DAVID & GOLIATH..cody f miller

What do Samson and David and Nephi have in common?

You know, kids in primary say the most amazing things. Stuff that makes you think and then want to find out what is really going on. I teach 11 year old girls, and this past Sunday we finished discussing Lehi’s Dream. The girls thought that Laman and Lemuel were just the worst group of siblings ever! So I asked them if they could think of other siblings in the scriptures who were worse. For some reason, Samson’s name came up. I said, I think Samson may have been an only child, but God had a special work for him to do. They said that he was “good at the start” but “turned bad” at the end. So I asked, why he was bad, and one of the girls answered that he was “bad with Delilah, meaning he had broken his covenants with God concerning chastity. Wow what an astute observation. So I had to go back read the story of Samson, which led me to the story of David, which rounded out with the story of Nephi. As our conversation diverted off the path so to speak, the girls wondered how Samson was able to do those things he did. You know, kill a bunch of Philistines with the jawbone of an ass, or fight off an entire army of Philistines by himself and took no prisoners. They all said that it must be his hair, and it was so to speak, but the hair was just an outward sign. A non-believer seeks a sign, but signs follow those who believe.

Where is David in this, well he was just a young lad, and he was a giant killer. He took a rock and “slung it” and it landed in the forehead of the giant Goliath. But that’s not all, David took Goliath’s sword and chopped his big ole head off and presented it to King Saul. What made these men do these seemingly superhuman things?
Nephi chopped off the head of Laban. There is a lot of discussion on that part and I asked my students how they would feel if they had to do such a thing. The answers were along the lines of that they would be afraid and maybe freeze and not be able to do it. One girl said that she would probably run away with fear, even after the angel had appeared.
So my companion teacher and I thought that this was a pretty traumatic thing for a young person with no prior violent tendencies to go and literally kill another human being, even if God told you. Why would God tell you to do such a thing? Did Nephi or David or even Samson grieve for their loss of innocence?

Who were these guys anyway? Well first and foremost they were men, just regular guys, and they were chosen by God for his purposes. You know some people think that in order to be chosen you have to be perfect in the extreme. Only one man was required to do this and that was Jesus Christ himself. These chosen men made a choice in their lives to learn of God, to love him and his people and ultimately serve him. Some were called as priests and prophets, others as kings and prophets also, and in Samson he was called to be a judge of Israel. The girls wondered if he was called to be a Bishop.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 107:2-3
2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God

With this ordination, came the ability to do the work of the Lord, regardless of whatever obstacles that man faced, as long as that man kept his covenants, and was faithful and obedient.

Mosiah 13:10
10 But this much I tell you, what you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come

All of Gods prophets were a type and shadow of the coming Messiah. Aspects of each prophet’s personality told the story of Jesus, of his primary mission on earth, his life and death on the cross and his resurrection. Each prophet was named by God, either at birth by revelation to the parents, or by Heavenly Father himself changing the name. Some examples were Abraham formerly known as Abram, Jacob also known as Israel (which means to persevere with God.) Each of these men and their life’s work were consecrated for Gods purposes. All of these men made covenants with God and were set apart, and they were all ordained into the Melchizedek priesthood. What? In the Bible, at times you will find words such as “God’s favor”, anointing; or “the spirit worked mightily upon him”. I have found that these words refer to the Holy Spirit, but the favor or the anointing of these particular men have to do with being ordained of the priesthood of Melchizedek

1 Nephi 3:6 -8 (I am pretty sure, that Lehi being a Melchizedek priesthood holder, ordained his son Nephi.)
6 Therefore go, my son, and thou shall be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord gives no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.
8 And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 84:109
109 Therefore, let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand?

So who was Samson? Wikipedia says this

Samson, , meaning "man of the sun the third to last of the Judges of the ancient Israelites mentioned in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) (Book of Judges chapters 13 to 16). Samson was granted supernatural strength by God in order to combat his enemies and perform heroic feats such as wrestling a lion, slaying an entire army with only the jawbone of an ass, and destroying a pagan temple. (Judges 13).

I remember a “Samson “moment in 1 Nephi 7:17-18 (Judges 15:12-14)

17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spoke unto them again.

In my Book of Mormon study group, our teacher wondered what this statement “strength that I may burst these bands” referenced. So I was so excited and of course the scripture reference was at the bottom of the page, but I raised my hand and said “Samson!!” I said “Remember when the Philistines tried to capture Samson by tying his hands with rope and he simply broke them? Remember?” Of course I got the strangest looks, and the teacher said, are you talking about the movie Samson? “No I said, it’s in there, in the Bible.” And he still gave me a funny look and then so did everyone else. I said “It’s in the Bible in the book of Judges.” I don’t think that they believed me. But apparently Nephi did, because of his increasing faith in God, and being a newly ordained Melchizedek priesthood holder, he remembered the counsel of his Father Lehi. So faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.
Most people think that Samson was an imposing man. Some think that he had the physique of a body builder, and since he was a Nazarite and was forbidden to cut his hair or shave, he may have been pretty intimidating in his presence. I remember old movies where he was portrayed almost like a “playboy” type. But in reading the record, I did not find any reference to Samson’s physicality, only his long hair. Here are some facts

Judges 13:24-23
24 ¶And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol
Judges 14:5-6
¶Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
6 And the aSpirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
Judges 14:19
19 ¶And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house.

Still no mention of how tall he was, how much he weighed.

Judges 16:17
17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

So you know the rest of the story, Delilah shaves off 7 locks of his hair, she shouts “Samson the Philistines are upon thee,” he tries to fight them, but he notices that his hair is gone, and he becomes weak and his taken prisoner. But was it really the shaving of his hair that caused his weakness and capture. Was it Delilah? Nope.Was it really the hair?
I believe that it was Samson. He trusted not in the arm of the Lord for his own salvation, but he started to believe that his hair was the reason for his strength and not the principles of his covenants with God. He failed to obey God’s commandment and took for granted his Priesthood.

D&C 130:20-21
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
D&C 82:9-10
9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise

Does this make Samson a” bad man”? I don’t think so. I believe that if Samson had gone into his captivity without remorse, or at least a sense that he had failed in his mission to God then he could be termed as “unrepentant”. But Samson loved the Lord and he had the sense to want to finish the work he had started. He had a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Judges 16:21-23;28-29
21 ¶But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house
22 Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.
23 Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.
28 And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.

Ok, so I remember this scene in the movie, Samson, pitiful, blind and bound in chains. His integrity was intact and he was sorry. I believe that Heavenly Father looked at his heart, and accepted his apology, his change of heart and allowed him to receive His Spirit that one last time so that he could finish the work that he was charged to do.
The end.
Oh, one more thing, there is a David moment in the life of Nephi: Can you guess what it is? Tell me.

So this is what I have learned from this, the true meaning God's Holy Priesthood. I have felt an impression in my own life to study Doctrine & Covenants along with my study of the Book of Mormon. I feel that  Doctrine & Covenant's can further shed light on the lives of the people of the  Book of Mormon, at least to me. For every story, such as Lehi's Dream, and the record of the Jaradites,even questions I have, there is a further explanation in selected Doctrine and Covenant sections. Concerning the Melchizedek Priesthood,what I have taken away from this lesson is that for every worthy man there is a worthy woman in his life, whether it be a mother, sister, wife, etc. The ideal is husband and wife because we serve together in the family unit in that new and everlasting covenant of marriage and family. I am really happy that my husband has finally become comfortable in his calling in the Priesthood, because it has helped him to "grow stronger spiritually" and also he seems happier.  

THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

We are now 19 days into the New Year, and I am still psyched!! I have been studying Lehi’s Dream in the Book of Mormon. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of symbolism and I won’t even try to go there. But Nephi has offered a challenge to all who read the book of Mormon and that is to “feast upon the words”and to“liken the scriptures as ourselves”.
My boss sent me a list of about 30 challenges to improve myself in 30 days. It’s not a list of resolutions, but a list of challenges. Here is one that I chose #13:

• Don’t tell a single lie for 30 days. – With all the seemingly innocent, white lies that trickle out of us, this is way harder than it sounds. But you can do it. Stop deceiving yourself and others, speak from the heart, speak the whole truth.

Wow, this one stopped me cold. Stop lying; I know that there are many, many reasons people lie. I googled the word lie and I could not believe what I found. There was a site that broke down the various types of lies. I talked to my husband about this and even he had to pause. My husband is from the “good ole boy” school of telling stories and stretching the truth. I could say that “I know he means well, no harm intended, just having fun. But you know that Nephi, this is what he had to say about lies:

2Nephi 28:8
And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

Lying is serious business. The scriptures report that the Lord “abhors” the liar. Now wait does that mean that I will suffer from “eternal hatred” if I lie. No, and then yes if I don’t repent. But to lie and become a liar, to live a lie is a lifestyle choice. In the scriptures a liar and his lifestyle is often referred to as a “crooked path”. The word lie means “prevariance” which is related to a medical term called “pre-varus” or bowleg. It literally means to straddle, or to straddle the truth. So in “likening myself” to the scripture, I put myself on that path, the strait and narrow path. I think that everyone who has been baptized starts out at that tree. We start at the tree because we have all accepted Christ as our Savior; we have performed the required ordinances, so we have a chance to taste of that fruit. Then we start out on the path, which is the same path we were on before baptism and now it’s changed a bit. Instead of a wide road, it is more narrow, but as we continue to hold on to the iron rod, we have road maps; the scriptures, the sacrament, church meetings, the Temple, etc. All of those are road maps that help guide us, back to the tree. So I have pondered on what it means to live in the truth where no lie will be found in me.

Ephesians 4:24-26
24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

We are now “new men and women” after the order of God. What is that order?

Doctrine & Covenants 3:2
2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.

I love the language that is articulated in this verse. I have noticed that there are at least 2, possibly 3 “voices” of expression of language documented in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. Maybe Joseph Smith noted it too. The one voice or language I have noted is “archaic”, which means this:

1. Archaic of, relating to or characteristic of a much earlier, often more primitive period, especially one that develops into a classical stage of civilization: an archaic bronze statuette; Archaic Greece.
2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of words and language that were once in regular use but are now relatively rare and suggestive of an earlier style or period.
From the Greek arkhaikos: old-fashioned, from arkhaios: ancient, from arkhē: beginning, from arkhein: to begin. (In the beginning; original language of God)

So Heavenly Father has spoken this truth from the very foundation, from the beginning and throughout eternity. This is our guide to the abundant life.
Note: In a previous post I wrote about language, specifically concerning the confounding of the language of the people at the tower of Babel. There has been much speculation about that and I wanted to get to the bottom of it. I have to consider that not only was the “spoken word” confused or confounded, but the language that was used to worship, pray, and even officiate sacrifices to God were confounded also. The language or speech of the people had become corrupt not only in their verbal communication but also in their hearts and their ability to be truthful and obedient to God. At Babel the Lord is taking a preemptive strike.
(I am diverging the path, but stay with me and you will see where this leads)

Genesis 11:6-7
6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
7Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech

By confounding the speech, then this would hold back, at least temporarily a means where “false prophets” could continue to teach false doctrine, and lead away many from God. Now why would the Lord allow a temporary fix? It is probably not temporary but it is a “way” to allow those who choose to continue to worship the Lord in the spirit of truth will have an opportunity to do so.

D&C 3:1;3-2 (Note: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1828, relating to the loss of 116 pages of manuscript translated from the first part of the Book of Mormon, which was called the book of Lehi. The Prophet had reluctantly allowed these pages to pass from his custody to that of Martin Harris, who had served for a brief period as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon. (Martin Harris was a big fat liar and in subsequent revelations he was called “that wicked man”.
1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.
3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.

This is where the record in the book of Ether comes in.

Ether 1:34 And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words

I have been curious about the brother of Jared. When I first read this, I wondered why Jared was so adamant that his brother pray to the Lord for mercy and not to confound the language. Why didn’t Jared pray? But, look at the description of Jared’s brother, not only was he physically imposing, but he was a man “highly favored of the Lord”. Does that mean he had the ability to communicate with God in the language that was appropriate? Was he a prophet of God, a priesthood holder who had not “defiled” his priesthood authority? Who are these people anyway? They were the posterity of Adam. The Lord considered them “His people”. They were a Zion type, with all things in common; set apart, all worthy men were ordained of the High Priest hood. The Lord granted that Jared and his family and friends retain the “spoken” language of Adam or Adamic, also he granted that they would not be cut off from his presence, that they would be allowed to “speak” with Him, worship Him, receive blessing from Him; as long as they obeyed his commandments.
This people residing in “Babel” were the posterity of Noah, the posterity of Adam. They all spoke the same language at the time, which was Adamic or the language of Adam, which was a pure language.

Moses 6:5-6
5 And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;
6 And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled.

Zeph 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.

But what happened? The Tower of Babel was a “temple” built to worship false gods.

Moses 6: 49 Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempt them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God
Moses 5:55 And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men

So cue in the “mists of darkness”, according to the symbolism of that word, it’s all about the evils of the world, or in other words Satan’s devices. I believe that “opportunities to lie” are in the mists. They come “shrouded” in the truth, using the truth as a cover up. Lies can come as things just too good to be true, asking us to buy into them. A lie is part of that filthy garment of the wicked. There it is. Prayer can absolutely help to discern the truth from the lie. It is definitely an ongoing process.
I know that this a big honking post. But I feel that the events from the tower of Babel, the event of the losing of 116 pages of the book of Mormon, the events of the family of Jared. They were on the on the path, we are on the path. I want to be the best I can be for God. I don't know if I am one of the highly favored ones, but I hope that I am in favor. I want to speak the truth in love and in deed. I am believing I can.

PRAYED UP

CODY F MILLER: Daniel

Isaiah 54:16-18 (Amplified Bible (AMP)

16Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy.
17But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.

Every now and again, we believers find ourselves targeted in spiritual crossfire. It must needs be as our Brother Nephi so eloquently counsels. But sometimes, the heat so to speak is turned up a notch.

Ephesians 6:12

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places

This a post about my husband P. Most of the time he is comic relief in my post, but not today. So last week  P. slipped and fell at work, bumping his head, losing consciousness, waking up, getting in his rig and driving back to his work place. I know that quite a few people have accidents at work with various outcomes.
Here's is what happened according to "eye witness's" at the gas station:

• P. was walking across a wet floor, that did not have any signs posted (OSHA violation), to warn of danger. He did a full body slip and fall, and bang his head on the floor. He did not get up, he lay on the floor for almost 15mins. No one called 911.
• Another "eye witness" said that they "thought he was dead", so they did not call 911.
• Again a 3rd "eye witness said that after my husband had lain on the floor, very still, he got up with no help and walked out of the store. They said that he got into his big rig, and drove off." He did however return to ask if he had paid for his gas and also ask if he had left his wallet, which was still in his hand."

I called my husband about the time he had left the building. He told me that he had slipped and fell at the gas station. He was very coherent, but dazed. He said he thought he lost his wallet. So he turned his truck around and went back. I prayed to Heavenly Father that He would please help my husband.

So I spoke with P. at least 5-6 times before he got back to his shop, and each time he said the same things. " Boy, I took a bad spill, that was really bad, I haven't fell like that since I was younger, oh I think I lost my wallet", to which I would tell him that his wallet was in his bag.
When P. got home, he had a big knot on the back of his head, which was hard to find, because his head is knotty any way.:)
He told me what happened and it matches what the 3 witness's said. But what really happened? Why didn't any one call 911, or shake him or yell at him to see if he would respond? How did he regain consciousness to get up and walk and drive like that?  
I asked the question, that in the event that there is no "Good Samaritan" available to "help", does God send angels? A perfectly logical question. Does He reach out and touch?
Now here is the good part, my husband is the "Good Samaritan". After he left another truck driver came in and slipped on the same wet floor. I know its just so unbelievable that maybe the "witness's who worked there, would put out a  "Wet Floor"sign or even a rug down. This man fell into a wire shelf and injured his eye. This time 911 was called, and they finally told them about my husband.

So my husband is doing fine, the headaches are gone, his doctor pronounced him well. He went back to the station and found the 2nd injured mans wife there, trying to find out what happened. The 3 witness's refused to talk to her and they tried to "throw" her off the property. My husband stopped to talk to her and told her everything he knew and gave her a card for his lawyers and his phone number if she needed anything. The lady and her husband had just moved here and started a new job, she is 9 months pregnant and all of that.

Maybe my husband arrived to early, maybe he was supposed to find the 2nd guy and help him out. Either way the Lord will work it out in ways that are mysterious to us.

What I have learned from this is that we need to prayer, stretch out our hearts and souls in prayer to Heavenly Father, every day. Out thoughts should always be on Him. We need to be "prayed up" as it were.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

Echoes of the Dreamer

Today is Dr Martin Luther King Jr's 82^nd birthday anniversary. On my list of 51 things that I am grateful for in this life is that of the life and work of this man.

When I was 8 years old, he was assassinated. I lived in Louisiana with my parents and little brother. What I remember about that day is my mother crying hysterically in her bedroom. I remember my dad coming home from work, really upset and angry. He and my mom were talking and crying together. They turned on the television and watched the news. They gathered me and my brother together and hugged us and told us that "Dr King was dead" We cried too, because somehow we thought that the world as we knew it was changed forever. And it was, but so much more for the better than the worse.
A favorite quote from his "I Have a Dream "speech is this:

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."  

This quote was an inspiration to a generation to strive for educational and personal excellence in their lives. I remember how all of my teachers from that moment until I graduated high school reaffirmed the goal to live according to the content of our characters and to be person of integrity, to be an asset to our families.
So much happened after his death, but the one moment that stands out for me was when African Americans no longer had to "ride in the back of the bus". The South held on to segregation long after the laws were passed. As a kid, I remember my mom paying our bus fare at the front of the bus, but then walking to the back door of the bus to get in. There were only a limited amount of seats and if they were full you had to stand. If seats ran out in the front of the bus for white riders, the bus driver would kick off any black rider to make room. So in response to this unfairness, many African American men started independent taxi services to help their friends and neighbors. They would usually post themselves near bus stops, grocery stores, doctors' offices, etc.

Excerpt from Noble Peace Prize acceptance speech:

But, [he continues] our method will be that of persuasion not coercion. We will only say to the people, "Let your conscience be your guide." Our actions must be guided by the deepest principles of our Christian faith... Once again we must hear the words of Jesus⁵ echoing across the centuries: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you."   

I have heard commentary over the years that speculate that if Dr King were alive today he would be disappointed even angry with the events of the world today. I don't think so. I feel that the United States is a much better place because of him and his sacrifice, all races can benefit from it. I am happy to have grown up not feeling burdened by the "color of my skin", but I grew up in the knowledge that it was my choice to either be somebody or not, to keep my eyes on the prize.  

What would Dr King think of the "Occupy" protests? Maybe he would encourage them to make more definitive goals, organize peaceful protests that invite an intelligent dialogue. I think that he would have been intrigued at News Week's person of the year was the "Protester".
 What would he think about the conflicts overseas?

Beyond Vietnam -- A Time to Break Silence
Delivered 4 April 1967, Riverside Church, New York City
Now, it should be incandescently clear that no one who has any concern for the integrity and life of America today can ignore the present war. If America's soul becomes totally poisoned, part of the autopsy must read: Vietnam. It can never be saved so long as it destroys the deepest hopes of men the world over. So it is that those of us who are yet determined that America will be -- are -- are led down the path of protest and dissent, working for the health of our land.
As if the weight of such a commitment to the life and health of America were not enough, another burden of responsibility was placed upon me in 1954¹; and I cannot forget that the Nobel Peace Prize was also a commission, a commission to work harder than I had ever worked before for "the brotherhood of man." This is a calling that takes me beyond national allegiances, but even if it were not present I would yet have to live with the meaning of my commitment to the ministry of Jesus Christ. To me the relationship of this ministry to the making of peace is so obvious that I sometimes marvel at those who ask me why I'm speaking against the war. Could it be that they do not know that the good news was meant for all men -- for Communist and capitalist, for their children and ours, for black and for white, for revolutionary and conservative? Have they forgotten that my ministry is in obedience to the One who loved his enemies so fully that he died for them? What then can I say to the Vietcong or to Castro or to Mao as a faithful minister of this One? Can I threaten them with death or must I not share with them my life?
And finally, as I try to explain for you and for myself the road that leads from Montgomery to this place I would have offered all that was most valid if I simply said that I must be true to my conviction that I share with all men the calling to be a son of the living God. Beyond the calling of race or nation or creed is this vocation of son ship and brotherhood, and because I believe that the Father is deeply concerned especially for his suffering and helpless and outcast children, I come tonight to speak for them "

Happy Birthday Martin



Cody Miller: True Religion



LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Our religion must find expression in our everyday lives. George Albert Smith

A few things for Friday……

John 9:1-3
1And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him

Lately I have had to take the bus and metro to work. Usually it is because of some car issue, either mine or my husbands. I am usually “put out” by this and I almost always have a bad attitude about it. But, the last time I had an opportunity to ride the bus to work was due to a flat tire, and I was blessed with a moment or two of clarity. I decided to change my attitude and look for opportunities to be a blessing in someone’s life. I really strive to come out of my comfort zone of shyness.
On the bus route I take, there is a young man who is blind, who rides also. He is always well dressed; he carries his guide stick, and lunch and a brief case. I often wonder who cares for him, and do they come to the bus stop at the end of his day? He climbs aboard the bus and pays his fare with little assistance. But, the passengers on the bus seem to care for him, because they make sure he is guided to his seat.
So on this day, I noticed that 2 passengers, a man and a woman were talking about this blind man. They were speaking in French. Apparently they hadn’t seen him in a few days and they wanted to make sure he got a seat on the bus. (I don’t speak French).
So the man got on the bus and the couple made sure he had a seat. They made such a loving fuss over him, but he didn’t seem to acknowledge them, but he said “Thank you”. After we all got off the bus, I saw the man walking toward the Metro terminal, maybe to another bus or train. I wondered who was going to take care of him then; did he expect this help every day?
I prayed in my heart to know how did God take care of the blind. Who keeps them safe? Who makes sure that they don’t step into oncoming traffic? At that point I felt the most amazing feeling of warmth that rose from my heart to my head.
So later that day…... I was sitting exhausted at the bus stop, waiting for the bus. I vaguely noticed a woman and a rather large young man walking toward me. The man sat down, really close to me and the lady started to talk to me. You know, you can see the mouth moving, but not hear the words. She was smiling and gestured toward the young man and I thought I heard her say “Could you please tell him when his bus comes?” Then she said good bye to the young man and disappeared into the crowd. So I wondered if she was talking to me. The young man was still sitting too close, and he was listening to his IPOD and singing. He was blind. So I wondered how to get his attention to ask what bus he rode. A bus pulled up and out of nowhere or maybe in the crowd a man came up to this man and told him his bus was here and guided him to the door. He got on the bus, paid his fare, while still listening to the IPOD and humming.
Somewhere I thought I heard someone laughing, well maybe not laughing but definitely a chuckle. So that’s how it’s done. We are our brother’s keeper.

2. I had a fresh take on this scripture:

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

I wanted to know just who are those widows and orphans. An alternate definition of orphan is one that lacks support, supervision, or care. And the same for the widow is to deprive of anything cherished or needed.
Needless to say, a widow or orphan can be anyone who finds themselves, due to circumstances, in their control or out, to be deprived of support, care, even love and concern.

3 This Sunday the Relief Society lesson is" Living What We Believe, from the life of George Albert Smith." I was really intrigued by this lesson, especially after my last post of power walk scriptures to live by.
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When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”- 11 ideals that he committed to live by: From the life of George Albert Smith

This one stood out to me:

“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed”

Sometimes the “sick and afflicted” walk among us every day. They ride the bus to work and depend on the kindness of strangers to make their way home.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE !!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR:2012 OR BUST

CODY F MILLER

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE MYSELF; AGAIN

Wow, 2012 is upon us. It’s a leap year, and it promises to be a good year. I am so excited.
2011 was a good year, it was a year that seemed to demand that loose ends be tied, that any procrastination stop and most of all fear is gone. In the Dec Ensign, President Eyring challenged all the believers to express their gratitude to our Heavenly Father in 100 different ways. So I thought about it and off the top of my head and the bottom of my heart I came up with about 51 items. I was surprised at what was on the list and I was immediately grateful and humbled and I even felt bad because I know that I had taken for granted quite a few things.

Here is a list of the top 10:
1. I am thankful for Agency; that I used to choose the Right
2. The Savior
3. A new heart, that continues to experience the “Mighty Change”
4. My husband and eternal partner
5. The Sealing Ordinance
6. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and my once in a life time opportunity to see & hear them in concert this year.
7. Dr Jennifer B., a wonderful, kind Dentist who believes in “pain free” as much as possible.
8. The Book of Mormon
9. My good friend K. Miller, who is Thelma to my Louise
10. To be born, and living at this time.

So when I look at this list I fully realize how Heavenly Father has blessed me with all things, even a “pain free” dentist according to his riches in glory. I want to do my best and to be my best for God, worthy to be called a disciple. But I know in my “flawed” estate, it can be hard and I know I need some divine help in my every day walk. So instead of New Year’s resolutions, which never work, I have sought out what I call, “Earth shaking, and power walking scripture” to help me along my way.”

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

This is a pretty powerful scripture, one to read daily before I "walk" out the door so to speak. The Apostle Paul is admonishing us or reminding us that we have been set at liberty by virtue of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of this, we have a responsibility to continue in that strait and narrow path and not be enticed by the sins of the world. Or rather revert to our old habit patterns of sin.

Doctrine & Covenants 84:54
And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief and because you have treated lightly the things you have received.

We are reminded to treasure this precious gift of “eternal life” that we have received.
One of my “fatal flaws” is that at times I become unsure of just who I am in this world. I become entangled with self doubt, and I tend to retreat instead of pushing forward and trusting in God. In Doctrine & Covenants 25, the Lord speaks directly to Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. During the time of this revelation, Joseph had just started to translate the golden plates. He and Emma had only been married a short time. I have a feeling that Emma’s sense of “who she was”, and her own carefully constructed identity was starting to falter. The Lord gave her much assurance in this revelation

Doctrine & Covenant 25:1-2
1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.
2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

I usually insert my name where Emma’s is because I know that the Lord is speaking to me also. But I asked the question, what is this path of virtue?

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren:

• Whatsoever things are true,
• Whatsoever things are noble,
• Whatsoever things are just,
• Whatsoever things are pure,
• Whatsoever things are lovely,
• Whatsoever things are of good report,

If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

The final verses of Doctrine & Covenants 25, verses 10; 13-14 echo what is said in Philippians 4:8

Doctrine & Covenants 25:10:13-14
10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him.
15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.

We are to lay aside and not become entangled “again” into the things of this world. But seek for those things which are true, noble, just, pure, and lovely and of a good report. We are to lift up our hearts and rejoice in our covenants that we have made. Wow!!
Beware of pride, which comes in all disguises,even self doubt, depression, murmurings. In Ether 12:27 the Lord gives insight into continuing in meekness

Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them

I have struggled with some of these issues and I thought that if I could just work them out myself, then I could serve better, be better, do better.I consider Ether 12:27 a life line, so for me this is an "Earth Shaking" promise.
And finally,

1 Nephi 10:19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old; and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

These are my personal “Power walk” Scripture. I know that there are more that I will be adding, but when I sought guidance, these scripture were all familiar to me. That is how God is. His words we have hidden or treasured up in our hearts that we may not have an occasion to sin against him and fall off that strait and narrow path.

Happy New Year everyone. The future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades

Mary Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Have you heard this song? It is a beautiful and introspective song. Has anyone ever asked a new mother if she “knew” that her new baby girl or boy would turn out a certain way? How did they know?
How did Mary know? Of course the obvious answer could be that the Angel of the Lord, Gabriel told her. Did Mary listen to the records of Isaiah in the synagogue? Do you think that she would ever speculate that she would be chosen to be the mother of the Savior? Whenever I have read the account in Luke 1 concerning the “Annunciation”, or the visitation of Gabriel to Mary, I would always wonder, where was she when Gabriel appeared to her? In paintings she is seen kneeling near a small desk or table; most movies place her just casually walking in her neighborhood. She could be daydreaming, or just thinking and then “poof” “Hail Mary”. All of a sudden this glorious and awesome being is standing in front of you. He is speaking to you and telling you some amazing stuff and it concerns you Mary!! What would anyone in that situation do? Would you pass out from fear, would you run away?
According to Jewish tradition Mary was between 12-14 years old, betrothed to a man whose age is not given. She is engaged to be “taken in marriage” within 6months to a year according to the laws of matrimony at the time. During that time she must prepare herself to become a virtuous wife and mother, and keep herself chaste and out of trouble until the big day. She has moved out of her own family home into that of her husband’s family.

“In keeping with Jewish custom, the betrothal would have taken place when she was around 12 and the birth of Jesus about a year later” Wikipedia: Mary Mother of Jesus
“The most typical marriageable age for a girl was just after puberty. At twelve or thirteen, she would still most likely do exactly what her father told her to do. So, if the marriage was something the father wanted, his daughter generally consented. Once married, the young woman typically moved from her father's house to her husband's. As for the wedding, the ancient Israelites surely had them, but the Bible sheds little light on the ceremony. Most likely, families followed whatever local customs in the couple's village or region dictated.”

So I have been “searching” for Mary in the scriptures and I can tell you that she is “mentioned” in the most subtle and humble of circumstances. In ancient times, a person was known or recognized not only by their name and family ties, but also by their purpose in life. A woman’s entire purpose in that time was to be a good wife and a good mother.

Proverbs 31:10-11
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.

I found a reference to Mary in Psalm 116:16

16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and {of} the son {Jesus} of thine handmaid {Mary}: thou hast loosed my bonds. (Atonement)

(In scripture children are most often identified with their father’s name, not often with the mother).
I searched through a few translations; it seems that the more “archaic” the translation, the closer to the original intent and meaning of the verse it is.

Psalm 116 is a psalm of David, his testimony in this verse is that he is not only a servant of Heavenly Father, but also of the Son, who is Jesus Christ, who is the son of the handmaid (Mary) of God. Awesome, there she is David spoke of her in her “calling” or station of purpose” for her life.

Mary is here also in Genesis 3:15

15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise his heel.

The “her” referenced here is Mary, a daughter of Eve, and her seed is Jesus the Christ.
In the book of Mormon, Nephi has a vision or revelation of Mary and of the infant Jesus. Nephi describes her in this manner:

1 Nephi 1:13-15
13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth. I beheld a virgin and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14: And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open and an angel came down and stood before me and he said unto me: Nephi what beholdest thou?
15: And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

Nephi describes Mary as a virgin who was exceedingly fair and white. I have heard some explain that fair and white meant that she was beautiful and white symbolizes her spiritual purity. So I checked out the definitions of fair and white in Miriam Webster and here is what I found:
Fair: unblemished and White is pure and innocent. These words have been used to describe the requirements for a lamb for sacrifice. The sacrificial lamb must be unspotted, free from blemish. I am not sure if the color “white” is a requirement because sheep come in a variety of breeds and colors, but possibly within those coloration's, there is a perfect blend of color and skin tone.

So Mary is ascribed the attributes of a perfect lamb for sacrifice, or in her case offering. She would represent a ewe lamb, which is female.
The account in Luke 1:26-28 validates what Nephi saw. What a gift Nephi was given, to have actually seen a foreshadowing of those events

Luke 1:26-28
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women

Where was Mary during this encounter? In my search for information concerning ancient Hebrew traditions, she would have probably been praying, possibly in the Temple since Hebrews prayed 3 times a day. Now compare this to the young Joseph Smith, who went into a secluded grove and fell on his knees to seek out the Lord with the desires of his heart.
What was Mary’s prayer? Did she know? Had she pondered the prophecies of the coming Messiah? Mary’s linage was also of the house of David. Do you think that all of the young women of that “House” considered that they could be the mother of the Messiah?

In 1 Samuel 1, I found Hannah, who is called “handmaiden” of the Lord, for she is a type and a shadow of Mary.Hannah was barren, but her heart’s desire was to be a good wife and a mother of children.

1 Samuel 1:9-11
9 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the LORD.
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.
11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaiden and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your handmaiden a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

It is an honor to be called the handmaiden of the Lord. It is not random, because this calling is one that requires great faith, worthiness and it calls for at times extreme sacrifice. For Hannah, she “vowed a vow” that if the Lord would grant her a “male child” she would “give him to the Lord all the days of his life”. Her son was the prophet Samuel, who by no coincidence anointed David as King of Israel.
Another “handmaiden” in the scriptures was Emma Smith. Do you see how these women’s lives intersected? Emma was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

President John Taylor, the third President of the Church, wrote, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it" (D&C 135:3).

Her sacrifice was great, right from the start. Her family opposed her marriage to Joseph and eventually she would leave them and never see them again. Many of her children died a birth or at a young age. The threat of death or peril was always on her husband’s head. I am sure that this was hard on her and Joseph and probably put a strain on their marriage. She asked in a prayer,” How much can one heart take? “The Lord spoke to her in D&C 25. Imagine the honor it is, as a woman to have a record of the Lords words to you.

Doctrine and Covenants 25
1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.
2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.
3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.
4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.
5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.

This revelation was given to Emma, at the very beginning, when Joseph started translating the Book of Mormon. Can you feel the love of the Lord in those verses? The Lord is asking Emma, as with Mary,and Hannah and yes even you and I, for faith in Him and obedience, even complete obedience.

Again in D&C 132:54, the Lord remembers Emma Smith and her state of mind during a time of great trial; the Lord calls her “handmaid”.

54 And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law

Mary’s calling:

Luke 1:30-33
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

I can see a pattern with the lives of these women, from Mother Eve whose calling was to be the mother of all the living, and to love her husband. Hannah voluntarily vowed to "lend" her son Samuel for the Lords great purpose,it was not accident. And Mary, who history has portrayed as a simple peasant girl, but when you search out the scriptures, she was anything but simple. Mary knew that she knew.

Mary’s Testimony:

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

God Assurance: Luke 1:35-37

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Mary’s obedience: Luke 1:38

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her

So what did Mary know?

Joel 2:27-29
27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God, and there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.
28 “ And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on my menservants and on my handmaids, I will pour out My Spirit in those days

I would ask, can we know what Mary knew? Can we obtain favor with our Heavenly Father? Yes we can.

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than mere belief. Faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” “Faith always moves its possessor to … physical and mental action.”“To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in him that we obey whatever he commands. There is no faith where there is no obedience.”
Faith comes from hearing the word of God and is a spiritual gift. Faith increases when we not only hear, but act on the word of God as well; in obedience to the truths we have been taught.
Mary’s reply to the angel’s announcement provides an excellent example. Mary was told by the angel Gabriel: “Thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest.” Mary then obediently said to Gabriel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Help Thou Mine Unbelief” Elder Whitney Clayton of the seventy

Merry Christmas everyone, celebrate love.