SILVER LININGS

Golly Bard

Has anyone seen this movie, "The Silver Linings Playbook"? 

So I am going to do a movie review on this blog instead of my sister blog. I must warn you there is some serious "potty mouth" and "trash talking" in this movie, but that's life and the beauty of it. Some adult and unchaste situations, some immodesty, but that being said I was really touched by this movie. I realized that I had stopped watching movies about 4 or 5 years ago, about the time I was baptized. I think I stopped because I have a short attention span for mediocrity. I have lived a long time, and I have seen some of the best and worst movies and in my own opinion (which I will not force on anyone else), the best stuff has been done, and everything else is a mish mash of what has gone before. There I said it, throw rocks if you will.   

So  this past weekend I had plans on attending a book fair,(which I didn't go to because I hurt my back and I stayed home on the sofa watching movies )  I am a book nerd, and my short attention span can tolerate a good book especially if I can bond with it. Right now the books I have been bonding with are scripture, more scripture and books that support that scripture). So the side affect is that any other genre that I venture into, will be aligned against the scripture aka the Word of God and will be judged accordingly. Now judge is a strong word, but I know that it’s true that the word of God is a double edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12-13

¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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.

¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do

I find that I cannot just watch a movie or a TV show without the real intent revealing itself to me. Sometimes I am offended and I have to turn it off, or shut the book, or leave the room. Sometimes I can watch and have the intent of the movie or book revealed to me as a lesson, as a parable, or something that can be used in my own life. Everything is a pattern for us to learn either good or evil. We are still making those choices.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the “beginning” as it were, the pattern of patterns. Eve was beguiled by the “serpent” with flattering words, meant to plant a seed of “doubt” or curiosity. The apple was only a token. In inviting Adam to partake, Eve had processed everything that she had been taught by Father, and compared it to the “flattery” of the serpent, and made a righteous decision. You know the rest of the story...  Their eyes were opened and from that point nothing would ever be the same.  

The synopsis of the movie "The Silver Linings Playbook” is about 2 broken people, a man and a woman who are essentially searching for love, real love. The man has been in a mental hospital in treatment for bipolar disorder which lead him to a violent attack, which ended his marriage and caused him to be there in the first place. While in confinement he decided that he wanted to improve himself and get better so that he could reconcile with his wife. So the wife is the villain in this story. The other female character is just as broken, but no less one worthy of love. Her husband is killed in a horrible accident, she is depressed and she act’s out by sleeping with some of her co-workers and she is fired. This is a match made in heaven if there ever was one.

This is a movie that will break your heart and then help you pick up the pieces. What I learned  is that we as a collective whole are essentially broken, some in more pieces than others. And, it is not the "baaadd" thing we feel that it is. 

There is a trend in the world that lends toward extreme perfectionism and seemingly rejects the person that you truly are.  It is  prevalent  under the guise of "make over" and "do over". There is an entire cottage industry of schemes that entice people to bring their broken selves; their less than beautiful or skinny or even lovable selves and place themselves into the hands of strangers and  fitness trainers, and money counselors  and therapists and whatever. Now, there is nothing wrong with any of this except that if not approached wisely, anyone can be preyed upon and hurt.

 I asked a question, does Heavenly Father accept us in all of our brokenness and does he accept  the meager perfection that only we can produce? What I learned and what I was taught is that the brokenness is a gift and a curse. A gift if we yield unto the enticing of that still small voice, who will tell us that we are loved warts and all. The Savior offers a makeover that is progressive and he does all the work. We just have to have a willingness..

Ezekiel 11:19-20 Amplified Bible

¹⁹ And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God],

²⁰ That they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God.

So what is that Silver Lining that we all look for. The scriptures counsel that those who diligently seek shall find. I had the impression that there is a Silver Lining but in a different way. I know that the silver lining is the Atonement, and I know it is the hope and promise of the reality of the Savior Jesus Christ and his promised return for us. Are we the only generation that has hoped for a silver lining, a ray of hope or a reason to continue on? Think about the disciples in Jerusalem, the Saviors last day on earth; when the Savior had given his last prayer, and given the gift of the Holy Spirit, as everyone was looking at him, watching him leave and ascend into the cloud,what were they feeling?

Acts 1:9-11

⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

PRIZE FIGHTER

TAKING UP OUR CROSS 

Matthew 10:38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of Me.

Matthew 16:24-25

24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Before my husband and I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS; (him re-activation and me baptized), we had been married for about eight years and we loved each other, and we thought we knew each other well. We weren't attending a church, but we believed in God, and in prayer and we felt in our hearts that God loved us. We made a decision to “expand our boundaries”, by looking for a church, buying a house, building up our family. We began experienced some over the top blessings that even now we still marvel and wonder how we ever qualified for them.

But then we also experienced some of the most earth shaking trials (at least to us), and core rattling experiences that we had ever known. My elderly mother came to live with us, and we really wanted her to live with us. But her health problems (mental and physical) deteriorated to a point that left my husband and me questioning our marriage bond, and loyalty’s. We had to make hard decisions concerning my mom. During that episode which was 10 long years, we had health issues that drained our finances, we almost lost our home, and we almost lost each other. We were at a point where we didn't ask “why me”, but instead  we prayed and asked for help.

We got help in the form of missionaries knocking at our door; and they recognizing that my husband had been a member of the Church, Invited him to come back. As for me, I was invited to consider baptism, which I did. After some euphoria and having experienced some of the best days of our life in a short space of time, the bad days were back. We quickly learned that those episodes were trials, and all of God’s children would experience them at some point in their lives. These trials again seemed to be directed at our marriage, and our health, even to the point of life and death.

My husband and I were so exhausted, I remember feeling that maybe we should just throw in the white towel and yell “uncle”. We really felt alone at that point. But, as much as I  would like to say that even in that pivotal moment of clarity the Lone Ranger came in on a white horse and scooped us up and we all lived happily ever after… 

He didn't, but what came to us and what still comes to us even now, is a renewed sense of survival and hope. We prayed a lot, and the answer to us was “Get up”, keep moving; stick and move just like a prize fighter.” I realize that like James, we should “count it all joy” when we are beset by trials” 

James 1:2-3

2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trails of any sort, or fall into various temptations.

3 Be assured and understand that the trail and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 

For all of us who live the gospel the best we can, we are worthy to endure those trials, and those trials are tailor made for us, to shape us and mold us. We are worthy for all the Father has for us.

Philippians 3

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13 Brethren I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

re: Passion of the Christ

I remember watching a movie about Christ as he dragged that heavy cross to Calvary, and in a scene where the actor portraying him fell to the ground with the cross on top of him; "Jesus" held on to that cross tenderly and lovingly and even kissed it. I thought for a moment that the Savior may have done just that. He knew that we had to pick up our own cross and drag it around, and we would be tempted to “throw it off” for a seemingly lighter load. I take to heart that invitation to come unto me, all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Sometimes that rest doesn't come with a pillow, sometimes it comes with a hand up. 

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

THE ROAD

So this past Sunday, I didn’t go to sacrament. What an agonizing decision, on the one hand, physically I wasn’t feeling too good, and mentally I felt pretty crabby. I thought that if I could just have some quiet time and a cup of hot chocolate I would be okay, not so much.
So I prayed in my heart for some clarity, “Is it okay Father that I play hooky from church today, I don’t love you any less, but my frail and imperfect self at times overcomes me.”

So a wonderful thought came to me: The road is becoming narrower, and my immediate response was:” Lord will it overtake me?”I have been pondering over this, what brought this on?
3 Nephi 14:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leads to destruction, and many there be who go in there at;
 14 Because strait is the agate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.

What is this road that we are on? It is this journey of salvation that for me, when I stepped out of the baptismal pool, when I walked down from the podium after “receiving the Holy Spirit”; I was given a map, a GPS as it were. What a sweet confirmation that at least, I have been traveling down the right road. The more challenging life becomes and the more overwhelmed by it we become, there is an iron rod to cling to, and in the narrowing of the road, I feel like we must concentrate more on just putting one foot in front of the other.

So, I watched Oprah, and her new OWN network. I thought about that word “own”.  I feel that because the Father and the Son love us so much, that if were possible to live a stress free life, than it would be so, but it’s not, so in the middle of the muddle he gives us a tender mercy. I imagine that in certain circumstances that a tender mercy is the best, gooiest of chocolate and marshmallow treats that melt in your heart.

courtesy of OWN NETWORK

So I thought about those tender mercies after watching this segment, and it occurred to me that I can share a tender mercy with some who needs it, and that could be a big list. I made a list, and the best I can do is to share some love with three people I know who could really use it. I won't tell you what I am going to do, because they may be reading this, but I will say that if you know someone or one's who need a tender mercy, go forth and do. Happy Monday!!

REMEMBERANCE

Is it time for a yard sale? Your clutter may be overwhelming, and a little handy cash is always nice. Create a win-win by getting organized and clearing away the remnants of a forgotten past.

This is a pre-birthday forecast. Over the years I have purposely not read my horoscope for various reasons. But I found this one to be intriguing. “Create a win-win situation by getting organized and clearing away remnants of a forgotten past”.

Now on the one hand I fully agree that going forward, it would be really great just to purge my entire basement. When I moved into my house, most of my “stuff” remained in boxes and have been that way for about 10 years. It’s interesting the attachment we place on our possessions. And for the record, it’s okay to love your stuff, just don’t obsess. But my home has been in a state of ongoing, stop and go, mostly stop renovation. So over the years I mourned for my dishes, and antique hutch, and treasured yard sale finds. Sometimes I would rebel against my husband and unpack them and drag them out, only to have them put back because of lack of space or use. So for the past few years I have been bravely donating and purging those boxes; so in that context I have to agree with the statement of “clearing away the remnants of a forgotten past.

But on the other hand; lately I have been “chipping” through my family history work. I have had a lot of success on my husband’s side of the tree. My husband P. has virtual amnesia concerning his family. Seriously, the poor guy can barely recall pertinent memories of his mom and dad, and not much about his grandparents or uncle and aunts. But if you ask me for a story, I have many about my family. I feel like that when I was little, I lived in a “moment”, where I was able to meet all of the “old ones”, like my maternal great grandfather and even a long lost sister of my maternal grandfather. I was able to have a relationship with my paternal grandma Elizabeth that no one else shared. I am sure I didn't appreciate it at the time, but I do now. So it is all the more frustrating that I am not able to find a lot of information on my side of the family. I feel like a detective struggling to solve some great mysteries.

I have had more success in organizing my husband’s relatives into families. There seem to be at least 4 lines on the maternal side. I had to really pray for my husband concerning his memory “black out”, and you know the Lord has a soft side for my husband, and a great sense of humor, because lately he has started to “remember” stories of what were heretofore just names on paper. As for me, I surely felt like Nephi, being guided by the Spirit, but not knowing where I was headed.

So I came across a recent Obit of a family member who had passed just last month. I looked at her name, and it’s interesting but a “flood” of memories came to me. Not personal memories, but the names of this person’s family members, particularly her brothers and sisters who had gone before; she was the last one, and in the paradox of “Six degree’s to Kevin Bacon”, we almost had an opportunity to meet her. She lived not far from us. I had the impression that she must have been a tenacious person, and she was waiting for this moment to be with her family again.

Have you ever wondered if we take our memories and life experiences with us? I thought about this and it seems almost paradoxical doesn't it? Can you imagine gathering together and exchanging those stories whether funny or sad or good and bad with the heavenly host? I have the impression that heaven is very “real” in a down to earth sense. In D&C the Savior gives us a recollection of what must have been a nightmare for him, concerning the “exquisite” pain and torture he endured for us on the cross. He said that even I, God prayed not to shrink.

Doctrine & Covenants 19:18-19

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

 19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men

Wow, so I can imagine that all of our life’s stories whether good or bad, painful or sad are appreciated. I believe that this is what makes sharing the gospel so important to our ancestors.

What is that win-win situation? I found this quote by Elder Bruce R Mckonkie 

“the covenant made with the fathers was that their seed after them should receive the same gospel, the same priesthood, the same promise of salvation that blessed the lives of those with whom the covenant was first made”. (A New Witness 524)

MARY MAGDALENE'S CONVERSION

Brian Kershinick

Conversion occurs, "when we stop trying to earn heaven and start trying to learn it. . . As we take each little step to show faith, repent, make and live covenants, seek the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end, we are not paying our way into heaven. We are practicing for it." Brad Wilcox: The Continuous Conversion

I recently read a blog, where the host had written a post that specifically pointed out Mary Magdalene’s behavior at the tomb where Jesus had been placed. This blogger posed the question as to why Mary was weeping; when obviously she should have known that Jesus would be resurrected.” She also chided the behavior of Jesus toward Mary; why did he say her name, why did she not recognize him? I wanted to defend Mary; so I sought answers to these questions.

I looked at two perspectives on these events; in John and in Luke. I am inspired to go with the record of John, which on the surface seems spare, but there is a wealth of knowledge that lies beneath.

In making progressive steps toward a “mighty change” of heart; Mary has exhibited the faith to forsake all and follow the Savior, even unto death. As a female disciple, I feel that she was not able to partake in “everything”. She did not witness the transfiguration, only Peter, James and John. But possibly like Emma Smith, who was also a disciple, when she did not have an opportunity to “see” the plates of Mormon, she was allowed to touch them under cover. This was a bolster to her faith, but Mary Magdalene may have only heard the story of Jesus’ transfiguration... Now, this is Mary’s opportunity to “see” Jesus as he really is, this is the ultimate transfiguration.  

 3 Nephi 12: 3 Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 John 20:1-2; 11-13

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.

(Peter and John also came to the tomb, after both entering in, they left and went home).

11 But Mary stood outside the sepulcher weeping; and as she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulcher.

Have you ever wondered why, out of all of the people who followed Jesus in his earthly ministry; even his disciples and family members, why was Mary the only one who “saw “ the angels and conversed with them? Why did she “see”the risen Lord first. I'd like to believe that she was "chosen" for this. Maybe the Savior did not specifically say: Mary be at the tomb on the third day at zero dark thirty, and you will see me in the garden. I believe that she qualified for that privilege. How did she do that?    

John 1:12-1312 But as many as received him, to him gave the power to become: the sons (& daughters) of God; even to them that believe on his name.

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

So here is that tiny little word “but” and if you remember, that word has a wealth of meaning. In this context this word means “except or to set apart”. The men decided to go home after leaving the tomb, and they may have asked Mary to come with them. But Mary, like Daniel  purposed in her heart to “wait on the Lord”. Mary started to remember what the Savior had taught all of them concerning his resurrection. What did he say to them after raising their friend Lazarus from the dead? “I am the resurrection and the life”. Why was she weeping? Well obviously she was sad, but I think that somewhere in that weeping, there may have been tears of joy and recognition.

Can you find a similarity with another Mary?

Glad Tidings

12 And she saw two angles in white, sitting one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they said unto her, Woman, why do ye weep? She said unto them “Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid him.

Luke 24:6-7

⁶ He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 

⁷ saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”

Giving Back the Broken heart

John 20:14-18

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

D&C 11: For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God

There have been many schools of thought as to why Mary did not recognize Jesus as he was standing there. You could say, "Wasn't it obvious that it was Jesus? I am going to say no. The last time she saw Jesus alive, he was barely recognizable. He was beaten and bruised and the scriptures say his "visage" or face was "marred" or beaten beyond recognition. I know this image was burned into her memory, so she probably could not remember what he really looked like. But now; Jesus is a resurrected being, with all of his body parts restored, his face is beautiful, all things made new, and he may have been surrounded in a partial glory of light and loveliness  But Mary did not fully turn around to see who she was talking to though, and she did not recognize the voice. You can't recognize the Savior with your temporal senses alone. At this point I believe Mary pondered in her heart, did she say "Wait a minute, that voice does sound familiar; if I turn around will it be him!!" The beginning of revelation, ask in your mind if these things are true, if they are you will receive a burning in your heart of recognition. 

15 Jesus said unto her, “Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing him to be the gardener said unto him “Sir if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou have laid him and I will take him away.

3 Nephi 12:4 And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

The Handmaid of the Lord

16 Jesus said unto her, “Mary”. She turned herself and said unto him, Rabonni; which is to say Master.

Mosiah 5:12  I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also by the name by which he shall call you.

3 Nephi 12:8 Blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

At this point, the “garden” had now become “holy ground”, and as with Moses upon seeing a bush that appeared to be burning, he turned around to examine it further.  So did Mary “turn herself around to better see who was talking to her.

Exodus 3:3-5

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush and said “Moses, Moses” and he said “Hear am I “

5 And he said, “Draw not nigh hither (don’t come any closer), put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place where on thou stand is holy ground.

17 Jesus said unto her “Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended unto my Father: But go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and to your God.  

D&C 67:10 And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am, not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.  

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things to her.

I really have a new found admiration for Mary Magadalene. Throughout centuries, her very own special identity has been lumped together with "other Mary's" as the scripture reports. She has been called a fallen woman, a prostitute, all of that, but here is wisdom; Why did Jesus call her by name? Because it was the "new name", the name that He had personally assigned to her. Yes sure it was still Mary, but going forward it is Mary, chosen of God to spread the good news.

If the sisters who have made covenants with God know what they are supposed to do, that they are in for the long haul, and that they are in with all their faith, then this world will be okay and we will be all right. Sister Julie B Beck; 2010 byu women’s conference

  

OPEN MIKE THURSDAY: PARADISE

So today is open mike Thursday and this just means that I wanted to share with you some really great music from YOU TUBE.  What was life like before you tube? I think I heard somewhere that when you tube first came on the scene, MTV knew its video streaming days were over. Now I may have made that up, but there is an element of truth there.  Now just about anyone with a computer and a video camera or phone can make a movie.  

So I subscribe to the Alex Boye’ and The Piano Guys You Tube Network. If you are familiar, then you have probably heard of Alex who sings in the MOTAB Choir and the Piano Guys, who are two friends who previously worked in a piano store. They ditched that job and decided to make their own music.

Last year The Piano Guys covered a really great song by Cold Play called Paradise, and they invited Alex to come and sing with them. The beauty of the song Paradise is that anyone can ad lib words to the melody and Alex wrote words to the song in SWAHILI. I have to say  that if you have not had an opportunity to see Alex Boye in concert or in person, you are missing a treat. My husband and I saw him perform with the MOTAB choir 2 years ago, and then last year he came to DC for a "Why I believe Fireside". It was very entertaining and deeply spiritual. 

I am really impressed with this live performance of Paradise and I was inspired to further understand the concept of Paradise. In the book of Mormon paradise is described as a “state of happiness”.     

Alma 40:12   And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those righteous are received into a state of happiness , which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow.  

 And in the book of Isaiah, it is a place reserved for the “redeemed” of the Lord, who were righteous in their lives.

Isaiah 51:11  Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. 

When Jesus was on the cross, hanging between two “malefactors”, one of them decided to “kick Jesus” when he was down. His rhetoric was similar to Satan’s taunts when Jesus had spent a number of days in the wilderness. He has started to challenge Jesus as the Savior. Now the scriptures do not record if Jesus said anything to this man, but there is an interesting side argument with the second man on a cross. This man rebukes the other and defends Jesus. I wonder if this man was a follower of sorts of Jesus: 

LUKE 23:33; 39-43

33: And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and other on the left.

39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged, railed on him saying: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying: “Do you not fear God; see {that} thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou come into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with me in Paradise.

 What prompted the second man to defend Jesus and then afterwards ask such a marvelous request?  At the very moment the thief on the cross confessed in so many words that Jesus was the Christ, was it revelation?  

Jesus had asked an important question to his disciples earlier, he asked: “Who do ye say that I am?” Now his disciples answered: “Master some say you are John the Baptist raised from the dead”. Others say you are Elias. So Jesus asked again; but who do you say that I am? And in that moment, Peter proclaimed, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of God." How did he know that, had Jesus revealed who he was up onto that point? In so many words yes and no, because the disciples did not have the “ears to hear”. What are those ears to hear? It is the ability to “hear” in our hearts and minds the voice of the Spirit confirming what is true.

1 Corinthians 12:3 wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

 D&C 9:8  But behold, I say unto you , that you must study it out in your mind, then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 

Luke 24:32 and they said one to another; “Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

 What a powerful moment that must have been. One man dying to save the world from sin and death, and one man, begging a seemingly simple request, "Save me too Lord". This man had to have known about Jesus, but because of his obvious lifestyle, he did not have an opportunity to change, or even repent. But at that moment he did what we have all done, we sacrificed a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and believed with all of our broken hearts that Jesus is the Christ and our Savior. We all have a ticket to paradise if we continue down the path of righteousness.    

 Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

DANIEL

CODY F MILLER

My brother and I have been studying the book of Daniel and it is a fascinating book; earlier this year I listened to a many part study on Daniel led by Dr Charles Swindall or Rev Chuck to his friends and fans. I was intrigued, and misery loves company, so I invited my brother to study with me. I found some really simple study guides on Amazon.com and we started to read. I believe that in doing this study, the Lord is preparing our heart’s to receive further light and knowledge.
At this point we are still in Chapter 1, and we have been pondering over just “who” Daniel was. He seems to be a type of person I have previously studied in the scriptures who seem to just “appear” in a record. The unique thing about Daniel is that he appears to be an orphan in that there is no traditional genealogy concerning him except an oblique prophecy in 2 Kings. 

Daniels life was prophesied by Isaiah to King Hezekiah, a distant relative. This prophecy was not like a patriarchal blessing; at first glance it would seem like a curse. When the scrolls of Isaiah were read in the synagogue, can you imagine a young Daniel hearing these words and applying them to himself?  What would you do? Could you run from this fate?

2 KINGS 20:16-18

16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 

17 Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord.

18 And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”

(Just a note, the definition of eunuchs in this verse points to “presiding official” and not a castrated male. And for the sake of argument, of which there are many, the scripture will point out physical requirements required for this position)

Daniel is a descendant of King Hezekiah, who was of the House of Judah; a descendant of David, he was probably a prince.What type of person was Hezekiah?

2 Kings 18:1-3

1 Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea the son of Elah, king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, King of Judah, began to reign.

2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah.

3 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done. 

Daniel was taken prisoner during the reign of King Jehoiakim 

Daniel 1:1-2

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. 

2 Kings 25:8-9

8 And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month (which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem.

9 He burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house; all the houses of Jerusalem, that is, all the houses of the great, he burned with fire. 

(Note there are two records of the same event, one from the Hebrew perspective and the other from the Chaldean view)

So who was Daniel? From these few scripture, we know that Daniel was a royal member of the house of Judah; he probably descended from a priestly order; maybe the Levites. One of his kinsmen was the Levite Priest Zechariah. This fact alone may be a clue as to why Daniel was loyal to Heavenly Father when so many of the people of Israel and Judah had apostatized. He may have spent his days working in the Temple; he may have been a scribe. He was well educated in all things, before he was enslaved. He probably had “goodly parents”.    

Now among these, there were four of the family of Zedekiah, of most excellent dispositions, one of whom was called Daniel; another was called Ananias, and another Misael and the fourth Azarias  Josephus Antiquities 10.10.1 

MY STORY: 
My husband and I recently renewed our Temple Recommends. I know there are a variety of reactions to this event, ranging from finding out at the last minute you have arrived at the Temple for the next to last session (with a hand full of family names no less) and you are kindly denied entrance because it has expired. Or if you are like me, I like to get the process on a month before expiration, because I know that no good deed goes unpunished. (I will spare you of the various opportunities for phone tag and email tag with the various “Secretaries” of Bishops and Stake presidents) There is an opposition to all things.

This is our second renewal and therein lays a wealth of meaning. When my husband and I were scheduled to receive our own endowments and sealing, we in our ignorance of the breadth of the occasion (we are converts God bless us) almost didn't make it to the Temple on time. We were so overwhelmed by what was before us, we almost cancelled.

So two questions always stand out to me during the recommend interview; the first concerns our adherence to the “Word of Wisdom” and the other question concerns any given support to any group whose doctrine is counter or against the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints. (In so many words) I always answer no, but I have wondered about this “counter doctrine”.  I have only recently considered the “language” of these questions. As usual I always take the opportunity to ask “Why?” What is the origin for our adherence and obedience to the Vow of Chastity; to the word of Wisdom? Why is paying our tithes important. Why? Does it matter if I treat others the way I would ideally like to be treated? Why? (These questions and others were patiently answered by my Bishop).

Deuteronomy 12:26; 28

26 Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and to unto the place which the Lord shall choose;

28 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee and with thy children after thee forever, and when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Daniel 1:5

5 And the king (Nebuchadnezzar) appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.

After Daniel and his companions had been assimilated into the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar, there was an indoctrinating process: The King gave them new names; the names that Daniel and his companions were given represented the “false gods” of the Chaldean's. The second act was to change their diet. What’s so bad about a diet change? There are many arguments, one is that Daniel and his companions wanted to adhere to the dietary laws of the Jews, maybe there were many food items that were not ritually clean, such as pork, etc. 

Deuteronomy 18:9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God gives thee, thou shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

BUT: (except, with the exclusion of)

Daniel 1:8  But Daniel (who) purposed in his heart that he (absolutely) would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Why the fuss over food and drink? I did some research, and it should seem obvious. King Nebuchadnezzar was a very bad man, a heathen and so forth. The Chaldean's worshiped many gods, but not the TRUE GOD.

Idol worship involves a lot of smoke and mirrors, and wine, food and song. Nebuchadnezzar was considered a consort of the gods, meaning he was the official living representative of all of the gold statutes. In turn he would appoint members of his court as attendants, giving a “face” as it were to all the lesser gods and their activities. So the King and his attendants would represent these false gods in their false temple worship which included food offerings, drink offering, and types of human sacrifices whether real or ritual; it was sex, drugs and rock and roll. But, it was not so much the food and drink but the “false doctrine or indoctrination” that accompanied it.

Daniel 1:6-7

6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah

7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave them names; he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

How could Daniel “defile” himself with food and drink? Now turn this question to us, in our adherence to the counsel given in Doctrine and Covenants 89, commonly known as “Word of Wisdom”. Does food from "idols" find it's way in our diets?

Acts 15:20 But that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality

2 Corinthians 6:15-17

15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever

16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will dwell in them, and walk among them, I will be their God and they shall be my people

17 Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you.

How did Daniel know this? Daniel obviously did what was right in the sight of the Lord. Let’s break down the first part of Daniel 1:8
The first word is “But” and the best definition to fit this word renders “except, with exclusion”. But Daniel purposed”, the word purpose refers to taking a stand or making a commitment or covenant. So Daniel set himself apart from the activities that were directed at him, he and his friends decided to control the degree of action that was being leveled against them.

Daniel 1:8 But (set apart) Daniel (remembered his covenants made to God) purposed (maintained his stand to remember those covenants and obey God’s commands) in his heart that he would not defile (disobey, apostatize, transgress) his mind and body and spirit with the Kings false doctrines.

Daniel was a brave man, he obviously trusted in the Lord with his life and the life of his friends. He had to weigh the consequences of his actions. He talked to his companions and reminded them of their covenants and told them of his plan. In doing this he was laying down his life for his belief in God and the lives of his friend. No greater love is this that a man lay down his life for his friends. If the Eunuchs heart had been hardened against him and his friends, it would have been instant death.

Mosiah:18:9 (in part)…and to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.

When my husband and I were investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we were taught by Missionary’s the information of all of the covenants we would be required to make, especially me since I was the one preparing for baptism. I remember the discussion concerning abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking tobacco and any other alternative substance and lastly abstaining from drinking coffee and tea. I could not comprehend why drinking coffee or tea was such a big deal, and my husband and I rationalized that “surely there was a loophole". It’s that old snake in the garden again saying to us: It's not a "real commandment" so you can choose which points to obey".  So we did our best and went cold turkey and we sure missed our Starbucks. My husband is a truck driver, so it was really hard for him. We stumbled a lot. But after some health issues we decided to take a hard look at how we obeyed our covenants. We realized that we were not trusting in our Heavenly Father to the extent that we did not know the underlying commandments that backed up these covenants . We prayed together, and we started to review in depth the covenants we have made, it is an ongoing process. But blessings do happen, my husband has stopped drinking coffee and he is able to stay awake and alert while driving at night and another benefit is that he is able to sleep better, lose a few pounds, his heart beats in its natural rhythm.

Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-20

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their naval and marrow in their bones.

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I the Lord give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen

So what can we learn from Daniel? The first point is humility. I look a Daniels example; he doesn't seem like a person who was a "super hero". He was probably a nervous wreck in that situation as anyone would be, but he seemed to calm himself and assure himself with the knowledge that he was not alone. "God was with him", as He wants to be with us at all times. I am always amazed at the communication that existed with these prophets of old and Heavenly Father, there was a constant closeness for want of better words.

A neighbor invited me and my husband to dinner once and as she was pondering over what to offer us to drink; soda, milk, water? She offered us some sparkling wine, we politely declined and asked for water. I think this agitated her, because she asked us how we could live such a dull life; no smoking or drinking or "having fun". Wow, we must have touched a nerve, so we did our best to explain why we choose to live this life. Needless to say, she didn't want to hear it, and she stated that she couldn't belong to a religion that "controlled what she ate or drank". Can you find the "false doctrine" in that statement? Does Heavenly Father want to "control" what we do in our lives or does he allow us to make informed choices, fully aware of the consequences of either. He offers us this, even as he offered it to Adam & Eve.

Moses 3:16-17

16 And I, the Lord God, commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat.

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it, nevertheless, thou may choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eat there of thou shalt surely die.