Bill "Papa" Lee

It has been a while...
When we fail to forgive, we fail to live. We remain stuck in the past, and allow those who have harmed us (perceived or real) to continue to harm us. I thought that I might post something here, other than an announcement, a hard lesson I learned many years ago. A wonderful lesson that taught to me so much, and some wonderful words God revealed to me, and allowed me to write. At this time I share these words before I forget, and before they become cage liners at the bottom of some birdcage. So, click "see more", if you wish to read these comments, or can think of someone who may benefit from these words, to see what a loving God gave to one such as I...
Forgive
Forgive,
The scripture seemed to read
As I took another look. 
Forgive,
The scripture clearly said
Annoyed, I closed the book!
"Forgive",
The Spirit softly spoke
Startled, I did fear.
"Forgive",
The Spirit louder spoke
I pretended not to hear.
"Forgive",
The Savior said to me,
I quickly questioned; Why?
"Forgive",
The Savior said again
"For this I came to die. 
Then bitterly I cried out,
How can Thou know my pain?
The wounds that I have suffered,
My tears that fell like rain? 
Then quietly he spoke my name,
And said, "I understand".
Reached out that he may lift me,
With wounds in both His hands. 
Ashamed; I said how can I?
He reminded me again,
"For he who will not forgive,
In him lies the greater sin"? 
Forgive,
The scripture seemed to read
As I took another look.
Forgive,
The scripture clearly said
I now embraced the book.
"Forgive",
The Spirit softly spoke
Now, I did not fear.
"Forgive",
The Spirit louder spoke
Once deaf, I now can hear. 
"Forgive",
The Savior said to me,
"To you this I give".
"Forgive",
The Savior said again,
"For this I came to live".
William E Lee
July 1996
Copyright 1996
I thank with all my heart for a loving and forgiving Mother, who seeing my need to forgive, asked me to pray and write this. When she asked, I retired to my childhood room, said a short prayer, and this poem came to me as was written in 10 minutes. True story! So, it is truly not my words, but the words and lesson of he who forgives all, who will repent and simply ask.

Across The Hills
Today I walked across the hills
Green carpet filled with daffodils. 
Lives once lived, but now forgotten,
Remembered not by those begotten. 
An eagle rides upon the wind,
He rises high, then falls again. 
Unaware of that which lies below
Forgotten dreams, now silent souls. 
Children who once mourned parent's death,
Now themselves are laid to rest.
Generations past, a new day dawns,
Generations now, where have they gone? 
Tears once shed here in this place
The passing time will soon erase.
Painful memories they once did fear,
Now bittersweet they hold so dear. 
The righteous say, "We rise again".
The godless say, "This is the end".
The foolish say, "I do not know".
The dying say, "Just let me go! 
All is vain, I've heard them say,
"Life is hard, then slips away".
And yet the whisper,"It will not end".
A still small voice, "We rise again."
Man he rises out of the dust,
Live he will, and love he must.
Then with age, his eyes turn down
To lay to rest here in this ground. 
Spring it struggles to arise
White clouds amid a dark blue sky,
Yet on the wind, it's winter chills
Today I walked, across the hills. 
William E Lee
April 1994
Copyright 1996

He would talk so fast, filled with sooooooooo many facts, and with pearls form the past, it would wear you out! Love that guy, and especially his book, (I believe) "Approaching Zion". I read it long ago, and like most books you never see again in your lifetime, you lone it out to a friend, and never see it again. 

I think of Hugh Nibley in his later years.

The Teacher
The teacher sits before us,
With silver in his hair.
Is it he, who once was gifted,
Is it he, now seated there? 
He once inspired the classroom,
Now students pause to wonder.
Has age robbed his fertile mind,
Or robbed his voice like thunder?
Can he, now slumped before us,
Rise from his present chair? 
Could even the gifted surgeon,
His broken frame repair? 
Why did this class, he schedule?
Why did he dare appear?
Why would himself embarrass,
Or even call us here? 
With only a cane to lift him,
A deep breath, and heavy sigh.
As once again his students,
Are forced to question; WHY? 
Then on his lips, a quiet prayer,
That God might give him strength.
For that and more were needed,
For a class of such great length! 
Then suddenly the man appears,
That before we could not see.
His voice as loud as thunder,
The man that used to be. 
With every passing hour,
His strength more quickly grows.
From whence this power comes,
Only God and Heaven knows? 
Pain nor age were not enough
To keep him from his task.
As once again we witnessed,
The teacher rise at last! 
Time and age may claim him,
And take his voice away.
But neither had their victory,
Over "Our Teacher", on this day! 
William E Lee
October 12, 2018
As always, forgive any spelling errors, errors in grammar, and errors in punctuation, as I am no scholar. Just a broken down retired teacher, who tries to rise to the occasion now and again. My world was Military, Police Officer, Code Enforment, and part time teacher of Electrical Code and Mathmatics, for 25+ years at local Community College. Due to disability, I teach one class every few months continuing education courses, (four hour class) and after a four hour class that I barely got through, this "poem" was my answer to my prayer.  

The Teacher
The teacher sits before us,
With silver in his hair.
Is it he, who once was gifted,
Is it he, now seated there? 
He once inspired the classroom,
Now students pause to wonder.
Has age robbed his fertile mind,
Or robbed his voice like thunder?
Can he, now slumped before us,
Rise from his present chair? 
Could even the gifted surgeon,
His broken frame repair? 
Why did this class, he schedule?
Why did he dare appear?
Why would himself embarrass,
Or even call us here? 
With only a cane to lift him,
A deep breath, and heavy sigh.
As once again his students,
Are forced to question; WHY? 
Then on his lips, a quiet prayer,
That God might give him strength.
For that and more were needed,
For a class of such great length! 
Then suddenly the man appears,
That before we could not see.
His voice as loud as thunder,
The man that used to be. 
With every passing hour,
His strength more quickly grows.
From whence this power comes,
Only God and Heaven knows? 
Pain nor age were not enough
To keep him from his task.
As once again we witnessed,
The teacher rise at last! 
Time and age may claim him,
And take his voice away.
But neither had their victory,
Over "Our Teacher", on this day! 
William E Lee
October 12, 2018
As always, forgive any spelling errors, errors in grammar, and errors in punctuation, as I am no scholar. Just a broken down retired teacher, who tries to rise to the occasion now and again. My world was Military, Police Officer, Code Enforment, and part time teacher of Electrical Code and Mathmatics, for 25+ years at local Community College. Due to disability, I teach one class every few months continuing education courses, (four hour class) and after a four hour class that I barely got through, this "poem" was my answer to my prayer.  

I have visited many Temples, in the U.S., and abroad. Each time I have felt the Holy Spirit in such wonderful ways. Over the years I have debated with anti-Mormons who claim that it is all manufactured experiences, or that our Temples are just used as a "control mechanism", to "keep us in line". I have spoken with former members who beliece that they were just deceived, and former members who admit to having Spiritual experiences, while in the Temple. The truth is the experience is not only being in such a place, but the place the Temple has within our lives. Like any place of worship, we bring with us the baggage (be it heavy or light) from our own life's experience. I remember once going to a Synagogue to do an inspection for my job, while working for the City of Atlanta. When I walked in the front door there was a family there with their son who was meeting with his Rabbi. Upon entering, I felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, I was not surprised, but I was intrigued at the experience. I remember the scripture from the New Testament come to mind, "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I will be their also". The interesting thing is this scripture applies to Jesus Christ I thought, and with that thought I was reminded of Christ's intercessory prayer. In this prayer he speaks of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one, and those who are believers as one, one with one another, and one with God. 
It it clear, that the light of Christ dwells with all, even though all may not clearly understand the nature of God, and the roe that Jesus Christ plays in their knowledge of "Good and Evil". It is a light that shines brightly within some people, and different Faiths. Or it shines dimly within others due to unrepentant sins, or incorrect teaching. Also sadly, not at all to those who have snuffed it out through rebellion, when God "turns them over to a reprobate mind". I have learned that we can carry it within our own Temple, "ourselves", which can make the Temple experience so much more powerful. Or when beaten down by life, we can rediscover it in our Sacrament meetings, and our trips to the Temple building. Either way, it is a wondrous place to pear beyond the veil within our hearts and mind, and see the face of God. So, I am so glad you have had, and will continue to have these wonderful bursts of light that come from the word of God, and the physical blessing of a Temple to attend, and re-attend. 

I spent 8 years in the Army, and 23 in law-enforcement, and never had to "set aside" my Faith (LDS) nor my Faith in Jesus Christ. If  someone is knowing violating the commandments to keep their job, it is not worth it. Undercover work can certainly be a challenge for police officers, even duties in the military. But, being true to one's Faith is an asset to being successful in all endeavors, I would think, and from experience.  

First of all, the Church has always admonished parents to love their children in the same context as scriptures states, "husbands love your wives, even as Jesus Christ, loved the Church and gave his life for it". (Hope I quoted it correctly). I have a Gay daughter, and would be willing to give my life for her, or suffer what punishments due her, as God did for me and gave all, I would do the same. Tomorrow all of my family will be in Church, including my daughter, where she has never been badly received, as well as her "wife". Tomorrow, my youngest granddaughter will be blessed, which is why we will all will be there. 
In addtion, regardless of the Church's position on issues of homosexuality, I am not surprised nor shocked,  on their outreach efforts to the Gay community. Nor am I surprised at a recent contribution to a Gay group in Utah, to help with counseling of young people who may be considering suicied. As each of these matters are an effort to reach out to all who are in need. Such actions by the Church are in keeping with the commandments of God. We are commanded to "love the sinner and hate the sin", (a paraphrase). Every Latter-day Saint, should be forgiving, and quick to come to the aid of any who we may be considering harming themselves. Suicide cuts short a life, and retards the chance for repentance, progression in this life, and the life too come". However all of the efforts of the Church, dis not change the doctrines if a scripture, scripture dating back 5,000 years. So, we all should tread softly in reading too much into recent statements.   

I have a rather odd take (well odd to many), I believe that the earth is as reported, around 580 billion years old. I believe that all life came from the sea, other than plant life, until the earth was ready for man. Then man was created when the earth was ready, that the five creative days, or periods, were to make it ready for man, and man on the sixth day. It was then that man was created in the express image of God. I have no evidence to back this up, only my understanding of scripture, natural law, evolution. 
Many argue the ex-nilo account of creation, and we more the "organizing of existing matter". But if God just spoke all things into existence, why not do it all at the same time. The Genesis account make clear that God needed both time and order to create all things. This does not mean that God cannot do all things, as he certainly can, but as most Latter-day Saints believe. My 2 cents anyway.   

Hi, I used to be on lds.net years ago, but left for awhile. Now I'm back hoping for a positive experience and friendly interactions. Hopefully to find friends. 😊 I'm lds and happy to be so. I know God lives and loves us all. I hope to emulate that in my posts. Thanks

I spent 8 years in the Army, and 23 in law-enforcement, and never had to "set aside" my Faith (LDS) nor my Faith in Jesus Christ. If  someone is knowing violating the commandments to keep their job, it is not worth it. Undercover work can certainly be a challenge for police officers, even duties in the military. But, being true to one's Faith is an asset to being successful in all endeavors, I would think, and from experience.  

It has been a while...
When we fail to forgive, we fail to live. We remain stuck in the past, and allow those who have harmed us (perceived or real) to continue to harm us. I thought that I might post something here, other than an announcement, a hard lesson I learned many years ago. A wonderful lesson that taught to me so much, and some wonderful words God revealed to me, and allowed me to write. At this time I share these words before I forget, and before they become cage liners at the bottom of some birdcage. So, click "see more", if you wish to read these comments, or can think of someone who may benefit from these words, to see what a loving God gave to one such as I...
Forgive
Forgive,
The scripture seemed to read
As I took another look. 
Forgive,
The scripture clearly said
Annoyed, I closed the book!
"Forgive",
The Spirit softly spoke
Startled, I did fear.
"Forgive",
The Spirit louder spoke
I pretended not to hear.
"Forgive",
The Savior said to me,
I quickly questioned; Why?
"Forgive",
The Savior said again
"For this I came to die. 
Then bitterly I cried out,
How can Thou know my pain?
The wounds that I have suffered,
My tears that fell like rain? 
Then quietly he spoke my name,
And said, "I understand".
Reached out that he may lift me,
With wounds in both His hands. 
Ashamed; I said how can I?
He reminded me again,
"For he who will not forgive,
In him lies the greater sin"? 
Forgive,
The scripture seemed to read
As I took another look.
Forgive,
The scripture clearly said
I now embraced the book.
"Forgive",
The Spirit softly spoke
Now, I did not fear.
"Forgive",
The Spirit louder spoke
Once deaf, I now can hear. 
"Forgive",
The Savior said to me,
"To you this I give".
"Forgive",
The Savior said again,
"For this I came to live".
William E Lee
July 1996
Copyright 1996
I thank with all my heart for a loving and forgiving Mother, who seeing my need to forgive, asked me to pray and write this. When she asked, I retired to my childhood room, said a short prayer, and this poem came to me as was written in 10 minutes. True story! So, it is truly not my words, but the words and lesson of he who forgives all, who will repent and simply ask.

I certainly will not, I am a one woman man, now and forever. Since polygamy has always be voluntary, it would remain so in the eternities.  

LDS believe that the Spirit testifies of that which is good, and inspires many people (LDS and non).  There is MUCH good in many faiths, and good is always good, wherever it is found.  Now, that being said, LDS also believe that Christ has one church on this earth that is 100% His, and that's the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.   Other churches... while there is much much good, there's also much disagreement and there can only be one pure Truth.
So for an example: Bob is raised atheist discovers Christ is a Baptist church, that's great!  Christ is great and there's many other great things about the Baptist church.  The Spirit can indeed testify to Bob that Christ is the Savior and the Truthfulness of the Bible-- that's Truth!  But the Baptist church doesn't have all Truth, nor does it have Christ's authority as His one true church.  So the hope is that Bob eventually embraces more and more Truth and Christ's one church.  Of course, this may not happen until after Bob's mortal death, which God generously prepared a way for it to happen still. 

Wow!!!!!
You have just answered one of the major question that I do have about the L.D.S. church.......
Like you.... I also believe that the Holy Spirit is leading people from many faiths...... and from many denominations of Christianity.......
for years and even decades before they come to full fledged conversion.  
I know that I could not become a member of another church if I was expected to believe that they were the only church in which there were people who
have and are led by the Holy Spirit!
 

I have visited many Temples, in the U.S., and abroad. Each time I have felt the Holy Spirit in such wonderful ways. Over the years I have debated with anti-Mormons who claim that it is all manufactured experiences, or that our Temples are just used as a "control mechanism", to "keep us in line". I have spoken with former members who beliece that they were just deceived, and former members who admit to having Spiritual experiences, while in the Temple. The truth is the experience is not only being in such a place, but the place the Temple has within our lives. Like any place of worship, we bring with us the baggage (be it heavy or light) from our own life's experience. I remember once going to a Synagogue to do an inspection for my job, while working for the City of Atlanta. When I walked in the front door there was a family there with their son who was meeting with his Rabbi. Upon entering, I felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, I was not surprised, but I was intrigued at the experience. I remember the scripture from the New Testament come to mind, "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I will be their also". The interesting thing is this scripture applies to Jesus Christ I thought, and with that thought I was reminded of Christ's intercessory prayer. In this prayer he speaks of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one, and those who are believers as one, one with one another, and one with God. 
It it clear, that the light of Christ dwells with all, even though all may not clearly understand the nature of God, and the roe that Jesus Christ plays in their knowledge of "Good and Evil". It is a light that shines brightly within some people, and different Faiths. Or it shines dimly within others due to unrepentant sins, or incorrect teaching. Also sadly, not at all to those who have snuffed it out through rebellion, when God "turns them over to a reprobate mind". I have learned that we can carry it within our own Temple, "ourselves", which can make the Temple experience so much more powerful. Or when beaten down by life, we can rediscover it in our Sacrament meetings, and our trips to the Temple building. Either way, it is a wondrous place to pear beyond the veil within our hearts and mind, and see the face of God. So, I am so glad you have had, and will continue to have these wonderful bursts of light that come from the word of God, and the physical blessing of a Temple to attend, and re-attend. 

I have visited many Temples, in the U.S., and abroad. Each time I have felt the Holy Spirit in such wonderful ways. Over the years I have debated with anti-Mormons who claim that it is all manufactured experiences, or that our Temples are just used as a "control mechanism", to "keep us in line". I have spoken with former members who beliece that they were just deceived, and former members who admit to having Spiritual experiences, while in the Temple. The truth is the experience is not only being in such a place, but the place the Temple has within our lives. Like any place of worship, we bring with us the baggage (be it heavy or light) from our own life's experience. I remember once going to a Synagogue to do an inspection for my job, while working for the City of Atlanta. When I walked in the front door there was a family there with their son who was meeting with his Rabbi. Upon entering, I felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, I was not surprised, but I was intrigued at the experience. I remember the scripture from the New Testament come to mind, "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I will be their also". The interesting thing is this scripture applies to Jesus Christ I thought, and with that thought I was reminded of Christ's intercessory prayer. In this prayer he speaks of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one, and those who are believers as one, one with one another, and one with God. 
It it clear, that the light of Christ dwells with all, even though all may not clearly understand the nature of God, and the roe that Jesus Christ plays in their knowledge of "Good and Evil". It is a light that shines brightly within some people, and different Faiths. Or it shines dimly within others due to unrepentant sins, or incorrect teaching. Also sadly, not at all to those who have snuffed it out through rebellion, when God "turns them over to a reprobate mind". I have learned that we can carry it within our own Temple, "ourselves", which can make the Temple experience so much more powerful. Or when beaten down by life, we can rediscover it in our Sacrament meetings, and our trips to the Temple building. Either way, it is a wondrous place to pear beyond the veil within our hearts and mind, and see the face of God. So, I am so glad you have had, and will continue to have these wonderful bursts of light that come from the word of God, and the physical blessing of a Temple to attend, and re-attend. 

and I am truly impressed as I have read about twenty or more chapters of Gospel Principles.  
I really like the following statement for many reasons:
https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-41-the-postmortal-spirit-world?lang=eng