Behold Your Little Ones

Two days ago my daughter, Brianna Ruth McGee, was born at 2:00 pm. That night Catie and I were reading 3 Nephi 17 where Christ is visiting the people in America. He tells them that they are pretty tired and need to go home and ponder what he's taught. But, all the people start to cry and beg him to stay. He ends up staying and heals all the sick and afflicted. Then, he tells them to bring their children and says, "Behold your little ones" as angels descend and administer to the children.

I've always been amazed at what they could have missed if they had just accepted what he said and went home. Then, I thought about how often that is what I do at church, general conference, or some other church event, even the temple sometimes. During an event that should be an amazingly spiritual, enlightening experience, I'm looking at the clock wondering when this will be over even pondering what I'm going to have for dinner. These guys weren't doing that, rather they were saying "I want more. Please don't send us home yet."

Then, when you juxtapose that with his statement "Behold your little ones" what effect do these two attitudes have on our children? Well, we can see what happened to their children. For a hundred years, they were completely righteous.

Back to the topic of beholding your little ones, I've often heard people say or at least have the philosophy that children should be seen and not heard. I am pretty sure that's not what christ meant when he said "Behold your little ones." I think he's actually commanding us to pay attention and notice our children. Sometimes it's hard to remember that though. I get so busy with all the things I have to do that I often forget to focus on the person that really matters.

With All the Feelings of a Tender Parent

In 1 Nephie 8, Lehi tells his family of his dream about a tree of life, iron rod, and large and spacious building that has no foundation. In summary. Lehi sees half of his family partaking of the fruit, but two of his sons, Laman and Lemuel, refuse to listen to their father and come to the tree.

When Lehi finishes retelling his dream, he begins to "exhort" his sons to keep the commandments. Nephi, "the perfect child," who is telling this story says, "He did exhort them with all the feelings of a tender parent."

As I've been thinking about this, what would Laman and Lemuel have said about this if they had been the ones writing it. My guess based on what happens later in the story (they try to kill both their dad and Nephi) is that they would have probably said something like this:
"We're camping because our dad's a lunatic and the people in Jerusalem want to kill him. Then, he sends us back to get a stupid book that nearly gets us killed twice and costs us out entire savings. Well, we get back with these super hot girls and what does he do? He tells this crazy dream about a tree. Everything relies on his family getting to the tree but according to him we refuse to go to this stupid tree. Then, he tells us that we are horrible children because we won't come to the tree in his dream. Hello, it was only a dream! Anyway, in front of everyone he reprimands us saying that we need to be better children. I can't believe he could be so embarrassing."

How often do we respond as I assume Laman and Lemuel did to someone who is giving us counsel and warning? For example, I've heard people say things about the prophet when he gives some new counsel or repeats old , as keeping the sabbath day holy, homosexuality is a sin, and you should not tatoo your body, "He's old and out of touch with society." or "He doesn't have the right to tell me what to do with my body." or "That's just counsel, it doesn't really matter."

As a parent/adult I understand lehi a little better. One of the hardest things we have to do in this life is watch as people make mistakes. Luckily my son is only four and his mistakes so far only involve skinned knees.

I can see as lehi warns his two struggling children with all of his feelings-pleading with them to listen. I can also see laman and Lemuel rolling their eyes, ignoring their dad-because afterall what does he know?

In the end nephi writes, "he did cease speaking unto them." we can exhort, expound, plead, even beg that our children (or whoever) will do what we feel/believe/know is best, but eventually we will need to cease speaking and let them make their own decisions- even if that invloves watching them suffer.

The Strongest Man

Walking with you as a child

My hand grasping your finger

I knew nothing could harm me

For I was with the strongest Man

You let me climb the roof

A windstorm shook my frame

I knew that I was safe;

Below me stood the strongest man

You held me on your shoulders

Giving me a new perspective

Seven feet above the world

Carried by the strongest man

Danger was in our house

Slipper in hand, ready to attack

You realized it was only your kids

But we saw it was the strongest man

With a pencil behind our ears

We prepared to work

I was your shadow

Taught by the strongest man

I got in an argument

You came to my rescue

As we drove and talked

In the arms of the strongest man

I needed a ride

Without a thought for yourself

You waited so that I could be

Driven by the strongest man

The audience frightened me

I wanted to run and cry

Then, I saw your loving smile

Encouraged by the strongest man

You had 10 children

Friends criticized your family

Enraged as a father, criticism ceased

Condemned by the strongest man

Your daughters combed your hair

Dressing you like a princess

You always had time for us to

Play with the strongest man

Our house was broken

You came with brand new tools

Our house was repaired

At the hands of the strongest man

You cradled my child in your arms

Tears streaming down your mustache

As he looked into the eyes of his Pop

Protected by the strongest man

As a child, I looked up to you

As you taught me wisdom

I knew you would always be taller

Watched by the strongest man

As we watched you in the hospital

Struggling in pain, seeking our comfort

We saw you as invincible

Because you were the strongest man

I was always first in your life

I knew that I would always be

Loved by the Strongest Man

Loved by the Strongest Man

Randy Holladay

Dear Randy,

I started dating your daughter while you were living in New Mexico. All I heard from her was what a great guy you were. You were her protector. She told me how you would take her on dates when she was having a really challenging day.

Then, I met you. We decided to visit your family during a school break, and I had decided to ask for your permission to marry your beautiful Catie. When we arrived in New Mexico it was dark. You were waiting for us at a gas station. Then, you got out of the car. I wanted to turn around and go home. Catie had told me you were tall, but she never told me you were a giant. You could smash me with one hand. How could I ask you to take one of the most precious things to your heart? Catie asked me to ride in the front seat with you. I wanted to say, "Um, that's ok, I'll ride with Jesse." But, I didn't. As I clung to the door, you proceeded to describe the road to your house.

While I thought you were a giant in size, I soon learned that you were a giant of a man. You agreed to let me marry your daughter if she so desired even after I kicked over your soda, dumped chocolate milk down your piano, and spilled my glass of water all over the restaurant table as I was asking for permission. I could see the love you had for your children.

At our wedding, you gave us a toilet paper roller as a present because you were told the one in our apartment was too far away to reach. You also gave me a starter tool kit, which you expanded throughout the years. You cried during the reception as you danced with my beautiful wife, your sweet daughter.

After our wedding, our relationship was somewhat distance due to the physical distance of several hundred miles. However, you were always there for us despite the distance. When my brother died, you dropped everything to come for my wife and me. Shortly, after that you moved your family back to Utah so that you could be closer to family. Your children are always first in your life. In fact, now that I think about it, you always placed your family ahead of anything.

After you moved to Utah, you were a tremendous help to all of us. I was even a little jealous because if we ever needed something fixed around our house or apartment, Catie would call and ask you to help us fix it. But you were always there either to offer your advice or to try to fix the problem. I often got frustrated because I wanted to do it the quick, cheap way while you were concerned about doing it the correct, fixed way. After I tried my way, we ended up doing it your way anyway and it worked. You were always willing to give of yourself for us. You would rearrange your schedule so that you could help fix out house or give Catie a ride somewhere or help us move. If I ever wanted a new tool, I could always tell you something was broken that required that tool. Every time you came to fix something or I told you something needed to be fixed, you always bought the tool or set of tools that were required and they always remained when you left.

In addition to helping us, you were always there for your other children. Sometimes I think we asked so much of you. Every time we called you doing something for one your children or your spouse, such as giving them a ride or fixing a washer and dryer.

Even in the end, you were more worried about others. While you were in the hospital, you were concerned about those visiting you whether they had somewhere to sit or something to eat. You were so frustrated when you were the one who needed help. I could see your frustration and wished that I could help.

Although you started as a scary man who I was sure would hate me for taking away your daughter, I have grown to love you. You made our lives so much easier. As a father-in-law, you became my father. I'm going to miss you Pop. I'll try to take care of your daughter in a way that would please. I hope that we can all remember your example and give as much you gave.

Love,

your son

Josh

Randy Holladay, my father-in-law, known as Pop, died yesterday, April 7 around 10:00 from pancreatic cancer.

Conference Thoughts- Sat Morning

Today was general conference, which is a time for the Prophet of God and the apostles to speak to the world. I've decided to post some of my thoughts based off of my notes. We'll see. Please note that these are my notes so they may be quotes, indirect quotes, paraphrases, or misheard statements (if they're misheard or misinterpreted please comment and let me know).

President Monson

"Reach out to new members and those seeking to come back to church." I remember that during my mission this was a large focus for President Hinckley as well. Every new convert needs a calling, a friend, and nourishment from the word of God. This is so important. I saw it on my and I've seen it at home, especially within my wife's family.

Catie has told me that as a new convert you have so much attention and the spirit is so strong, but after you have been baptized for a while, it doesn't feel as strong anymore and the members begin to see you as another part of family who just belongs so you don't need the extra attention anymore. I personally think that part of that is the Lord is going to try you to see if you really want to do this for him and not for the attention. We had a really when we moved into the Bridgerland Park 2nd ward. We had just come from an amazing ward where I was the ward mission leader, we had a new baby, and Catie was still considered a new convert, so we got lots of attention. Then, we moved to the 2nd ward and it seemed as if we were just forgotten. In fact, we moved in the same time as my brother who only went to church once before they moved back into my parents. The ward confused us with them for several month (I think they even moved the wrong records). Catie wanted to attend the student ward, she hated it so bad. About a year later, Catie was called to the primary presidency. She started loving the ward, so of course we had to move away. If you look on her facebook and blog, you'll see that a majority of her friends came from that ward.

I know the Lord is going to try us to see how much we really love Him and want to do what he wants us to do. But as President Monson, this is the time they need us to reach out that hand of fellowship. Perhaps, it's not even the new convert who is needed that extra strength.

President Packer

"Gideon was chosen to lead 3000 men but ended up taking 300 to fight a battle again a lot of people (sorry don't remember the exact numbers and don't want to look it up right now)"

"We have positive feelings about what lies ahead. Gideon's men succeeded because they stood every man in his place."

Sometimes we look at our challenges and enemies and think there is no way I can do this. It's too hard or perhaps we are just too lazy. I realized recently as I was thinking back to my childhood that I have a tendency to be a quitter. In kindergarten, I started playing soccer. I think it was the first practice, the coach threw the ball at me. It hit me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me, so I quit. I took piano lessons, didn't want to practice, so I quit. I took Karate (as the neighborhood bullied, or so I thought, I wanted something to defend myself), the other kids were throwing apples after practice. When one hit me in the eye, I decided to quit. Of course, I also hid in he bathroom whenever the teacher had one-on-one combats. Basketball, football, anything that was a little hard, I quit. I wish someone would have taken me aside and explained that I could do this. It might be painful as you are going through the experience, but with God's help you will be able to do it and will be a better person because you have endured through something.

"The father presides in the home even if a church leader is present." He then tells a story about a boy who had asked someone to ordain him prior to his mission. President Packer saw his father and suggested (commanded) that his father should give him the blessing. The father and son embraced for the first time and the father said, "I didn't get to ordain my other boys."

I think it's interesting how important of a role fathers have. In church, if someone with higher authority (stake president, apostle...) attends sacrament, they preside instead of the bishop. But in the home there is no higher authority than they father even if he does not hold the priesthood.

I wish I had known how important the role of a father was when I was younger. When I turned eight, my mom suggested that I could choose who I wanted to baptize me. I thought it was like picking someone to drive me to school or something. We had just visited my uncle in California and I thought he was a pretty cool guy because he did science experiments (FYI- I don't even like science now), so I chose him. He said he couldn't. My mom suggested that I could have my dad do it, but the idea was already in my head that I could have someone else besides this guy who lived with me and punished me for throwing rocks at cars. So, I called my other uncle who was happy to do it for me. Can you imagine how my dad felt? He didn't even get to baptize his oldest son not because he was unworthy, but because I chose his younger brother simply because of the novelty. I vaguely remember going in to get dressed; I asked my dad if he was going to change as well, but he said no because he wasn't performing the ordinance. I've regretted this decision ever since I realized how important the father's role is.

"Authority comes from ordination. Power in the priesthood comes from righteousness." A while back, I was placed in an interesting circumstance where I was asked to help administer a healing blessing. I knew the other elder had not attended church for several months and had heard he was even attended another denomination. I was not sure how to respond to this request,He did have the priesthood and even had a current temple recommend. Obviously, I was not this elder's bishop so I couldn't tell him he was not worthy. I decided to proceed with the blessing on that reasoning. I did feel the spirit as I placed my hands upon the sick, but it has still bothered me a little. I've also wondered, when are you unworthy to perform priesthood ordinances? If you stop paying your tithing, you can't have a temple recommend. Does that also make you unworthy to perform blessings through the priesthood? I assume from President Packer's story about the inactive father that it does not. For he even said "luckily, he was an elder. but that could've been taken care of if he was not."

Sister Beck

"A woman (or man) can have the comfort from the spirit when dealing with an unruly child, but if you lose your temper with your children, you lose the spirit." Unfortunately, this weekend, as with many weekends, I lost my temper with my son. I was completing our taxes when suddenly, the screen went blank. He had climbed under the computer to turn the power switch off. I obviously yelled at him and sent him to his room. A few minutes later, I called him down and asked why he did that. He said, "I thought it would be funny, but it was not." I felt bad and the spirit was gone not because of this trick, but because a tyrannical father who lost his patience.

Keith B. McMullin

I like the story he told of the concentration camp victim who had a sister killed. Years later, he was approached by one of the guards of the camp. [My wife thought the guard had actually killed the sister, but as told here it was a guard of the camp.] He had converted to Christianity and seeking for God's forgiveness. He struck out his hand and said, "Will you forgive me." The boy said that it felt like ages as he was asked to do the hardest thing he had ever been asked to do. He said a prayer, "I can lift my hand, you provide the feeling." He proceeded to receive the forgiveness he needed for this man. I had the thought "How can I harbor feelings over a few harsh words (especially when most are not meant to be malicious) or an inconsequently act of neglect or pain when this person was required and able to forgive such a horrific crime?

Elder Andersen

"As I read notes of the pioneers leaving Nauvoo, they were not filled with discouragement. They were homeless, but not hopeless [I added or helpless].... Hope, happiness, and joy are not product of circumstances, but of faith in Christ." I so often say something like, "when I get [fill in the blank, usually something to do with a job or money] then I'll be happy or be able to have peace. Elder Andersen makes it pretty clear here that that's not the case. We can be happy or at least have joy regardless of our circumstances if we will but trust in Christ. The pioneers had a lot to be scared, angry, and depressed about. They had been driven from three states, were leaving their beautiful home once again, and their prophet had been murdered. Yet, they put their trust in God and followed where he wanted them to go. They even sang as they did or so an annoyingly repetitive primary song would have you believe. "Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked . . ."

We can look at what the Lord or the world gives us and say, "This suck! I hate my life. blah blah blah." and choose to make ourselves and our loved ones miserable. Or we can look at what the Lord or the world gives us and say, "What can I learn from this? How can I turn this into an advantage for me or for someone? or Lord, this is hard, please help me." and then listen and know that he will. He may not remove the trial, but will make the burden light at least.

Elder Ballard

"Love your mother and be patient with her imperfections" I know my wife and I both struggle with this. It's difficult because my mom will say whatever she thinks without thinking no matter how hurting the sentence. My wife takes what my mom says to heart and often assumes that many of these things she says or implies is intended to be a personal insult. My parents' adoption of these kids make it even harder because our parenting techniques are so different. It's really quite interesting to watch because I was raised by these guys but we're completely different (other than that incident I described above that seems to be an inherited/learned trait I've carried over). In addition, I have a hard time with the way my mom treats my dad and her money management. But I think Elder Ballard is right. I just need to love her and be patient with her imperfections.

President Eyring

"Our Heavenly Father needs our help to bring [I wrote] our children back to him. . . Rescue those who have been led away into sorrow. The most important place is in the family--parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters. . ." He told a story about his child who decided to walk home, but soon found that he did not know the way. He ventured off the path to pray where he was met by a young couple who proceeded to rescue him. President Eyring was grateful to these two rescuers. I liked this talk, but it's 1:00 in the morning and I only finished typing the first session. The other two were just as good. I recommend watching a rebroadcast if you haven't seen it at lds.org.

Zeniff: walking in the shoes of his enemies

Zeniff seems to be an interesting, tender-hearted, understanding person. At first he sets out with an army to destroy the lamanites, his fierce enemies. But after spying on them he discovers they have some good qualities so he fights his own people to defend these people he doesn't know.

He eventually makes a deal with the king of these people to bring a few of his people and settle in the land with the lamanites. A few years go by and the lamanites, these people he protected, attack in an attempt to enslave zeniffs people.

After defeating the lamanites, he sends spies out to watch their enemies. They discover that the next king is also sending an army. In the middle Of describing the preparation for this next battle, zeniff begins to make excuses for the lamanites. They are only doing this because this is how they were taught. They were taught that their parents had been robbed and were driven out of the land. Essentially, it seems as of zeniff is asking "what would I do if I had been taught those things. I think I can understand where they are coming from."

of course it doesn't excuse their actions for in the very next verse he says, "I did stimulate them (his army) to go to battle." I'm not sure how well that worked for him telling his people "now these people we're fighting aren't so bad. They just have a misunderstandinding. Let's go get them!" but I guess it worked out cause they won again.

I think zeniff has a lot to teach us concerning how we should respond when someone offends us. I would assume being attacked and having over 200 of your friends and family killed would be somewhat offensiv. Zeniff doesn't respond as his former commander did and say, "we must kill every last one of these infidels. They're all evil and I will personally see they go to hell." instead he says, "why? What makes them so angry." and he truly tries to understand them. Sometimes we get offended over the smallest sliver and will not let it go. We have to continually push that sliver deeper and deeper as we complain about what a horrible person that was giving us a sliver.

Of course sometimes the problem must be resolved. Zeniff couldn't let the lamanites Destroy his people. But he also didn't spend the remainder of his days festering over their injustice. In fact he just seem to go back to life and forgets the whole event "we returned to our land, and my people went back to tending flocks."



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The poorest spot of land and What could I have done more?

I just finished reading Jacob chapter 5 again. I've always read this chapter by applying the world history context; today, I realized some things I'd never thought about before. I'm not sure the thoughts have completely formed, but I will do my best.

For anyone unfamiliar with Jacob chapter 5 from the book of Mormon is an allegory about the Lord's dealings with Israel and the world explained as a vineyardman (don't know the correct term) who with his servant is doing everything he can to save the fruit (us) before the final harvest.

After working hard to place his trees in the right soil and letting mother nature run her course, he returns with his servant to inspect the trees. His servant is baffled by how the lord planted his fruit because he planted the tree in the worst spot of ground. The lord explains that he worked hard to make sure the tree would be good and it did bring forth good fruit. Then they look at a tree that was planted in good soil and only part of it yielded good fruit.

I thought about how this relates to my work life and realized that it doesn't matter how prestigeous the position or where the location is if you are willing to hard at bringing forth good fruit, you can still be successful. When I worked at mcdonalds people would ask where I worked. I would tell them and get the most pitied looks. However, despite my dread of the place after my mission, it gave me a lot of experience and provided me with a pretty good resume. But some people, even those who were managers walked away with nothing because they weren't willing to put in the effort. To them, it was a job that would get them through college or pay their next rent check.

Now, returning to the allegory-after a "long time" goes by the lord returns to his vineyard to find that some of his trees have gone bad yielding rotten fruit. He cries to his servant "what could I have done more?" remember although the story is about the lord of the vineyard it represents the lord of the world. He's then explains that he's done everything he could. But the servant petitions him to give it one more go. He does and ends up finding more he could do to help his poor trees.

Besides the somewhat obvious spiritual application (the lord is going to give us as many chances as he can), this part is signifant to me as a writer. I'll do all I can to get the first draft correct, then after it comes back I'll see several errors I didn't notice whether someone else caught it or not. Even after it has been reviewed by over ten people, proofreader by me several times, and released, I'll still find errors in my work the next time I open the document. (note: this text doesn't count because I'm writing it on my iPhone and these tiny buttons can really be a pain to manipulate just to correct a punctuation or grammar error).

Whether it's writing or some other task, i'm often tempted to say "well, I've done everything I can do. I'm done." of course when that deadline comes around you have to say that, but I think this illustrates that there is always more that can be done. Sometimes we have to turn to others and say, "any ideas what I could do?" but with a little enginuity and a lot more work, you can take something you think is perfect and improve it.

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Adventures in New York City

Went to New York City today.

Arrival

• Didn't have cash for toll.
• Saw the statue of liberty from the ferry.

Times Square

• Ate at McDonald's at times square (because it was cold)-girl in front stole our food.
• Took a picture of Elmo and Mickey
• Saw some giant, weird lookin white guys (when I say white I don't mean Caucasian, I mean WHITE).
• Sat on a giant M&M and saw a giant bottle of hersey syrup next to a candy bar the size of my son.

Grand Central Station

• Took subway to Grand Central Station and almost got mugged.
• Helped a couple our age find their way to Times Square with a map we stole (I think it was free)
• They tried to direct us towards Rockefellar Center (2 blocks from Times Square)

Rockefellar Center/Empire State Building

• While attempting to walk to Rockefeller center, we ended up at the empire state building (about 2 miles the other way).
• Remembered that I have an iphone with a map that provides direction and there was no excuse for getting lost.
• On the return trip to Rockefellar Center, we stopped to rest at the library (you have to have special doors unlocked if you want to actually see a book)
• Watched a wedding at the Patrick's Cathedral
• finally, made it to Rockefeller's to watch people ice skate.

Central Park and Temple

• Got lost on the subway trying to visit Central Park and the temple.
• After finding the right subway, we were unable to push our way through the people at the stop for the temple.
• Next stop-saw central park (it was even more freezing than when we started and my wife was even more pregnant, so we saw it and walked on).
• Started walking towards the temple, saw someone being arrested.
• One block short of viewing the temple, we gave up and got back on the freeway headed home.

Travel Back to Relatives

• If you think our adventure ends there-OH NO.
• Our GPS took us over the Brooklyn Bridge and through New York (exactly what we were trying to avoid by parking at Staten Island) through a tunnel that goes under the water.

Let me just say that although I enjoyed spending the time with my beautiful wife and had fun seeing the sites, I do not HEART NY.

According to the faith and diligence we gave to it

Before lehis family began their long journey across the desert, god gave them the liahona, a mysterious compass that always pointed in the direction they should go.

When nephi breaks his bow, the entire family is upset because that was their livelihood. Even lehi, the patriarch and prophet of the family. Nephi, however, takes ownership and replaces his bow. Then,he ask his father where he should go find food. His father looks at the liahona and finds that there is writing that has changed.

Nephi makes these two conclusions about the liahona: "the pointers did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them" and "it had writing which did give us understanding concerning the wats of the lord and it was changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto them." later it also says that they were led into the more fertile parts of the land.

I imagine the compass only gave them direction for a few feet or maybe a few miles. Then it would probably change their course. I wonder if ther was ever a time that they were heading into a part that looked prosperous then suddenly have the liahona direct them into an area they looked barren. I'm sure laman and lemuel wouldve said it wants us to go there, but this way looks so much better. Who knows what lays down that better trail though, could be thieves, could be a longer stretch of desert, or could just be better blessings on the otther trail.

My wife has been having a hard time because the liahona (scriptures, prayer, etc) told her to persue school. She made a deal that she would continue school until we had another child. When we didn't get pregnant for several years after ben was born and discovered some medical problems we assumed we were done. She had her journey all laid out. She would graduate in may and continue on to get a phd in psych. It looked like such a great path.

One semester before she



We can do as lehi and most of his children did and complain, murmur, and hate the lord for leading us into a harder trail or we can follow nephi's example and go make our bow and find where the lord would have us go next.

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If Thou Believest, thou canst be healed

I've always been intrigued by the story of Zeezrom in the Book of Mormon; however, I've never seen the parallel that exists between the wicked, unrepentant citizens that he inspired and the penitent, humble Zeezrom in Alma chapter 15.

The chapter starts out with a sick Zeezrom. He's not sick because he caught the swine flu or any other physical ailment; he's sick because of his mental and emotional anguish. Here you have one of the most wicked men of the day. He's convincing everyone in the village that there is no Christ; therefore, you don't have to repent. The reason for this claim wasn't because he believed it, but he was a lawyer and was seeking for money and power. He contends with Alma and Amulek and as a lawyer convinces many, but he ultimately is convinced by Alma and Amulek that he is wrong. Despite all of his efforts to reverse what he had said, the people ultimately throw Alma and Amulek in prison, beat them, burn all of the scriptures, and throw their followers in the fire while forcing Alma and Amulek to watch.

Zeezrom leaves the city with the full knowledge of what he has done. He also believes that Alma and Amulek have been killed. This is the cause of his sickness. He sees no way for to repay for what he has done. Then, he hears that it's only 99% as bad as he thought because Alma and Amulek are still alive and in the very city where he is staying. Then, he sends for them. Now imagine this. You've just had a heated argument with these two missionaries. You left them in the hands of a murderous people who treated them harsh. And you've been the cause of great agony to these two men of God. Yet, he sends for them because he knows they are men of God. That takes some guts.

The scriptures say that Alma and Amulek went to him immediately, obeying him. I think that takes some guts as well. If this had been me, I'd be more likely to say, "I hope he never recovers from his illness. Let him rot. Do you know what I just went through because of him-not to mention those poor people who were burned alive. (Amulek may be able to add, "I lost my wife and children because of him" just speculation though)." Instead of saying this, they simply obey his message and go to him immediately.

Then, comes these important words, "Believest thou the power of Christ unto salvation." Finally, Zeezrom answers in the affirmative. Alma tells him, "If thou believest in the redemption of Christ, thou canst be healed." And so it is that Zeezrom was healed both physically and spiritually.

Mormon proceeds to contrast Zeezrom to his followers. "But...the people of Amoniah did not believe in the repentance of their sins."

For a wise purpose in him, which I know not

For the lord has commanded me to ... For a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. -1 nephi 9:6

The lord often answers our prayers by telling us to do something. Sometimes we are then told to do something else that either seems contradictory, redundant, or impossible to accomplish both commands. But as nephi says he will make it possible if we have faith and go and do what he says.

We may never find out why he told us to do something. Nephi never knew that a guy named Martin Harris would lose the manuscript. He only knew that he was told to make two plates even though his dad already had this record. It probably wasn't easy to find and refine gold as he was travelling (assuming that's when he wrote it) but aren't we glad he did write; otherwise we would only have the book of Mormon starting in mosiah 400 years after nephi wrote.

Obey god, even when you don't know why or if it's possible, he will prepare a way for you. As nephi says "and thus it is. Amen." that's how it is folks whether you like it or not.

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Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

I am often told that my church, which I believe receives direction from God, asks a lot from its members. For example, we are asked to pay ten percent of our income as tithing. We are asked to attend three hours of church each Sunday. We are asked to not go shopping on Sundays. We are asked to not consume alcohol, coffee, tea, or tobacco. Some things may even seem very trivial. For example, we have been instructed to refrain from getting tatoos and excessive earings (women may have one pair; men none).

While these may seem trivial with apparently no logic or reason to the commandments, an example from exodus illustrates why the lord may ask such trivial things. The isrealites had just left Egypt only to discover that they have no food. They complain to moses who in turn complains to the lord. The lord responds with the following:

Exodus 16 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
When some of the people fail to follow the the commandment and gather more food than their family can eat, they discover that the food spoils and gets worms. This wasn't stated in the commandment. He does not tell them that if they gather more than they are told to that it will spoil. They are only told what to do not why.

So it is with us. Most of these commandments come with blessings, but most do not explain the consequence or the reason associated with not keeping the commandment. Some members have tried applying their own reason. That's why you have some members who say caffeine is against the word of wisdom-coffee and tea both have caffeine so caffeine must be harmful. But that is not the lord has said. What the lord says is do this so that I can see if you will walk in my laws or not. He didn't tell Abraham that he wouldn't make him sacrifice his son until after he knew that Abraham would keep his commandments to the end no matter how hard or how trivial.




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Doors Unopened

Standing in a room full of doors
Each one changing my direction
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

A friend visited me in my room full of doors
We once stood in this room together
He told me of exciting things beyond the door
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Then another friend appeared
He told me of exciting things beyond his door
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

I yearned to follow them both
Into their doors of adventure, weath, fame
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Years have passed in my room full of doors
I see my friends no more beyond their doors
There is no returning once entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Standing in a room full of doors
Each one changing my direction
There is no returning once not entered
Doors Doors Doors all unopened

Mark of the beast

Just been reading revelations. I've heard a lot of speculations about the following verse "no man might buy or sell save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name...which is 666"

I've heard assumptions like a barcode that is to be implanted in your forehead. I want to add my own theory tonight. I think the number is your credit score.

If you don't have any credit you literally can't buy or sell anything these days. Although the number is figurative, isn't an ok score 600 at least based off of some indexes. As for the forehead thing, what happens when you get in debt, have crappy credit, or have no credit especially in a down economy? You constantly worry about how you are going to provide for yourself and (supposing you haven't succomed to the selfishness of our nation) your family. That number is burned into your forehead as you contemplate how to improve the score or how to keep the score up.



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The parable of the Hammer and the Pencil

It's not a poem, but I just thought of a short little parable that can go with Romans 9:20 (there's a counterpart in Isaiah, but I didn't look it up).

There once was a carpenter that was building a house. He loved his hammer. It was strong, durable, and helped him in so many ways. One day, the hammer was heard to boast, "I am the practically the only tool the carpenter needs. All those other tools are nothing compared to me. Although, I wish some of those tools would help out a little. I have to do all of the work. "

Suddenly the builder placed the hammer back in the toolbox. "What are you doing?" the hammer cried out. "We're not done with this house yet. You can't put me away.

"I am giving you a rest," the carpenter said compassionately, "I need a different tool. Now let me consider for a moment." At that, the carpenter closed the toolbox.

"But I'm the only tool capable of doing all the jobs. Why did he put me away." The hammer continued to moan to himself.

While the hammer was moaning to himself, he didn't notice a tiny pencil was also moaning to herself quietly. "I'm so useless. Why does the carpenter even keep me in this toolbox with so many wonderful tools. There's the saw, with his giant teeth for cutting. There's that new electric drill, with all of that power. Even the nails, which are smaller, are useful when used together. And of course there's the hammer; he can do anything."

With a flash of light, the toolbox lid flung open. "Let me see, where are you?" the carpenter said as he searched inside the toolbox. "Ah, there you are," he said as he pulled out the tiny pencil.

"What are you doing?" the pencil nervously asked. "I can't help you. I'm not good at anything."

"Oh, yes you are. Just watch." At that the carpenter pulled out the measuring tape and closed.

"Hey, what about me," the hammer said as the lid closed. But the carpenter didn't respond.

The carpenter set a board on top of a pile of wood. Then, he extended the measuring tape, which seemed to wink knowingly at the pencil. "Yes, I think that will be perfect," the carpenter said. And he used the pencil to draw a line on the board.

Roamsn 9:20 "Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, 'why has thou made me thus?"

Fathers from the Scriptures

As I think about Father's Day, I'm reminded of the all of the great fathers that are found in the scriptures. I was actually thinking about creating a longer blog on this, but then I heard an ad for a book called, "Men of Influence." I haven't read it, but it sounded like the author stole my idea. I might still write something more-in-depth though. Here are some of my favorite Fathers in the scriptures and what I learn from them:

Abraham: Trust your children to the Lord
Isaac: Find out the hearts of your children from your wife.
Jacob: Leave your In-laws for your family's sake. Don't pick favorites. Give your children and grandchildren blessings.
Saul: Look to the example of your righteous children and listen to them.

Lehi: Take your family where the Lord wants you to take them despite the family protests. Counsel each child according to their needs with love. At first they were subtle reminders. On his death bed it was, "Awake from the sleep of hell. Rise up and be men."
Nephi: Father of a nation-weeps for his people. Does our current father of the nation do that (I doubt it, maybe if his ratings go down).
Jacob: Teach your children in their youth and it will come back to them at unexpected times.
Benjamin: Teach and testify of the scriptures. Teach service by example.
Mosiah: Let your children go and they will be protected.
Alma the Elder: Pray and fast for your children. Teach your children despite their unwillingness.
Alma the younger: Take your children with you on mission (church duties) when appropriate. Counsel with them indivually based on their needs. Testify and tell them of your spiritual experiences.
Helaman I: Adopts 2,000 sons that he leads into war. Asks them for their advice before he proceeds.
Helaman II: Honor your name (surname, given name, or Christ's name). Remember what your ancestors went through and taught.
Mormon: Write to your children. Keep a record for your children. Correct incorrect doctrine or traditions even if it's not the popular thing to do. Another father of the nation who cares deeply about his people.

Well these are a few of my favorite father and son relationships in the scriptures. Unfortunately, I can't think of many examples from the Bible. It seems like of the Old Testament is about bad father examples. What are some of your favorite father examples from the scriptures? If you can't think of anyone from the scriptures, what are some prominent father figures that teach great lessons found in literature (or I'll even go with movies)? For example, one of my favorites is Atticus from "To Kill a Mocking Bird." Another is Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables."

Such as I Have Give I Thee

During this precarious economic time, money is an endangered species, perhaps extinct for some. I've read Acts 3 several times. Catie loves to sing the song, "Peter and John went to pray . . . Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. . . And he went walking and leaping and praising God." Anyway it's something along those lines. I've always focused on what Peter and John gave the beggar.

Today, my focus is more on what Peter and John gave. I know I've walked into temple square, especially during Christmas time, with my head down hoping that I won't be asked for any spare change. Most of the time when I've been asked, I reply that I don't have anything. A few times I've given a nickle or quarter or whatever is in my pocket. How does that compare with what this beggar received from Peter and John. Not only does he now have a chance to make an honest living, but he enters the temple and receives the warmth it offers him.

Catie told me the other day that one of the things she hates most is when she has the means to help someone, but she can't help them because they won't accept it. She proceeded to explain that she feels bad when she sees someone in trouble, but she doesn't have the means to help, but not as bad as when she has the means and they won't accept help. After reflecting on this scripture, I wonder how often we really don't have the means to help people. Obviously, we don't have the monetary means to help. As I explained in an earlier post, we've gotten ourselves in a bit of a financial bind by trying to help when we didn't have the means. But, can we still give such as we have?

One example Catie gave of someone she couldn't help is a car that is broken down. She is not a mechanic and usually, they already have a cell phone out. However, is there something that she could give? Perhaps some encouragement through some friendly conversation while they wait for some additional help? What about those beggars in front of temple square? We could follow the example of Peter and John and bring them into the temple (figuratively speaking); however, if they are sitting outside temple square I'm guessing that they already know about the church. Again, we may not be able to give them money, but is there something we can give that will lighten their load. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly conversation to let people know they are important if that's all we have.

I know this is something I need to work on, but these are my thoughts on the phrase, "Such as I have give I thee."

As a side note, it's interesting that just two chapters later, Luke tells us of Ananias and Sapphira who sell their land to give the money to the church, but keep a portion of the money for themselves. When Peter questions them about it, they lie and then lie dead. This makes an interesting juxtaposition when you consider Peter and John who give such as they have to a lame beggar, but these people who attempt to serve the All-powerful God can only give a portion of what they have.

He Took the Time

I'm not sure where these will end up. I started with the phrase Behold the Lamb of God. As I began a poem (you see, I didn't get very far) another thought struck me of someone in the Nephite crowd. Someone that was in the back of the line patiently waiting his chance to meet the Savior. Then, he looks up and sees a crowd of over 1500 people. He would have been in despair to realize he was in the back. But, the Savior took the time for everyone in that crowd. Just as he traveled many inconvenient and out-of-way courses just to help one individual. I decided to pursue a poem along these lines. So far, I only have two choppy verses and a chorus (any help or critique would be great. As I've said before, my rhythm is horrible).

Behold the Lamb of God

Earthquakes and darkness covered the Earth
Behold the Lamb of God


He Took the Time
As he called us forward, I noticed that I was at the end of the line.
1500 hundred people were in front of me pressing their way to the Savior.
As the day began to wane, I felt that I had lost my chance.
Then, I saw the nail prints in his hands.
He took the time.

He took the time to rescue me from darkness
He too the time to feed the hungry
He took the time to provide living water
He took the time to heal those who were sick
He took the time to bless my sweet child
He took the time to save me.

I sat at my father's well, drinking the bitter water
Contemplating my unrighteous dilemma
Suddenly he appeared asking for a drink of water
I left my water pot in exchange for his living cup
He took the time.

He took the time to rescue me from darkness
He too the time to feed the hungry
He took the time to provide living water
He took the time to heal those who were sick
He took the time to bless my sweet child
He took the time to save me.

As I wrote this, I realized something amazing. In John Chapter 4, Jesus comes to the woman at the well. He has nothing to draw with. In other words, he has no cup. He promises the sinful woman living water. Then, she leaves her water pot after she confesses her sin. Often, Jesus refers to His suffering for us as drinking out of a bitter cup. We give him our cups or water pots in exchange for his living cup of water. He then drinks from our bitter cups, so that we can receive His cup.

That Prophet

While I was on my mission teaching about Joseph Smith, I was often told that the prophets ended with Jesus Christ and the apostles. However, one my favorite scriptures that I believe shows that the Jews didn't believe this would be the case is in John chapter 1. In this chapter, the priests and Levites, the religious leaders and experts in the scriptures, were questioning John. They ask him three questions 1. Art thou the Chirst? No 2. Art thou Elias? No (however, the Joseph Smith translation says that he says yes to this question) 3. Art thou that prophet? No.

So is THAT prophet? It's not the Christ because John already said no to that question. It's not the Elias before Christ because that is John. It's definitely a prophet who is foretold to come after Christ. While this doesn't prove that Joseph Smith was that prophet nor that he was a prophet, it does show that Jews, John, whom Jesus calls the greatest prophet, don't hesitate to suggest that there is another prophet. The only way to find out if this is Joseph Smith is to try the fruit (read the Book of Mormon and pray), but I still like the added testimony found in John 1:21.

Josh's Writing

I've started writing articles for ehow.com. Most of the articles are tutorials. You can check them out at http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_joshua25797.html. I will occasionally post links to the articles as well.