THE VIEW OF SCRIPTURE

A very old Bible

My life has been deeply affected by the reading and pondering of scripture.  As a young boy I was taught to honor the scriptures as the guide for a powerful and positive life.  My parents set a wonderful example of the value they found in the recorded messages of God to His prophets, both past and present.  Eventually, my own studies led me to choose a career that was based on the scriptures found in the Standard Works of the Church.

As I have often reminded folks (and have often been reminded by others), I am not a scholar of the scriptures, I am a teacher.  I have not studied, to any great depth, the historicity of the different volumes available, nor do I really desire to do so.  Such is not my attraction to these pages. 

I love the scriptures because they help me understand the workings of God, our Heavenly Father, and His Majestic Son, Jesus Christ.  I believe that these two are the most important individuals we can acquaint ourselves with in the hopes of emulating their way of life.  The words they give to modern and ancient prophets are the foundation for living a better life and finding eternal peace.  Whatever modicum of success we achieve in the application of the truths in the scriptures will result in an astounding change in our personal lives.  The value of these written words cannot be overemphasized.

There is a movement, many years in the making, which seeks to adjust the significance of the written records used by most Christian religions.  I don’t know its origin but the purveyors of the doctrine are primarily scholars who, wittingly or unwittingly, water down the value of the Word of God as written in the Bible (and to some extent the Book of Mormon).  Often the conversation they initiate begins something like this:

* The Bible is the product of two historical communities, ancient Israel and the early Christian movement.

*The Bible is created by man and therefore is human centered, and not a divine product. We are not denying the reality of God.  But we see the Bible as the reaction/record of men as they experience God (whatever form that may take).

It seems to me that this method of study is designed to focus on the cultural, historical, and mortal nature of the written word of God. 

Experiences of religious value.

What, then, is the experience of God? 

Does it include visions and visitations or is it just the “musings of the elders” as they try to deal with the struggles of the community?

Can spiritual experiences be included, even when they may violate some precept of society?

Did the ancients actually have communications with God and hear His voice? 

And what if a person is bold enough to state that the words they are speaking have come from God and need to be recorded as given? 

Are words still human centered because they came from the mouth of a man?

Scholars sharing this definition of scripture claim that their views do not alter the place of scriptures or completely deny their sacred nature, but should be used as a way of seeing scripture for its real value. 

In my mind, these ideas are opening doors to unneeded doubt or something slightly (?) more insidious in nature.  IF the scriptures are just an historical response to what people believed about God, and are not really a divine product/inspired record of God’s dealing with His people, what value do they have?  Scripture becomes no more than a tale used to teach moral values as believed by those in charge of the culture.  That would seem to elevate modern works like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter to the same standing as the Bible.

A further step to the changing view of scripture pushes more toward the lack of divinity in their creation. 

* As their response to God, the Bible tells us the view of the ancients. It is a record of how they lived with God as the focus of life. Their scriptures contain their stories about God’s involvement in their lives, their laws and ethical teachings they thought God would share, their prayers and praises, their wisdom about how to live, and their hopes and dreams. It is not God’s word as recorded by man (divine product), but their interpretation of what God had said (a human product).

Historical scholars would have us believe that any response to God says more about the people that it does about their interactions with God.  Stories they tell are to show God’s involvement in their lives, teachings, traditions, and every aspect of their lives.  But if these are simply the reactions to events that they perceive as being from God and not the literal words of God, spoken to men on earth – again, what value do they have?

I am not smart enough to make all the arguments I would like on this subject but I AM smart enough to recognize a devaluing of the Holy Scriptures of God.  I am confident that the Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price are exactly what they say they are.  These books are records of man’s interactions DIRECTLY with God and Christ. Prophets, called of God were instructed, literally, by God to do things for the benefit of their people. 

Moses DID lead Israel out of Egypt, even if there is no archeological evidence to prove it.

Abraham DID take his son, Isaac, to Mt. Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice, as commanded by God.  He was restrained by an angel from completing the sacrifice but was counted worthy because of his faith.

Jesus Christ DID live and teach in the Holy Land.  He called disciples to be Apostles and continue His work after His crucifixion and resurrection (which was also a literal experience).

Nephi and Lehi DID build a boat and sail to the Promised Land to begin a new culture. The record of their experiences can be found in The Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith DID see God and Christ in the Sacred Grove and was directed by Moroni to translate The Book of Mormon from plates with the appearance of gold.

These experiences are NOT just the cultural reminiscences of a people who believed in a supreme being and found ways to include that in the records of their culture.  These were actual events and are valued because they show the love of God for His children. 

God is real and His words are real. 

They are in the scriptures and come from prophets and will change lives for the better.

CUT THE CORD - 2

It’s been about three weeks since we changed the way we receive electronic entertainment, news, and phone calls in our home.  There have been a few adjustments and some interesting discoveries.  Here is a breakdown of the experience thus far.

LIVE TV –

After investing in a powered HD Antenna ($40) from Costco, we sat down to see what we could find over the free airwaves.  I was surprised to discover quite a number of stations that were broadcasting in our area.  There were the usual major networks but I was pleased to see that we also found about 20 other channels that were receivable.  One glitch: For some reason, CBS (KUTV) doesn’t have a good signal so I will have to look into that when there are a few seconds to spare.

While there are lots of channels, the downside is that many of them are pretty lame.  I guess that isn’t much different than cable, is it?

NETFLIX –

Thanks to our digitally savvy children, we are familiar with the plusses and minuses of Netflix.  It has been connected to the Wii for a few years so we could show movies when the grandkids come for sleepovers.  Now that it is our main source of viewing, it is clear that we will have to be somewhat selective in the things we allow.  BUT, there are quite a number of shows and movies that I’m sure we will enjoy.  Maybe, one-day, we will even get our own subscription so we aren’t listed as OLD PEOPLE when the user screen comes up! ;-)

OTHER NETWORKS –

We haven’t made the investment to try out HULU or any of the other offerings so I can’t make a judgment there.  We miss on-demand options so there’s a good chance we might try one of these types of services.   There is also the possibility of purchasing an over-the-air DVR to record shows that we get for free.  That’s somewhere in the future – or not, depending on finances.

Jenny did let us have access to her VUDU site for movies they buy so that should be a nice addition.

SETUP –

Most of what we have done has required very little expertise on our part.  The TV was already prepared (it’s not smart but it’s not really dumb either) so we have some experience with that part.  Our DVD player is now our connection to the Internet and a software upgrade (free) gave us access to everything.  At some later time, desires and finances permitting, we might consider a ROKU or other device but for now we are OK. We do plan to get a small Smart TV for the apartment sometime soon.

There are times when we miss the TV in the upstairs but maybe it is for the best…for right now.

The Modem connection was simple (the hardest part being getting Comcast to recognize the unit) and has shown no signs of slowing things down (despite what Comcast said about modems that were not theirs).

(Let me rant for a moment about ALL Internet service providers.  Why do they insist on advertising speeds they know they will never deliver?  Our connection is rated to 50mbps but, even when we were fully invested in Comcast and I checked at the early morning hours, we never had greater than 20mbps on site.  Our average is somewhere in the 15-17mbps range.  Sure, there are lots of people sharing the bandwidth and it degrades the speed with each user, but shouldn’t the provider TRY to be a little more honest in their advertising.  In the time we have supposedly had 50mbps speeds from the provider, I have NEVER recorded a number even close to that strata.  Just saying!!)

COST –

Our Comcast bill used to be $200 per month with phone, Internet, and TV.  Most of the TV was useless junk we never watched.  There was a DVR on the system so it was nice to pause shows, record games, and use some of the other options available.  But it wasn’t worth $200 to have all those things.

Now we only receive Internet from Comcast for $66 (and as soon as someone comes who can provide reliable service, they will be gone).  We don’t have a bunch of garbage channels that we pay for and have to block so kids can’t find them.  And, we have changed our home phone to an existing cell account ($0) and included it in our family plan (jury’s still out on how that is going to fare – Teresa hates carrying her phone and she has the home number).  So far, we are feeling pretty good about the adjustments we have made.

South Korea has cut the cord -- North is still on Comcast

CONCLUSION –

It hasn’t been as hard as we imagined making the change.  There are things we miss but we REALLY don’t miss the cost.  And what we miss is easily replaced in another way if we decide to add.  The trick will be to avoid adding back so much that we are back to the same place (just paying it out to several places instead of one provider).

As we move forward I will report on any changes or glitches we encounter.  Good luck if you decide to follow and save a buck or two.

GOODBYE MY FRIEND

There has been a certain amount of sadness in our home with the loss of Teresa’s mom a short time ago.  But now, our feelings are compounded by the untimely passing of our good friend Bertram Merrell.  He has not been healthy for quite some time but it was still unexpected for him to leave on such short notice.  Thankfully, there are loved ones around (in droves) to buffer the experience for his sweet wife.

The funeral for Bro. Merrell was attended by many of his old friends and a passel of family members.  Each of his children spoke and shared memories of their dad while the congregation reached out with their hearts and hands to strengthen Victoria in her sorrow.  She’s pretty tough, but the loss of her sweetheart has been a great strain on her feelings.

My hope in this post is to express gratitude for the strength that has been evident in a wonderful man and a righteous brother in the Gospel. 

Bro. Merrell would never claim perfection in anything he did.  He understood his limitations and did what all good men do – worked to overcome them and developed skills to counter his failings.   Weakness is part of mortality but to allow shortcomings to control life was not the way Bertram Merrell worked.

He has had more than his share of sorrow – more than I think a person should bear – but his attitude never wavered and his faith in Christ was apparent in every circumstance.  Often times I wondered if he might succumb to sorrow or exasperation.  After all, his experiences were such that he could easily have broken down and drowned in the misery of despair.  Yet, his smile was always clear, he looked everyone in the eye and greeted them with love, and his enduring affection for Victoria served as a beacon for his children and all else who knew him.

I will miss the loving guidance of my friend and mentor. 

Let me share one incident that has had a lasting effect on my life.

Shortly after we moved to West Valley City, I was called to serve as counselor to a good bishop.  The other counselor and the bishop were considerably older and more sedate than I so it became my goal to liven things up in our meetings.  During one sacrament meeting I was conducting and, in a flippant manner, made some comment that was probably not appropriate (thankfully I don’t recall what I said but I’m sure it was out of order).  Sitting in the meeting, on one of the front benches, was the Merrell family, quietly watching this young ‘whipper-snapper’ butcher another meeting. 

Immediately after I made whatever comment I made, my eyes caught a slow but steady headshake from the personage of Bertram Merrell.  At first I was a little annoyed but when I sat down and considered my own actions, I was mortified with what I had done.  No one ever came to me and chastised me or called me out for my silliness, but that headshake from my friend was enough to remind me that I was not to act in a way as to detract from the meetings I was called to conduct. 

These may years later, I still need the likes of Bertram Merrell to counsel and guide me so I don’t wander off the path.  Men of the Bertram type are needed to guide others because they correct with a love that comes from the heart.  It’s good to have people like that in our lives.

I will miss Bro. Merrell.

But I will see him again and he can guide me once more so I can be better.

Thank you Bertram for being my friend.

THE CORD

After nearly 30 years of paying Comcast for entertainment privileges, we have made the decision to go on our own with Internet only service.  It was a tough decision, but when your TV/Internet/Phone bill is nearly the same as rent on a small vehicle, it’s time to make a change.

So, off to Costco for a new modem and an HD Antenna to pick up free TV.  Then the trek to Comcast to let them know we were dropping most of the services they have provided all these years.

Much smaller and much cheaper.

Surprisingly, they did not fight much and the little girl who helped me was really nice.  Too bad they didn't have that kind of service the whole time we were with them.

There will be some changes to how we entertain ourselves.  Not having shows on-demand will be a little inconvenient – but not that much!!  Most of what we enjoy can be found on Hulu or some other site so, if we decide to go that direction, we will be covered.

 

We've discovered that Netflix works pretty well and one of our daughters has VUDU with all her movies there digitally.  With the available services out there it seems we will be covered pretty well.  Any other good suggestions are appreciated.

 

Our biggest concern was the phone connection but we have created a work-around.  If our home phone decides to be difficult, some of you may need to get our cell numbers.

It is a relief to see less of our money flowing to places that have little payback.  Probably should have done this years ago.  Just slow to accept the inevitable I guess.

I will let you know if we have any success or failure stories as we move on down the line.  In the meantime, we are cord free (mostly) and happily on our way to the future.

JUDGING HARRY 2

I noticed this article in the Deseret News the other day and paused to think about the ramifications.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865626822/Spiritual-journey-leads-3-term-US-senator-to-LDS-Church.html

The Reid's, Pressler's and Clayton Christensen
DesNews

It is no secret that I am not a big Harry Reid fan but I AM an admirer of the methods and principles advocated by Clayton Christensen.  So it was with some surprise that I noticed both men were found doing something that I would not have thought they would do together.

Clayton Christensen is famous for his missionary efforts (see here).  He always seems to be at the forefront of the efforts to share the gospel with those not of our faith.

Clayton Christensen and Larry Pressler
DesNews

On the other hand, I seldom hear much about Bro. Reid and his work in the Church (I have heard Orrin Hatch mention that Harry Reid is a faithful home-teacher, but that was about it).  Most press for Bro. Reid seems to paint him in a negative tone (which, obviously, colors my own perceptions) and emphasize the things I would not consider Christ-like or Latter-day Saint-like.

The remarkable story of these three men has me pondering my own level of commitment to what I believe (not that I’m doubting the truth but wondering how much effort I’m putting in).  I mean, this is same Harry  Reid who “purportedly” lied on the Senate floor about Mitt Romney.  What good can he offer to someone who is seeking truth?  And why would he help a Republican?

I get that Clayton Christensen is going to help with the sharing of the message – BUT, HARRY REID!!

It may sound judgmental (and it is), but there’s a part of me that believes someone who espouses the political platforms of the Democratic Party and practices shenanigans in the ‘ways of Harry’ must not be living as closely to the Savior as he should.

The truth is that Harry has been (at least in this one instance) more faithful to his calling as a disciple of Christ than have I.

And if I’m honest with myself, I suspect that he has probably been just as faithful in many other ways – else how could he be prepared to share so effectively.

It is a slippery slope when our thoughts are focused on the weaknesses of others.  The usual result is forgetting to look inside for the rot that has begun to fester in our hearts.

As I have said elsewhere, judgment is not mine to make on the dealings of another.  All judgment must be left to the One who really knows.

It’s just so hard sometimes!!

So I offer two prayers.

Thanks given to Harry Reid, Clayton Christensen, and Larry Pressler for faithful work together.

Humble repentance and 

forgiveness sought by yours truly.

GOOD PEOPLE -- PHYLLIS GRANGE

This Saturday we were part of a funeral for Teresa's mother. It was a very pleasant experience for all who attended because the people there were wonderful and the remembrances were sweet.  

I was invited to speak for a few minutes and so I thought it would be nice to again honor her memory with the words I spoke in the service.

(Actually, this is what I had written but the things I said were slightly -- well maybe a little more than that -- different from the text.  Seems like that happens whenever I am at the pulpit.)

But, anyways, this is a semblance of the tribute I shared with the family and friends.

Funeral Text for Phyllis Rae Grange -- 

Phyllis on the left -- Teen years

My first memory of Phyllis Grange involves her looking through the kitchen window of her home, along with the rest of the family, as Teresa and I got out of the car in their driveway.  To say I was intimidated would be an understatement.  I was young, brash, and very full of myself but seeing all those eyes focused on me was very disconcerting.  Just a few days before I had called to inform the family that I desired to marry their eldest daughter/sister and had not found a very positive reception (maybe because they had no idea who I was).  To no one’s surprise but mine, there was some reticence in the proposition.  It seemed to me that none of the family spoke to me the whole weekend – except little Cory and Nate who were too young to know what was happening.

These intimidating souls aren't so much!

Nearly forty years have passed since that little introduction.  Many lives have changed and many more have come into this world.  But there has been one constant over all those years – Phyllis Grange (Mom) has been the glue that has held this family together and helped each of us become more than we could have been alone.  She has had a powerful influence for good on everyone who knows her, especially her family, because of her Christ-like example of love and service.  While I have a mother of my own whom I love deeply, I have been blessed abundantly by the tender care and guidance given over the years by Phyllis/Mom and want you to know that she is very dear to my own heart.

But, I am not here today to speak only about our experiences, as pleasant as they have been, with Mom.  I am confident that she would be uncomfortable being the focus of so much attention from all her friends and family.  So my message will also focus on some of the things she believed and taught as she passed through this mortal experience.

Shortly after Mom and Dad were married they welcomed a new little son into the family.  He was healthy and strong and had a head of bright red hair just like both of his grandpas.  Then, for a number of reasons, Mom began to have problems and was required to spend a considerable time in the hospital in Salt Lake.  Some of the experts who cared for her warned her that having more children would put her life in danger but she was insistent that she was going to bring more precious lives into this world so she could have a positive influence on their eternal nature.

Over the years she lovingly delivered 5 more children (one of them my beloved Teresa) and did her very best to raise them up to be righteous children of God.  Each had a personality that made them unique and she carefully devised ways to teach, correct, love, and guide each of them into becoming responsible and faithful followers of Christ and productive members of society.  That was the eternal responsibility she had taken upon herself when she embarked on the journey of motherhood.  Everything she did was to invite her little brood to know and love the Savior (and their neighbors) that they might live with Him again one day. 

Watching over little ones all the time.

Now she has passed from this life and is in the world of Spirits where she is preparing for the day when she will, once again, be united with her devoted husband and, eventually, the rest of her loved ones. 

But what is she doing right now?  What is it that people do when they leave mortality and enter into the next part of their progression? 

The Prophet Alma, while teaching his son Corianton about the rewards of our lives here on earth, taught an eternal principle that give us some knowledge of what happens when we lay our physical bodies down in Mother Earth:

Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.  (Alma 40:11-12.)

When Alma talks of a place of rest, he isn't speaking of easy chairs or hammocks for all!!  I doubt Mom would be very happy in that kind of environment.  No, the rest we receive in the Spirit world is rest from the cares of mortality.  We won’t worry about sickness or pain – or hunger – or dementia or any of those things that make this probation hard.

But, we will continue to learn, grow, and become more like our Savior.

The time we have in the Spirit World is for us to hone our spiritual sensitivities and improve our obedience to the principles and doctrines that have been given to help us become Christ-like.  Our probation on earth is finished but our education is not complete and will continue learning until we determine we have had enough OR until we have gained all we need to know to become like our Father and His Son. 

And finally, in the Spirit World we will reunite with those who have gone before us and are awaiting our arrival in this new environment.

Now, I don’t know if they have video cameras in the Spirit World, but I think it would be really cool if we could all see a replay of the reunion between Mom and Kerry and all those who have been there waiting for her to arrive.  I expect it was a pretty happy occasion.

While we may have some sadness with the passing of our dear friend and mother, we are also confident that she is continuing the work she has done so well all the days of her life.  No doubt, she is carrying around a tray of spiritual food, trying to convince someone they need a little more to eat so they can be happy.  And I’m sure she is doing all she can to help any who are discomfited to find peace in their circumstances – all while thinking that she really has nothing positive to offer because she just isn't very talented.

Always helping.

We all know better and will all be grateful for the work she is doing as she prepares a place for us when we make our own arrival in the next part of our eternal journey.

I am thankful for the knowledge we have concerning death and the next life.  The hope of the Savior’s Atonement makes our lives more tolerable – especially when we are struggling with whatever challenges we have.  

May God bless each of us with the knowledge that there are many in the Spirit World who are ready to help us and guide us as we move forward in our eternal progression.  And may He especially bless Phyllis Grange for being a righteous example to all she loves. 

THE BACHELOR

Nope, this is not an invitation to watch an episode of some slimy TV show. This is about what it’s like to be alone when you’re used to having someone around.

For the past month (or so) Teresa’s mother has been fading off into the sunset of life (she did finally leave us on the 10^th of April – more on that later).  And, since she (Teresa) is free from other restrictions (hooray, no daycare), she has been going down to be with her dad as he waits the final passing and to help with the arrangement for the funeral.  I am very grateful that she has this opportunity to be of service to a really good man and a wonderful father.

But, one side effect of Teresa’s good works is that I have been alone much more than I particularly like or than I am used to.

Now, it’s not like I can’t take care of myself.

For instance—

I haven’t starved.

I can wash dishes and clothing.

I can even make my own bed (when I want to).

It’s just that I’m so used to coming home and finding my best friend and sweetheart there and now I come home to a dark and lonely house.

It’s very weird!!

I don’t like it!!

It reminds me that I have a better than good life and an even better than better wife.  She is more of my universe than maybe I have been willing to recognize.

So what do I do to cope?

Well.

I am becoming very adept at sending little messages via text.

Just tiny thoughts that remind her how much she is missed.

And I do it a lot.

Probably drives her crazy – though she would never admit it.

But it helps me stay sane.

I also find that if I make a list of projects, I tend to mope less about the circumstances.  So I work and stay busy.

And I have found that if I go visit the kids on my own, life becomes much more bearable.

My point in all this??

I have determined that when it comes time for us to leave this mortal sphere –

I’m going first!!

Ummm, but that means I will be in a new environment and feeling really out of place and there won’t be anyone there for support.

So, maybe I’m going second so she can have things ready when I get there?!!!

Yeah, but then I’m left here by myself and no hope for relief.

Dang, maybe we just better make sure we go together so we don’t have any issues when we get there.

This is all so hard.

Well, I suppose we will figure it out. 

Or someone will!!

Whatever!

But the truth is, I really DON’T like being a bachelor and I’m so glad these circumstances are only temporary. 

And that’s the truth!!

FIT-BIT

Yes, I am part of the masses that has chosen (sort of) to keep track of my daily activities using an electronic device.

Actually, the kids decided they wanted me to live a little longer so they made me aware of my physical fitness by offering a nice birthday present.  I've had it for about a month and, so far, it has been helpful.

I’m not much of an exerciser anymore but I do try to control my weight as I get older.  This little doodad watches how much I walk and exercise AND invites me to watch what 

and how much I eat.

One thing I have found is that I am more inclined to NOT eat quite so much because it means I have to enter it into the device when I’m done.  It’s not hard, but being cognizant of what I eat means I usually eat less than originally planned.  

And that’s a good thing.

What about the future?

I’m not sure, but I expect I will use this until it decides to fail.  Then I will have to choose between going without or getting something newer.  My hope is that by then I have a few better habits and it will be easier to continue.

I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, I will make use of the Fit-Bit and try to be more healthy.