My Christmas Carol

07 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Poems

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My Christmas Carol

Prophetic whispers from the dust,
Foretold of One who’d come to us1.
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords2,
Master, Savior of the world.

And though He’d rule o’er all mankind,
Raise the dead3, let see the blind4,
In quiet humble birth he’d be,
Born in peace, giv’n privily.

No silk would wrap the newborn babe,
But swaddling clothes5, a bed of hay.
No mansion grand and opulent,
Fit for wealthy affluent.

Not to the wise, but shepherds showed6
Not in the learned’s halls of gold.
Not to the wealthy, but the poor,
Not to the haughty, but the pure,

Who in a manger sweetly lay,
When by an inn-keep, was turned away7.
Shepherds, Father, Mother saw,
Angels sang with wondering awe8.

Singing praises, Heaven’s hosts,
God the Father, Holy Ghost,
Blessed, sustained that infant Son,
Through whom eternal life would come9.

Magi trekked and risked their lives,
To see His face with their own eyes,
Their path enlightened, star decreed10,
To Him bestowed their gifts of three.

The Son of Man, the King of Kings,
Beholden not to earthly things,
The Mighty God, the Chosen One,
For us, He gave His eldest Son11

That silent night, that holy night,
A child was born to cure man’s plight.
For peace and calm, shone ever bright,
Through Son of God, and love’s pure light.

Oh how I wish to be found worthy,
Of this babe, so meek and lowly,
Swaddled, loved, and held so closely,
Honored, worshipped, sacred, Holy.

Raise your head, gaze up, and see,
Moon, and stars go endlessly,
All created by this child,
Lying quiet, meek and mild.

Who’s condescension to the earth,
Accentuated by His birth,
Would save all man on earth from sin,
If they’d believe and follow him12.

Come! Now together praise the Son!
In Bethlehem, today is come!
Our hearts within will burst with Joy!
As we behold this little Boy!

“Joy to the world, he Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room.
With saints, the Angels sing!13”.

Notes:

1 Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

2 Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

3 John 11:43,44 “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth..”

4 John 9:11 “He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight”

5 Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes..”

6 Luke 2:15,16 “And it came to pass..the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

7 Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”

8 Hymn #210 With Wondering Awe “With wond’ring awe the wisemen saw the star in heaven springing, and with delight, in peaceful night, they heard the angels singing.”

9 1 John 5:11 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

10 Mathew 2:1,2 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him”

11 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

12 3 Nephi 11:33 “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God” 

13 Hymn #201 Joy to the World 

Less is More in Christmas Math

04 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Math

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When we think of the greatest events in history, and we categorize them based on attendance and/or statistical viewing and ratings that are monitored by people with computers and calculators and stuff like that – we get an idea of how many people across the world tune in their TV’s for certain events.  The following table represents one report of the 10 most watched television broadcasts on earth: 1

Keep in mind the population of the world today is estimated to be over 7.2 billion, 2 so if 2 billion people watched a single event, that’s pretty good – in fact, that’s nearly 30% of the entire world.  That’s a lot of people watching the same thing.  For reference, approximately 111 million people have tuned in for the Super Bowl the past 5 years.3 Of those millions, there is likely a high percentage of those viewers that recorded the events for repeated viewing or sharing via DVR or other similar devices, not to mention the recordings that have been made and are available online or in packages of various types.  This allows these events to live on in history, in a very real and visual way – extending their viewership even further than what is listed above.

Whether or not you think the 10 most watched events as reported above are great or not, they provide us with some statistical data to review, especially when we reference and contrast them with one of the absolutely greatest events4 in this world’s history; the birth of Jesus Christ. 5 

The birth of our savior was witnessed by only a few privileged enough to see it with their mortal eyes, along with some humble, yet very lucky animals.

There was not a single recording of this birth event made, and thus made available on DVR, DVD, or online6 that we as mortals can view – no matter how much we’d like to. But, I would suggest that there were more people watching this great event – and watching with more rapt attention – than any statistical group would ever be able to measure.  I like to think of the “heavenly host” which appeared suddenly to the shepherds [with the angel] that said “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” as referenced in Luke chapter 2 (vs. 13-14) as part of the witnessing party to that first great event.  I like to think of my pre-mortal self as part of that ‘host’ and I like to think that the ‘heavenly host’ was indeed immeasurable, innumerable, or without number.

This viewing demographic just wasn’t of the mortal type.  The host without number was not a group of mortal beings with mortal eyes seen by other mortal beings, but it was a group every bit as real as the viewers who watched any super bowl, sporting event, or political event here on this earth.  In fact, the number of viewers watching the truly great events that are recorded in the list above is probably an accurate number, since the immortal world likely has little to no interest in most of the events documented there.  However, the inverse of that trend would continue in the things that really matter, as immortals tend to view (in higher and higher numbers) the events that are truly great, but are not thought to be so, and thus not recorded as such, by the world.  Therefore, the seemingly unimportant or unheralded events, are in fact those witnessed by the most viewers, they just aren’t mortal viewers that can be tracked online or through a TV viewing poll.

This illustrates the skewed way in which we often think of ‘great events’ or at least in how they are measured by worldly standards.  We cannot and should not think if ‘great events’ as determined by the number of mortals that are aware of the event, or how many ‘views’ it has on real TV, YouTube or any other social media site.  We can liken this to ourselves and can rest assured that our ‘greatest events’ are the ones that are witnessed by few mortal eyes, if any at all.  We can also rest assured that our ‘greatest events’ are inversely the ones that are witnessed by hosts of immortal eyes that are immeasurable, innumerable, and potentially without number.  These ‘great events’ are very often the most basic and simple everyday activities that have power to change a heart, save a life, and therefore change the world.  These are also the very events that turn the tide for our families and us in the great battle between good and evil.  This is our blessing and our challenge every day here on the earth.

We can also be very confident, that this great birth scene (and many of our great events) indeed have been and are recorded in the book of life, and can be viewed by those who are privileged enough to be shown the vision(s). 7 Someday whether in life or death or with our mortal or immortal eyes – and if it suits the needs of the Lord to further his purposes – we can be blessed with the privilege of viewing the actual birth of our Savior; the very first Christmas or any number of other ‘great events’ as it furthers the impact of the spirit on each of us, and motivates us to do the most good in his kingdom, and to become more like him.

Let us remember that we do the most good at home where nobody sees us, and where there is no fanfare, no press coverage, no interviews, and little acclaim.  We are doing the most good when it appears as if nobody is even paying attention, just like the Savior did.

Notes

1 See http://www.worldlistmania.com/most-watched-television-events-world/

2 http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

3 2014 http://www.ibtimes.com/super-bowl-2014-ratings-how-many-people-watched-seattle-seahawks-vs-denver-broncos-1552989

2013 http://www.ibtimes.com/super-bowl-2013-how-many-people-watched-baltimore-ravens-over-san-francisco-49ers-1060698

2012 http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/02/million-people-watched-super-bowl-113632.html

2011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/super-bowl-2011-ratings-s_n_819559.html

2010 http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/08/super-bowl-gets-1065-million-viewers-most-in-american-tv-history/

4 This may sound like my opinion, but whether or not you or I or anyone else believes it or feels differently about the ranking of the greatest events in history, the truth is what it is, and it will not change based on anyone’s opinion.  Thus, I have left it as an absolute since inspired men and scriptures call these events the greatest.  In addition, whether you believe in the atonement, or choose to apply its healing and enabling powers or not, that does not diminish or change that fact that Jesus Christ did in fact come to earth, and that the events that took place as mentioned above made every other event on the earth possible, including the joy, pleasure, pain, and love that we feel when we experience any other type of event.

5 This gift, the birth of Jesus Christ, and his subsequent atonement in its truest sense also encompasses the crucifixion, and the following resurrection.  And really, encompasses the entire life and mission of Jesus Christ since his coming to earth was in order to complete the atonement and make salvation possible through repentance and obedience to his gospel.

6 There has obviously been several videos, movies, clips, etc. made to depict the birth of Christ, but my point here is the actual (live) event was not recorded and is not available to be viewed in the way we think when we ‘watch movies’.

7 Several prophets were shown the birth in vision in order to prophesy of his coming/birth.  There are too many to mention by name – so I will not make an attempt.  For a complete list and explanation of all of them, see “The Promised Messiah” by Bruce R. McConkie.

Contracts at Christmas

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

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When I was a kid, probably around 10 or 11 years old, I took Christmas wish list formulation to a whole new level.  Im sure my mom never saw it coming and my dad just shook his head and wondered what planet I came from. Let me take you back.

It was the good old days when the original nintendo was a highly advanced gaming system whose crisp sharp substandard definition 2 pixel characters dazzled the eyes. It was absolutely amazing. Its controller was only to be wielded by the most advanced of technicians. It consisted of a directional pad, and two, yes, two, other buttons, brilliantly named A and B.  For the supremely advanced, there were also “start”, and “select” buttons.  It came with probably the most famous video game in the known universe in Mario brothers, and later would be known for other greats such as Bugs Bunny, Marble Madness and Tecmo Bowl. Those names alone bring back floods of memories that cannot be forsaken. This Nintendo, was the sole item on my christmas list.

During this time known as “the great video game awakening”, Christmas at our house was fast approaching, and I remember Tyson and I lying awake in our beds for HOURS, scheming, planning, brain-storming (most of this was me, I don’t think Tyson actually cared that much) for any ideas to make our (my) dream of NES ownership come true.  Finally, it came to me one night in a revelation (loose interpretation of that word). I would create a contract. This  contract would consist of absolutely legit and legally binding agreements between I, the executer, and mom and dad. They,  the enforcers, would lay out some terms that would guarantee that upon receiving the NES system, we, the children of said household, would always do homework, chores, practice piano, and any other wish or desire of the parents prior to partaking in its awesomeness.  We basically would sign our whole lives, and time away to be in the complete control of our parents.

I then went and strongly suggested (forced) each child sign the paper, contractually binding them to their word.  After the signing ceremony, I presented the first completed contract upon our Mother’s desk and stated that, “Hereupon lies the signatures of your children, we, the undersigned, do agree to be perfect, in exchange for a consent to allow a Mr. Santa Clause to deliver a NES system, and that you, the aforementioned parents will, upon adequate fulfillment of said children’s obligations, shall not inhibit the awesome participation thereof. Pretty impressive legalese for a 10 year old right?

Subsequently, because of overwhelming evidence that the children of the contract, were, in fact, perfect, Santa did bring a Nintendo Entertainment System, and it was enjoyed for many years thenceforth.  It seemed at the time to be the most precious gift ever bestowed upon the children of man,  that is, until I grew up….

Lets now take off our frost covered, candy cane Christmas glasses and see things as they should be. The greatest gift we can receive is not a plastic box that melts our brains slowly over time, but that which our oldest brother, our Savior, has already given us.

Isaiah said it in a beautiful way, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah’s declaration summarizes exactly who Jesus Christ would be. His words also explain that Jesus Christ was a gift that would be given. He was born unto us, a Son given to us. So, how was Jesus Christ himself a gift? What is it about the King of Kings that qualifies him as a gift? In His own words he explained, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” So, our older brother gave himself as a gift.  Himself, as in, he gave his flesh, and his life. Remember the words used to describe his last mortal moment, He “gave up the ghost”.

Every act, every breath, every word, every thought was a gift to us. He learned how to give from His Father.  John explained, ” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Our Father gave us His only begotten Son, in order to enable all of us to return to Him. And its more than just returning to live with Him. Because of the gift of Jesus Christ, we were promised that if we believe in Him, we would not perish but have everlasting life. Everlasting  life is not an adjective describing how long we will live, but more like a noun describing what we can be. Eternal life is Christ’s life. Christ’s life is eternal life. This is ultimately the gift that He has given us. His life. To  live as he does. To be a joint heir with Him. He alone made it possible. Our Father in Heaven gave us Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ gave himself to us.  This is the most precious and greatest gift ever bestowed upon mankind. Ever.

Receiving Gifts

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

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Many people, stories, talks, blog posts, commentaries, thoughts, etc. this Christmas season will likely turn and encourage all of us to spend a bit more time sharing or giving gifts, but since I am selfish I will focus this particular post on the act of receiving gifts this Christmas season.  And not just receiving gifts when they are packaged up nicely with a bow, but also rummaging through the house looking for them.

In one of the most amazing revelations ever given the Lord Himself declared “…they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.  For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?  Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift”. 1

To make the point of receiving gifts even more clearly at the outset, I think it is appropriate to make a list, since lists are always appropriate.

  1. We can only enjoythat which we are willing to receive.  This statement is made very clear, by indicating that those who do not enjoy the gifts of the celestial kingdom, do (not) so by their own choice, since they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.  Yet for us to understand this statement, we must define ‘enjoy’, and we must understand the use of ‘willing’ in this sentence.
  2. The best definition for enjoy is “to have and usewith satisfaction or joy”.  The critical term ‘and use’ indicates that there is some action of difference between simply having, and actually using that creates the state that can be termed ‘enjoy[ment]’.   After all, we’ve all been given gifts that we ‘have’ (you know, the ones sitting in a box on the shelf in the garage…in its original package) and we’ve all been given gifts that we have and use.  That is the difference, and with that we can understand the word ‘enjoy’.
  3. The footnote in verse 32 (b) for ‘willing’ indicates a study of the word ‘agency’ or ‘choice’.

With the understanding of item 1 (on our list), we could perhaps re-phrase verse 32 to read something like this: “…they shall return again to their own place, [to have and use with satisfaction and joy] that which they [chose] to receive, because they did not [choose] [to have and use with satisfaction and joy] that which they might have received.  For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?

I know the answer, and the answer is nothing.

I am going to throw my two youngest sisters and under the bus now, and I don’t feel too bad about it because 1) the older of my two sisters is currently on a mission in Tijjana, Mexico, and the younger of the two leaves tomorrow for her mission in Tokyo, Japan; 2) they are both awesome and amazing and probably won’t read this blog post anyway2; and 3) it provides me with an excellent example to illustrate this point.

Backstory: For Christmas last year, I gave each of my 7 siblings, plus each of my parents a book.  The book I gave the 4 sisters was the same, but the note that I wrote in the front was personalized, and indicated why I thought they should read it, or what they could hope to gain from reading it.  It was a book that I had read and that I thought would help them a great deal with life, lessons, and the gospel.  I thought that if they read it, they could learn a lot of things, just like I had learned.  A couple of months ago, while at my parent’s house, I happened upon a bookshelf (in my sisters room – the one in Tijuana) – where I spotted the book that I had given her for Christmas.  I naturally grabbed it, opened it up and fully expected to see markings, highlights, insights, and many documented proofs of her great love and appreciation for the book that I had given her.  What I did see was her bookmark located about page 3 of the book.  I won’t lie, I did not feel like she had ‘received the gift’ and therefore had not ‘profited’ by reading it.  Then, only a few weeks later, we were staying at my parents house again and we happened to be in my youngest sisters room – where I beheld on her book shelf the book that I had given her for Christmas – and the same sad story was repeated.3

Verse 33 of this passage also highlights two more lessons that we must know in order to properly receive a gift.  They are also best explained by a list, which identifies the missed opportunities if we “receive not the gift”:

  1. He rejoices not in that which is givenunto him
  2. Neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift

I imagine we can all think of a gift that we have either received or that has been given by us, that has been used with satisfaction or joy. These types of gifts, allow both the giver and the receiver “to understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together”. 4 The opposite of this potential joy as described above, is the lack of enjoyment, rejoicing, and satisfaction that can only come with the active receiving of gifts (like the book I gave my sisters).

Therefore, my purpose in this post – and in the making of lists to highlight important positive and negative consequences – is to make sure that this Christmas season, all of us focus on becoming the best gift receivers that we can be.   Because after all, by being great gift receivers, we can 1) “rejoice in that which is given” and 2) “rejoice in him who is the giver of the gift”.  In order to accomplish this feat, there are three critical objectives necessary for gift receiving:

  1. Recognizethat which is given

Our first objective in becoming great gift receivers is to recognize “that which is given”.  At this point, I could try to come up with some fancy words, or great points (or lists) to make about the best gift, but someone much more talented than me has already done it.  So, as a very real motivation and invitation to proclaim (discover, embrace, and share) the greatest gift this Christmas season, please go here to recognize “that which is given” to each of us.  Once we have recognized what has been given, it allows us to truly “rejoice in him who is the giver of the gift”.

Much has been said, and much will continue to be said about this gift, and the giver of this amazing gift, and it is literally the gift that keeps on giving.  It is the source of all other gifts, the source of all joy, all light, all hope, and all love, and this gift gets better with age and with increased use as we personalize and “use it with satisfaction”.  The gift of a savior is the most loving, caring, wise, and needful thing that could ever be given.  “At the very core of our mortal probation is the choice to receive Jesus as the Christ”. 5

  1. Seek for more gifts

Our second objective in becoming great gift receivers is to continually want more gifts.  That shouldn’t be hard right?  I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a child tell me on Christmas that they were tired of receiving gifts.  We can have more and more gifts too; we just need to know how and where to find them.  “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than, ask, and ye shall receive”. 6 And not only is it an invitation, but “each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to live that we indeed receive…”.7 At this point, we are even encouraged to become a bit greedy – supported by the commandments to “lay hold upon every good gift,”8 “Seek  ye earnestly the best gifts”,9 and even “Covet earnestly the best gifts”.10 

The best gifts include “long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, pure knowledge”, 11 unshakeable faith and/or testimony12, or maybe even “his image in our countenance”. 13 But, perhaps more than anything, we should “covet earnestly” His unselfish and infinite love.  We should seek for it, lay hold upon it, and covet it earnestly.  It should be noted again here that the Lord himself said “seek ye diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive”.14  Perhaps this is the process that Alma and Enos followed, because they both indicate that they also ‘received’ a remission of their sins.15

The Father’s gift of His son, and Jesus Christ’s gift of His life (His atonement and His declaration of love) are Their gift to us.  Let that gift sink in.  Appreciate it.  Savor it.  Let it change us.  Let it help us.  Let it give us peace.  Let it calm our troubled hearts.16 Let it bless us.  Let it feed our hungry souls.  Let it bless in time of need.17 Enjoy it (let us have it and use it for our satisfaction).  Let us feel grateful for it.  Let us share it. Let it move us to action.  Let it change our hearts and our eyes so that we can see as He sees.

  1. Give it away

The last and maybe most important element in becoming great gift receivers – is the understanding that in order to fully receive anything it is necessary to give it away.  While this may seem like an opposite, the truth is that giving is in fact the truest form of receiving.  So, in all of our seeking, coveting, and asking for gifts, let it be understood that we should be giving them all away in order to fully receive them.  Let us covet his love so that we can give it away freely.  Let us covet our free will so that we can voluntarily submit and place it on God’s altar as the only uniquely personal thing that we have to offer.18 

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv’n

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav’n

No ear may hear his coming

But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive him

The dear Christ enters in19 

Let us rejoice in Him who is the giver of the gift by receiving His love and His gift and helping Him to give it away.

#ShareTheGift

Notes

1 D&C 88:32-33

2 Dear Kaitlyn and Kallie, if you read this years from now, or really any time at all.  Know that I love you and think you are both amazing.  In addition, I realize that I am just as much at fault in this story, if I presented you with a gift that you did not ‘choose’ to receive because it wasn’t what you wanted (even though I may have thought you needed it) at the time. Maybe someday you will read it and we can rejoice together.

3 It should be noted that Kaitlyn and Kallie are the only siblings that I have proof of not reading my gift from last Christmas – it could be possible that the other two sisters, and my parents have failed to read the books that I gave them for Christmas as well.  I refuse to believe however that my three brothers didn’t read the book that I gave them, because if they didn’t It would be a personal insult to everything that I hold dear, and since they are fellow writers on this blog, I hold them to a much higher standard than anyone else.

4 D&C 50:22

5 See “Receiving by The Spirit”, by A. Roger Merrill – October 2006

6 See “Reverence Invites Revelation”, by Boyd K. Packer – October 1991.  He also lists Matt. 21:22; James 4:3; 1 Jn. 3:22; 1 Ne. 15:11; Enos 1:15; Mosiah 4:21; D&C 4:7; and Moses 6:52 as examples of this.

7 See “Receive the Holy Ghost”, by David A. Bednar, October 2010

8 See Moroni 10

9 See D&C 46

10 1 Cor. 13:31

11 See D&C 121:41-42

12 See Enos 1:11, Mormon 9:28, 2 Ne. 31:19, and Jacob 7:5.

13 Alma 5:14

14 D&C 88:63

15 See Alma 38:8 and Enos 1:2

16 See Hymn 136 “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

17 Ibid.

18 See “Swallowed up in the Will of The Father”, by Neal A. Maxwell, October 1995

19 See Hymn 208 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Introduction to December

01 Monday Dec 2014

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Some stories never get old – and the Christmas story is one of those stories.  It seems like every year, we forget how amazing of a story it really is.

The month of December starts today.  It is the month that the world celebrates the birth of our Savior by gathering as friends and families and by giving gifts to those we love.  It’s also the month that we listen to Christmas music and get reminded of silent nights, holy nights, drummer boys, angels singing from on high, peace on earth, joy to the earth, glorias, bleak midwinters, manger stalls, carols of bells, noels, hallelujahs, gleaming stars, merry gentlemen, midnight clears, Judea’s plains, and David’s city.  Each of which remind us of a small child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  It is a month when the world tries to share a little more love, a little more peace, a little more joy, and is generally a little more humbled by the amazing Christmas story.

We – the writers of this blog – are therefore focusing each entry this month on this amazing story.  The story that is the birth of the most amazing story of all.   We hope that the entries this month will help you feel the true spirit of Christmas, and the true reason for all of us celebrating the greatest gift that has ever been given.

Flaming S-Words

25 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Battle, Swords, Words

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Many of us are impacted in marvelous ways by great and powerful words.   Sometimes these words are spoken and heard, other times they are written and read.  Sometimes these words are eloquent and fancy, and sometimes they are very plain – even “as plain as word can be”. 1 

Many of us relate to and are inspired by those who have the gift of delivering these words, some verbally, some written.  We see and experience the sensation they have caused to take place within our hearts and wish that we could share this great power and to be able to affect others in the same way that we have been affected.   Many of us wish that we could also write with this great power and have it impact readers with truly great power, and not only that – but that our words could fill the earth and be read on the mountaintops in order to affect as many people as possible.  I (like Alma) have this wish (see Alma 29:1).  Not only do I have this wish, I have a terrorizing fear of not being granted this wish.

I see and recognize many who have this gift – and I look up to them and want to be like them.  Some of these ancient scripture heroes include Nephi, Abinidi, Alma, Enoch, Nephi and Lehi (sons of Helaman), Nephi (grandson of Helaman), and many more modern heroes including Bruce R. McConkie, Spencer W. Kimball, Gordon B. Hinckley, Neal A. Maxwell, all of the current apostles, and so many of the current authors of amazing books that are available (this list is long).  Some of these people have been instrumental in my understanding important and fundamental things  – such as my mission president.  He truly spoke with ‘great power and authority’ and to this day his words, and even the sound of his voice have that affect on my heart.  These leaders all share a common gift in the sense that they can speak ‘with great power and authority’2, which raises the question: How?  There must be a method or pattern that allows for that power to be gained and infused into their words.

Nephi explained that after we have received the Holy Ghost, we can “speak with the tongue of angels” but directly after that statement asked his readers “how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost”? 2 He continues: “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ”. 3 This means they speak the actual words of Christ. What this means for any and all who have perfected this method, and any and all of us who are trying to develop this talent, is that we don’t get to decide which words have power.  We don’t get to decide or prepare or determine the best phrase, manner, or method of delivering the message.  If we are to be effective teachers, talkers, or writers, our most important and effective tool is to listen to, understand, and submit to the power of the Holy Ghost as it directs us to the choice of correct words, sentences, phrases, and topics.  In other words – in order to speak with power, we need to listen with power.   We need to seek, learn, and understand His word.  We need to feast upon the existing words of Christ (See 2 Ne. 32:3).

The process (many great and powerful speakers not using their own words, but those directed by the spirit) may seem counter-intuitive, or a bit of a disappointment, but as Nephi explains ‘if ye cannot understand…it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore ye are not brought into the light’.4  We must be brought into the light during the preparation stage if we ever hope to share that light, or to reach our audience during the delivery stage.  How could it be any other way?  We need to learn and understand this language when spoken to us if we ever hope to speak it to others.   This helps that disappointment dissolve, because then we realize these great speakers/writers have exercised great faith and diligence in “seeking and obtaining the word, prior to their declaring of the word” (See D&C 11:21) unto us.

Once we’ve understood the necessity of this concept we are ready to understand the next phase of this process, which is that “when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men”.5  This relationship is the key to understanding why some words affect us so powerfully – because they were spoken (or written) “by the power of the Holy Ghost”, and they were then carried “by the power of the Holy Ghost” directly unto our hearts.  We can then further that teaching power when we understand that as listeners or readers, the only way to truly understand these words, is by that same power – receiving those words by the power of the Holy Ghost.5.5

That is the only way to speak with “a voice of thunder” or with “great power and authority”.    When these processes are working together (a teacher submitting and speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost, and then the Holy Ghost carrying these words unto the hearts of their listeners), that is when the words become “the words of Christ”.6  The actual, literal, exact, specific “words of Christ” that He would have said if He were present himself.  This is why some words have such power.  This is why some words are mighty.  This is why some words “cutteth to the very center”.  This is why some words can “make the earth to tremble”.  This is why people can speak as if it were “with a voice of thunder”.  This is why the preaching of the word has “a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” and this is why “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. 7

I can speak, write, or express my own words, my own opinions, and my own thoughts all day long – but until I speak “by the power of the Holy Ghost” and it’s carried “by the power of the Holy Ghost” unto your heart – it will not affect you in the way that I want it to.  It cannot be done.  All effective teaching (the kind that is truly powerful) is given, carried, and received “by the power of the Holy Ghost”.

On the other side of the coin – especially since Nephi includes us in his guidance – let us examine ourselves as listeners, readers, pupils, or other recipients of those who are speaking the “words of Christ” to us.  If we want to be affected in the way that our leaders, teachers, and writers would have us be affected – let us believe.  Let us open our ears to hear and our hearts to understand.  After all – the Holy Ghost carries the message unto our hearts, not unto our ears or unto our minds.  Let us listen, and if we do, “Christ will show unto us, with power and great glory, that they are his words”8 and we can know of a surety that Christ himself – by His very word – has spoken to us individually.

When this is understood, the scriptures can take on new and increased meaning, conference can take on a new meaning, receiving and giving priesthood blessings can take on a new meaning, the Ensign can take on new meaning, and each Sunday at church (and especially during the sacrament) should take on a new, much more powerful meaning.  When we truly understand that what was prepared and what is being spoken by the spirit are the actual “words of Christ” let us remember that He Himself has also said “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same”. 9

The heroes that I admire so much mentioned above were (or are) able to receive, understand, and relay the actual words of Christ – in order to deliver them in a manner with “great power and authority”.   Their words – and the words of many others have been “carried unto my heart” by that same power and authority, and I love them.

With that preface, and my love for words (spoken and written) – and my sincere desire to use them effectively, let us make a connection that I had previously missed – the connection between words, s-words, and finally, flaming s-words.

Let’s identify the classic battle armor as described in Ephesians 6 (verses 11-17) and D&C 27 (verses 15-18).

  1. Girdle of Truth
  2. Breastplate of Righteousness
  3. Shoes (feed shod) with the preparation of the gospel of peace
  4. Shield of Faith
  5. Helmet of Salvation
  6. Sword of the Spirit – which is the word of God

When we think of swords, we think of protection, strength, and battle, which are all correct symbols of the sword.  But, “the sword also symbolizes discernment, and that which separates”.10 Think of Ammon separating an arm from a body, think of Nephi or David separating a head from a body, think of a sharp “two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow”. 11 Think of the only offensive weapon* listed above, and you will know that which separates.   The first 5 items on the list are to protect us from “the wiles of the devil” and “the fiery darts of the wicked”, but when it comes time to divide asunder, we need a sword.  Not just any sword, but a sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.  These s-words, are the very words that we speak, hear, feel, obey, receive, and covenant by the power of the Holy Ghost.  It cannot be otherwise.  These are s-words that have power to separate.  These are s-words that offend some and bring tears of joy to others; these are s-words that make some men furious and some men faint with a desire to repent.  These are s-words that divide asunder.  These are s-words that separate in a very real sense.

We all know that swords are just plain awesome, but what if we were to take our sword – the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God – and actually light it on fire?  It becomes a flaming sword. Not flaming with mortal fire or temporal fire, but with celestial fire.  Yes!  The already awesome sword was just magnified by an exponential factor of 1,000.  “Flames are a manifestation of the godly or celestial nature of a thing.  They represent holiness, illumination, inspiration, enlightenment, and purification”. 12 They can also serve as a symbol of God’s presence.  God’s presence on my sword?  Yes indeed.

“The symbolism of the sword as the word of God is enshrined in the word Sword, i.e. se-word or is-word [meaning] the Fire or Light of the Word.  The Anglo-Saxon for a sword was seax [which meant] “the Fire of the great Fire.”  Similarly the Italian spada resolves into sepada [which translates] the Fire of the Shining Father, and the German sabel into Fire of Bel.  “Thus it appears that in [the s-words, and] the flaming s-words we have a symbol of the celestial and divinely revealed words, commands, or covenants used to discern, protect, and separate the righteous from the disobedient”. 13 Words, covenants, teachings, and revelations (literal and figurative flaming swords made effective by the power of the Holy Ghost) that “cutteth to the very center”, even to the “dividing asunder of both joints and marrow”.  These flaming s-words, as they separate the wicked from the righteous, could also be the same sword referenced in Helaman and Alma as the “sword of justice”14 – “and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end”.15

I don’t know about you, but when I take a sword into battle – especially if it’s the lone offensive* tool I have at my disposal – I want a sword, a sharp sword, AND I want one that is literally on fire – with unquenchable flames that ascend up unto God that hath no end.  Those are the words, s-words, and flaming s-words that I am striving to utilize.

Let us be humble, let us strive to “obtain the word, so that we can declare the word” as directed by the one force that can actually give power to our words –by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Let us live and strive to be worthy of the Holy Ghost and His “constant companionship”16 so that our s-words can be as sharp and flaming as possible.

1 2 Ne. 32:7 – And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

2 2 Ne. 32:2  – Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

3 2 Ne. 32:3 – Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

4 2 Ne. 32:4 – Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.

5 2 Ne. 33:1 – And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

5.5 2 Ne. 26:13 – …he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith.

6 2 Ne. 32:3 – Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

7 John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

8 2 Ne. 33:11 – And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.

9 D&C 1:38 – What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

10 See ‘Gospel Symbolism’ by Joseph Fielding McConkie – pg. 272

11: See D&C 6:2  – ‘Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words’. Note the added emphasis to give heed to the words when they are indeed ‘his words’.

See also Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

12 See ‘Gospel Symbolism’ by Joseph Fielding McConkie – pg. 272

13 See ‘The Lost Language of Symbolism’ by Alonzo Gaskill – pgs. 299-300

14 See Helaman 13:5 – …the sword of justice hangeth over this people,..

See also Alma 26:19 – …why did he not let the sword of justice fall upon us…

See also Alma 60:29  – …the sword of justice doth hang over you, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.

15 1 Ne. 15:30 – And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God (corresponds to the previously cited scriptures in note 14) did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end.

16 D&C 121:46 – The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and they scepter and unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth…

See also D&C 20:77 (or Moroni 4:3) – O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

See also D&C 20:79 (or Moroni 5:2)- O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen
* Please click here for a post that may be helpful as it relates to offense vs. defense.

Things As They Really Are

23 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by in Humility, Pride

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A long time ago when I was young(er) and foolish(er) I had a job interview that I can recall with unsettling clarity.  The reasons for which I can remember this interview are varied – and no doubt one of them is so that I can tell this story (so that you can learn to be more wise than me)1  to illustrate my shortcomings and for you to really wonder how on earth someone could act in such a way – ever.  Another reason for my vivid recollection could be to ensure that I learn something (likely many things) from that debacle and to make sure that it is never repeated.

This interview happened to be for a respectable company in Utah and the position was very appealing – especially to a young, recently returned missionary who had a just recently been married, and who was now expected to be the breadwinner for his family by gaining a solid employment to support said family.  This particular position offered  reimbursment for college tuition, as well as a very competitive wage, benefits package, and was very flexible.  Basically, this was a college student’s dream job.

The department supervisor (not the direct supervisor for this position) was someone that knew our family growing up, and had been my primary teacher in earlier years.  The fact that this former teacher of mine would suggest me for a position under his general supervision speaks volumes to his patience and discernment (he knew that I needed his help more than he needed mine), and maybe just a bit to his desire for self inflicted punishment, given the relentless barrage of pre-teen angst and immaturity that he was exposed to week after week in Sunday school.  To this day I wonder how he managed to survive that class.  It must be known here (back to the interview) that my older brother Colby was currently working in this department and had established some credibility and dependence for the Alexander name.

The time for the interview came, and I arrived and went into the supervisor’s office, and there sat the two individuals that I needed to convince.  I needed to convince them that I was the best one for the job, that I was the worker they needed, and that I would bring whatever they were looking for to the table (this is a typical job interview approach right)?  Keep in mind – again – before I describe the train wreck, that I was young(er) and foolish(er) than I am now, and that this was in all reality my very first real job interview ever.  Apparently I had previously convinced myself that the best approach to this interview was to wow them with my abilities, my confidence, and my charisma because what happened has no other explanation.

The one supervisor knew me, and by knowing me, knew a little about what some of my strengths, weaknesses, tendencies, and potential was/were, but the second interviewer (the direct supervisor) did not know me at all, and his only impression(s) of me would be what he gleaned during the interview itself.  He (the one who did not know me) started asking me some questions, and I answered them boldly, confidently, and assuredly telling them that I was the best candidate for this position that they would ever hope to find, even if they searched the whole earth – literally.   Other questions were asked to which I responded in the most self-confident way that there never has been, could be, or would be a better candidate for this or any other job at this company in any department, ever.   At this point, if you asked the supervisor what he thought or how he felt about me (as the candidate) he would likely say something like “well, he is pretty sure of himself, let’s see what he says when I ask him about his weaknesses” – so that’s what he did.  He asked me what some (plural) of my weaknesses were to which I replied frankly “I don’t have any of those”.  This brought a chuckle (likely a nervous, I don’t believe this is really happening but I’ll still giggle due to sheer panic) from my former primary teacher, and a simple smile from the interviewer, but he pressed me and asked a bit more firmly “what do you think some of your weaknesses could be”?  My reply to this day makes me cringe; I said “well, if I had to list a weakness, it might actually be that I don’t have any weaknesses”.

What happened next is easy to guess.  The interviewer said, thank you, indicated that he would let me know and saw me out.  I was (at that point in time) thinking to myself ‘nailed it’.  It wasn’t even until my primary teacher friend asked me if I was crazy (the actual language that he used in not suitable for this blog) that I even thought twice about it.  He then proceeded to give me a lesson on ‘real life’ where it is sort of important to not act like a 7 year old when you are in a job interview.  Then I got nervous. Nervous enough that I started to wonder if ‘who I knew’ and was enough to overcome ‘what I knew’.

It was.  I was miraculously given the job and was able to keep this great job through that tricky college/early family stage.  This proved (for many other reasons) to be a huge blessing in my life that, including some that are still being realized today.  I think I was even able to successfully parlay my childish, immature behavior into an actual strength for the department, and I think I was even able to convince the direct supervisor that I wasn’t a complete idiot….maybe.  I honestly don’t know what he would say about me if you asked him today – or if he will EVER be able to forget my interview.  I think maybe he went against his instinct and really did hire me out of sheer pity hoping for the best.  Or, he might have said something to my friend (the non-interviewer former primary teacher) like one assistant coach said to the other in Rudy (the movie) “if you want him – he’s your problem” thinking to himself that it might be entertaining to watch me explode with incompetence.

The point of telling this story was to highlight a character trait that was lacking at that time – humility.  And, if I’m being completely honest (and I am trying to be) – I think the lack of this trait (in it’s purest and truest form) really was and still is my biggest weakness – or at least one of them.  Somewhere, Dan Morgan is nodding his head in approval of that last sentence (Dan Morgan is the name of the unnamed interviewer above).

I worked at that company for 5 glorious and frustrating years.  My recollection of those 5 years was much more frustrating until about a year ago, when I started to see those years ‘as they really were’. 2 I am able now, to look back at the lessons learned with great satisfaction and intense joy.  I had only missed them before because I wasn’t looking.

My lack of humility sometimes let’s me think that I am pretty hot stuff.  That I am doing pretty darn good, and things are looking up for me.  This pride progressed to the point where (2-3 months ago)  – I was sure and confident in my status that I was ready to see ‘things as they really are’.  This thought occupied my mind for weeks, and I let it consume me until one day when I woke up very early, headed to the temple before work, all the while expecting to see ‘things as they really are’.

What I had in my mind was the veil becoming completely invisible if not removed altogether, allowing me to (as others have) view the beginning from the end in all it’s glory, the heavens and the earth, all the angels on both sides, the sealed records, the lost records, the locations and history of the lost tribes.  I thought I would meet and shake hands with everyone in heaven including all my heroes from the Book of Mormon, chat with the 3 Nephites, have them explain and expound the scriptures to me, essentially viewing anything and everything that I have ever wanted to and go home feeling pretty much satisfied with having achieved my objective which was seeing things as they really are.  That’s a normal expectation right?

The most amazing thing occurred that day, and has continued to occur over the past several weeks.  I have been shown ‘things as they really are’ just like I asked.  I did indeed see things exactly how they really are, things as they have always been, and things as they always will be.  They had always been there; I just wasn’t looking in the right place.  I was looking ‘beyond the mark’. 3 I sat down in the chapel that day (at the temple), for the 5:30 AM session and pleaded again to be shown ‘things as they really are’.

When I opened my eyes, to my disappointment and amazement I saw the organist playing the piano (I was on the very front row not 5 feet from him).  This man – this amazing man – had physical deformities in his hands, and his legs, but had somehow roused himself out of bed pre 5:00 AM, got himself to the temple, dressed himself in his white clothing, and was playing the organ (with the foot pedals) despite the obvious and audible physical pain it caused him.  I saw this amazing man serving prideful people like me, who come to the temple seeking answers, in the truest sense of the word.  I saw him, and immediately knew (and realized) I was receiving a very real answer to my prayer in the very moment is was being offered, because that humble example of Christ-like service, from an anonymous organist, is a very real example of ‘things as they really are’.  I was humbled.

I wish my pride stopped there – it doesn’t, but thankfully, neither do the lessons that the Lord gives me to help keep my pride from running amuck.  I have seen things with my very eyes, that provide me with an ever-burning testimony in my bones of ‘things as they really are’.  I have been shown (per my request) people on my street, in my neighborhood, and in my ward who are literal shining lights in a world of darkness.  Shining lights that I (in my pride) had overlooked previously. I have sat in jr. primary (as a substitute teacher) and heard angel voices singing the most glorious primary songs – and felt the spirit as strongly as when the apostles teach.  I have seen how the simple and weak things of the world are the mightiest of all – because of their humility, and because of the power of the spirit that they invite.  I have seen these people every single week in church, serving, loving, and happy.  I have seen ‘things as they really are’ over and over again – and I love it.

I used to feel like I was pretty hot stuff – but I realized (today again) that in my pride – I exclude myself from the joy and simplicity of truly powerful humility.  This humility is now the strength that I seek.  It allows us to feel closer to our Savior and his atonement, which will in turn lead us closer to others through service.

1 Mormon 9:31

2 See Jacob 4

3 Jacob 4:14

Seeds and Callings

23 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by in Poems

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John 6:9

“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”

 

 

The Seed

I am but a small seed, with no worth, it seems to me,
I am one, amongst the many, like one drop in a vast sea.
Insignificant my calling in this world with some so great,
What worth am I? I am so small. What difference can I make?

I’m now a stalk of barley, blowing softly in the breeze,
I’m one amid the millions more, anonymous it seems,
What difference can I make? No one even knows my name,
I’m just a tiny speck engulfed upon this windy plain.

I’m now a grain of meal, even smaller than before,
I’ve lost the sight of sun and sky, I can’t feel them anymore.
I’ve been cut down, and pounded, made into a formless mass,
And left alone, now in the dark, I fear my time has passed.

I’m now inside a fire that seems to change me from within,
I am still small, but somehow know that value lies herein.
I’m now amid four other loaves, and packed inside a sack,
But once again, I’m hid away, upon this young lad’s back.

I’m now called out to lay beside two fishes and I hear,
The words the Master speaks to me, He tells me why I’m here.
He blessed me to fulfill the call, to which I was ordained,
And after He has touched me, I know that I am changed.

I’ve now sustained 5000 mouths, 12 bushels now remain,
But only with the Master’s touch, for me He did sustain.
For with His hand He orchestrates our lives that we now lead,
He magnifies, and sanctifies, and nurtures each small seed.

When we receive callings, sometimes we feel as if we are the exact wrong person for the job. We feel inadequate and unprepared to fulfill what we, in our own minds, think that call may entail. But, we need to have trust and faith, that the Lord is the one doing the real work behind us, and that we just need to put our feet where they are supposed to be. Its ok to feel like the small barley seed, but at the same time realize that we can eventually feed 5000, and have 12 bushels leftover, if we but rely on, and are “touched” by Him.

Sons of Thunder

22 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in General, Poems

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This next post needs to be setup for the proper context in order to be better understood.  The time frame is the latter days, when Satan’s forces are amassing an innumerable force to battle and annihilate the people of God.  Christ has come and is the general. We know He is here, but have not seen Him personally. We, the followers of Christ, are gathering, hoping, waiting to follow instructions that will come.  At this time of gathering and insecurity, a leader will emerge. Who this leader is we may not know, or we may know. But I imagine him to be like the great leaders of ancient times who had the ability to inspire, and who were not in the least bit hesitant to rough people up. This leader will be like captain Moroni, Teancum, Lehi, or Joshua. Absolute unequivocal confidence and faith to win, and not just win, but destroy completely.  I image him to be mounted, fully armed and shielded, spear raised, riding in front of gathering soldiers. Shouting, with an extreme intensity in his voice, and a palpable hatred for evil. He would look into each one of us as we gathered to follow him into battle and through him we would be filled with his same spirit of confidence and strength that he receives from Christ himself. That is the context of this next post.
It’s our future call to arms.

 

Sons of Thunder1

Awake! O sons of thunder rise!
And pierce as lightning through black skies,
The darkest pitch, where evil lies,
Come fight! and hasten Hell’s demise!
Our captain calls us now!

He calls the weak, unlearned, despised,
To thresh the nations2! Heed His cry!
His Spirit strengthens, and gives flight,
To arrows sent by Heavens might.
Our captain calls us now!

Our faith, unyielding strength will be,
Lay waste the shirking enemies,
Below our feet3, crushed, cowering,
To feel Gods mighty angry sting!
Our captain calls us now!

Wo, to those who’ll face the fire,
Of righteous indignation’s ire4,
Kindled falsehoods from the liar,
Who fills man’s heart with false desire,
The Captain sees you now!

Come follow Him! God is His name!
Man of Holiness5 sustain,
Almighty God! His light proclaim!
And fill the earth o’er sea and plain!
Our Captain calls us now!

Rise up! and join with spear and sword!
Fighting wholly for our Lord!
Clash manfully6 of one accord!
Cut down, thresh evil untoward!
My Captain use me now!

For with His spirit in my veins,
My strength of arm no longer wanes,
His arm-my arm7, my King proclaimed!
Victory is thus obtained!
My captain with me now!

And as the liar is cut down,
How great his fall below the ground,
To gnash and wail, forever bound8,
His misery and doom compound.
The Captain beat him now!

And yet how great shall be the crown,
Atop our Captain’s Princely brow,
To rule and reign with great renown,
His power, glory, honor bound,
Our Captain! Praise Him now!

And now ascends His throne to reign,
Vanquish fear, and conquer pain,
To honor Father, and His name,
The holy throne is now His claim
Our Captain leads us now!

And we who fought for Him shall be,
Decorated lovingly,
Lifted high, and honored be,
Yet Worship Him on bended knee9.
Our captain, our King now!

He Reigns supremely! He has won!
He is the Father’s eldest Son,
Ordained on high to make “at one”,
So we below can overcome!
Our Captain, Savior now!

Come join the ranks! Make bare our sword!
Come battle for the Risen Lord!
Who gives us strength to well afford,
To strike down evil’s force deplored!
His light no longer be ignored,
That fuels the Gospel He restored,
Our God! our Captain now!

 

Notes:

1 Mark 3:17

2 D&C 35:13 “Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;”

3 D&C 35:14 “…and their enemies shall be under their feet…”

4 Moses 7:34 “And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them.”

5 Moses 7:35 “Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name…”

6 D&C 35:14 “…and they shall fight manfully for me…”

7 D&C 35:14 “…And their arm shall be my arm…”

8 D&C 133:73 “These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth”

9 D&C 76:110 “And heard the voice of the Lord saying: These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever;”

Hidden Kingdom

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Love, Marriage, Poems

≈ Leave a comment


Thursday was my 15th anniversary and so this post will veer from my usual fare…Its a little something I came up with for my wife.

Hidden Kingdom

Her Hidden Kingdom few can see,
because they fail to look.
To blinded eyes, her status hides,
Concealed, as is a book.



Her hidden kingdom thrives within
The walls of divine make,
Protecting, loving, nurturing,
Partnering to create.

Her hidden kingdom strengthens all,
Who pass within its sphere.
Who feel the power of her love,
That quells the fire of fear.



Her hidden kingdom grows in glory,
Each year that passes by,
More light, more love,
truth from above,
Received from Him on high.

Her queenly crown rests on her head
The symbol of her reign.
It shows to all who’s eyes are clear
The glory she’s obtained.

Upon her crown four golden spires
Reach upward nigh to God,
Like tender plants whose roots are deep,
In nutritious gospel sod.

Each spire unique and beautiful,
Each different – yet the same,
Each one reflects the light they’re giv’n
Each one, from God they came.



And in these spires of golden make
Rest diamonds all therein,
Reflecting 15 shades of bright,
Revealing what’s within-



Her heart, is where she shines the most,
And with each passing year,
The shades of bright intensify,
And seem to draw more near-



To God himself, who sits on high,
Directing us below,
She is a queen, she is MY queen,
And with her- I will go.



Until her hidden kingdom,
No longer shielded from outside,
Gives light and glory endlessly,
No longer veiled inside.

A kingdom open, fair, and bright,
For all to see and praise-
Her princes, and her princesses,
In truth and light did raise.


To soon be kings and queens themselves,
With crowns of Godly light,
To grow in strength and power
and,
Shed weakness, toil, and plight.

Then all shall wonder, and shall see,
The queen she’s grown to be,
No longer hid inside, book closed,
But plain, praised openly.



Then all will comprehend her place,
What glory, love and grace,
The light reflecting in her crown,
Is light from God’s own face.

For all God’s light, and truth, and love,
Within her all shall see,
And wonder praise and glory give,
Queen of MY family.

She is my queen, She is my life,
For her I hope to be,
A worthy king, Her worthy king,
Throughout eternity.