Liveley Thoughts

When I wrote this thought down, I was thinking of Captain Moroni who did all that he could to minimize death even in a time of terrible war. I was thinking of my witness of the value of each life, and how abortion can never become good before God. But this idea of radical Islam death had not occurred to me before.

(originally posted in March of 2011, but accidently deleted)

Lessons of Dachau

Several years ago, as I traveled in Germany, I took time to visit Dachau, the first Nazi Concentration Camp “established” in March of 1933. Heinrich Himmler, Chief of Police of Munich, referred to Dachau as "the first concentration camp for political prisoners.”

(^ http://www.mazal.org/archive/DACHPHO/Dach02.htm Translation: The Munich Chief of Police, Himmler, has issued the following press announcement: On Wednesday the first concentration camp is to be opened in Dachau with an accommodation for 5000 persons. All Communists and—where necessary—Reichsbanner and Social Democratic functionaries who endanger state security are to be concentrated here, as in the long run it is not possible to keep individual functionaries in the state prisons without overburdening these prisons, and on the other hand these people cannot be released because attempts have shown that they persist in their efforts to agitate and organise as soon as they are released.)

Dachau is located northwest of Munich, Germany in the state of Bavaria. One of the ironies about this horrific site for me was the contrast of the lush, vibrant countryside which surrounded a place of such atrocities. I saw the original crematoriums, but the barracks had been rebuilt. It was very sobering to visit this site, but enlightening as well. This visit answered a long-standing question for me: How did Hitler move a large nation of seemingly civilized people to such degradation? One of his key moves was to place approximately 140,000 people who disagreed with him into this camp. People did stand up to Hitler, and they paid a horrible price. I am actually inspired by the courage of so many people, but what a loss!

As one might guess, this experience left a lasting impression upon me.

I realize that I am the only one to care for my children, and certainly I do not seek to spend my life considered one “who endanger[s] state security”. I do not have any desire to go to prison because of my beliefs. Yet, I would despise myself if I lived life as “normal” while living next to a “concentration camp” as did the residents of Germany near Dachau and other sites. If Satan and his helpers declare war upon me and all that I believe in, will I run or hide or will I resist him at all opportunities? How does one stand against evil? How does ignoring evil diminish it?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

LESSON ABOUT THE 1ST VISION

Today (February 1, 2009), I was able to watch a KBYU program of discussions about Joseph Smith’s first vision. It was very helpful and taught me several new things. The professors of religion at BYU who were part of this discussion brought up several points included here (as I can recall):

The book of James was almost not included at all in the Bible.
Joseph pondered about which church to join for quite some time.
He pondered further after he read James 1:5 which states: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” He believed God literally.
Joseph’s name in Hebrew means: gatherer of God
Every detail that was prophesized of, including Joseph’s name, was fulfilled.
Joseph read James 1:5 and had his first revelation by the Holy Ghost witnessing to his soul about the truth of James’ testimony and advising him to seek wisdom from God in personal prayer.
God answered the prayer of a boy; demonstrating that we need only two things to come to God and receive wisdom: 1) a great desire; 2) to be a child of God; not famous, not rich, not of any worldly consequence. We can all come to God in prayer and receive answers to guide our lives. We can have personal revelations to help us meet our individual responsibilities.
The Godhead was made manifest.
The heavens were again officially opened; God had a prophet again.
Satan has real powers, powers of darkness.
Manifestations from God are sacred; they are to be shared only as is appropriate. Joseph provided an example as he never shared too much or bragged or made light of his experiences, and he adjusted his testimony to the benefit of the audience before him as the Apostle Paul had done.
Once the understanding of who the Godhead is and what their relationship with each other and with people was lost, the rest of truth was then confused.
Joseph’s vision restored a knowledge of the Godhead and the relationship between God and mankind. We are children of the Living God.
Opposition always arises against the work of God.
God’s work is not hindered.
There is a priesthood hierarchy. God, the Father, has given direction of all things to His Son, and we are to do all in the name of the Son.

I was especially touched today by the fact that God hears the prayers of any true seeker, regardless of one’s standing in the world, which is a very hopeful thing for little me. I was also touched by the idea that we can all receive personal revelation to guide us in our lives. While Joseph was lead to the scared grove, we are lead to our own revelation to meet our own needs and to accomplish our own works and meet our own responsibilities before God. God loves His children, and He has not left us here on earth to wander aimlessly. He has a plan and loves to share with us that plan. He honors those who honor Him and His Son

February 2/1/09

Pro-life is not about forcing someone to live with and raise an unwanted child. It is not about forcing someone to “suffer”. It’s not about restricting another’s “choice” or agency. Rather, it’s a testimony about the worth of each being, each life, each potential. Who are we to decide the worth of another soul? How can we say we are for “choice” if we take away the potential for another soul to ever make a decision or choice?

Why should we abort or otherwise minimize the value of each life? The very testimony that I, and others, have received from people with severe disabilities is that the worth of each soul is precious to God, that God is wiser than us all, and that God is full of love. These children, then, are testifiers of God. The world has always sought to stop the testimony of God. While the world brings death and destruction, it cannot and does not stop the testimony of God. See Joel 2:28

Sunday, November 14, 2010

None Were With Him (Elder Holland's witness of Christ)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rboSk1p06BQ&feature=related