF MANKIND</b>The code which those words
perpetuate embraces the highest moral laws - and will stand the test of any
ethics or philosophies ever promulgated for the uplift of mankind. Its
requirements are for the things that are right, and its restraints are from the
things that are wrong. The soldier, above all other men, is required to
practice the greatest act of religious training - sacrifice.<br />
<br />
In battle and in the face of
danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave
when He created man in His own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct
can take the place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him. However
horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer
and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind.<br />
<br />
You now face a new world, a world
of change. The thrust into outer space of the satellites, spheres and missiles
marked the beginning of another epoch in the long story of mankind. In the five
or more billions of years the scientists tell us it has taken to form the
earth, in the three or more billion years of development of the human race,
there has never been a greater, a more abrupt or staggering evolution. We deal
now not with things of this world alone, but with the illimitable distances and
as yet unfathomed mysteries of the universe.<br />
<br />
We are reaching out for a new
boundless frontier. We speak in strange terms: of harnessing the cosmic energy;
of making winds and tides work for us; of creating unheard-of synthetic
materials to supplement or even replace our old standard basics; of purifying
sea water for our drink; of mining ocean floors for new fields of wealth and
food; of disease preventatives to expand life into the hundreds of years; of
controlling the weather for a more equitable distribution of heat and cold, or
rain and shine; of space ships to the moon; of the primary target in war, no
longer limited to the armed forces of an enemy, but instead to include his civil
populations; of ultimate conflict between a united human race and sinister
forces of some other planetary galaxy; of such dreams and fantasies as to make
life the most exciting of all time.<br />
<br />
<b>D. SERENE, CALM, ALOOF, YOU STAND AS THE NATION'S WAR GUARDIAN</b>And through all this welter of
change and development your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable. It
is to win our wars. Everything else in your professional career is but
corollary to this vital dedication. All other public purpose, all other public
projects, all other public needs, great or small, will find others for their
accomplishments; but you are the ones who are trained to fight. Yours is the
profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no
substitute for victory, that if you lose, the nation will be destroyed, that
the very obsession of your public service must be Duty-Honor-Country. Others
will debate the controversial issues, national and international, which divide
men's minds. But serene, calm, aloof, you stand as the nation's war guardian,
as its lifeguard from the raging tides of international conflict, as its
gladiator in the arena of battle. For a century and a half you have defended,
guarded, and protected its hallowed traditions of liberty and freedom, of right
and justice.<br />
<br />
<b>C. MORALS GROWN
TOO LOW</b>Let civilian voices argue the
merits or demerits of our processes of government: whether our strength is
being sapped by deficit financing, indulged in too long, by federal paternalism
grown too mighty, by power groups grown too arrogant, by politics grown too
corrupt, by crime grown too rampant, by morals grown too low, by taxes grown
too high, by extremists grown too violent; whether our personal liberties are
as thorough and complete as they should be.<br />
<br />
<b>B. YOU ARE THE
LEAVEN WHICH BINDS TOGETHER THE ENTIRE FABRIC</b>These great national problems are not for
your professional participation or military solution. Your guidepost stands out
like a tenfold beacon in the night: Duty-Honor-Country. You are the leaven
which binds together the entire fabric of our national system of defense. From
your ranks come the great captains who hold the nation's destiny in their hands
the moment the war tocsin sounds. The long gray line has never failed us. Were
you to do so, a million ghosts in olive drab, in brown khaki, in blue and gray,
would rise from their white crosses, thundering those magic words:
Duty-Honor-Country.<br />
<br />
This does not mean that you are
warmongers. On the contrary, the soldier above all other people prays for
peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. But
always in our ears ring the ominous words of Plato, that wisest of all
philosophers: "Only the dead have seen the end of war."<br />
<br />
<b>A. ALWAYS THERE ECHOES AND REECHOES IN MY EARS: DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY
/ ... MY LAST CONSCIOUS THOUGHTS…OF THE CORPS, AND THE CORPS,
AND THE CORPS</b>The shadows are lengthening for
me. The twilight is here. My days of old have vanished tone and tints. They
have gone glimmering through the dreams of things that were. Their memory is
one of wondrous beauty, watered by tears and coaxed and caressed by the smiles
of yesterday. I listen vainly, but with thirsty ear, for the witching melody of
faint bugles blowing reveille, of far drums beating the long roll. In my dreams
I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful
mutter of the battlefield. But in the evening of my memory, always I come back
to <st1:place w:st="on">West Point</st1:place>. Always there echoes and reechoes
in my ears: Duty-Honor-Country.<br />
<br />
Today marks my final roll call
with you. But I want you to know that when I cross the river, my last conscious
thoughts will be of the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps.<br />
<br />
I bid you farewell.<br />
<br />
#<br />
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Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-9469275070883646952013-05-26T16:39:00.002-04:002014-01-20T11:33:52.191-05:00George Washington's Prayer for the Nation<div style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px;">
The prayer below was written by George Washington as part of a short letter, dated June 14, 1783 at Newburgh, New York at the close of the Revolutionary War. It was sent to the thirteen governors of the newly-freed states on June 14, 1783. I offer it here to commemorate Memorial Day. See the very center of the prayer, where he asks the governors and all of us to remember "particularly our brethren who have served in the field." (Outline and emphasis added by me.)</div>
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George Washington's Prayer for the Nation</h1>
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<strong>Circular Letter Addressed to the Governors of all the States on the Disbanding of the Army</strong> </div>
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<strong>a.</strong> I now make it my earnest prayer,<br />
<strong> b.</strong> that God would have you, and <em>the state over which you preside</em>, in <span style="text-decoration: underline;">his holy protection</span>; </div>
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<strong> c.</strong> that he would <em>incline the hearts of the citizens</em> to cultivate<br />
<strong>d.</strong> a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">spirit of subordination</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">obedience</span> to government, </div>
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<strong>e.</strong> to <em>entertain</em> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">a brotherly affection and love for</span> one another, for their <span style="text-decoration: underline;">fellow-citizens</span> of the United States at large,<br />
<strong> f.</strong> and <em>particularly</em> for <span style="text-decoration: underline;">their brethren who have served in the field</span>;<br />
<strong>e’.</strong> and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to <em>dispose us</em> all to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">justice</span>, to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">love mercy</span>, </div>
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<strong>c’.</strong> and to <em>demean ourselves</em> with that<br />
<strong>d’.</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">charity</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">humility</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">pacific temper of mind</span> which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, </div>
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<strong> b’.</strong> and without <span style="text-decoration: underline;">an humble imitation of whose examples in these things</span>, we can never hope to be <em>a happy nation</em>.<br />
<strong>a’.</strong> [Amen.] </div>
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~</div>
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See also: <a href="http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/blog/authors-non-lds/george-washington-prayer/">http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/blog/authors-non-lds/george-washington-prayer/</a></div>
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Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-91803036498109924642013-04-27T15:35:00.001-04:002014-01-20T11:34:31.866-05:00Becky's presentation at the 2013 Oakton Women's Conference This morning Becky was one of the presenters at the Oakton Virginia Stake Women's Conference 2013. She and a former colleague from Fairfax County Schools presented together. Here's a blurb about their presentation:<br />
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<blockquote>
<b>Title: Raising Resilient Children: It’s Never Too Late!</b><b>Presenters: Becky Vanatter and Virginia Rutledge</b> </blockquote>
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They will share and discuss the pitfalls that hinder resilience and share some life-strategies to teach children of all ages (K-YSA) to help them through their school life, missions, and come what may. </blockquote>
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Rebecca Vanatter and Virginia Rutledge are members of the Fair Oaks Ward. Becky Vanatter works for Brigham Young University as the coordinator for BYU's student teaching program in the Washington D.C. Public Schools. She previously worked as a 6th grade teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for almost 15 years. Jenna Rutledge is a retired school psychologist from FCPS for 20 years. Both have advanced degrees in how children/people learn. They have seen up close what difficulties our youth have as they develop their own personal arsenal of coping strategies to deal with intense frustrations in facing overwhelming challenges. </blockquote>
I think about 40+ attended her break out session. She has been asked to come present to a couple wards in May.<br />
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I sneaked into her presentation (well, just outside the doorway) and took this photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D_-ZjMb3goY8Kpt5lNg80XVDwhVehQVbccMN5pC3BL6Qh8dHjUeiecQ6kqvZ5oaT69qyGAElD4l32sAOY7M4j6bY77rMYMsxeZfRx-Lb5cs9EpcDPJCjT3lwvTtjixeN8lDTnw/s1600/20130427_103701-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D_-ZjMb3goY8Kpt5lNg80XVDwhVehQVbccMN5pC3BL6Qh8dHjUeiecQ6kqvZ5oaT69qyGAElD4l32sAOY7M4j6bY77rMYMsxeZfRx-Lb5cs9EpcDPJCjT3lwvTtjixeN8lDTnw/s320/20130427_103701-1.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the flyer for the conference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqQ7CkHddEtwRgc6evhODSUnLkdplopMTefO6ky-DnfPjfXxWSfBhw9GHYouOVu7Aa9zPEWl6WOENRZj86DX3YnC50VhVseSa2SO0NAtfhXM9Nb1IxXpKjiXWeFpVij8c-SoEsw/s1600/Oakton+Stake+Womens+Conf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqQ7CkHddEtwRgc6evhODSUnLkdplopMTefO6ky-DnfPjfXxWSfBhw9GHYouOVu7Aa9zPEWl6WOENRZj86DX3YnC50VhVseSa2SO0NAtfhXM9Nb1IxXpKjiXWeFpVij8c-SoEsw/s320/Oakton+Stake+Womens+Conf.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my part. I was one of 10 other men who managed to occupy the attention of 45 kids (ages 18 months to 8 years old) for 4 hours. The graph of the level of noise/excitement and desire for change went from a very gentle slope upwards for about 3 hours, then it went semi-exponential the last hour. Actually, that was only in comparison to the absolute breeze the first 3 hours was. As the last hour progressed the value of our stories and our games and our snacks and our toys wore out -- for some. Only a couple young kids wanted their mommy, only a couple bumped their head, and only one climbed out the window. We caught him as he only did it to show up at the entrance of the kids area. (We saw him do it. He led the way for the Scavenger Hunt later on.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hX0XTpP4-qXU_1F7jeGLNO4QqLmgu4Z99dfwZaFP8rY22r3CU6BqiLz1CweniPcUnPt65AWbSvU7vZTyZBCtCvdXOFnlQELx8vT97fIUz3RWPjV2DgpprJsthKERzB2MSuUpDw/s1600/20130427_132116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hX0XTpP4-qXU_1F7jeGLNO4QqLmgu4Z99dfwZaFP8rY22r3CU6BqiLz1CweniPcUnPt65AWbSvU7vZTyZBCtCvdXOFnlQELx8vT97fIUz3RWPjV2DgpprJsthKERzB2MSuUpDw/s320/20130427_132116.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am proud of Becky, that she can share some of what she's learned in 15 years in the classroom, and another 10 in leading her student teachers in inner-city DC schools. Not to mention leading the way raising two resilient daughters. Love you honey.Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-18796841442933772392013-03-01T22:42:00.001-05:002013-03-17T15:38:56.124-04:00Discoveries in Chiasmus now available at Deseret Book in addition to Amazon.com<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpVgS7SB15Q/UTF0ySsSuoI/AAAAAAAATzM/feYAsbDhxR4/s1600/Chi+new+front+cover+SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpVgS7SB15Q/UTF0ySsSuoI/AAAAAAAATzM/feYAsbDhxR4/s400/Chi+new+front+cover+SMALL.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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Our recent book, Discoveries in Chiasmus: A Pattern in All Things, is now available at Deseret Book in addition to Amazon.com. <br /><br />See links here: http://deseretbook.com/Discoveries-Chiasmus-2nd-Edition-Yvonne-Bent/i/5098976. <br /><br />And here: http://www.amazon.com/Discoveries-Chiasmus-Pattern-Things-Edition/dp/1937735109<br />
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A couple of years ago Yvonne Bent invited me, among others, to be one of the speakers at a conference she organized on <i>chiasmus</i>. She and I have subsequently edited the proceedings into this new Second Edition. We added a Bio on each author, an Index, and improved the formatting for ease of reading.<br />
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"This book is a compilation or anthology of the some of the best and most current research on Chiasmus. Each of these author/presenters includes a powerful and unique perspective comprising the separate chapters of the book.<br />
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"Chiasmus, once assumed to be only an ancient Hebraic literary pattern, can be shown to provide a pattern in all things. It has been identified in both the sciences and the arts. Chapters in this compilation are based on presentations at a recent conference organized by Yvonne Bent on chiasmus. The authors/presenters show how this pattern can be recognized in art, music, architecture, mathematics, the human body and even the atom. . . ."Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-19701540068085311472013-02-27T22:51:00.000-05:002013-03-12T13:28:28.216-04:00"We Are The Champions, My Friend"Citrus College Owls (Mission Conference Champions 1972)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75uYgu8QmCw/US7TSx8_rCI/AAAAAAAATws/VUcE8UIakWM/s1600/Scott+freshman+football+Citrus+JC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75uYgu8QmCw/US7TSx8_rCI/AAAAAAAATws/VUcE8UIakWM/s400/Scott+freshman+football+Citrus+JC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-81683804891625439862013-02-11T10:02:00.001-05:002014-01-20T11:34:59.171-05:00Again. He shoots, he SCORES. Way to go Ryan!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gD2ysLBuA5s" width="459"></iframe>Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053167.post-58276851624917474062013-02-11T10:01:00.001-05:002014-01-20T11:35:13.707-05:00Ryan dribbles. He shoots, he scores!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nm5GTbOlQp0" width="459"></iframe>Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484457198920558163noreply@blogger.com0