Shy People

As many of you know, I spend my day time with high school students.

Some days they are wonderful folk.

Other days they are folk that just make me wonder!!!

For the past few weeks we have been trying to get pictures of all the seniors so we can create an end of the year slideshow.  Most of the kids are pretty accommodating but from time to time we have a truly shy person who is reluctant to have their image put on camera.  I’m OK with that and will generally find a way to get their picture in a quiet manner.

 

It’s the people who pretend to be camera shy that are so hard to understand.

 

For instance, one young man is a star football player who has worked hard to get his image out to the community but refuses to stand still long enough to snap a quick shot.  Or the school singer/comedian/star actor who is suddenly reluctant to allow us the privilege of his photo for our show.

 

OOO, I’m too embarrassed to let you take my picture!!!

I’m not coming out of the bathroom until you promise not to take my picture.

 

It’s pretty ridiculous because we all know they would be offended if they weren’t included in the final product of our efforts.  So what did we finally get with these two?  Check it out!! 

 

Yes, that is a senior boy, cowering in a stall in the men’s room of our building.

The other ‘victim’ was even less cooperative so I won’t post his efforts.  But it was considerably worse than this photo I took of a “shy” girl in the same class.

This young lady finally gave in and we have a nice shot of her for the show.

 

Teresa often accuses me of not looking good in pictures (what do you expect for an old guy?) because I don’t smile right but at least I am willing to have my face recorded for posterity.  Sure hope these young people open up and stop acting like something they are not.  Especially when it is only themselves they are hurting.

Hateful Ranting—City Stuff—Epiphany?

I know it is not nice to hate things but…

Some things deserve all the hate we can muster.

Eggs (taste like sulphur)

Eggplant (bad experience as a youth)

Liver ( like chewing sand)

Duck/Goose (too greasy)

Okra (food of the devil)

And a few other things that I won’t mention right now.

This past week I also discovered that I really don’t like (notice no hate) something else:

Code Enforcement Inspectors

These are the people who have no life except to wander around neighborhoods and make things miserable for residents.

Before anyone accuses me of wanting our area to become a mess, I understand what a Code Inspector does and why they are hired. And I agree that they are a necessary part of life.

What I don’t understand is why they can’t be civil when they perform their tasks.

And while I’m at it!!!

Why isn’t the city held to the same standard as the residents.

We have to keep our yards neat and comely but the sidewalks (owned by our city) are a mess.  We have tried for more than 7 years to get our sidewalks fixed and the only answer we receive is:

“You’re on your own.  We don’t have time to fix sidewalks.”

If my driveway looked like the city’s sidewalks, I would have a visit from my favorite Code Officer and would  be required to have things repaired in 14 days.

Maybe someday it will be clear to me why this is so and I can do another post about the epiphany I received.  But my guess is that things will continue on as they are and someone will eventually have an accident and sue the city.  Then maybe they will have time to fix things.  And then my taxes will go up because….well, you know what I mean.

Enough rantings for today!!!

Maybe It's “Evil Christians”

Just a little follow-up to my last post.  Follow this link and read how others with values and standards have survived in the world.  Is this some of what we have to look forward to in the coming years?  Probably but we are confident in the Savior and His promises. 

(I should also note that when I first promised my "What Makes Mormons Evil" message I intended it to be sarcastic.  Upon further consideration, it was decided that sarcasm is only a tool to create contention and I certainly didn't want to be lost in that realm.  Therefore, the blog on beliefs was done serious and without much (or any) humor.  To those looking for light-heartedness, I am sorry and will try to do something funnier later.) 

Finally, the failings of Mormons

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was working on my “EVIL MORMON” paper. 

 

Well, I have my top ten items prepared and I present them to you for your perusal and approval. 

 

I recognize that some of you will find this boring and long but……….DEAL WITH IT!!!  Have fun and remember this is just my own personal opinion.

10 Things that make Mormons “Evil”

This little treatise has come about because I keep hearing how “Evil” the Mormons are for their beliefs. It annoys me, a little, that some of our detractors presume to tell me what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But even worse, it is destructive when they tell others that my beliefs are not founded in the teachings of Christ. My goal is to help those who don’t know what we (LDS) believe understand the things we teach and practice in our effort to become more like Christ. He is, after all, the Great Ideal who should lead all of us to improvement.

I am not an official representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Church has no connection with this message. These are my own words, as best I can give them, concerning my beliefs in the Church.

1. Mormons are often ridiculed because they teach that they belong to the “One True Church”. The contention, by many not of the Church, is that all Christian religions lead to the same place and so it doesn’t matter which church you join. When Joseph Smith declared that he had received revelation setting up the True religion of Christ he was persecuted and eventually murdered. Joseph is dead but the Church he restored continues in strength and truth for all to receive. We do not speak ill of any other religion but declare that whatever good they have will be enhanced by their coming to be with us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our missionaries are not sent out to prove any other religion ‘wrong’ but they are sent to offer the “Fullness of the Everlasting Gospel” to those who are interested in hearing.

2. There are some who would have the world believe that the Church teaches man must ‘earn’ their way into heaven. Mormons teach that God was not making an idle suggestion when He commanded men to “become Perfect”. Any who study the doctrines of the Gospel understand that salvation and exaltation are not available to those who try to do things on their own (works only). The only way an individual can progress from the state of mortality, with all its foibles and struggles, to the place of Perfection that is promised by God to all who believe in Christ, is by the power and gift of Christ called the Atonement. Does that mean we believe only in faith? No, we also believe that we must do all in our power to be as good as possible, and THEN call upon the blessings of the Savior to finish the job (faith and works working in concert). None can be saved alone—not by their own works, nor by the works of the Savior—it takes both to finish the job!! Being saved without the efforts of our hearts and souls AND hands is nothing more than a satanic twisting of God’s plan. Becoming perfect is a long, struggling process that will only be complete when both sides of the equation have been filled.

3. The Latter-day Saint view of marriage and family takes a lot of criticism from those who would let the world and popular opinion make the rules of family and marital relationships. LDS folks do not view marriage as something that is short term or limited to mortality. Marriage is to continue on throughout the eternities, providing the couple remains faithful to the covenants they make. This gives the marriage relationship a different perspective when entered into faithfully. It also affects the way LDS members look at their responsibilities to family and children. Here are three areas where LDS beliefs differ from much of the world:

a. Sexual relationships between a man and a woman are to be kept within the bonds of marriage. A good portion of mankind have few qualms about participating in the sex act outside marriage. It is often seen as an expression of love between two people and is reduced to the level of a kiss on the doorstep. And if this dalliance results in the creation of a child, the ‘problem’ is addressed by taking the life of the unborn individual.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are held to a standard that prohibits having sexual relations with anyone except their husband or wife, to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded. Does this limit their relationships? Yes, it does, but it also improves their commitment to their spouse and family and eliminates the challenges brought on by infidelity, divorce and other moral failings.

b. Men and women are taught to love and respect each other as equal partners in the marriage relationship. This does not mean they are equal in their responsibilities but they both carry the load that is best suited for their characteristics. Fathers are counseled to lead their families in righteousness and provide the necessary temporal needs of the home and family. Mothers are, by design, nurturing and should have primary responsibility to be with the children in the home. Both mother and father are responsible to see that children are taught right from wrong, guided in making difficult life choices, and raised up in a loving, caring environment. The upbringing of children is not to be delegated to other individuals, organizations, or government entities.

The bonding of man and woman as equal partners eliminates all other forms of relationships in the marriage contract. For families to be successful there is a need for both mother and father to be present and involved in the raising of children.

c. Marriage is for the purpose of perpetuating the family. It is ordained of God that a man and a woman should be joined in marriage for the purpose of bringing God’s children into this world. Latter-day Saints are counseled to have children and join with God in the raising of those children to a level of righteousness. Marriage is for the purpose of joining a man and woman who love each other AND having children and learning to love and support them as part of a unified family.

4. There are many accusations made that members of the LDS Church are exclusionary and unwilling to accept others in their lives. Those of the Mormon persuasion are constantly reminded and encouraged to reach out and bless the lives of other people. It is a serious charge to be followers of Jesus Christ. He has mandated that we learn to love all other of His people and serve them with our whole hearts. Latter-day Saints have been taught and encouraged to give of themselves for the benefit of all those in the world. One of the prophets in the Book of Mormon taught it like this:

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn the when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17)

Jesus spent His days doing good to all men. A faithful member of the Church will also spend much of his/her life following that Perfect Example.

5. Despite the mandates/programs of government, members of the Mormon Church find their leaders constantly reminding them to develop self-sufficiency in their own homes. This includes things like:

a. Staying out of debt except in the case of a modest home and possibly education loans. This is a huge conflict with what has been taught by much of the world. The bondage of debt is insidious and is one of the greatest causes of the decay in the family. Getting something without working for it is another doctrine of the adversary.

b. Improving education levels so that the family has income to provide for all. They also advocate that the MAN be the breadwinner so the WIFE can stay home and care for the children. When a family is well educated and both parents are capable of helping with the needs of the family (spiritual and temporal) there is more likelihood for peace in the home. And when the father takes his duties to provide and allows the mother the option to be home with the children, there is more success in raising righteous posterity.

c. Setting aside food, supplies, and money for those times when there is a special need. Some may call it hording but preparedness is a commandment from God to His children.

d. Working for what they get rather than expect handouts from others. Government would have us believe that handouts are the way to solve poverty problems. Members are encouraged to be self-sustaining in their lives so they are not a burden on society. Work is the means of receiving sustenance in this world.

6. From time to time, there are accusations made that Mormons are bigoted and prejudiced against portions of society. Leaders of Mormon society are well known for encouraging their members to become involved in the local, state and national political issues. Some of these issues are so volatile that they incur the wrath of groups who disagree with the Church and result in unfounded charges of bigotry. Latter-day Saints are counseled to stand up and speak clearly and loudly in support of principles of truth and right. All of this is done with the intent to protect the rights of belief and truth as seen by LDS members. Responding to matters of moral and civil righteousness is not bigotry or prejudice: it is preserving a level of societal values that will provide for long-term happiness in the world.

7. Closely aligned with #6 (above) is the charge that Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are intolerant of the beliefs and practices of other religious, political or social groups. When Latter-day Saints are challenged in their beliefs, they are counseled to respond with love. Hate-mongering is not acceptable to members of the Church and those who truly understand the principles and doctrines of the Gospel will have no difficulty abiding by these precepts. Sadly, some who see the Church and its members take a stand on important issues interpret holding to truth as hate. We love and accept all people but we cannot abide the practices that are steeped in sinfulness. And when we do not fold under the pressure to change our beliefs, we are branded as intolerant and haters.

8. Some people outside the Church wonder why an organization, such as the Mormon Church, make such efforts to proselyte new individuals and families to their flocks? I have heard some comment that the LDS missionaries are a waste of time because much of the world is already Christian and doesn’t need to be taught. I suppose the Jewish leaders in the days of Christ felt much the same way about His teachings. We take it as a calling to share the truths and teachings we have received with all who would hear. And if some choose not to listen, we will still love them and bless them any way we can.

9. One of the really “hard to understand” practices of Mormons is temple ordinances for the dead. Why would a people take uncountable hours of their own personal time and perform vicarious ordinances for people who are dead. Because we believe that these people (our ancestors and others) deserve the right to make a choice as to whether they would like to participate in the blessings offered. Temple ordinances for the dead are not forced on anyone but if the deceased wishes to accept, the blessings are there waiting.

I struggle a little bit with individuals who try to make something sinister out of our providing opportunities for deceased individuals. No one is “forced” into becoming a Mormon because that is not how Heavenly Father does His work. But if they are willing to accept what is provided, why should they not have that chance. In effect, those who oppose this work are doing just what they accuse the Church of doing: taking away the right to choose.

10. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take great care to teach their children the doctrines and principles of the Gospel of Christ. The LDS Church is very concerned that all its members know the truths and doctrines that Christ has revealed. We start at a very young age to share these beliefs with our children and continue to share more detailed understanding as they become mature and able to bear the knowledge. To many, this seems to be “indoctrination” and I guess, in a way, it is. Indoctrination means to put the doctrine into someone and that is exactly what we intend to do…put the doctrine into our children so they have the safety of the truth to guide their lives. We do not equivocate in our desire to bless the lives of all with the truth of Christ’s Gospel and so it makes sense that we would work hard to teach our children.

When some of our children choose to follow another path, there is great sorrow but the love of a parent remains and hopes for a return to the fold.

I hope this has been enlightening for some who may have questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Mormons are good people, by and large, and are in this world to bring as much joy as possible to those who live with them. This is not a religion of destruction (tearing down others) but one based on helping others find more about Jesus Christ and His doctrines. For any who wish to learn more, please visit one of the many websites the Church has developed. If you have comments about this treatise, please direct them to me through the comments section.

Number Eleven

Sunday was a big day for our family.

No, we didn’t change churches (though our ward did temporarily move to another building).

But it was a celebration for a BIRTHDAY!!

Literally!!!

Tanner Emmett Whitmer

(Here's the Little cutie)

You may not recognize the name, but he is the newest arrival to our expanding family.

He is the son of Kevin and Jenny and was born about 12:30 PM Sunday (only 23 days early)

6 lbs 10 oz and 18 inches long

(Here's a link so you can check up on the little fellow)

Because of his early arrival, he needed to stay a little longer in the hospital (lungs are the last thing to complete their growth in newborns) but he should be home this weekend.

Jenny sent a picture to everyone but me so I will find one on my camera (when I get home) and post it here.

That makes 11 grandchildren.  Whooppeeee!!

Surprise Concert

Just a short entry today (unless I get more time later) so I wanted to mention something I forgot last week.

 

As Josh and I were driving home from Green River, we passed the E-Center off I-215.

The marquee was flashing something about a concert and I mentioned something about it.  Josh said he and Heather were going and wasn’t it too bad Mom and I couldn’t go.  I thought that was nice but gave it no more consideration.

 

The next Monday, Teresa mentioned that we were busy on Wednesday and I thought she meant we were going to the Temple (sealing session ever 2nd Wed.).  I said we weren’t scheduled for another week and she indicated that I was still busy.  After some gentle pushing (OK, maybe not so gentle) she confessed we were also going to a concert on Wed night. 

 

Guess Who was performing???

 

Yes, it was Michael Buble’!!

 

Now, I’m not one of those people who generally gets real excited about performers but I do enjoy the variety that Buble’ offers.  And after witnessing his concert, I can say that he truly is an entertaining performer. 

If you have the chance, spend a few shekels and go see a very well done concert by a young man who knows how to croon with the best of them.  You won’t be disappointed.

Fishing and “Evil Mormons”

Had a great fishing trip with Josh last weekend. 

The Green River was in perfect condition (though the weather was just a BIT windy) and the fish were fat and feisty. 

Neither of us took a camera (Josh because he was afraid I would drop his in the water, again!!---me because I forgot) so there aren’t any pictures (but one fish looks pretty much like another and you really don’t want to see what we look like when we are fishing and haven’t bathed for a few days).

Note: huge subject change coming…beware!!!

There has been an idea working around in my head for several years that I hope to get out (of my head) very soon.  It’s a little self-serving because it addresses something that has bugged me for a long time.

OK, I will give you a little hint.  I’m going to call it (at least for now) something like “What Makes Mormons Really Evil”.

The intent is to offer a sarcastic message (something I have become quite good at in my life)  to all those folks who keep finding fault with what the leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do with their lives.

After all, aren’t we the abominations that will bring down Christianity as it has been known for many hundreds of years?

Hopefully, this will be a funny but informative treatise that can be used to say, “we really aren’t that bad as a people…even if you don’t like the Book of Mormon.”

Watch for it in a store (or blog) near you.

 

Kings and Memories

A number of years ago (1987 to be exact) Ezra Taft Benson made the following statement:

The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming.  (Ensign, May 1987, 4)

Here is a verse I found in the book of 3rd Nephi that seems to foreshadow events of the past few months:

And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at liberty but should be subject unto kings. (3 Nephi 6:30)

As our congress was attempting the Health Care Bill, there were some representatives in the Democratic party who were concerned about the provisions allowing government support of abortion.  These “Right to Life” members profess to believe in the sanctity of life and would not vote for a bill that gave the people the ability to stop a pregnancy while using government money for the procedure.

I applaud the convictions of these men and women and hope they will continue to apply these principles to their decisions but, in this case, they compromised themselves because of a promise made by the President.  Mr Obama assured the anti-abortion Democrats that by issuing an “Executive Order” forbidding the government to use any tax money to fund abortions the problem would be solved.

There are two things wrong with this compromise solution:

1. This “Executive Order” does not seem to do the things the President and others have said it will do.  The wording of the order is such that it would be very easy to circumvent the restrictions established by the Hyde Amendment.  It is also questionable if the President really has the authority to essentially make a “line-item” change in the bill.

2. IF Congress DOES allow the President to issue this order AND they honor it, the Congress has given the President powers that are not part of the Executive Branch.  They have, essentially, declared that the President can change any law simply by issuing an Order from his office.  That is not Presidential power, that is Kingly Power.

If you reexamine the verse of scripture at the head of this post, you will see a glaring similarity with what was happening in the days before the Savior came to the Americas.  

My point is not to create fear or to lead some to worry about the state of our nation because I am confident that if we follow the Living Prophet we will find our way through.  What I wish to encourage is a desire to be prepared for the days of challenges before the Savior comes the 2nd time.  Whatever happens in the world, if we are in the right place, we will find the peace that comes from the Holy Ghost.  As King Benjamin (a real and righteous king) taught,

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish.  And now, O man, remember, and perish not. (Mosiah 4:30)

Robbers Among Us

There was a time in my life when I was probably considered a Republican.  Not that I was a “party-line” voter, but the Republican party seemed to care about the things I cared about most, so I went their way.  But, as of late, I am finding that my political beliefs are not really covered by either of the major parties now in power.  There are some times when the Elephant gang advocates a particular ideal that meets my own personal creed and once in a while the Donkey guys support concepts I can swallow.  But over the last while I have found myself standing outside BOTH groups because the things they preach are so out of line that I can support neither.
The antics of our local and national politicians have reminded of a letter, written by a man of persuasive speech, sent to the leaders of a ancient nation:

And now it came to pass that in the sixteenth year from the coming of Christ, Lachoneus, the governor of the land, received an epistle from the leader and the governor of this band of robbers; and these were the words which were written, saying:

Lachoneus, most noble and chief governor of the land, behold, I write this epistle unto you, and do give unto you exceedingly great praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your people, in maintaining that which ye suppose to be your right and liberty; yea, ye do stand well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a god, in the defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country, or that which ye do call so.

And it seemeth a pity unto me, most noble Lachoneus, that ye should be so foolish and vain as to suppose that ye can stand against so many brave men who are at my command, who do now at this time stand in their arms, and do await with great anxiety for the word—Go down upon the Nephites and destroy them.

And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit, having proved them in the field of battle, and knowing of their everlasting hatred towards you because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them, therefore if they should come down against you they would visit you with utter destruction.

Therefore I have written this epistle, sealing it with mine own hand, feeling for your welfare, because of your firmness in that which ye believe to be right, and your noble spirit in the field of battle.

Therefore I write unto you, desiring that ye would yield up unto this my people, your cities, your lands, and your possessions, rather than that they should visit you with the sword and that destruction should come upon you.

Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance.

And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct.

And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down unto us.

And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands and your possessions, without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government, and except ye do this, I will avenge their wrongs. I am Giddianhi. (3 Nephi 3:1-10)

The man writing the letter was neither a Republican nor a Democrat (at least not by our definition) but he was a man who felt he had a right to demand something of a people who did not trust him.  The people we we have sent to our nation’s capitol are offering a similar “opportunity” for conformity to us.  The elected leaders of this country have forgotten that they are sent to govern at our behest.  They have grown “fat” in their positions and believe that we are less than intelligent so they must save us from ourselves.

Current legislation before congress is known to be “BAD” for the people yet an ignorant (meaning those who ignore) sect of the government continue to propel us toward something they can’t even describe (because it isn’t finished).  Can their be any doubt that their intentions are not honorable but selfish in nature?

When politicians begin to rule as monarchs and not as elected representatives, it is time to remove the offending persons and replace them with trusted servants to the people.

The problem then becomes, who can we trust to do the job correctly?  Not an easy question to answer!!!  It will take a lot of work by a large group of people to find those who are interested in serving and not ruling.  

Our task is to find someone like Lachoneus who is more concerned for the welfare of his people than for his own political career.  It might be well if we all took a few minutes and read how this “JUST MAN” was able to preserve the liberty of his people in the face of overwhelming odds (read 3 Nephi 3:11-26).

We live in a blessed land and have rights and privileges given to us because we have been a nation of faith.  The blessings of God will not remain with us if we are not faithful to Him and His Son.  There are people in this country who know how to be true to the things of God.  They do not have to be Latter-day Saints—They only have to be JUST.  Look for them and support them so that we might save this wonderful land we love.

Some Unrelated Musings

It’s Parent/Teacher Conference tonight and I don’t have any parents visiting so I’m going to use the time to throw out a few thoughts.  Nothing earth-shattering, but some ponderings I have had over the last while.

On the 26th of Feb, one of my heroes (Elder Oaks) was at Harvard Law School to share a few ideas.

Here is the link to his message: http://tinyurl.com/yefksfg

If people would just listen to these inspired men, there would be fewer problems in the world.  Of course, we know that isn’t going to happen with most people because what our Prophets teach is not what they want to hear.  There’s just too much “fun” in what the world wants to do and they can’t be bothered with what is right. (OK, maybe that’s a little judgmental and I should be more careful….sorry World!)

 

Joel is in California now (San Luis Obispo) and is working at one of the colleges.  We have been posting some of his letters and sending them to family.  If you aren’t getting them and would like to, please Teresa know.

 

One of my favorite authors, when I was young, was Robert Heinlein. 

Most of what he wrote was science fiction for young people.  To me, his best book was called Starship Troopers.

 

I always wanted someone to make a movie of that book but when it finally came out, it was rated R and (as I understand, not having seen it) was nothing like the book. 

I really hate it when people ruin perfectly good stories by adding worthless junk. 

Don’t know how Mr. Heinlein felt about the movie cause he was dead but I hope he was very upset and sent scary ghosts to those who perpetrated this horrible travesty.

 

One last thing before I go!!

Someone just came in for P/T conference and now I can’t remember the last thing.  I guess that will have to be all for this entry.