Jojo Bags

I had to re-sign up.

Something I've been contemplating for a few years is why is one person healed of an affliction or illness and another with an affliction or illness is not. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:48 it says, “And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.” And, there is another scripture that says, “Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons;” (D&C 24:13) So, let me ask the same question: Why is one person healed and another is not? I look at my own life and wonder why I was healed of three horrible afflictions all within one year of each other and others are not. I know it seems that it all comes down to faith, but is faith the entire answer? I know that Joseph Smith taught that God will heal whom He will heal. But why one person and not another? As I contemplated this, I asked myself what was the purpose of afflictions? Some afflictions, both physical and mental, are the result of our own choices, while others are the result of the choices of others. Still, some afflictions seem to be chance and others a result of sin, and still others a result of God allowing Satan to afflict us for some purpose. I know that some people are not healed because they believe more in doctors than in the priesthood and the healing power of Christ. However, what about those who don't run to the doctor for everything, but do believe and have faith in the healing power of Christ? Why are they not healed? I think the necessary faith to be healed is coupled with what is to be learned from having that affliction by either the afflicted person or someone close to them. Possibly then, if the lesson is learned, then the afflicted person can be healed.

Yeah, I know. So many executive orders designed to destroy our country and so little time. It's tough when you are trying to squeeze that all in in between golf games and vacations..

Now, our fearless so-called "president" is not attending Justice Scalia's funeral. Barry is going golfing instead.

A few weeks ago, the subject of depression came up. I thought it might be interesting to discuss this illness. Until four years ago, I had a double diagnosis of major depression and dysthymia. I remember being constantly depressed and sad from the time I was five-years-old. I finally beat it once and for all, but the last eleven years were the darkest and blackest time of my life. The darkness in my soul was so black and so profound that I wanted to die; in fact, I wanted to cease to exist. I wanted God to wipe me from existence. The only thing that kept me from committing suicide was the knowledge that I would be much worse off if I died. During that last eleven years, I was plagued with screaming, kicking, fighting nightmares 2-3 times a night, at least six nights each week. I got to the point where I dreaded going to sleep. Unfortunately, one of the toxic medications I was given made me sleep 10-12 hours a night. During one point when I was feeling exceptionally desperate, I decided to write down what I was feeling as a very short story. This story might give those of you who have never suffered from depression an insight into the mindset of those suffering from this illness. I believe that depression is a complicated spiritual illness manifested physically with physiological components. I don't believe that it just “comes on” by itself through an imbalance of neurotransmitters. I think it is a complicated mental process of being unable to deal with problems and dissonance (conscious or unconscious) created through past memories or current circumstances, and sometimes through an inadequate correct spiritual foundation and balance in one's life. This in turn may cause the imbalance, but not always. I don't think that all cases of depression are covered by this, but I'm pretty sure the majority are.

Anyone remember one of my 2016 predictions? Read this article. http://www.wnd.com/2016/02/scalia-found-dead-with-pillow-over-his-head/ Justice Scalia was well known for his pro-2nd Amendment views. At the same time of his death, there is a massive push by the progressive/communist agenda to disarm Americans. Also, at the same time, Barry is trying to use his executive authority to ban guns and there is a lawsuit before the Supremes challenging Barry's unconstitutional use of his executive authority for amnesty, which will undoubtedly have an impact on his other executive orders. Coincidence or the Gadiantons at work?

This is why we have the gift of discernment. In fact, we will be held accountable for allowing ourselves to be deceived and for our choices in whom we vote for. Elder Andersen was very clear on that subject. You will be held accountable for unrighteous laws enacted by the people you vote for unless you do everything you can to oppose them.

Definitely spiritual. All things were created spiritually before they were temporally.