September 21, 2013

Dear Josten,

Yesterday marks 190 years since a very remarkable day.  Sitting on the fall equinox, September 21, 1823 marked the day that the angel named Moroni visited Joseph smith, 190 years ago.

186 years ago on September 21, 1827 the plates that would become the Book of Mormon were released from the vault in which they stood, to be translated and scrutinized the world over.  An amazing book it is.  Yesterday marks a very eventful day indeed.  I wonder if anyone else noticed.

It was also a full moon.

Fall equinox, 190/186 year anniversary, and full moon.  Stars are probably aligning, but I know too little about them to make any comments.  Hope someone else does. :)

Fun fact: you can balance eggs on end relatively easily on the quarterly equinox.  This one was done at my home in Utah, back on December 21, 2010.  Pretty fun to give a round.

Love you!
~Mom<3

On Joseph

There's more I hope to share on my thoughts on the First Vision.  Hopefully I'll work on that tomorrow.  Tonight I want to share how much I absolutely LOVE Joseph Smith.  I am beyond words thankful for the sacrifice he offered in basically doing all he could to do what God asked him to do.  I think I'll share a few things I have in common with Joseph, just for fun.

We both grew up a few miles outside a town called Palmyra. ;)
We both lived in the country for much of our youth.
We both were relatively poor, or "indigent" during our youth.
We both work hard, although I have to imagine he worked a LOT harder than I do, or ever did.
We both believe in the words of the Bible.
We both sought truth at a young age.
We both had faith that God answers prayers.
We both did things that weren't always popular.
We have both been misunderstood, from time to time.
We both moved across the country, and not necessarily because we wanted to.
We both enjoyed having lots of fun, when the time is right.
We both believe in visions.
We both enjoy children.
We both believe that God lives, and hears and answers our prayers.
We both believe in meditation, pondering, and prayer.

I don't know why I'm sharing such an odd list, but I've always felt a kinship with Joseph.  I don't know what my relationship is to him, but I have always believed him, and felt wholeheartedly that what he experienced was true.  I'd like to think that in an eternal realm, we were at least friends, if not very good acquaintances.  There's often a story of how Joseph loved playing a game called "pulling sticks".  I'd like to think that at least once, even though I'm a woman, I'd get a chance to beat him at that game.  I look forward to a time when I can call him "Brother Joseph", as the saints did nearly 200 years ago.

Joseph was indeed a prophet, and I am beyond thankful for what he did to bring forth the Book of Mormon, among many wonderful other restored blessings of Christ's gospel.  Thank God for Joseph, the Book of Mormon, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The First Vision

One of the core principles or lessons taught by LDS missionaries is the story of the "First Vision", where Joseph Smith saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  (If you'd like to read more about it, I'm quite certain you can learn more at www.mormon.org.  I'm assuming most readers of this post are already familiar with the full account of what happened, so I'll proceed accordingly.)  People can agree or disagree as to the truth of that vision, whether or not it happened, or whether or not they believe Joesph.  I believe him, but regardless of that, I want to discuss what he said he was taught, and some principles behind it.

In the year 1820, Joseph went into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, NY, to ask God in prayer a simple question: Which church do I join?  His experience was anything but ordinary, and he shares that he experienced a stifling power overtake him, which attempted to destroy him.  Only in calling out for God to save him from this unseen power was he relieved of it, and was next presented with a visitation from God the Father and Jesus, His Son (as I noted above).

This past week I have had opportunity to share my thoughts with a family member about my thoughts relating to this vision.  I am quite perplexed.  I am a Mormon, and I believe in visions.  I believe in healings, miracles, spiritual gifts of diverse kinds.  I believe that there is an unseen world, and we can be affected for good or ill by those within that realm.  I believe that most Mormons believe likewise, or at least purport to believe so.

Despite me believing that, doesn't mean it's true.  Not all Mormons appear to believe in these things.  How do I know?

It seems that the belief of many Latter-day Saints is that the president of the LDS Church is the only one entitled to have or experience such things.  As a young adult, I felt so strongly that psychics or mediums were "of the devil", and I remember distinctly sharing with my friend's mom that going to a psychic was unacceptable.  Anything similarly related to skills of a psychic (foretelling the future, as in prophecy) were likewise considered taboo to be avoided.

Do I still feel the same?  No.  Granted, I'm not calling up "Miss Hilda" on her 1-900 number in Jamaica.  But I have had occasion to meet people with spiritual gifts that some would call "psychic".  Do I think they're evil, or of the devil?  Absolutely not.  Does that mean they're perfect?  Or that because they can see things the rest of us can't see, they must be somehow more elect or chosen by God?  I don't think so.  I think it's a gift – a marvelous one – but we all receive unique gifts.  Some are just less visible than others.

What does this have to do with Joseph Smith?  Joseph was a visionary man, much like Lehi.  Also like Nephi, Alma, Abinadi, Moses, Noah, Moroni... the list goes on and on.  Do I think that the Bible and/or Book of Mormon are the only records that have any account of living prophets?  Or do I think that if it's not in those books, then it can't be true?  No way!  Do I think that anyone can receive the gift of visions, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc?  God willing, yes!

So why are we Mormons, Christians, so skeptical when someone says they have had a vision?  Or that they can see spirits?  Or that they can see someone's history or even their future by looking at them?  Why do we label them, medicate them, and call them schizophrenic?  I'm just curious, how this came to be.

If Joseph Smith walked up to us in our day, would we Mormons honestly believe him?  Would we sell our homes, move westward, and gather?  Would we study the words he was able to translate more fervently, if he still had a mortal body?  Would we take it more seriously?  Any of it?

Just curious.     

1 Nephi 1:13 - Wo unto Jerusalem

This verse is plaguing me.  I don't have much to say about it, besides that it has proven true through the course of history.  And it's taken me over a week to get to sharing.

1 Nephi 1:13

And he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine ^aabominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning ^bJerusalem—that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be ^ccarried away captive into Babylon.

And he read.  Lehi's still reading the book, given to him by "the first", meaning the Savior, pre-earth life.  One thing I forgot to mention before, is that these verses definitely prove an existence of spirit beings, before they are born.  If Jehovah were creating the earth before he was born into mortality, that means he had a spirit body.  And if there were others that followed him, that means they had spirit bodies too.  Not many faiths explore this topic much, but in the LDS faith, it is a tenant.  We believe in pre-earth life, as spirits.

So in aprox. 600 B.C., as Lehi reads a book, passed to him during a vision involving Jehovah, he gives a double strong warning to the people of Jerusalem.  He heard prophets witness of Jerusalem's pending destruction; now he can add his own.

I've heard it said before (sorry, no source) that "wo" means not just "whoa!" but "damned".  If that is the case, how does it affect this verse?  Damned, damned [is/will be] Jerusalem.  Ut uh.  Better listen up.  Any why is Lehi sharing this with us?  Just as an "I told you so" moment?  Or is there a lesson here for us?

For I have seen thine abominations!  One, it's not often in scripture that we see exclamation points.  Lehi's seriously calling these people out!  And he has seen them.  This not only indicates that Lehi was given the gift of "seeing" things that not everyone is privileged to see, but it also indicates that our sins cannot be hidden.  Many think that in the privacy of their homes, they can do whatever sins they please, and no one will notice.  The good and bad part is, God sees, and at times, his prophets see.  Somehow, so many of these prophets see the wickedness of others, and serve not only as bullhorns of repentance-calling, but also as testifiers.  At the last day, I expect that whatever prophet saw me and my works will be there, either testifying in support or against my actions.  I hope they're pretty supportive, because I can use all the help I can get!!!

Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalem–that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon.  This is fascinating.  Have we not seen this come to pass, reading the annals of history?  But even more interesting –who are these people?  Are these not God's covenant people?  These are the "religious".  These are the people who the Bible speaks of.  They might keep the laws and obey the ordinances of their religion, but do they really believe?  Are we any different, or are we the same?  They are being warned of destruction, and Lehi, as one sole prophet of many, has seen their abominations.  What are abominations?  (I looked up the root word, and there are so many differing views that it's not worth exploring too far in depth.)  In essence, I imagine these are not only small, but very large sins.  Not something that any of us are immune to, perhaps?  How many of us are under our own abominations?  The Doctrine & Covenants and even living prophets have warned repeatedly of our abominations, and the need to quickly repent.  But do we?  What's our excuse? 

(Photo source found here. Painting by Nicolas Poussin of a later conflict in Jerusalem, as recorded by Flavius Josephus (AD 37/38-100).  Same affect though.  Illustrates horrific destruction.  Painting background here.)

Either way, Jerusalem was destroyed shortly after 600 B.C.  The inhabitants did perish by the sword, and many were carried away into captivity into Babylon.

If this were shared for a reason, and not just a history lesson, what's the lesson for us?  I think it's that God will not forever look upon sin and allow it.  Eventually, those who refuse to repent, despite many, many warnings, will suffer either destruction or slavery.  Neither one sounds very enjoyable. 

(I think I'll take door #2, Bob.) 

Teancum and Obamacare

Yesterday I heard an interesting comment, in response to the US Supreme Court's ruling of Obamacare.  The ruling in a nutshell (for those completely uninformed on US politics) was that Obamacare passed, meaning that all US citizens will be required to have health insurance, or pay a fine (aka tax).  Someone commented how this issue is dividing so many within the country, and they foresee major catastrophes.  They referred to someone acting as Teancum, with a javelin to the heart of the opposition leadership.  I can see the parallel, because most readers of the Book of Mormon who have a clue who Teancum tend to rashly gather simply what he did, and not much about who he really was. 

In the middle of the Book of Mormon, the people the BoM speaks of were living in a very seemingly prosperous time.  It says at one point that they had never enjoyed such prosperity, since the days of Lehi.  This is saying a lot - mainly that in nearly 600 years, this was the most prosperous their civilization had become.  (Parallel: the US's prosperity of recent years, pre-recession.)  During the height of this Nephite prosperity, a group of people who thought they were of "high birth" began gathering together, to try to change the government into a kingship.  This would mean there would be one ruler, some sub-rulers, and control, opression, and even slavery for the rest.

This position was opposed, and eventually brought a lot of trouble to the Nephites.  Enter Teancum.

The was a faction, before this issue of kingships began, that tried taking their little group up to the Lamanites, who were the enemies of the Nephites.  The Lamanites were always provoking wars with the Nephites, so upon learning of this group wanting to go join the Lamanites, Moroni (leader of Nephite army) wanted to do everything he could to stop them.  He knew if they didn't stop this faction, they could have major catastrophes ahead.  So he sent Teancum and his men, who were described as "great warriors" (Alma 51:31).

In Alma 50:33, it says:

33 Therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head the people of Morianton, to stop their flight into the land northward.

This army was sent "with their camp".  It was not only a long journey (which required camping materials), but meant as a peace-keeping mission.  It doesn't say they went in their full armor, even though they were an army.  Or with cimeters, swords and shields.  They went with their camp to stop their flight.  Verse 35:

35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his ^aflattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did ^bslay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

It appears that not only was Teancum a great warrior, but also sent as a negotiator, to try to convince Morianton and these dissenters to turn around.  He was highly liked, affable, and well loved, and surely he could convince Morianton to come back and figure something out peacably.  But due to Morianton's stubbornness, wickedness and flattering words, a battle commenced.  Do you think Teancum threw the first punch?  Or went in with weapons blazing?  Or do you think Morianton threw it?  I imagine so.  As Teancum was righteous, and was not only a great warrior but also supported by the hand of God, he killed Morianton in self defense, and those who were not defeated to death were taken prisoners.  I believe those prisoners had been given fair enough of a chance to concede to peace.

My point in sharing all of this is that Teancum was not one to wage war for war's sake.  He was sent to prevent it, on a small scale with this faction of Morianton and his cohorts, thereby preventing a larger war with the Lamanites.  He was a peacekeeper, but did what it took to be a great warrior to prevent such things.

In regards to how this applies with our nation's divisions, it inspires one to realize that through the intensity of what Teancum and other Nephite leaders went through, their goal was to keep peace and prosperity.  They had learned the destruction that came to their people through kingships, and did everything they could to prevent war and slavery.  If we relate our country's situation to their situation, if anything we should imitate their virtues of patriotism, involvement, preparation, wisdom, and peacekeeping.  They valued life and liberty, at all costs, but above all, they sought God's will.  People who think it's ok to push their protests to violence are beyond the mark, and encouraging destruction.  War may be prophesied of for the last days, but that does not mean we won't be judged for what we did or didn't do to prevent it.

A Note about the Book of Mormon Introduction

When I start the Book of Mormon over, I usually try to include the preliminary things.  I overlooked sharing comments on my thoughts of those when I started.  While I won't go into too much detail, I did want to share one thought that came to me when reading the Introduction.  This is the part I want to focus on, which is quoting Joseph Smith, the prophet who translated the plates on which the Book of Mormon was written:

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Many times people point out the important points which I underlined, but I think often the highlighted part gets overlooked. 

Why are we here?

What is the purpose of life?

Where do we go when we die?

What's the point of church?

Why is life so hard?

These are questions that people seeking religion often ask.  But I think the true question at the heart of those is "How do I get nearer to God?"  And this book is the answer.  

Over the last many months, I have had all sorts of peculiar things happen to my body, physically, that I have determined are spiritual in nature.  I seek answers from gurus and spiritual "mentors", people with "gifts", and read many books to find answers to my unique bodily observations.  But upon reading this line, this time around, I realized that I can always get my answers from God.  To get my answers from God, I can follow the "precepts" shown in this book, and witnessed by countless of its characters.  (I use that term affectionately.  I know they're real.)  So while I enjoy the opportunity to seek help from people with spiritual gifts, I am learning more each day that the BEST way to find my answers, is to seek God directly, and trust the means He has already provided me, which are witnessed of in the scriptures.  

I LOVE the Book of Mormon.  And while I love it, I realize that it is not to be the object of my adoration and worship, just like I am not to worship anyone or anything but God.  When I say that I know "this" or "that" is true, it is all pointing to the bottom line, in that these are tools to help us get back to God, which IS the point of our existence.

Can I get an Amen?!  :)

URL and Massage News

I have news!  This site has been down a few days, and the reason?

One is a new URL!  The new address for this website is www.amajorshift.com.  (The www.amajorshift.blogspot.com is still active as well and will also come here.)  This move is simple, but seemed to take several days to figure out proper coding, links to godaddy.com, etc.  But now it's done! YAY!!! 

The reason for a new URL?  While I don't know how this will play out, I am trusting that I am moving in the right direction with the things I have been learning.  The end goal is to open up an emotional healing practice when we get settled in Pennsylvania.  While I hope to establish a literal business, I also want to have a website already well established with proper links for information and such, on what I do.  Hopefully by then, this will be more appropriately squared away! 

The other change (which will appear momentarily) is that I've been trained in "Aromatouch^®" massage, and will be offering them for free of charge for those in the local area over the next month or so.  The massage technique requires only the exposure of the back, neck, head, feet, and hands, and is by no means a deep tissue massage.  While the training only focused on the physical methods and benefits, I hope to also bring the emotional aspect into it, to allow for a more well-rounded experience.

In Utah, I am not legally licensed as a massage therapist, so I am not allowed to charge for this service.  However, I am able to charge for the oils and allow for donations.  For the time being though, I'll not be charging anything, so if you know of someone in the area you'd like to receive this, let me know.  I'm looking for 30 individuals.  (Only one offer per household, however.  After the first one, I'd charge the cost of oils.)    

With the excitement of learning this new technique, I've done poorly at my studies and don't have much insightful to share, but hopefully I'll get back on track soon.  I've decided to get back into the Book of Mormon again for another 6 month challenge.  My Genesis challenge is needing a boost, so I hope someone will decide to join in to share some comments!  Let me know if you decide to join me!

­­¡Que Dios te bendiga!

6 Month Challenge... TA DA!!!

I finished the Book of Mormon in less than 6 months!  And actually, it was less than 5 months!  I've never tried to read it that quickly, even when President Hinckley challenged us many years ago.  But our stake (group of about 10 congregations) issued this challenge, and I did it!  I WON!  :)

What did I win?  5 months of awesome edification.  And I loved every second of it.  The view I got of the Book of Mormon, reading it so quickly, was much more comprehensive, and it allowed me the intense blessing of delving into these inspired words, nearly every day.  I also have a greater confidence that when I do study in the future, I can cover a few verses or many verses, and still be enlightened.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book of scripture.

As I wrap up my 6 (5) Month Challenge of this book, I wanted to share what I found most interesting about the last chapter of the book.  Moroni knows that he's wrapping it up, and he leaves some gems to ponder. 

(photo source)

 In the beginning of the last chapter, he exhorts the reader to ask God if the things contained therein are true, and he explains how to understand the answer. (see Moroni 10:3-5)  But then he starts a whole new discourse on spiritual gifts.  It was awesome to read, as this was what I was focusing on as I read the Book of Mormon.  It seems evident to me that the whole Book of Mormon is dedicated to these wondrous events, of spiritual manifestations, testifying that God lives! 

Here's one of my favorite verses:

"And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the ^agifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are ^bdifferent ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the ^cSpirit of God unto men, to profit them." (Moroni 10:8)

The other day I was talking to a friend, who shared a marvelous gift that a relative had, of literally being able to heal, by taking the illness upon herself, and then somehow discarding it.  People teased that she was a witch, but my friend explained that she was a fully God-fearing, church-going woman.  While no one quite understood how she did it, I say it's a gift.  A spiritual gift, clearly given to "profit" those she knew.  What a blessing!

The rest of this chapter is truly marvelous.  I would share the whole thing if I could.  Like how Moroni goes on to talk about faith, hope, and charity, and how if we lack hope, we're in despair.  And if we're in despair, it's because of iniquity.  Wow.  The things worth pondering never end.

I love this book.  I hope if I haven't convinced those who read this that it's worth reading, that the Holy Ghost will someday testify that it's a powerful book, and written to bring all men (and women, of course) to Christ.  Amen, amen, and amen!

<3, Jen
xoxo

Jesus talks about Isaiah's Prophecies, Part 1

Last week I read something that really startled me.  I've been wanting to share it, but haven't really had the words.  I'm not even sure how clearly I can share it now, but I'm going to try.  It was a prophecy contained in 3 Nephi 20.

Jesus came and visited the Nephites who had been in Bountiful, at the temple site.  He spent the whole day with them, working and showing marvelous miracles among the people.  He also chose 12 to stand as "disciples", to minister and run the affairs of the congregations after he would leave.

They went home that night, after Jesus had ascended, and they gathered together the next day, with an even greater crowd, some people having traveled all night to get there.  More and more wonderful things occur, such that I can't even imagine how Mormon, the compiler of the Book of Mormon, even figured out what to include in this account.  There is just so much!

{After studying these verses for several days, I've lost track of whether or not the part I want to discuss here is during the 2nd or 3rd day of Jesus' visit.  It's amazing how much he packed into just a short span of days.  I'll likely come back to 3 Nephi when I finish my 6 month challenge.} 

He starts talking about Isaiah's prophecies, and how they are so important that we need to search them out.  In 3 Nephi 15:6, he says,

"Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled."

This was a very interesting point.  Why doesn't he destroy the prophets' words?  In Sunday School, it was recently discussed how Jesus "fulfilled" the law of Moses.  I was confused, because some folks were saying that even though the law was fulfilled, some, like Peter, apparently were still abstaining from eating particular forms of meat.  I was really confused by the whole thing, as I'm not by any means a scholar of the law of Moses.  I'd barely call myself a student.

However, when Jesus says he doesn't destroy the prophets, I was surprised.  I think I must have affiliated the concept of "fulfilling the law of Moses" with "fulfilling the prophets" together.  This is not the case.  Isaiah's prophecies, among other prophecies left to us in the scriptures, are still yet to be fulfilled.

"Other Sheep I Have"

I've been reading the last few days about Jesus' post-resurrection ministry among the Nephites.  After Jesus died, He rose again the third day, and where did He go?

Perhaps we won't know entirely until we're done with this life, but we do know, due to the record found in the Book of Mormon, of at least one major stop: the Americas, among the Nephite people.

In 3 Nephi 15:21-24, Jesus is speaking to these people, and He says,

"And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 

(photo source)

And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching. 

And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice–that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost. 

But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me."

I really like this.  How often to you get to hear Jesus clarifying what He was saying in Israel?  

A lot of people are really particular about the near-last verse in the Bible, where it says, 

"If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life..." (Rev. 22: 18-19)

They use these verses as "proof" that the Book of Mormon can't be God's word.  However, they neglect Deuteronomy 4:2, which says, 

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." 

They are both practically the same, saying not to add or detract from the words.  I think they were meant with a different interpretation in mind, because if we interpret that verse as many interpret Rev. 22: 18-19, then anything after Deut. 4:2 would also have to go down the drain.  

Also neglected is that the word "Bible" means "collection of books", and that as it was compiled in King James' day is not necessarily the order in which they were chronologically written.  They were records, letters, all put together to form one Bible.  Does that mean there were no others who left accounts, but somehow decayed and were too illegible to be included?  

If we get past the "no more scripture" argument and look at the core message, there is so much more.  

The fact that Jesus says that these are his "other sheep" is touching.  He KNOWS us!  He is aware of us, and all people, whether or not they know of Him.  And in addition to these Nephites who He visited, there are MORE!  He says, 

"I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister. 

For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. 

But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them." 

 Wow.  So He didn't just minister among the Jews.  And not just the Nephites.  There are more.  

Did He go among the Chinese?

How about the Australians?  

Tongans?

Among the Phillipines?  

How about those in Alaska?

Russia?

Among... aliens? (That one's for Dan.  He likes alien stories. ;) I'm totally kidding.  But what about other worlds?  We haven't even escaped our solar system.  Can't God send His Son beyond such boundaries?

(photo source)

And what would happens if/when we receive their "sealed" record, if that day should come?  Would we accept it?  

In Nephi, God warns that many people will say,

"A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible.  Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?  Know ye not that there are more nations that one?  Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 6-7)

I think this verse not only applies to those who bemoan the Book of Mormon, but also to those who are content to think that they wouldn't need any further revelation in our day.  (This is for LDS and non-LDS alike.)  What if the Chinese discovered an ancient record that recorded their accounts with Deity, but by another name?  Would we consider what it had to say, especially if it reinforced and added to our knowledge of truth?  

These are the "last days", and it is the "fulness of times".  I wonder when further revelation will come along.  Perhaps never, at least with further records.  But I sure do like to hope that it would be sooner than later.   I can't wait for more!!!

Bedtime Stories get a new twist

This past week I read a story in the Engisn magazine (published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that really had a great idea for bedtime stories.  With four kids, I'm always being asked to share some kind of great story to help the kids fall to sleep, but generally the stories I share are more for company's sake, rather than helping the kids get sleepy.  Usually they involve leprechauns, fairies, princesses, or squirrels. 

Well in the January 2012 issue of the Ensign, there's an article on page 10 titled, "Helping Children Love the Book of Mormon".  The writer, Clyde J. Williams of the Ensign Correlation Department writes this idea, which I just love:

"... I often used scripture stories as bedtime stories.  In later years my daughter shared how influential this was. She said, 'I think stories that were told over and over again became favorites for us.  You sat beside our beds and shared the stories from the scriptures.  We loved them and asked to hear them again and again because even at that age we could feel the spirit of the message they carried and knew the people you were telling us about were valiant and faithful.  We wanted to be like them.'" 

With this in mind, I tried it.  For the past several nights, I've been sharing stories from the Book of Mormon with my oldest son.  Lucky for him, the stories involve cutting off arms, people being struck dead, and promises of missionaries never being killed.  And he totally eats it up.  When I told him about a man trying to kill Ammon (the second Ammon –did you realize there are two different Ammons in the BoM?), while lying on the floor with King Lamoni and his wife, and the man was struck dead as he lifted his sword to kill Ammon, my son's response was, "NO WAY!!!"  He totally thought it was cool.  Not necessarily that someone died, but to witness the power of God in action –the promise of God in action.  Very cool, I'd agree.

(Minerva Teichert's rendition of Ammon defending the king's flocks.)

The added benefit of sharing scripture stories with your kids is that once they're addicted, you have no excuse to not keep up with your own scripture studies.  Personal study every day is a must!

Let me know if you too try this one out on your kids.  I'd definitely recommend it to a friend!

~Jen:)