Traveler

There is great misunderstanding because the world does not understand symbolism.  I have already posted that there is no single hour or day for the earth but there is more to the symbolism.  Anciently calendars were very important - not so much for knowing the day but to understand prophesy and to keep covenants.  The concept of covenant has largely been lost in the religious community.  In our day we have a constitution by which the laws of our society is governed.  In ancient kingdom the laws were based in covenants.  When a king spoke, in order for his words to become law - he would have to make a covenant with his subjects according to his word.  It was the glue of stability. 
According to the covenants of ancient Israel each year would begin a covenant for that year.  This new covenant would be celebrated by a feast of all Israel.  Part of the feast would be bread and wine.  Think of the idea of a feast at the coming of Christ.  The emblems of the sacrament symbolize this feast.  This feast was important as is the symbolism of the feast as we worship by remembering Jesus and renewing our covenants.  Are you all getting a picture.  There is also other symbolism in preparing for the feast in the parable of the 10 virgins and their preparation of oil for their lamps.
As the day of the new year came close there were signs in the heaven.  First there was the sign of the equinox - the new year could not begin until the sun had been in equinox.  Then there must be a new moon following the equinox.  The new year would then begin after the Sabbath.  This day is known as the day of the sun or Sunday.  It is interesting that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday.  Do we appreciate this symbolism?  Not as an event some 2,000 years ago but as a prophetic symbolism of what is to be?  But before the new year could come there had to be two expert witnesses that would come before a judge and testify that the sign of the equinox and the new moon had taken place.  When the signs had been witnessed than messengers would be dispatched throughout Israel that would light fires on hills - these fires in the night before were the final symbol that the time had come and when the sun rose designating the Sunday and the new covenant - the feast would take place.
Because there were signs for the equinox and new moon - anyone that knew the signs would know of the new year feast and when it would be.  If a traveler were to come to Israel just about anyone could tell them when the new year feast would be.  But sometimes the sky would fill with storm clouds and block the sun and the moon.  It would be impossible to see the signs.  When this happened there was a saying in Israel concerning when the feast would take place - the saying was, "No man knows the hour or the day, not even the angles (messengers) of heaven but G-d (the king of Israel and the proctor of the covenant) only knows.   But dispute the storm clouds there were "experts" that were called prophets that would determine that the signs had taken place though obstructed by the storm clouds and the fires would be lit and the feast of the new year covenant would occur.
I find the symbolism that surrounds the feast most interesting - especially that in order to be prepared for the feast when the storm clouds gather - which they will in the last days - that only those that wait on the living prophets will be ready with the oil in their lamps.  The prophetic nature symbolizes not just the coming of the King and the new covenant - but that it will come in a time when many will think the scripture are enough - but that storm clouds will obstruct and cause doubt.  And only those that believe in and follow the living prophets among us will be prepared and ready when the hour and the day actually comes.
 
The Traveler
 

I have thought long and hard about this particular post – I am concerned because of the possibility that it will be misinterpreted and applied incorrect to justify things that should not be justified.  Sometimes the goodness of individuals is overblown.  Maybe that is the wrong idea – Sometimes the flaws of good individuals are brushed aside as a recognition and honor of their accomplishments.   In part, I believe this is the result of thinking perfection means having never had flaws.   The idea that if flaws once existed they can and likely will exist again.
The problem is that if there is nothing to be gained through our probationary experience – there is no justice or mercy in even one second continuance of our probation.  It would be a sin of G-d to leave us subject to the fall as fallen creatures.  Spiritual growth and development as a fallen being is an enigma that cannot proceed without the divine assistance of the Holy Ghost.  So subtle is the influence of the Holy Ghost in our probationary physical circumstance that his role in our eternal salvation is often overlooked in light of The Father and the Redemption of The Son.
Because of the doctrine of agency many over rate their importance in the outcome of things – thinking that any accomplishment is because of agency.  The reality is that without the sustaining of the Holy Ghost our agency would be lost to us.  In essence, during our fallen probation the Holy Ghost enables us to do some good through that influence.  I would go so far as to say that without the gift of the Holy Ghost no man can do good.  But the essence of this principle is lost in the thinking that we are more in control of things than we are and the sentiment in the question of – “What of the good done by many men that have not been baptized through the priesthood and received the gift of the Holy Ghost?”
The goodness that comes about; throughout the history of man is not because of man but because of the Holy Ghost.  When many come to understand that prophets and leaders make mistakes they wonder why anyone ought to follow?  In addition if we were close enough to any man (or woman) we would know of their flaws.  Sometimes this makes marriage too difficult for us to maintenance and service.   It is not our leaders we follow – but it is G-d that appoints them.  This is according to the oath and covenant of the Priesthood (D&C section 84).  And when we start to think that we are better than our leaders – it limits the influence the Holy Ghost has in our lives and we begin to despise those we should love.
I have learned in my marriage that it is better that I love and cherish my wife (despite her flaws) – making exceptions for her than it is for me to be right – or should I say to think and believe that I am right.  I do realize that others may have to take a stand to end abuse – but that is a different discussion.
 
The Traveler

How much advance notice was Nephi given in the Book of Mormon to the first advent of Christ? 
As little as I know and understand - when two prophets are killed and left on the streets of Jerusalem - I will be able to tell you or anyone else that wants to know - easily within 24 hours - when the second coming will be.
 
The Traveler

I am somewhat amazed about the various attitudes of skepticism concerning the signs of the times.  Let me be very clear concerning my opinion – G-d would not tell us of the signs of the times if he did not want us to know of them.  Many have indicated that we should not speculate – and with this I agree but there is a very big difference in receiving revelation through the light and knowledge that come through the direction of the spirit and speculation.  And for the record; I think it is as wrong to speculate that the covenant saints will not know in advance what is to happen as it is to speculate that something is about to happen.
One of the big problems is that the prophetic nature of the signs are symbolic as well as the explanation we have in scripture of the signs.  Because the world does not understand divine symbolism many in the world do not understand or believe in the signs.  I personally believe that those that say no one can behold the signs and know of the coming of the Christ – which they do so because they have not received the spirit of G-d but rather; the spirit they have received is a counterfeit apostate spirit.  Just as the Pharisees did not comprehend the signs of the times of the first advent of Christ – many counterfeit believers will not comprehend the signs of the second advent of Christ.
I will give one little example – because the scripture prophetically say that no man will know the hour or the day – many believe that no one will know in the hours and days before he comes that the event of his coming is hours or days away.  I would point out to such skeptics that the modern world is comprised of time zones and an international date line.  There is no hour or day for the whole earth.  That if there was a prophesy that identified an hour or day – that for most of the earth such a prophesy would fail.
The final point I would make of the signs of the times is the same today as it was of old – even as Jesus spoke to his disciples and mocked the Pharisees as well as their equivalents in the Book of Mormon – so will things be in the last days.  The Saints will wait with great faith and anticipation but the world will mock the saints and the prophetic signs in unbelief, denial and confusion.
 
The Traveler

There is great misunderstanding because the world does not understand symbolism.  I have already posted that there is no single hour or day for the earth but there is more to the symbolism.  Anciently calendars were very important - not so much for knowing the day but to understand prophesy and to keep covenants.  The concept of covenant has largely been lost in the religious community.  In our day we have a constitution by which the laws of our society is governed.  In ancient kingdom the laws were based in covenants.  When a king spoke, in order for his words to become law - he would have to make a covenant with his subjects according to his word.  It was the glue of stability. 
According to the covenants of ancient Israel each year would begin a covenant for that year.  This new covenant would be celebrated by a feast of all Israel.  Part of the feast would be bread and wine.  Think of the idea of a feast at the coming of Christ.  The emblems of the sacrament symbolize this feast.  This feast was important as is the symbolism of the feast as we worship by remembering Jesus and renewing our covenants.  Are you all getting a picture.  There is also other symbolism in preparing for the feast in the parable of the 10 virgins and their preparation of oil for their lamps.
As the day of the new year came close there were signs in the heaven.  First there was the sign of the equinox - the new year could not begin until the sun had been in equinox.  Then there must be a new moon following the equinox.  The new year would then begin after the Sabbath.  This day is known as the day of the sun or Sunday.  It is interesting that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday.  Do we appreciate this symbolism?  Not as an event some 2,000 years ago but as a prophetic symbolism of what is to be?  But before the new year could come there had to be two expert witnesses that would come before a judge and testify that the sign of the equinox and the new moon had taken place.  When the signs had been witnessed than messengers would be dispatched throughout Israel that would light fires on hills - these fires in the night before were the final symbol that the time had come and when the sun rose designating the Sunday and the new covenant - the feast would take place.
Because there were signs for the equinox and new moon - anyone that knew the signs would know of the new year feast and when it would be.  If a traveler were to come to Israel just about anyone could tell them when the new year feast would be.  But sometimes the sky would fill with storm clouds and block the sun and the moon.  It would be impossible to see the signs.  When this happened there was a saying in Israel concerning when the feast would take place - the saying was, "No man knows the hour or the day, not even the angles (messengers) of heaven but G-d (the king of Israel and the proctor of the covenant) only knows.   But dispute the storm clouds there were "experts" that were called prophets that would determine that the signs had taken place though obstructed by the storm clouds and the fires would be lit and the feast of the new year covenant would occur.
I find the symbolism that surrounds the feast most interesting - especially that in order to be prepared for the feast when the storm clouds gather - which they will in the last days - that only those that wait on the living prophets will be ready with the oil in their lamps.  The prophetic nature symbolizes not just the coming of the King and the new covenant - but that it will come in a time when many will think the scripture are enough - but that storm clouds will obstruct and cause doubt.  And only those that believe in and follow the living prophets among us will be prepared and ready when the hour and the day actually comes.
 
The Traveler
 

I do not believe it matters if a small child takes the sacrament or not.  I believe that in many ways children are a reflection of their parents.  But not always in the ways we may think.  There are two things going on with children and one has to do with their individual personality that comes with them from the pre-existence.  The other is what they learn from examples and encouragement from their parents.  Since I often do not know for sure what comes from parents and what comes personalities I will leave this as an exercise for the reader – but I do believe parents can teach their children how to behave at church and respect the sacrament. 
For example I am amazed with parents that will bring a young child to church and expect them to know how to behave.  In essence leaving it up to the child to figure this out without much help.  My wife was the expert at this when our children were young.  She spent many hours at home teaching our children how to sit reverently for long periods of time without getting down from their place and running around.  Many of my callings took me away from sitting with my family at church – but my wife learned and planned in advance how to handle all 5 or our children by herself at church or wherever.
We also eat meals together as a family – breakfast occurred to accommodate the earliest requirement.  Children were not allowed to eat between meals.  If someone was not on time for breakfast (or any meal) – they did not eat breakfast (some exceptions for dinner).  If someone did not want to eat what was served – they did not have to.  But there was no eating between meals and they would be served the same (saved) for their next meal.  If they still did not want it then at the meal following they would get whatever was served to the family.  As soon as a child could skip two meals then from then on – they would be required to fast tow meals on fast Sunday.  All my children were fasting two meals by time they were 8.
At age 5 my wife taught each child chores (not when my wife was 5 but the kids).  By time they were 8 they were expected to do their chores on their own without supervision.  Every Sunday we would eat a formal main meal.  My wife would set her fine china and linen.  All the family was given assignments for helping prepare the meal, set a formal table, present the courses to the rest of the family and clean up afterwards.   
I am not sure what children are being trained to do now days but if they should or should not take the sacrament is a high priority for this generation of parents – the human race will not survive much longer – maybe this is a sign the end is near.
 
The Traveler

I am somewhat amazed about the various attitudes of skepticism concerning the signs of the times.  Let me be very clear concerning my opinion – G-d would not tell us of the signs of the times if he did not want us to know of them.  Many have indicated that we should not speculate – and with this I agree but there is a very big difference in receiving revelation through the light and knowledge that come through the direction of the spirit and speculation.  And for the record; I think it is as wrong to speculate that the covenant saints will not know in advance what is to happen as it is to speculate that something is about to happen.
One of the big problems is that the prophetic nature of the signs are symbolic as well as the explanation we have in scripture of the signs.  Because the world does not understand divine symbolism many in the world do not understand or believe in the signs.  I personally believe that those that say no one can behold the signs and know of the coming of the Christ – which they do so because they have not received the spirit of G-d but rather; the spirit they have received is a counterfeit apostate spirit.  Just as the Pharisees did not comprehend the signs of the times of the first advent of Christ – many counterfeit believers will not comprehend the signs of the second advent of Christ.
I will give one little example – because the scripture prophetically say that no man will know the hour or the day – many believe that no one will know in the hours and days before he comes that the event of his coming is hours or days away.  I would point out to such skeptics that the modern world is comprised of time zones and an international date line.  There is no hour or day for the whole earth.  That if there was a prophesy that identified an hour or day – that for most of the earth such a prophesy would fail.
The final point I would make of the signs of the times is the same today as it was of old – even as Jesus spoke to his disciples and mocked the Pharisees as well as their equivalents in the Book of Mormon – so will things be in the last days.  The Saints will wait with great faith and anticipation but the world will mock the saints and the prophetic signs in unbelief, denial and confusion.
 
The Traveler

I do not believe it matters if a small child takes the sacrament or not.  I believe that in many ways children are a reflection of their parents.  But not always in the ways we may think.  There are two things going on with children and one has to do with their individual personality that comes with them from the pre-existence.  The other is what they learn from examples and encouragement from their parents.  Since I often do not know for sure what comes from parents and what comes personalities I will leave this as an exercise for the reader – but I do believe parents can teach their children how to behave at church and respect the sacrament. 
For example I am amazed with parents that will bring a young child to church and expect them to know how to behave.  In essence leaving it up to the child to figure this out without much help.  My wife was the expert at this when our children were young.  She spent many hours at home teaching our children how to sit reverently for long periods of time without getting down from their place and running around.  Many of my callings took me away from sitting with my family at church – but my wife learned and planned in advance how to handle all 5 or our children by herself at church or wherever.
We also eat meals together as a family – breakfast occurred to accommodate the earliest requirement.  Children were not allowed to eat between meals.  If someone was not on time for breakfast (or any meal) – they did not eat breakfast (some exceptions for dinner).  If someone did not want to eat what was served – they did not have to.  But there was no eating between meals and they would be served the same (saved) for their next meal.  If they still did not want it then at the meal following they would get whatever was served to the family.  As soon as a child could skip two meals then from then on – they would be required to fast tow meals on fast Sunday.  All my children were fasting two meals by time they were 8.
At age 5 my wife taught each child chores (not when my wife was 5 but the kids).  By time they were 8 they were expected to do their chores on their own without supervision.  Every Sunday we would eat a formal main meal.  My wife would set her fine china and linen.  All the family was given assignments for helping prepare the meal, set a formal table, present the courses to the rest of the family and clean up afterwards.   
I am not sure what children are being trained to do now days but if they should or should not take the sacrament is a high priority for this generation of parents – the human race will not survive much longer – maybe this is a sign the end is near.
 
The Traveler

I am somewhat amazed about the various attitudes of skepticism concerning the signs of the times.  Let me be very clear concerning my opinion – G-d would not tell us of the signs of the times if he did not want us to know of them.  Many have indicated that we should not speculate – and with this I agree but there is a very big difference in receiving revelation through the light and knowledge that come through the direction of the spirit and speculation.  And for the record; I think it is as wrong to speculate that the covenant saints will not know in advance what is to happen as it is to speculate that something is about to happen.
One of the big problems is that the prophetic nature of the signs are symbolic as well as the explanation we have in scripture of the signs.  Because the world does not understand divine symbolism many in the world do not understand or believe in the signs.  I personally believe that those that say no one can behold the signs and know of the coming of the Christ – which they do so because they have not received the spirit of G-d but rather; the spirit they have received is a counterfeit apostate spirit.  Just as the Pharisees did not comprehend the signs of the times of the first advent of Christ – many counterfeit believers will not comprehend the signs of the second advent of Christ.
I will give one little example – because the scripture prophetically say that no man will know the hour or the day – many believe that no one will know in the hours and days before he comes that the event of his coming is hours or days away.  I would point out to such skeptics that the modern world is comprised of time zones and an international date line.  There is no hour or day for the whole earth.  That if there was a prophesy that identified an hour or day – that for most of the earth such a prophesy would fail.
The final point I would make of the signs of the times is the same today as it was of old – even as Jesus spoke to his disciples and mocked the Pharisees as well as their equivalents in the Book of Mormon – so will things be in the last days.  The Saints will wait with great faith and anticipation but the world will mock the saints and the prophetic signs in unbelief, denial and confusion.
 
The Traveler

How much advance notice was Nephi given in the Book of Mormon to the first advent of Christ? 
As little as I know and understand - when two prophets are killed and left on the streets of Jerusalem - I will be able to tell you or anyone else that wants to know - easily within 24 hours - when the second coming will be.
 
The Traveler

I have thought long and hard about this particular post – I am concerned because of the possibility that it will be misinterpreted and applied incorrect to justify things that should not be justified.  Sometimes the goodness of individuals is overblown.  Maybe that is the wrong idea – Sometimes the flaws of good individuals are brushed aside as a recognition and honor of their accomplishments.   In part, I believe this is the result of thinking perfection means having never had flaws.   The idea that if flaws once existed they can and likely will exist again.
The problem is that if there is nothing to be gained through our probationary experience – there is no justice or mercy in even one second continuance of our probation.  It would be a sin of G-d to leave us subject to the fall as fallen creatures.  Spiritual growth and development as a fallen being is an enigma that cannot proceed without the divine assistance of the Holy Ghost.  So subtle is the influence of the Holy Ghost in our probationary physical circumstance that his role in our eternal salvation is often overlooked in light of The Father and the Redemption of The Son.
Because of the doctrine of agency many over rate their importance in the outcome of things – thinking that any accomplishment is because of agency.  The reality is that without the sustaining of the Holy Ghost our agency would be lost to us.  In essence, during our fallen probation the Holy Ghost enables us to do some good through that influence.  I would go so far as to say that without the gift of the Holy Ghost no man can do good.  But the essence of this principle is lost in the thinking that we are more in control of things than we are and the sentiment in the question of – “What of the good done by many men that have not been baptized through the priesthood and received the gift of the Holy Ghost?”
The goodness that comes about; throughout the history of man is not because of man but because of the Holy Ghost.  When many come to understand that prophets and leaders make mistakes they wonder why anyone ought to follow?  In addition if we were close enough to any man (or woman) we would know of their flaws.  Sometimes this makes marriage too difficult for us to maintenance and service.   It is not our leaders we follow – but it is G-d that appoints them.  This is according to the oath and covenant of the Priesthood (D&C section 84).  And when we start to think that we are better than our leaders – it limits the influence the Holy Ghost has in our lives and we begin to despise those we should love.
I have learned in my marriage that it is better that I love and cherish my wife (despite her flaws) – making exceptions for her than it is for me to be right – or should I say to think and believe that I am right.  I do realize that others may have to take a stand to end abuse – but that is a different discussion.
 
The Traveler

The apostasy is such an interesting subject to me.  I do not believe that the adjective “total” adds anything of importance or value to the concept of apostasy.  Man – or perhaps I should say “the natural man” is an apostate creature.  As enlightened, inspired, and as intelligent as we like to view ourselves or certain others, we are all apostate creatures incapable of divine enlightenment.  The ancient apostle Paul had it best with the expression that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of G-d.
Everything man touches – turns corrupt and apostate.  Not until the resurrection will we be raised in incorruption (without corruption).   Sadly many lose faith in G-d and his work when they realize that the sacred holy scriptures have been corrupted – that every person called by G-d is a corrupted fallen son of Adam or Daughter of Eve.  When we realize the flaw of others we lose faith – But should we?
The Gospel of Christ is not about redemption by scripture – it is not about redemption through human or ecclesiastical history – of even the most possible righteous of men.  Some think that scripture – or the deeds of inspired men is enough?  But such thinking and faith is apostasy – call it total apostasy if you like – or not.  Jesus taught that the divine purpose of scripture (or those called to serve) is not to answer all the needful question of religious nature – but is to bring us to Christ – to remind us of him.
We can be inspire by men of high ecclesiastical or social standing and spiritually, by scripture or even the wonders of science or nature but the reality is – that unless such pints us with humility and repentance to Christ – it is a means of apostasy or total apostasy if you totally love the adjective total.
 
The Traveler

Jesus put it this way - "Suffer the little children to come unto me".   I think it is a foolish idea to come between Jesus and children - especially for intellectual reasons.
 
The Traveler

The apostasy is such an interesting subject to me.  I do not believe that the adjective “total” adds anything of importance or value to the concept of apostasy.  Man – or perhaps I should say “the natural man” is an apostate creature.  As enlightened, inspired, and as intelligent as we like to view ourselves or certain others, we are all apostate creatures incapable of divine enlightenment.  The ancient apostle Paul had it best with the expression that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of G-d.
Everything man touches – turns corrupt and apostate.  Not until the resurrection will we be raised in incorruption (without corruption).   Sadly many lose faith in G-d and his work when they realize that the sacred holy scriptures have been corrupted – that every person called by G-d is a corrupted fallen son of Adam or Daughter of Eve.  When we realize the flaw of others we lose faith – But should we?
The Gospel of Christ is not about redemption by scripture – it is not about redemption through human or ecclesiastical history – of even the most possible righteous of men.  Some think that scripture – or the deeds of inspired men is enough?  But such thinking and faith is apostasy – call it total apostasy if you like – or not.  Jesus taught that the divine purpose of scripture (or those called to serve) is not to answer all the needful question of religious nature – but is to bring us to Christ – to remind us of him.
We can be inspire by men of high ecclesiastical or social standing and spiritually, by scripture or even the wonders of science or nature but the reality is – that unless such pints us with humility and repentance to Christ – it is a means of apostasy or total apostasy if you totally love the adjective total.
 
The Traveler

The apostasy is such an interesting subject to me.  I do not believe that the adjective “total” adds anything of importance or value to the concept of apostasy.  Man – or perhaps I should say “the natural man” is an apostate creature.  As enlightened, inspired, and as intelligent as we like to view ourselves or certain others, we are all apostate creatures incapable of divine enlightenment.  The ancient apostle Paul had it best with the expression that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of G-d.
Everything man touches – turns corrupt and apostate.  Not until the resurrection will we be raised in incorruption (without corruption).   Sadly many lose faith in G-d and his work when they realize that the sacred holy scriptures have been corrupted – that every person called by G-d is a corrupted fallen son of Adam or Daughter of Eve.  When we realize the flaw of others we lose faith – But should we?
The Gospel of Christ is not about redemption by scripture – it is not about redemption through human or ecclesiastical history – of even the most possible righteous of men.  Some think that scripture – or the deeds of inspired men is enough?  But such thinking and faith is apostasy – call it total apostasy if you like – or not.  Jesus taught that the divine purpose of scripture (or those called to serve) is not to answer all the needful question of religious nature – but is to bring us to Christ – to remind us of him.
We can be inspire by men of high ecclesiastical or social standing and spiritually, by scripture or even the wonders of science or nature but the reality is – that unless such pints us with humility and repentance to Christ – it is a means of apostasy or total apostasy if you totally love the adjective total.
 
The Traveler

Yes, BYU is my alma mater and I watched the football game this weekend – my wife tells me I am two invested – I cannot even resist pushing my wife with body English to help the players on the field.
But I have a thought – I wonder how many saints die of a heart attack watching BYU football?
 
The Traveler

Many years ago I took my family to the Nauvoo pageant.  While waiting for things to begin we were sitting in very good seats and missionaries were coming around to talk to the early guests.  In front of me and my family was a pair of elderly ladies that were not LDS.  The sister missionaries talked to them and then left with their testimonies that the “church was true”.  One of the elderly ladies turned to the other after the missionaries left and said that she knew that the Mormon Church was true because she had been to Salt Lake City and seen it.
Many have different ideas about what a true Church is.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only Church (or organization) on earth that G-d has authorized to perform “Saving” ordinances through his order of the priesthood that can stand valid for eternity.   But it does not mean that we “Mormons” are the only ones that have access to truth (true doctrine).  I am convinced that many outside the LDS Church are more knowledgeable of principles of truth than many members are.
Another thought comes from a quote for “Spider Man” – “With great power comes great responsibility.”  There is no other organization on earth with more responsibility to be an example of “Peace” than the LDS Church.  I do not believe we are holding up to our greater responsibility – certainly not enough to brag much about.  It is my impression that the powers of G-d that will bring salvation is not about individuals doing things to enable their individual salvation.  As I understand – becoming one with G-d is not about how great one is about collecting blessings for themselves but how much one is willing to sacrifice for and give service to others.
If someone thinks that knowing and understanding truth in any way makes humility more difficult – they, not only have not really found the truth – but they are headed, totally, in the wrong direction in their pursuit of truth.
 
The Traveler

Hmmmmmmmm - I wonder what has happened to Apostle J. Golden Kimball?
 
The Traveler

Hmmmmmmmm - I wonder what has happened to Apostle J. Golden Kimball?
 
The Traveler

Happiness comes from the quest to experiment with living the principles of the gospel as you discover them to validate them to be true – not so much in thinking you have found it and if necessary make what-ever excuses for it that you must.  This way when you discover new principles of truth – it not so hard to convince yourself to change to live accordingly new truths.  Jesus promises that those that seek and ask with sincere purpose will find him.  As I have observed life and those here in mortality – I am convinced that we do indeed find what we are looking for.
 
The Traveler

"It is argued by some that the LDS doctrine of the apostasy is incoherent, since the apostasy teaches that God's authority was lost. Critics then ask about John the Revelator, or the Three Nephites, and ask whether they had the priesthood. However, they fail to distinguish between someone holding the priesthood, and someone being authorized to exercise the priesthood in forming the Church, conferring blessings, ordinations, and spiritual gifts.
The apostasy refers to a lack of the latter, not the former."
Apostasy/Priesthood on earth during the apostasy

Prior to my mission I started reading the scripture with the intent of understanding every verse.  I created a scripture journal where I recorded my impressions verse by verse.  The process took me over 13 years to complete and even though a lot of my comments were when I was a teenager – I still find my impressions to be remarkably insightful.
Currently; I seldom read scriptures front to back but prefer to study via electronic word search.  This is done by searching all the scriptures for a particular word – like salvation.  Not only will I search the scriptures for that particular word but, using the internet, I will look up the history and uses of the word, finding things like origin, synonyms and other related words and then doing word searches in scriptures on them as well.   I also expand my references to include scriptural structure beyond a particular verse – paying particular attention to paragraph symbols provided in the Church’s edition of the King James Version – sadly the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pear of Great Price do not use any structural constructs beyond verses – so I look for Chiasms and other structures on my own – marking and labeling structures as I go.   Often I will consider other sources for insights and other possible meanings for the particular word being studied – and of course I use prayer and pondering as a study resource.
Reading scriptures like a novel is a great way to put me to sleep but utilizing the scriptures as a means of reference and understanding I find addictive and exciting. 
 
The Traveler

Prior to my mission I started reading the scripture with the intent of understanding every verse.  I created a scripture journal where I recorded my impressions verse by verse.  The process took me over 13 years to complete and even though a lot of my comments were when I was a teenager – I still find my impressions to be remarkably insightful.
Currently; I seldom read scriptures front to back but prefer to study via electronic word search.  This is done by searching all the scriptures for a particular word – like salvation.  Not only will I search the scriptures for that particular word but, using the internet, I will look up the history and uses of the word, finding things like origin, synonyms and other related words and then doing word searches in scriptures on them as well.   I also expand my references to include scriptural structure beyond a particular verse – paying particular attention to paragraph symbols provided in the Church’s edition of the King James Version – sadly the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pear of Great Price do not use any structural constructs beyond verses – so I look for Chiasms and other structures on my own – marking and labeling structures as I go.   Often I will consider other sources for insights and other possible meanings for the particular word being studied – and of course I use prayer and pondering as a study resource.
Reading scriptures like a novel is a great way to put me to sleep but utilizing the scriptures as a means of reference and understanding I find addictive and exciting. 
 
The Traveler

I have difficulty with the idea that prayers should be useful in counseling our Father in Heaven how he can better run this universe or influence the lives of others.  At the same time I believe we should pray for help and needful things.  A quick story.
As a teenager serving in the army I was somewhat idealistic about my own importance – especially concerning religious things.  It was summer in Louisiana (weeks of over 100 degrees and 98% humidity – even at night).  To qualify at a rifle range we marched some 6 miles in combat gear to the range for the day.  I had filled my canteen with ice and water that was gone by 10 am.  I thought they would provide us with more water.  There was no water.  I began to think that if I could last until lunch there would be water to drink with lunch.  The previous week we lost a fellow (he died) of heat exhaustion. 
Lunch was late by a couple of hours.  By time we broke for lunch I as severely dehydrated and I could sense it. But lunch would save me.  I went through the chow line and got my food in my mess kit looking forward to a drink – The drink they were providing with lunch was ice tea.  What was a Mormon boy to do?  I was not going to drink the ice tea.  I tried to eat my food – did okay with the salad because of the water content – but I could not generate enough saliva to eat my sandwich. 
In light of the death many were concerned that I would not drink the tea and began to ask questions to which I answered it was against my religion.  After the questions, came the ridicule – accusations of being stupid about a stupid religion.  And then I was reported to the commanding officer.  He was upset and had a bad vocabulary as it was – I was learning words I could not believe existed.  I said a silent prayer in my heart – thinking the words that if I was going to live this commandment that I needed help and pleading with G-d to come to my aid.  My entire chain of command that was present was confronting me – rather unkindly.  And then something happened.  Some old guy showed up with what we called on the base – a roach coach.  This is a food truck that served food and beverages.  I was able to purchase lemonade.
I overheard a conversation my first sergeant with the roach coach driver.  In over 20 years driving the roach coach on the base – he had never been to the rifle range but that day he had a feeling he should come out.  He brushed it off and then was overcome with a feeling that if he did not come – something very bad would happen.  
Everything changed after that for me at basic training – from the stupid unlucky Mormon kid to the lucky kid G-d was watching over and before basic training was over a small number of my fellows were baptized.  I have pondered many times since about that incident and wondered if the outcome would have been the same without my silent prayer for help – things had to have been in motion long before my prayer was uttered in thoughts.  Obviously there is no way to know – but my impressions have been that without my prayer things would have been different.
 
The Traveler

I have difficulty with the idea that prayers should be useful in counseling our Father in Heaven how he can better run this universe or influence the lives of others.  At the same time I believe we should pray for help and needful things.  A quick story.
As a teenager serving in the army I was somewhat idealistic about my own importance – especially concerning religious things.  It was summer in Louisiana (weeks of over 100 degrees and 98% humidity – even at night).  To qualify at a rifle range we marched some 6 miles in combat gear to the range for the day.  I had filled my canteen with ice and water that was gone by 10 am.  I thought they would provide us with more water.  There was no water.  I began to think that if I could last until lunch there would be water to drink with lunch.  The previous week we lost a fellow (he died) of heat exhaustion. 
Lunch was late by a couple of hours.  By time we broke for lunch I as severely dehydrated and I could sense it. But lunch would save me.  I went through the chow line and got my food in my mess kit looking forward to a drink – The drink they were providing with lunch was ice tea.  What was a Mormon boy to do?  I was not going to drink the ice tea.  I tried to eat my food – did okay with the salad because of the water content – but I could not generate enough saliva to eat my sandwich. 
In light of the death many were concerned that I would not drink the tea and began to ask questions to which I answered it was against my religion.  After the questions, came the ridicule – accusations of being stupid about a stupid religion.  And then I was reported to the commanding officer.  He was upset and had a bad vocabulary as it was – I was learning words I could not believe existed.  I said a silent prayer in my heart – thinking the words that if I was going to live this commandment that I needed help and pleading with G-d to come to my aid.  My entire chain of command that was present was confronting me – rather unkindly.  And then something happened.  Some old guy showed up with what we called on the base – a roach coach.  This is a food truck that served food and beverages.  I was able to purchase lemonade.
I overheard a conversation my first sergeant with the roach coach driver.  In over 20 years driving the roach coach on the base – he had never been to the rifle range but that day he had a feeling he should come out.  He brushed it off and then was overcome with a feeling that if he did not come – something very bad would happen.  
Everything changed after that for me at basic training – from the stupid unlucky Mormon kid to the lucky kid G-d was watching over and before basic training was over a small number of my fellows were baptized.  I have pondered many times since about that incident and wondered if the outcome would have been the same without my silent prayer for help – things had to have been in motion long before my prayer was uttered in thoughts.  Obviously there is no way to know – but my impressions have been that without my prayer things would have been different.
 
The Traveler