172: BLOCKING OUT THE "SUN" : ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER

 Today is a significant day. The date is Friday, May 10, 2013. The One World Trade Center in New York City was crowned with it's spire today. The height of the building is now complete and reaches its symbolic height of 1,776 feet.

Now topped with it's spire, this building is now the tallest structure in the US, and the 3rd tallest in the world. It was built on the northwest corner of the site where the twin World Trade Center towers were destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

The northwest corner is the opposite to the southeast corner. There is significance to corners. When building sacred structures,  it is the southeast corner that is significant.. not the northwest.  The cornerstone of temples is always placed at the southeast corner. The southeast corner is the only corner that sunlight will hit 365 days a year no matter where the sun's location is in the sky.

In a news report I read the following quote:
"It's going to have a light that you can see from tens of miles away," said Port Authority Vice Chairman Scott Rechler. "And that light will change colors and in the next few months we are going to be activating that light, and it will be a beacon of hope just like the Statue of Liberty."
LINK

This "Light" of Hope on top of the One World Trade Center is a man-made and artificial light. It is said that it will change "colors" as well. There is only ONE LIGHT that can give HOPE. It does not change, it is not artificial and will never go out. It can always been seen no matter the distance, not just tens of miles away.. but from anywhere in the universe. The Light is Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Convenants 50:24: "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

The reason why I posted this picture is because I think it is highly symbolic and actually is reflection of the state of our country. This new building is blocking out the sun. More could be said about other things this building represents.

Isaiah 5:20: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness"

Sidenote:
In the southern hemisphere, there was a total solar eclipse today. Here is the link:
SOLAR ECLIPSE TODAY

171: POLAR OPPOSITES

Part of our mortal experience is comprehending that everything has an opposite. For example: good and evil,  light and darkness, health and sickness, pleasure and pain. Another part of living in this world is discerning between truth and deception.  What is real and what is an imitation.

A few days ago, I was down in the Mojave Desert. Below are a few photos I took in a conservation area called Red Rock Canyon. It is a beautiful protected area of land including the wildlife. It is not uncommon to see tortoises roaming the trails as well as other endangered species.  I took my daughers out here on an evening hike and took a few of these photos. If I had to describe it, I would use words like: serenity, peace, beauty, calm, and tranquil.

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After our hike we drove through Las Vegas, which is only a few miles away from the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. These two locations are polar opposites of each other. The one appeals to the spirtual man, the other to the carnal/physical man.  Nature elevates the spiritual man,  Materialism appeals to the carnal man with the over indulgence of money, food, and other pleasures of the flesh.  One is Zion like.. the other is Babylonian.

Polar opposites are found all through the scriptures for example the Tree of Life versus the Great and Spacious building. While the list could be extensive, here a few other pairs of opposites.

• Spiritual and Ascend       vs    Carnal and descend
• Clean and Reborn           vs    Impure and Dying
• Blessed and Annointed    vs    Cursed and Cut off
• Multiply and Replenish     vs    Desolate and Perish
• Faith and Hope                vs    Fear and Despair
• Love and Charity             vs   Envy and Selfishness
• Miracles and Healing        vs   Terror and Sickness
• Humble and Repentant     vs   Prideful and Wicked
• Gathered and Preserved   vs   Bundled and Destroyed
• Natural and God created   vs   Counterfeit and Man Made

  

From a familiar blog to many of you, the difference between two men in the Book of Mormon is described. Lehi and Korihor. A true prophet vs a false prophet

• Lehi followed Christ. Korihor did not.
• Lehi was a disciple of the Lord's. Korihor was an enemy of His.
• Lehi propounded a true message, Korihor a false one.
• Lehi was Christ-like. Korihor was an anti-Christ.
• Lehi spoke the truth. Korihor was a liar.

"They were polar opposites. But the question illustrates that the god of this world is immitative. The difference between truth and error does not lie in the difference between religion and irreligion, but instead between true religion which will save, and false religion which cannot save. If it were any less a test, the very elect would not be deceived in the last days. Unless there are false prophets claiming they are authorized by God to preach false and idle messages, God cannot send true ones to declare the truth. The opposition of the one is required for the other. The enemy of your soul does not create a new religion, but immitates the true one. The Lord's messenger will be mirrored by the adversary's, but the reflected image will be reversed. Those who follow the image will find themselves descending, while they think they are ascending to God. Hence the name: "the Deceiver." He deceives, and even mirrors God's angels by the claim to be an "angel of light" while spreading darkness. The Deceiver's false prophets will point you to themselves, to their great works, wonderful accomplishments, and the pride you should take in following them. The Lord's will point you to Him and preach repentance. The false prophets will speak of riches here, and suggest God's favor can be measured by success in this world. The Lord will speak only of riches in another world which are only obtained through the sacrifice of all things here."  LINK

170: POWER OF WORDS

Below are two photos of billboards that I saw yesterday on my way to work in Salt Lake City. Both billboards just have just one word on it.  One says HOPELESS, the other one says DISCOURAGED. Many people are both without hope and are discouraged. We live in a time when the future is uncertain and for most it may look bleak.

HOPELESS:

a state of despair, having no expectation of that which is desirable and positive,

having no confidence in a future event,

DISCOURAGE:

to dishearten, to depress the spirits, to deprive of confidence;

to attempt to repress or prevent, to dissuade from. 

The root word of "dis" means "away from".  The root word of "courage" means "heart, innermost feelings, temper". (The Latin root word "cor" means heart.(mind, soul). 

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Seeing these billboards made me wonder the impact of negative words have on us. Obviously, this is part of some larger advertising campaign for a possible drug like Prosac or for counseling services.. but even still, I think it is a reflection of the world in which we live. I wonder instead of reading large negative words everyday but positive words, if that would help our society. I think one of the things that we will need MOST in the days ahead is COURAGE and HOPE.  Courage is a form of love, Hope is a form of Faith. Yes, as the Book of Mormon prophets who experience and lived through the destructions of their civilization spoke on FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY. May we all be in possession of all three.

About four years ago, this video was created. I know many who read this blog have already seen this video. But for those who might not,  here is the LINK



Moroni 10:20
Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.
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Moroni 7:42
Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope;

for without faith there cannot be any hope.
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Ether 12:32
And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for many,

yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; herefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.
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Moroni 7:41
And what is it that ye shall hope for?

Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ

 and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal,

and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.
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Ether 12:4
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world,

yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith,

maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast,

always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

169: LACK OF CONVERSION: Elder Richard G Scott -- CONCLUSION

PART 3 (Conclusion)

continued from Part 1 and 2 of the notes taken from Elder Richard G Scott talk given on

May 17, 1992 Layton Northridge Stake Priesthood Meeting

...

Elder Scott then turned the time over to Elder William O Nelson who talked about problems and the real solution to those problems. Elder Nelson asked the brethren to tell him what problems they as priesthood leaders were dealing with, especially the Bishops. These problems were listed on the board.. Things like: Financial problems, Divorce, Child Abuse, Spouse Abuse, Drug Abuse, Teen Pregnancies, Immorality, Dishonesty, etc.

Then Elder Nelson pointed out the fact that NONE of those things were problems! He indicated that those are only symptoms of one problems. He asked what the ONE PROBLEM was. No one answered.

He went to the board and wrote down: “Lack of conversion to Christ.”

..

Then Elder Scott took the remainder of the time teaching us of the absolute importance of being sanctified. He started by quoting D&C 43: 8-10 and explaining that we are to be sanctified (as a commandment) by binding ourselves to ACT on all inspirationwe receive through the Holy Ghost. We must seek inspiration on our actions and decisions and we must obey when we receive any inspiration. Otherwise, if we don’t seem to be concerned enough to follow its promptings, then the spirit will cease to speak to us. He said we are to sanctify ourselves by keeping ALL the commandments the Lord has given, which of course, means we must find out what the commandments are by studying with great diligence.

...

He then quoted D&C 43: 15-16 which says that we are not sent forth to be taught by men but that we are to be taught from on high, and to sanctify ourselves, that we might be endowed with power. He showed how this means that the bulk of our knowledge and wisdom should come from being taught through the scriptures and directly by the Spirit. We do not take advantage of the blessings the Lord has promised to teach us ALL things by the power of the Spirit. Do we not have enough faith that the Lord really means what he says in scripture? Would we rather place our faith in what we learn through the world? He suggested that we should learn to use all three available avenues of learning.

1. What we hear.

2. What we see.

3. What we feel through the Holy Spirit, which is the most important of the three ways of learning.

Next, Elder Scott explained that we live in a very wicked society, one that is comparable to that wicked society that was destroyed in the days of Noah, and in Sodom and Gomorrah. He then very strongly and pointedly said, “NOBODY IN THIS WICKED SOCIETY WILL SURVIVE WITHOUT FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE POWER THAT COMES FROM COMING UNTO CHRIST.”

168: THE FEW HUMBLE: Elder Richard G Scott Part 2

PART 2

continued from Part I Notes taken from Elder Richard G Scott talk given on

May 17, 1992 Layton Northridge Stake Priesthood Meeting

Elder Scott then quotes D&C 123: 12-17 where it says that we must bring to light the hidden things of darkness (which the footnote says is secret combinations) and he emphasized that point saying that he did not have the time to go into that subject now, that it would take over two hours alone, but he said, "Brethren, I want you to go home and study D&C 123 diligently until you understand completely what is means and how it affects your life."

Then he drew an axis on the black board as shown here: 

He then asked, "If Up is a course toward God, then which way is the world headed?" Everyone agreed that it is on a sharp logarithimic curve downward. Then he asked, "Which way are most members of the Church headed?" One brother tried to say that maybe we are not making a lot of progress upward, but just wavering between God and Satan so it ends up being a wavy line straight forward. Elder Scott said he did  not believe that was the case with most members, maybe a few. He siad that there are a few humble followers of Christ who are ona course back to God and making a curve of progress as shown below, but that he believed that most members are so concerned with being part of the world and being acceptable to the world that they are on a course of downward drift liek the world but maybe not as drastic a downturn. He pointed out how we accept so much wickedness that we would not have accepted twenty years or so ago (through our exposure to TV, movies, and Music) and even many of the Saints are partaking of that wickedness, thinking that it is just part of being here).

He said that one of the MOST serious downward trends is that of mothers working outside the home contrary to the inspired counsel of President Benson. He said he know that there are some mothers who have to word as single mothers or because fathers cannot, due to health problems etc. and he understands how hard it is to make ends meet in this wicked society. He said he feels that most working mothers do so because couples have coveted worldly good so much that they either go into debt and have to send the mother to work to pay for things they want, or instead of curbing their desires or selling what they cannot pay for. they rationalize that the wife can just until the goods are paid for and they they see more and more things they want to buy. Then luxuries become necessities and we thing we can't get by without them, such as having two cars.

167: COME UNTO CHRIST: Elder Richard G Scott Part I

Notes taken from Elder Richard G Scott talk given on

May 17, 1992 Layton Northridge Stake Priesthood Meeting

Elder Scott started by explaining that he had been on the phone to South America to a branch president who had gone to the church building that day and had found a note giving the names of several leaders of the church in that area and startign that if they proceeded to hold church that day that those people on the list would be killed. He stated that we in the safety of the Wasatch Mountains have no idea of the challenges the members in other parts of the world are experiencing. Is it possible that we are too comfortable? He also said he did not really know why he was in our stake conference; that it was a last minute change of assignment, and that he usually does not come to Utah Stake Conferences unless there is something necessary to teach or a major change to make.

Elder Scott then wrote on the blackboard "COME UNTO CH _ _ _ _ " and then said "Brethren, I am concerned about a very serious problem in the church and it is that we have been teaching each other to Come unto What? We said he feared we have been teaching each other to Come Unto Church, when we should have been teaching each other to Come unto Christ. He stated thtat he has attended many Testimony Meetings and Sacrament Meetings letely where the members will bear testimony that they believe the church is true, but hardly anyone ever testifies that they believe in Christ, nor do they tell of their love for Christ.

Then he drew a picture on the Blackboard like the one pictured here:

He asked the Priesthood leaders present in the meeting, "Where on this picture are you (as a Leader) supposed to be in relation to Christ and one of His Children?" One of the brethern said, "We should be behind the member helping him to come unto Christ." and another brother said,  "We should be at his side bringing him with us."

Elder Scott said those were good thought, but then quoted President Harold B Lee when he said that if you want to lift someone, you must be on higher spiritual ground. Therefore Priesthood leaders should be on higher ground, but he drew the leader's figure off to the side helping the member. He said, "Now here is the point I want to make. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF BETWEEN CHRIST AND ONE OF HIS CHILDREN, so that you block the path. AND DO NOT PUT THE CHURCH IN THE PLACE OF CHRIST."

He elaborated on how we as leaders are really servants, to teach other how to establish "A DIRECT LINK TO CHRIST". He explained that the real purpose of the Church was to bring the members unto Christ and that our only purpose as leaders was to serve the members by teachign them how to get to Christ and to live the fulness of the Gospel. Elder Scott emphasized that a righteous priesthood leader always strives to lead people to Christ and never to look to himself as a  source of truth. He also pointed out how leading or helping other to Christ, brings both the peope he helps and himself to the source of revelation and truth. He warned strongly against anyone who, through thinking they were in a powerful position, might begin to block the way to Christ, by teaching that the people had to go through himself or other leaders to get to Christ. He then explained how we establish that direct link to Christ is by direct communication with Him through personal revelation, the rock upon which our own personal salvation is built.

to be continued.

166: OBSERVING CONDITIONS

The root meaning of the word ‘observe’ is to watch over, to notice, to attend to, to perceive. An observer is “one who watches and takes notice”. Unfortunately, too many things go unnoticed by the majority. However, for a few. it is difficult NOT to notice things that most do not see. For even a smaller few, to observe things generally can be given as an assignment or a calling, and then to report back on the conditions of things.

In a conversion with a friend of mine, we talked about some of our observations that we see happening within the church. Without a doubt, the Lord is hastening his work. Currently there are two things going right now at the same time… A large gospel net is being cast over the world... with all kinds of fish being brought in. Yes, the Church is putting forth an additional effort and focus on spreading the gospel through missionary work. The second is some are being prepared who have “broken hearts and contrite spirits” and angels will be picking through the net for these few. The rest will be left. “Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left.” JST Matthew 1:44. This process will be undetected, it is like a thief in the night. While those who recognize and hear His voice are gathered, none will know beforehand what is taking place, or when or where it is to happen,… so that neither Satan, nor his followers, can attempt to thwart the LORD’s plans.

When a net that is cast includes all fish, the separating of the fish is a daunting process for the fisherman. The fish are divided into categories. The desirable fish are kept and preserved; the carp, trash and sucker fish as well as too small of fish are discarded and sometime cast back in the water.

It is interesting that observations could be made of active members of the church. This would constituent less than half of the members on the records of the church. These are the active members who go to church more than once month. In general, there seems to be four main divisions of these active members that you find in a typical sacrament meeting. For ease of referring to these categories, I will refer to them as Truth Seekers, Busy Church Enthusiasts, Appearance Oriented, and the Disoriented Drifters. Observations can easily be determined by what each group is connected to and focused on.

• The first group are truth seekers, and those who seek the face of God. They are focused on gaining a connection with God. They are the ones who study and thirst for further light and knowledge.
• The second group is focused on the church institution. They are busy at home, work and at church. They have little time for personal study but have solid testimonies of the gospel. Life is chaotic for them and many of them feel overwhelmed.
• The third group is focused on themselves. They go to church for the appearance of doing what is right. Church has more of a social aspect for them.
• The last group is focused on the world. They are disinterested in spiritual things and find themselves aligned with the opinions, orientations, and direction that the world is headed.

The work that needs to be done is to help others become converted. Not just converted to the Church and gospel teachings, but converted unto the Lord. To be truly converted means there is a “transformation” not just an opinion change. Elder Bednar in a recent conference address talked about the warlike Lamanites who were taught by Ammon in Alma 23 who were converted unto the Lord and never did fall away.

He said:  “Note that these Lamanites were not converted to the missionaries who taught them or to the excellent programs of the Church. They were not converted to the personalities of their leaders or to preserving a cultural heritage or the traditions of their fathers. They were converted unto the Lord—to Him as the Savior and to His divinity and doctrine—and they never did fall away.”

Like Elder Richard G Scott said in a Utah Regional Conference: “We have a serious problem in the church. We have been teaching one another to come unto Church, when we should have been teaching one another to Come Unto Christ.

165: DOES THE LORD REQUIRE ANYTHING FROM US?

I get comments from people that are not posted on this blog. I appreciate the feedback and learn from their words. Here is part of a recent comment regarding the last post entitled "Everything must be put on the altar".

“I don't believe that He is looking for a level of obedience or sacrifice or performances from me that will merit His favor. We needn't worry about "how much" we are willing to place at the altar, or sacrifice in the name of "righteousness." Free is free, at least in my mind.”

I agree with part of this comment. The Lord's mercy and love is greater than anything I can imagine or even merit. and I also agree that His grace is sufficeint and that free is free.

When it comes to describing the Savior there is this verse in the Book of Mormon in Alma 7:20: “He cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong."

If  the Lord asks something of us, we are free to choose whether or not to obey or not. His love does not change for us, but our progression might. It is not about "how much" we are willing to place on the altar, but it might matter if it is “less than” or “opposite to” what is being asked.

We are free to choose to do the Lord’s will or our own will. Since the time of Adam and Eve, altars were built and sacrifices made. Instructions were given and men could chose to be in alignment with or divert from it. Abel was obedient in offering what the Lord asked of him, Cain offered a different sacrifice. Cain choose what he wanted to offer, it is not wanted the Lord asked of him. Abel’s was accepted and Cains was not.

So my question is…. What does the Lord require of us if anything?  If he does require things, do we need to be obedient or can we act contrary to the things of God and act on our own desires?

I think the Book of Mormon answers this question really well. The voice of Christ was heard among the inhabitants of the earth saying “ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” Blood sacrifice and burnt offerings are done away with from that time forth, but from that time forth we are now asked to offer our broken heart and our contrite spirit.

What does that mean? I am sure there are many that have great answers. I just want to mention one... the broken heart. The word broken is interesting to me. When a horse is referred to as being “broken” it means the horse is now trained and ready to ride. The horse has been “broken” of its wild “natural man” behavior and his own desires. How well the horse has been broken” is determined on how well he actually “listens” and obeys the Masters voice.

164: EVERYTHING MUST BE PUT ON THE ALTAR

There is a tragic story in Acts 5 about Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife. They are seldom mentioned, but we can learn an important lesson from their mistakes. For those not familiar with their story, they lived during a time when the saints were trying to live the "united order".  Ananias and Sapphira entered into this sacred covenant to live the law of consecration. They had  the sufficient faith to sell their property.  However, they "kept back part." thinking that no one would notice. Because Ananias and Sapphira “kept back part” of their proceeds from their possessions, they were both suddenly killed separately, but within hours of each other.

We usually tend to think of living the Law of Consecration in terms of material property and/or money. For many it will probably be very difficult to give all, and thus want to keep a little in reserve for themselves.  There are so many ways of "keeping back part" and so many things we can withhold things from the Lord besides material possessions. The natural man's desire to "hold back" may occur even after one’s having given a great deal, as likely had Ananias and Sapphira. Even though we have given much, even "almost" all...  many of us might mistakenly think it is all right to hold back a remaining part. Unfortunately, the remaining part is usually our will of the natural man.

Jesus allowed his will to be “swallowed up” in the will of the Father.

We read in Mosiah 15:7: “Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father”
"Some presume we will lose our identiy if we are totally “swallowed up”. Of course, our individuality is actually enhanced by submissiveness and by righteousness. It is sin that grinds us down to sameness- to a monotonous, single plane." Neal A Maxwell.


“When the will, passions, and feelings of a person are perfectly submissive to God and his requirements, that person is sanctified. It is for my will to be swallowed up in the will of God, that will lead me into all good, and crown me ultimately with immortality and eternal lives.”( Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. 2:123, April 17, 1853)

163: LIVE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE LIGHT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

You have to live in conformity with the light you have been given. If the light you have been given is neglected, the light will be lost. If there is an unwillingness to repent, and turn back and live in conformity with what light you have, then you can be mislead.  Some have been given spiritual gifts. Spirtual gifts is merely a conduit through which both light and dark can come. The spiritual gift does not contain the guarantee that everything you receive is truth. People who are out of harmony in their inner vessel are likely to be unable to distinguish between Light and darkness. If they are allowing anything and everything in, and saying simply because I have spiritual gifts, experiences, and/or a conduit they think they can trust whatever comes through it..... they are likely to be misled, deceived, and led astray as someone without any gifts.

Discerment is so important. Both the Light and dark has to be separated inside you based on the light that is within you. For example, Moses, on the Mount Sinai rebukes Satan.  He says to Satan, "Where is your light, because it is darkness to me". He is not talking about the physical appearance of Satan. who is an angel of “Light”. He is talking about the content of the message that is darkness to Moses which is that Satan is trying to interject himself between him and God, and that is darkness to Moses.

Moses on the Mount had to deal with Satan, Joseph Smith dealt with this in the First Vision. Everyone seeking higher spiritual manifestation will encounter this.  The First Vision  talks about how thick darkness gathered around Joseph which sought to bring about his destruction.  A friend of mine who has done research shared with me that Joseph elaborated on his experience in a conversation that he had with Orson Pratt. Orson Pratt said that Joseph's mind was flooded with a bunch of improper images, with a bunch of improper thoughts, ambitions and desires. The possibility of becoming something great in this world, or becoming something notable was tempting. 
It is never about being great. The Lord uses the small and simple.

The people who will be gathered will be servants. They will not be anyone who is trying to get the chief seats. They will be someone kneeling and washing other peoples feet. They will be someone who sole interest is the redemption and salvation of others. And you can tell what the difference by what it is they do. Do they say, respect me, uphold me, sustain me, notice me, read my articles, look at me, aren’t I great, or do they say instead, Look to Christ, forget about me.

What comes out of the mouth reveals the abundance of the heart. If what comes out is a consistent message and theme that points to Christ and helping led them to salvation alone, then you know what the inner vessel contains.

162: THE LOSS OF THE PRESIDING PATRIARCH TO THE CHURCH

Eldred G. Smith, who served for 32 years as Mormonism’s "presiding patriarch," died Thursday evening in Salt Lake City. At 106, Smith was the oldest living and longest-serving LDS general authority.  He is the great great grandson of Hyrum Smith, Joseph Smith's brother.  LINK

The Church as undergone tremendous changes since Joseph Smith, including the gradual dissolving of the office of Patriarch of the Church. The Patriarch of the Church was used to ordain the President of the Church using the hereditary priesthood line running back to Joseph and Hyrum. Last year on February 7, 2012.  I had a chance to meet with him for a few hours. I feel that it is appropriate now to share some of my thoughts and notes from our conversation.

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His office is in the Joseph Smith Building. (no longer in the Church Office Building). The plaque says Church Patriarch. (He was first called the Presiding Patriarch to the Church,  then called Patriarch to the Church.. to now just Church Patriarch). 

Walked into Patriarch Smith’s office. I was impressed with how good he looked. More like in his 80’s, not 105. He was eating chocolate and reading the current month’s Ensign.

One of the first things Eldred brought up was the fact that when he arrived this afternoon, his secretary’s desk, printer, and file cabinet were gone.  Neither Eldred  or his secretary were informed.  “They just took it away.” he said.  Neither of them knew who took it or why.  He seemed frustrated about it.

Kind of reminded me of ongoing saga of the character Milton in the  movie “Office Space.”. Little by little things are being taken away from him. I thought the event was symbolic that it happened just hours before we met.

I was very impressed with him.. Still very alert and looks healthy. Speaks clearly and still remembers a lot.

Here are some things he shared.

Question:

Most people have concerns and/or fears with the situation we find ourselves in today’s world and with the church…

His response was 
“Why do you have fear? Just don’t. If your spouse is living the gospel and your children are living the gospel.. why would you fear?

Question:

 What is your current position you hold as Church Patriarch? 

Eldred said that “they” told him he was just a stake officer, but that is “NOT TRUE.”  There is a difference between the office he holds and a Stake Patriarch. He is “still a presiding patriarch” and should preside over them.

Question asked about priesthood passed through lineage from father to son. (Patriarchal Order)

Eldred cited examples from Bible where that is so…. and said that the Lord doesn’t change.

Question:

Why did the patriarchal line for the office of Presiding Patriarch of the Church skip a generation (John Smith to Hyrum G Smith) skipping Hyrum F. Smith,?

Answer: “Tobacco.”  Said that the President at the time  (Heber J Grant) was unfavorable to tobacco and was trying to instill the Word of Wisdom in the members.   Heber J Grant was very strong about the Word of Wisdom. It was one of the main reason why he appointed Joseph F Smith II instead.

Question: 

What about the reported accuracy of Heber J Grant’s sustaining of Joseph Fielding Smith’s II … and then his subsequent release from the office?

Answer:

 Eldred never said homosexuality, but he did skim over the issue when we got to that part of the succession and said that Joseph was “not living to church standards” or something to that effect.  It seemed a confirmation of that report).

Eldred Said the Quorum of the 12 “runs the church.”  They have to agree on items 100 percent.  It used to be that there was a majority vote, but not anymore.  They all have to agree.

When speaking of the Q12, said, “We all make mistakes, even Presidents of the Church.” 

Eldred . said that Heber J. Grant wanted to name J. Reuban Clark as his successor.  He wanted to make him acting president of the church.  “David McKay was in the way.” “He wanted to put him (Clark) ahead of George A. Smith and then release him (Smith). 

Why?

Grant did not approve of the father to son succession.  “Neither did some of the past Presidents.  He didn’t believe in the Doctrine and Covenants either.  He wanted to change it, but you can’t change the Doctrine and Covenants, can you?”

When the final decision for the office of the Presiding Patriarch to be dissolved.. no reason was given to him… and it seems like it was not up for vote with the Brethren to have a unanimous decision. However, from what I understood, that today.. most if not all the power lies in the Quorum of the 12 and not necessarily with the President of the Church.

Question:

There is a common belief in the church that the Brethren meet each week in the upper room in the Temple and the Lord guides and directs them in the affairs of the church.

Answer: The Brethren’s Thursday meetings in the Temple. The reason why is that Thursday used to be the day that the church would fast..  It was the fast day in the church.  Not on first Sunday of every month like we have now. They meet for Testimony meeting in the Temple. Tradition carried over from when it used to be used for Fast and Testimony Meeting with the General Authorities.

Question:

Could you share any spiritual experiences from those meetings.

 E. said, “No, its just a testimony meeting like you would have in your ward.”  I asked if wives come – “NO wives.  They aren’t General Authorities.”

I asked how the G.A.s treated him.  His response, “They accepted me until change were made.”  He felt he would eventually not have his job anymore.”  This came true.

His release was never discussed among the Q of 12, it was just announced in Conference. 

Reiterated that we all make mistakes and the church has also.  “You need a testimony to get through it.   I wish the Lord would come tomorrow and fix things in the church.”

E – We’re all mortals.

D- We need to forgive them.

E – Yes.

Question:

 Do you think the office of Patriarch will ever be restored?

E – It’s still here!  I’m alive aren’t I?

D- rephrases question….

E- Depends on what the next President will do.

Question:

Does he anticipates any continuation of the Office of the Presiding Patriarch to the Church at any point in the future.. NO

E. then discussed how the Q12 changed the name from Presiding Patriarch to Patriarch to the Church.    He believes that name doesn’t explain what his calling is.

Told about a trip he made to Mt. Etna and had a picnic with sister missionaries on the slopes.

Discussion of succession of President:

The patriarch would ordain the President.  D. said that those with less priesthood should not ordain those who have more priesthood.  E. seemed a bit defensive to this comment.  He asked if the General Authorities have less priesthood than him?  No.  There is no more or less.  D. explained that he meant authority, not more or less priesthood.

Packer’s health is “so bad.”  He in in wheelchair.  L. Tom Perry is next in line. 

D. – pointed out that the current way they do succession is not how the Lord intended.

E. “They had a hard time with decisions in the early days.”  He then got out the Deseret News Almanac and started to look up Apostles.

E. made the comment “Brigham Young made himself President.”

Then “they” changed and omitted the patriarch “in a hurry.” 

When the announcement was made for his emeritus status, he was “relieved, but not released.”  There was no discussion.  He called the First Presidency’s office because he wanted “to know where (he) stood.”  E. said, “Of course, they wouldn’t let me through.”  I got a call back from the secretary to the First Presidency.  (Hancock?)  “I’m calling you on behalf of the First Presidency to inform you that they never wanted you to stop giving blessings.  They want you to continue giving blessings.”

The Twelve control everything.  Monson is a good man, patient, and kind, but “he is not strong enough to control the twelve.”

D. asked who were the strongest of the apostles then.  E. answered, “I don’t know.”

 

HIS ORDAINING:

E. said that his father wanted to ordain him in the middle of the night one night.  E’s mother discouraged him from doing so because she thought that E.’s father would live through the next day and that the approval of the 12 was needed as well as a witness.  However, E’s father did not live through the night.. Instead it would be years later that George Albert Smith would ordain him.

 

Question:

What does he anticipate the church becoming in the future, given its current trends toward less of what it was at first.

Answer:

Still build temples and continuing to expand around the world. I wanted to ask him his thoughts about the changes made to the temple ordinances, but I was restrained in doing so.

D. asked if E. thought that compared to the beginnings of the Church if we have more or less light – i.e. knowledge and revelation.  E said, “Well, I’m not making any decisions, so the Lord is not giving me any revelations.”

Then, E. went on to explain that he does have angels on his shoulders and watching out for him.  He told a story of how he ran out of gas in the middle of the intersection on 7^th East and 4 men in a tow truck pulled him over and helped him out.  They then got in the car and left.  He also mentioned that in the Depression he never missed a meal.  He was married in 1932 with no job, but he and his wife were blessed.

Advice to his great-great-grandchildren?

He has 19 great great grandchildren.

Keep the commandments

Live the way the Lord said to.

Question:

Do you have a goal on how long you want to live?

Hopes to live to 110.

Favorite Scripture?  E. said that he doesn’t have any.  They all have their place.

However, his favorite and most accurate Church History book is The History of the Prophet by His Mother.  He has an original copy.  Brigham Young tried to destroy all the books.  “Brigham Young wanted to destroy it because it didn’t mention him.”   When he left on his mission, his Dad brought him the book.  He had had it under lock and key.  He told him to read it, but hide it and don’t show it to anyone.    The original is different than later versions.

What is different, for example?

Lucy gives a thorough description of the Urim and Thummim.  He read the newer version and went to Charles Nibley (He said Hugh, but it was Charles who was the historian) and said, “Why did you omit the description of the Urim and Thummim?”  E. said the response was, “We thought it wasn’t accurate.”  E. responded, “But she handled it!  Who better to give an accurate description that someone who had held it and looked at it.”

BLESSINGS:

asked if he would give blessings to anyone.  He said that he would refer the person to the local leader, home teacher, etc.

DISCUSSION OF FLAG OF MORMON BATTALION:

Took pictures with him and of some of the artwork in his office. He has in his possession the original flag used in the Mormon Battalion. It is nine feet long. He has a photo replica of it in his office. The flag has the stars and stripes like the American flag.. but used to have the  beehive painted in the blue square with 13 stars surrounding the hive (representative of bees) However, an eagle was painted over the hive to best show the allegiance to the United States.  John Smith was the standard bearer.  He has a photo of him holding the flag while sitting on a horse.  Flag was within one foot of the ground.  The flag has no sewing on it.  It is painted on one piece of linen.  It was the flag of Deseret and they painted over it to become a military flag.  An eagle was painted over the beehive.  The California bear was painted on the center.  The words LIFE GUARDS were painted on it. The battalion carried it to California and back.  E. said the 13 stars were symbols of bees around the beehive.

Final Question: "What is the FUTURE OF CHURCH?"
Eldred's response: “Who knows.”
.....

161: PATIENCE: TRUSTING THE TIMETABLE OF THE LORD

Patience requires that we have trust. It is defined as trusting in the timetable of the Lord, instead of our own. In the world which we live.. everything is instantaneous. We get instant answers to our questions via technology. We no longer know how to wait. We no longer are patient. However, the Lord almost always tries our faith and patience until its needed that he must provide “just in time deliverance” We must demonstrate faith-nothing doubting until we need the deliverance-then the Lord comes.

We don’t control WHEN so we are left to learn patience. Sometimes God even tells us something-just so we can learn patience. For example, put yourself in Abrahams shoes. He was promised he would have children, that he will have great posterity. 18 months passed... and nothing, 5 years nothing, 10 years nothing…finally the blessing came.

Patience is actually the “fast way,” Doing our will actually delays what could have been.

In Doctrine and Covenants 101: 38 it states:

"And seek the face of the Lord always,

that in patience ye may possess your souls,

and ye shall have eternal life."

.....

A current song that I enjoy listening to is called "I will wait".  Here are some of the lyrics that I think are highly symbolic and beautifully said:

So tame my flesh.  And fix my eyes. That tethered mind free from the lies.
But I'll kneel down. Wait for now. I'll kneel down. Know my ground.
Raise my hands. Paint my spirit gold. And bow my head.  Keep my heart slow.

 
Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

Here is the entire song:

.......

O man of God,..

Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

I Timothy 6: 11

160: CASTING CALL ADDENDUM

I received the following email today from the LDS Church Media Department. I thought some might be interested if you have read the previous post on the auditions/casting call to be in the new video about sharing your testimony about our  "Special Witnesses".

...................

Dear Talent File Participant,

We have received relatively few applications for this project to date.  As such, I would like to invite you, once again, to consider sharing your thoughts about our Special Witnesses as outlined below. 

The due date is this Monday, April 8th.  

The director has requested that you include one more item to your submission video as well. 

Please take another minute to answer this question:  Why is having a living prophet important?

Also, here are some answers to a few Frequently Asked Questions:
(1)    You do not need to be a native English-speaker.  Accents are beautiful and welcome.
(2)    If you are submitting as a native Spanish-speaker, you may submit in your video in either Spanish or English: your choice
.(3)   Please remember to mark your video “Unlisted,” and list the complete URL address in your form.  Do NOT mark your video “Private,” or we will not be able to view it.

Thank you for your continued support of LDS Church Media!

159: CASTING CALL

I found this interesting.

Applications and Video Auditions are currently being accepted for members of Church to share their "testimony about God’s Special Witnesses on the earth today!" that will be shown at the Special Witnesses Kiosk.

From the email I recieved from the LDS Motion Picture Studio, they are looking for members of the Church of all ethnicities to be part of a new video to be shown at the Visitors Center where they will  "share their thoughts and testimony about our Special Witnesses—our modern-day apostles—in a very casual, natural way: in your own words." The email emphasises that there’s no acting involved. Just be yourself and share your testimony about our Special Witnesses. I have always been interesting in understanding what is meant by "Special Witnesses." Does that mean they have seen the Lord? Do we hear them actually say that.. or do we just assume it?

I think what took me offguard from this casting call is when did we start bearing testimony of God's Special Witnesses instead of Jesus Christ? Why in the world it is being allowed to have members testifying of men.. and allowing it to be filmed and shown at our Visitors Center. It is my opinion that God's Special Witnesses would not want people to share testimonies about them, but instead of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Below is the email and link in case you would like to submit your application:

FORM url address: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=iaiAffApRweHRM%2AzXVs5RA

.......................................


From: LDS Casting <AVDCasting@ldschurch.org>
Date: Sat, Mar 23, 2013 at 8:43 PM

We Need Your Help!

Please submit your application no later than Monday, April 8, 2013. (Earlier is better!)

PROJECT: Special Witnesses Kiosk

WHAT: These are INTERVIEWS. There’s no acting involved. Just be yourself and share your thoughts and testimony about our Special Witnesses—our modern-day apostles—in a very casual, natural way: in your own words.

PLEASE APPLY: This is a perfect opportunity to serve even if you have no acting experience. We just want YOU—your personality, your thoughts, your words.

NEEDED: English-speakers and Native Spanish-speakers. Men and Women, ages 16 and older.

ALL ETHNICITIES are WELCOME. As this will be used throughout the world, we will be looking for ethnically-diverse individuals to represent all areas of the globe.

REMUNERATION: As you will be imparting your testimony, this work is non-paid, volunteer. We will, however, offer a small stipend for travel if you come from a distance.

WHERE: The shoot will take place in Provo, Utah.

WHEN: Dates are flexible. Currently, the third week in April is the goal.

PURPOSE: One of the experiences in LDS Visitor’s Centers is a Kiosk highlighting our modern-day prophets and apostles. The purpose of this project is to create an introduction from the perspective of a normal, everyday person about why these leaders are important. This is designed for non-members to help them understand who and what they are about to see.

TO APPLY!

FIRST, make a video of yourself! Take one minute or less to tell us about a recent General Conference address that impacted your life. This is what we’re looking for:

(1) “Talking Head.” Make sure your FACE is well-lit. It only needs to be your head-and-shoulders speaking directly to the camera.

(2) Your Name. Please state your name at the beginning and anything about yourself you’d like to share. (Where you live; how many in your family; your age; are you a convert? Etc.)

(3) Be personable. Relax. Smile. Show some humor.

(4) Be sincere. Speak the truth from your heart.

(5) Be succinct. Convey your ideas clearly and without a lot of hash. You may wish to practice a bit before recording. Remember, longer is not always better. Short and succinct is the way to be.

Please Note: We are NOT looking for long quotes or citations from these talks. We want your reactions to them and how they impacted your life. (All in less than a minute!)

SECOND, upload your video! You may use any online service you prefer. We recommend that you make the video “accessible via URL link” which creates a degree of privacy without the need for a password. In effect, only those with the direct link can see the video. Add the link to your video to your FORM (see step #3) and viola! Done!

THIRD, fill out this FORM and upload a current photo of yourself. There are areas in the form to do this.

DATE DUE: Please submit your application no later than Monday, April 8, 2013. (Earlier is better!)

THANK YOU for your willingness to share your testimony about God’s Special Witnesses on the earth today! We look forward to viewing your application!

Best regards,

Alisa Anglesey
Publishing Services Casting Producer
LDS Motion Picture StudioAVDcasting@LDSchurch.org
(801) 240-9300

FORM url address: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=iaiAffApRweHRM%2AzXVs5RA