Friday, June 28, 2013

188: CIRCLE THE WAGONS

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 To “circle the wagons” is a idiom that usually suggests that a group of people have come together, unified and work together for a common purpose. In the early migration of pioneers to the west this was a common practice used for protection from outside forces. They became united in purpose. They would circle their wagons at night, or when threatened during the day. These wagon trains would stop moving and form into a circle on the frontier prairie as a means of protection against the weather, the wind, or an attack by local Native Americans or outlaws. The above photo actually show a similar "circling" with those in active duty.
  
Like many who probably read this blog, we look forward to a day to “circle our wagons” and live in Zion. Zion is a group of people who have come together, who are of one heart and one mind. In the meantime, many of us weep for Zion. In my opinion, each of  must individually seek the “Face of the Lord” in order to join such a miraculous endeavor, whenever the Lord chooses to make it happen. All will have to receive revelation directly from heaven, directly from the Lord Himself.
  
Once the Lord establishes the City of Zion, the Lord will come to dwell among His people. It will be difficult in our society, yet the Lord promised that He would do it. How does Zion work? It is my understanding that everyone will know the Lord, and have a great love for one another. It will not bother us that there will be those who will work more and others less.
 
Unfortunately very little is spoken in scripture that gives us a model for Zion. Probably the best chapter is Fourth Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Here is a short list:
 
  • They had all things common among them.
  • There were not rich and poor, bond and free. 
  • They were all made free.
  • They were all partakers of the Heavenly Gift.
  • There was no contention, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts
  • There were no envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, nor lasciviousness.
  • There could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
  • There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; 
  • They were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
  
And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings;
 
“And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness;
 
 
While we might try, only through the Lord can Zion be established. Him alone can bring again. We don’t have the first inkling yet of how Zion is going to come about, or what it will require. Many of us might have the wrong picture in their head. However, I know it works because everyone has love for one another.
 
So in the meantime We can show forth love for one another. Here is an opportunity.
   
I have read other blog posts when an opportunity to help a family in need, miracles have happened. I am mindful of funds that were raised in order for a car to be purchased, or a passing of a providing father to help sustain his family. It has come to my attention that a family who have experienced much tragedy and loss recently have been prompted to sell what little they have and travel from the other side of the world to come to the Rocky Mountains. With No job, no family support, no financial means, they come with faith and with the shirts on their backs. Hearing that this family will be coming to the United States, another humble family has offered to convert some available space into a home for them to live in. In order to make this work, resources are needed. (framing, sheet rock, flooring, insulation, electrical, plumbing, water heater, paint, cabinets, finish Hardware, flooring, Washer and Dryer, Stove and refrigerator)
 
   
As well as furnishings for two-bedroom apartment: beds with sheets, bedding, pillows, kitchen table and chairs for a family of six, Couches and chairs, Towels, rugs, shower curtain, Cleaning supplies: vacuum, broom, mop, buckets, Dishes, pots and pans, silverware, etc.
 
 If any of you feel that you help in donating items or contributing financially:
 
please email at:  circlingwagons@gmail.com

and more information will be sent on how to donate. (Look for a few other blogs that more will probably share more information about this opportunity to help this family in need.)
 
  
Sidenote: Over the course of the next several weeks, the need has come for my family and I to “circle our own personal wagons”. A need for some time to reconnect with each other and deconnect from the world. A time to fortify our marriage and  create bonds with my children. So more than likely I will be taking some time off from posting.