Darkening Clouds of Strife

I've had a thought about the riots in Charlotte, NC. There are several things that have hit NC hard and it's starting to seem like the state is being targeted for trouble.

First the NFL, then the NCAA and ACC pull their tournament games from the state. Why? Because they don't know how to read the law and misinterpret it for being discriminatory. Nevermind the other states and nations they play in that truly have discriminatory laws (such as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas).

Then a black cop on a police force with a black police chief shoots an armed black man. And all of a sudden we have rioters smashing, looting, and causing all sorts of violence claiming black lives matter and blaming whites for the problem.

We know that George Soros and others have funded BLM and the organization is flush with $100 million cash. I suspect that the rioters in NC have been brought in from out of town. Just like Ferguson, MO, just like Milwaukee, just like in Dallas and Baton Rouge and several other places.

I just wonder when it will be Louisville's turn. Why? We've had a number of police shootings here that could have received national attention and caused riots. In each of these cases in Louisville, just like in Ferguson, just like in Louisiana, and even Charlotte, the police were justified in defending themselves and the public by taking the deadly force action they took.

If BLM really wanted to riot for unjustified police brutality, there have been a number of cases that they could have risen to, but they haven't. There have been two or three cases recently where an officer shot and killed a handcuffed suspect. But the BLM aren't protesting these situations.

If BLM really wanted to improve relations and the state of black lives, they wouldn't be rioting and torching people's homes and businesses that provide the necessities of the communities they serve. They would, instead, be trying to help their brothers and sisters gain skills to succeed. War is not success.

The darkening clouds of strife, anguish, revenge and hate have been darkening quite quickly over the past two or three years. I will be quite curious to see the scrolls of the world history laid bare of these years. I want to see where I was wrong in my opinions and where I was right. At this point, I have no ability to affect change at large. I can only affect change locally. And I will show love to those around me. I will show I have no animosity, no guile, no angst against anyone. Hopefully, I will receive the same respect.

My Testimony on Tithing as the lesser law to the Law of Consecration (or United Order)

One of the things that has always concerned me about my oaths and covenants with God was my fulfillment of the Law of Consecration. Did observance to the Law of Tithing satisfy the conditions of Consecration? During some research on a closely related topic, I found my answer and my testimony on the subject. This article will follow my progression on that other topic to my personal revelation and increase in testimony. Really cool, actually.

First, what is the Law of Consecration? The Law of Consecration can be defined as consecrating "our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the [God's] Church." In short, in all that we engage ourselves in for the prosperity of ourselves, family, and community, anything that is earned, should be given to God for the distribution back to us and others who are in need. In short, and on a temporal plane of thinking, it is the redistribution of wealth. But looking at it deeper, it is SO much more. (And by following the link above, you can find out more.)

United Order vs Socialism

First, I knew from past lessons that the United Order of God, from which is the manifestation of the Law of Consecration, is not the same as Socialism or its related political manifestations: Communism and Fabianism. Some definitions:

• Communism is the revolutionary component of creating a socialist government. That is, it uses a revolution, often violence, to force a government to change to socialism. An example is the United Soviet Socialist Republic and the People's Republic of China
• Fabianism is the evolutionary component of creating a socialist government.. That is, it uses constitutional and societal means to change the government to socialism. An example is Nazi Germany, and several other Western European countries. Even the United States as it moves closer and closer to a fully enacted socialist government.

How is Socialism different from the United Order? Well, how is it the same? In 1966, President Marion G. Romney, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, spoke on the matter:

The following are similarities: Both

1. deal with production and distribution of goods;
2. aim to promote the well-being of men by eliminating their economic inequalities;
3. envision the elimination of the selfish motives in our private capitalistic industrial system.

Where they are different is multitude. And you can read all about it in his talk, "Is Socialism the United Order?" Simply, the difference hinges on forced redistribution of wealth, which results in the destruction of wealth and loss of freedom. The other, the United Order, is the free will of the participant to join the Order and participate, freely giving up their wealth to the greater good out of their desire to follow God's Law, which results in the creation of wealth and the increase of freedom.

The United Order, as directed by God through his Patriarchs and Prophets throughout time, have had varying levels of success. Mostly failure. Two known successes are the City of Enoch and the few generations after Christ visited the people in the Americas. Concerning the City of Enoch, the Pearl of Great Price teaches us:

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Moses 7:18.)

And of the time after Christ in America:

And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. (4 Nephi 1:3)

I just noticed something. I stated above that God's Law increased our freedom. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to explain that. But there it is, right there in 4 Nephi 1:3. Okay, back onto the main topic.

Of course, the failures are documented as well. The early church of Christ in the Old World tried for awhile to live the Law of Consecration and the United Order, but the distances between the seven churches was too great and they were having a hard time just living the basic tenets of Christianity. Not to mention the overpowering influence of the Roman empire. The early church in the Last Dispensation, while Joseph Smith was the living prophet, the United Order lasted for 3.25 years before it failed as President J. Reuben Clark Jr. noted:

The United Order lasted, in theory, for some three and a quarter years, and then it was discontinued, withdrawn by the Lord, because of the greed and selfishness of men. (“Testimony of Divine Origin of Welfare Plan,” Church News, 8 Aug. 1951, p. 3)

Tithing

So where does this leave the Law of Tithing? Tithing is the giving of 10% of one's increase to God. How is increase defined? Well, that's between you and the Lord. For me, personally, I have evolved on the subject a bit, but will not add my personal thoughts on the subject here. You can figure it out for yourself. (Do I include *all* increase, including gifts, birthday present money, etc? Do I include money that is taxed away from me or discount the taxed monies that were given me in pay?) Whatever you decide 10% is, is what you should give to the Lord. And now we're getting somewhere in relation to the Law of Consecration.

Tithing was always an active Law in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before and after the United Order. Tithing was an active law during the time of Christ, during the Generation of the Israelites, even as far back as Abraham:

And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed. (Alma 13:15)

So we now understand that Tithing is an important Law, but how does it relate to the Law of Consecration. And am I fulfilling my responsibilities to the Law of Consecration by simply following the Law of Tithing?

The law of tithing, for example, gives us a great opportunity to implement the principle of consecration and stewardship (Enrichment L The Law of Consecration and Stewardship, L-8 Preparing for Consecration)

First, let's answer the question about relation. And this is my big revelation... (not prophetic revelation, that's already happened but the revelation and testimony I received): the Law of Tithing is the Law of Consecration, at least in part. Marion G. Romney writes:

As you will recall, the principles underlying the United Order are consecration and stewardships and then the contribution of surpluses into the bishop’s storehouse.

Revelation

Notice the wording of the above statement. The underlying principles ... are consecration and stewardships and then the contribution of surpluses. There it is! The tithe is a request of 10%, for many of us this is a contribution of surplus.

So what about those where a payment of tithe is a sacrifice and not a contribution of surplus? Well, certainly, if our society truly lived the United Order, the person for whom it would be a sacrifice would not feel the pinch at all. Since everyone who creates or earns a wealth keeps what they need and gives of the surplus, the surplus is returned to those who could not create an increase sufficient for their needs. For those with greater creation power they feel no superiority and those who receive feel no humility as the giving and receiving is done with an eye single to the glory of God and for the welfare of our brothers and sisters.

The United Order exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process both are sanctified. The poor, released from the bondage and humiliating limitations of poverty, are enabled as free men to rise to their full potential, both temporally and spiritually. The rich, by consecration and by imparting of their surplus for the benefit of the poor, not by constraint but willingly as an act of free will, evidence that charity for their fellowmen characterized by Mormon as “the pure love of Christ.” (Moro. 7:47.) ("Is Socialism the United Order", Marion G. Romney)

But we are not living the United Order today and those who pay tithing just might feel the pinch of
sacrifice by doing so. The honest tithe payer will admit to being blessed, even if it is not monetarily or temporally manifest. However, their temporal needs may be met by the welfare programs of the Church, in counsel with the steward of the Lord's Storehouse, the Bishop (or Branch President as the case may be). Having just served in such a branch and being privy to the financial needs of its members as the ward clerk, I can testify that NO ONE should look down on those who receive from the welfare of the Church. NO ONE. The decision of the Branch President or Bishop in these matters are given to him by the Spirit of God and for the benefit of our Father's children. So, should you find yourself speaking ill of either a recipient of Church welfare or of the decisions of God's representative, please check your pride. (And I exempt not myself as I must be continually watchful of my thoughts and demeanor toward the poor and needy.)

Wherefore, the office of a bishop is not equal unto it; for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things; (Doctrines and Covenants 107:68)

Testimony

So, am I living the Law of Consecration by paying tithing? Yes! and no. Yes, because for me I am doing God's will with an eye single to his glory. I am also a giver of Fast Offerings. Can I give more? Probably, possibly, maybe not? I have made decisions for my family and myself and I feel honest with God in my financial performances to him.

Now let's review the Law of Consecration. It is that we consecrate our time, talents, and all things with which the Lord has blessed us. Are we consecrating our time? How about our talents? Do you have a calling in the Church? Do you fulfill that calling to the best of your ability? Do you spend the time necessary to fulfill that calling? Do you spend the time to fulfill other needs to bring to pass the immortality and eternal lives of God's children by performing temple work, genealogy, missionary service, home teaching or visiting teaching, reading of your scriptures, prayerful supplication to Heavenly Father? I have need of much improvement and repentance in some of these matters. In others, I do quite well.

Addendum

I'm not sure where to add this, so I'll add it here. This is not new if you've read the links I've provided. In short, however, the Law of Consecration is the willingness of the participant to give of all they have and to receive all that they need and want. But they are to be stewards of what they receive. Jesus told of the three people who received talents of the master and how those three handled those talents and performed their duty in stewardship. In the United Order, we are to be stewards of what we receive and increase that to the best of our abilities. The product of our abilities may be more or less than others or more or less than our needs, but the Lord blesses us individually and as a society for proper obedience.

Louisville Housing Market

Well, with 2 house showings in 2 days right after Derby, I thought, perhaps, the housing market was picking up. But perhaps not. April wasn't great for the market, and May doesn't appear to be doing any better.

At the beginning of the year, bad weather was to blame. April could blame it on Derby festivities, but only partially. What is it then, that is causing such low interest? The report states that the house inventory is low, which should equate to higher prices, but that's not happening. Why?

Here's my theory: The market for the middle class housing is tepid. (Right where my house is situated.) But I've heard that the houses in the $400,000 range are moving. The problem is that, like all well intentioned mucking around with taxes, it's the middle class that gets hurt. Gas prices have consistently stayed above $3.00 for 3+ years (Jan 22, 2011) in Louisville, KY,
health insurance is WAY high (what happened to that $2500/family savings?), and the costs of goods all around have increased.

The decrease for the middle class fall into wages, jobs, and purchasing power. A lot of people have not had raises for 5 years. A lot of people have lost jobs, despite the "fact" we're coming out of a recession. And the pool of people in the Middle Class have decreased. (Some are getting wealthy, most are falling off the backside.) I also think that people are realizing that purchasing a house 2.5x their yearly salary really isn't a wise move. And that's a problem for the $40,000/yr wage earner and the available houses are $120,000+.  From what I hear the renter's market is up. Here in a couple of weeks, we may test those waters with our house.

Deceptively Dishonest Reporting to Engender Greed Against Corporations

Ok, Drudge linked to a Bloomberg BusinessWeek article that tries to make the argument that shoppers aren't really getting a deal during the Christmas season because these retail outlets are making an 11% profit margin during the season rather than their normal 9% profit margin. Well, DUH! Somebody at Bloomberg BusinessWeek has failed math.

Sure, they are making more. They don't call this Black Friday because Americans Corporations are racist. They are making more on volume. Their operating costs stay the same, but they are selling a lot more. Even with loss-leader items, people still buy the other items in the store which are not discounted.

"For every $98 flat-screen TV, there’s plenty more to buy at a 98 percent markup."

Well, shock of shocks! Retail outlets that have to pay a bunch of employees wages, employee taxes, license fees (if they are a licensee outlet), business license taxes, property taxes, healthcare benefits, healthcare taxes, middle management wages, management wages, all on top of the shipping costs and actual costs of the product are actually marking up their products enough that they can actually cover these costs and stay in business.

I guess I shouldn't find it odd in a country that "graduates" high school students that can't think for themselves also graduates college business students that don't understand basic economics.

Ponderings of the State of the Nation and the Plan of God

For my politically active and religious friends.  I was pondering the state of the country today and what an absolute mess it is in. I was also feeling a loss of being able to read what the majority of Americans are thinking. I don't trust the polls since they only take a sampling of a few thousand people at most... and who knows if those people who (1) answer the phone, (2) stay on long enough to answer questions, and (3) answer truthfully. During the election cycle I had a pretty decent read on the state of affairs - but then that was shattered on election day. Our "Dear Leader", Divider in Chief, won by cheating. While he may not have been directly involved, his supporters were.

Well, as I said, I was pondering my inability to get a good feel on the state of the People. Are they a majority that still uphold laws or are the majority happy in their free-loader state of being, railing against those evil people who have jobs and make money.  Are the majority fighting for a race war, wealth war, war on women, etc, etc, or are the majority fighting to end those "wars." (Hint, I'm on the side of ending them. I have no ill will towards other races, towards those who have more than I do, or towards women - though many on the opposite spectrum would accuse me of being so.)  I just could not figure it out.

Then the Spirit confirmed to me that all was well and I need not worry about those things. God is in control and He has His spokesman on earth. We must look to His prophet for guidance and do what is right. We must warn our friends and let them know that God has a living prophet... and that is an absolutely wonderful message.



This doesn't mean I have to silence my voice, but it does mean I can let the load off. In fact, my voice needs to be as loud as ever. I am grateful for this knowledge and invite all who don't know to research and ask God yourself for the answers.

A Stake President Catches National Heat

If you have heard about the LDS Stake President's talk in a Stake Conference getting the MSM (main stream media) all up in arms, and even some members, because of the content of his message, it is because they don't understand it. I have been essentially saying these exact same things since before this past election and after. But mostly after. And not as eloquently.

The signs of the End of Times are here. If this scares you repent. If this excites you, great! You understand that He is coming and very soon. For me, I will study and ponder the Book of Mormon, particularly Helaman and 3rd Nephi. Personally, I think we are closer to the 3rd Nephi times than the Helaman times.

Here is the talk as I've found it listed from a friend. Any editing is mine, emphasis added, etc.

Stake Conference General Session Talk: 2/3/13
President De Visser

My dear brothers and sisters, it has been a wonderful conference weekend. I have been inspired by those who have shared their stories and testimonies. I have been equally inspired by the music. I have learned that it is not an easy thing to plan a stake conference. Much fasting, prayer, and deliberation go into it and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guide me in selecting our speakers and topics. I express my appreciation to those who have participated. The spirit of the Lord has been with us in abundance, and I pray that it will continue to be with us as I now address you.

Another year has come and gone, but not just any year – it was the year 2012. A year about which much was speculated, predicted, and some would even argue prophesied. And while the most discussed prediction or prophecy – that of the Mayans concerning the end of the world – did not come to pass, I feel and believe that 2012 will still prove to be one of the more significant years in our life time.

Let’s take a moment and look back at a few things that happened in 2012:

• Gaza fired missiles on Jerusalem causing heightened unrest in the Middle East
• The Director of the CIA, a man considered to be of the highest moral integrity, resigned due to improprieties and adultery
• The UN Ambassador was instructed by the White House to cover up what happened in Libya, attempting to minimize the deaths of four Americans who were murdered
• There was an attempt to raise taxes during the worst economic times since the great depression
• Hurricane Sandy, called the “perfect storm” hit the east coast causing great devastation
• Iran became closer to a nuclear weapon
• The use of marijuana was legalized in Washington and Colorado
• Some states legalized same sex marriage
• 23 states began a petition to secede from the nation
• Russia strengthened its coalitions with North Korea and Iran
• Forces aligned to stop school prayer, but allowed the handing out of birth control
• The government used tax dollars to fund abortions
• Examples of violence, gambling, drug misuse, and infidelity were more prevalent than ever
• Hollywood promoted parenthood without marriage
• Education scores of our youth plummeted to their lowest levels ever
• And finally, we were brought to the edge of the fiscal cliff

In my opinion, the first 30 days of 2013 have proven to be the same. In fact, my head is spinning at all of the insanity and craziness that is happening in the world.

Now, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent today to be controversial, political, or even dire. My intent is to state the facts as I see them, as the Stake President, having been moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When I speak from this pulpit as the Stake President, the primary intent of my voice is one of love and compassion, but I also have an obligation to use my voice as a warning when it is necessary. Today is a day when I choose to use it primarily as a voice of warning hoping you will realize and understand that it is in love and compassion for you that I do.

Each of us has our agency and we are free to act for ourselves. We are agents unto ourselves and each of us is free to take what I say as he or she will. You may choose to disagree with me. You may even choose to ignore me, but I have been impressed by the spirit to say what I must say.

Never in my life have I witnessed a more stark difference between good and evil than I did in 2012. Never has there been a greater moral, economic, or political decline in society, than there was in 2012 and over the last few years. These climates combined, were as bad in 2012 as they have ever been in the history of the world. The current moral condition of our world and country reminds me of the condition described in Helaman, chapter 5, verse 2, and I quote:

“For their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening with destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.”

In 2012 the voice of the people spoke loudly and clearly as it chose:

• Socialism over capitalism
• Entitlements over free enterprise
• Redistribution and regulation over self-reliance

Unfortunate as it is, this should not come as a surprise to any of us who have spent the better part of our lives as members of this church. The scriptures and the prophets have warned us for hundreds of years, and have been trying to prepare us for this time. The scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality.

Let me take a moment and share with you a few of the scriptural and modern-day prophesies and quotes that I find interesting and revealing.

First, on November 9th, 2012 ( just a few months ago) the First Presidency issued the following statement:

“We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.”

The most glaring part of this statement, to me, is the acknowledgement from our prophet and the First Presidency that we are living in difficult and turbulent times.

Now, listen carefully to these two quotes. To me, these quotes are fascinating, and they reflect the ability of our leaders to see and predict the future.

In 1976 (this statement was made over 35 years ago) while serving as a President of the Seventy, Neal A. Maxwell said the following:

“I fear, that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more lifeboats launched, because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim. Unlike some pendulums, political pendulums do not swing back automatically; they must be pushed. History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for pendulums to swing back”.

In 1966 (this statement was made over 45 years ago) while serving as an apostle, Howard W. Hunter said this:

“The government will take from the “haves” and give to the “have not’s.” [When this happens] Both have lost their freedom. Those who “have,” lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who “have not”, lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got “something for nothing,” and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift”.

Now I quote from 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1-4:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

Sound familiar? It does to me, and as the Stake President, I not only see it happening throughout the world, but I also see it happening right here in our stake. These conditions described by Paul concerning the wickedness of the last days, are being realized right before my very eyes. As the Stake President, I see and hear all manner of sin – violence, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and immorality of every kind. I believe there are not many things left for my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Evil is escalating at an alarming pace even here at home. Just as the Savior prophesied concerning the conditions in the world that would precede his Second Coming: “iniquity does abound, the love of men does wax cold” (JS-Matt. 1:30) and “all things are in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts do fail them, for fear has come upon all people” (D&C 88:91).

I now quote Elder Bednar in a talk he gave one day after the tragic events that occurred only 45 days ago in Connecticut. He said:

With his comments, Elder Bednar also quoted recent comments made by President Packer, who said: “The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace.” Now, pay close attention to this next sentence brothers and sisters – President Packer said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” President Packer goes on to say:

“I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across the world, and they are among us”.

Brothers and Sisters, as I said last year during Ward Conferences – “we are in the count down.” Again, I say to you, that the scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard all throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a people to wake up, pay attention, and get it together – now is that time. This is a defining moment for us, and we cannot delay. We need to get our temporal and spiritual houses in order. It is a must. Difficult times are still ahead and we need to be prepared.
In my opinion, the last 5 years have put us on notice, and they should serve as a wake-up call in both temporal and spiritual matters.

All throughout my life I have been counseled by our church leaders to live within my means and get out of debt. In fact, there was no topic talked about more by President Hinckley, during his time as the Prophet, than living within our means and getting out of debt. As I look back on the last 5 years, it is no wonder to me why he did. We experienced the worst economic, political, and spiritual times in the history of our country, and even globally. The words of President Packer during his visit to our stake 4 years ago still ring loudly in my ears when he mentioned this topic and warned us, by saying:

“This time is different. We have not experienced this in the past. This time it is global, and it will be deeper and last longer than anything we have economically and spiritually experienced.”

Today, it is easy for us to reflect upon his words and know that he was right. Many of us would be better served today if we had taken his warning more seriously. For example, from 2008 to 2009 our stake experienced a 150% increase in welfare assistance to its own members. That assistance stayed about the same during 2010 and 2011. In 2012 we saw some improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now only 70% above our pre-2009 level of assistance. While there are some of us who could have done better, all in all, I commend you brothers and sisters. We are one of a few stakes in the entire church that remained a Fast Offering Giver rather than a Fast Offering Receiver during this time – meaning that we were able to meet the temporal needs of our own members and still have a surplus to pass on to the church to assist other stakes. I also want to commend you for following the counsel of your priesthood leader to prayerfully consider a more generous Fast Offering. It is overwhelming to me that during this temporal meltdown you have risen to the occasion and given more generously. I am very pleased to report that over the past 4 years our fast offering contributions have increased by 11%. This is amazing, especially since we now have 1,000 members less in our stake than we did in 2008. So, I thank you brothers and sisters. You are wonderful and I promise the Lord will continue to bless you as you continue to give generously.

Now, while temporal and economic conditions appear to be getting somewhat better, let us not kid ourselves about what is really going on. Any improvement is only temporary, and the conditions we have experienced over the last 5 years will eventually and certainly return, and even get worse. Let us not forget the last 5 years, and let us learn from it. Let us all finally follow the counsel of our prophets to live within our means and get out of debt. It is possible to get out of debt if we live within our means, but it is not if we don’t.

Now, not only is temporal preparedness vital for our mortal existence, but it also sets the stage for us to be spiritually prepared. The most important matter for us to consider right now and always is our spiritual preparedness.

Over the past 4 years, it has been a wonderful exercise for me to call upon the Lord for guidance and direction concerning this stake, and in particular the setting of stake goals. It has been an interesting evolution to witness. Let me share with you part of a statement we prepared for all of us this year (a copy of which can be obtained from your bishop):

“As the Stake Presidency discussed, pondered, and prayed about our stake goals for 2013, we were impressed by the feeling that goals should be a matter of focus and commitment at a personal level.

In conjunction with this direction, we encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:
What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

Let me repeat:
We encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:
What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

We trust that as you prayerfully consider and ponder this question, it will be clear to you what your goal should be. We also testify that your personal commitment and discipline to fulfill this goal will indeed bring you closer to the Savior and will give you spiritual strength to remain firm and steadfast in the gospel regardless of the circumstances.

We are impressed to share with you one goal you might consider, as you ponder the question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

Spend time each day reading and studying the Book of Mormon.

Two others which are not in the statement but which I would like to also suggest are:

1. Don’t let a day go by in your life when you do not humbly and sincerely kneel before God to thank Him for your blessings and plead with Him to give you the spiritual strength to meet the challenges which are coming.
2. Perform a spiritual self-examination. Examine every aspect of your life. Identify those things for which you need to repent and then do it. Simply put, focus on your own personal worthiness.

In the end, the only things that will matter will be our personal worthiness and our relationships, especially the one we have with the Savior.

Brothers and Sisters, President Packer was absolutely right when he said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” As difficult as it may be to embrace, it is simply God’s plan. The moral, economic, and political conditions of the world will not, overall, get better. You and I were held back for this special time to prepare the earth for the return of the Savior. I believe many within the sound of my voice will be part of, and witnesses to, all of the events that will transpire prior to the return of the Savior. This will require each of us to be temporally and spiritually stronger than we are currently.
In closing let me share a quote from Heber C. Kimball:

“The time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint, from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brothers and sisters, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand?

“This church and each member of it has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to be temporally and spiritually prepared, and have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess these things will fall.”

Brothers and sisters, the test has come. It is now upon us. No man or woman will be able to endure what is happening now, or what is ahead, if we are not temporally and spiritually prepared. If you are not, you will not stand.

I love you brothers and sisters. I testify to you that I speak the truth. I have a personal witness of the Savior and I know that He lives. He is the Son of Almighty God. He will return in glory and He will sustain us through the difficult times ahead if we do our part and are temporally and spiritually prepared. And, I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2012 Christmas Testimony

Jesus is born

Two weeks ago, I was asked to share my thoughts about what Christmas means to me. My target audience is fellow Republicans. But I will direct my thoughts to everybody, for my testimony of my Savior is the same. I believe in Christ. He is my Redeemer. He is my King. I celebrate Christmas to celebrate His birth, life, death, and resurrection. If not for His exemplary life, which I try to follow, His suffering for my sins, His death and resurrection, I would have no hope. And so I celebrate!



For many Republicans and some Democrats, this year has been a bad year in politics. And, in politics, we don't have any hope for improvement. And if our President's words this week are any indication, there will be no change for the better over the next few years. But we do have hope in Him, Jesus Christ our Savior.

"He is risen" -Jesus to Mary

As we put our faith in God, we can accomplish many things. As we trust in His word, we can overcome all. Not that the journey will be easy, but the burden will be lighter. Not that we won't have troubles, but we will be supported when doing right. So go out, do good, follow Jesus' example. Help the sick, the needy, the widowed and widower, the fatherless or motherless. Don't look down upon the needy and think in your hearts, "They probably voted for more free stuff, let them get their handouts from the government." I know I have and I know I have need of repentance.

Jesus helping the sick

I will commit myself, I already have, to helping those in need. We can only win the hearts and minds of the people through example, as Christ did, and show them that there is a better way. The sad, the lonely, the downtrodden have two choices, trust in government or trust in God. I would trust God. God sends His servants to help. We, His believers, are His servants and this is my testimony of Him and why I celebrate Christmas.

Jesus healing Jairus' daughter

Gosnell's Pink Glop

I thought I would put this here.  It's a recipe that my mom's family has had for a very long time. And it's really good.  When my dad first saw it, he said, "That looks like pink glop." And so it got a name other than "pineapple fruit salad." 

So how does one make this?  Here's the recipe.

Gosnell’s Pink Glop

1.      Can of crushed pineapple (20 oz or more)

2.    Small-curd low-fat cottage cheese

3.    Cool Whip (or other whipped topping)

4.   Jello packet (any flavor, strawberry, cherry, etc. This bowl has strawberry.)

Drain can of crushed pineapple and put the crushed pineapple into bowl.  (Drink pineapple juice. It’s fun!)

Add package of jello into bowl.

Add cottage cheese as desired (you may not need the entire cup of cottage cheese, but I used most of it.)

Add Cool Whip as desired. (I scooped in about 3 large spoonfuls.)

Thoroughly mix.  Add more cottage cheese and Cool Whip until it reaches the desired consistency.

Total time: 5 – 10 minutes

I've seen this message floating around. I saw Noelle had typed it out and was about to post it as just text. I asked if she'd give me time to do a little stylization to it. I added some stick figure art and ~voila! Here it is.
 

Rachel Cheers Mitt Romney

Here's my 4 year old cheering our next President of the United States^*!





*At least we are really hoping he is... and doing everything we can to make it happen.

Political Websites

I've noticed a lot of my friends here are starting to take a look at and support Mitt Romney as a Presidential candidate. I would like to list a number of websites I visit that will help explain why Mitt Romney is the best candidate to be President, and has been for many years. I will also list some sites that are Republican or Conservative in nature and will post positive and negative commentary about Romney. Some of them have comment sections and you can read through those to get a feel for the pros and cons of subject at hand.

http://www.mittromneycentral.com/ - Has a very active live chat. And many great Romney articles. Run by Nate Gunderson
http://www.rightspeak.net/ - I'm a contributor. Mostly pro Romney. Run by Bosman.
http://www.race42012.com/ - Covers all of the candidates, lively comment section by followers of different candidates.
http://www.whyromney.com/ - Sets the record straight on the rumors
http://www.aboutmittromney.com/ - Has the most complete explanations on various controversial issues about Romney. A good site for backup when someone accuses Romney of being a RINO, not a Conservative, etc.
http://evangelicalsformitt.org/ - An Evangelical take on Mitt Romney. They've even released a book on Amazon explaining why evangelicals can vote for Romney
http://americaneedsmitt.com/blog/ Run by Mike Sage who also has a nightly Romney radio show. Mike also has a number of other pro Romney sites, all are worth checking out. (http://mittfitts.com/, http://mittchicksrock.com/, etc)

In Response to Mancow this morning

This is an email I had intended to send to Mancow Muller, but his email form is for premium members only. Enjoy. (Any premium members want to forward this text on for me?) This isn't the first time in this past week, I've taken a radio show host to task. I gave Tony Cruise a call. I found out he was for the true flip-flopping, cheating Newt Gingrich. Anyway, here's the letter:

This morning you asked, "What conservative Republican is going for Mitt Romney?" I'm here to tell you this TEA Party supporting, Conservative first, Republican fully supports and endorses Mitt Romney for President of the United States of America.

Why? Because he has the executive experience in the private, non-profit, and public sector arenas to get the job done. What is the job? To turn around a flailing and failing economy. Who better to do it than a person who's job it has been to do this for 100s of companies, the Salt Lake City Olympics, and the State of Massachussetts, and to institute conservative policies in the face of heavy liberalism, massive corruption, and antagonistic parties.

Why? Because he has a jobs plan more extensive than and thought out than any other candidate. We aren't getting Hope and Change from Romney, we have 57 steps to job recovery. We aren't getting platitudes, we're getting promised action with a proven record.

Why? Because he is the only one organized and able to take on Obama toe-to-toe on every issue.

Why? Because I have supported Mitt Romney from way back before 2008 when Rush Limbaugh called him the embodiment of the three legs of conservatism. Romney has moved more conservative on his positions even since then.

You mentioned that some vote counter claims to have counted 20 extra votes for Romney. Why did he do that? Why is he coming out now? What is HIS agenda?

Mitt Romney buying the election? Well, yes, that's what politicking is. Every candidate is "buying" the election. They have to to get their word out. The fact that Romney has garnered $20 million in donations in the past quarter of earning, not to mention the $15 million before that, and whatever else before that is a testament to the number of people that really do support him. Sure, there are some fat cat, former Obama supporters on Wall Street that have donated the most they can: $2500 per person. But it also means there are a lot of middle class folk, like me, who have given our piddly $20, $50, or $100 to support him. There are a lot of people in the grass roots efforts, volunteering their time to make phone calls for Mitt Romney. There are a lot of people pounding the pavement for him.

It really does make me sick, the media slandering, slanting, and misrepresenting who Mitt Romney really is. Fortunately, there will be enough people, the voters, that will see through the misrepresentations of the so-called conservative media. This is really why I am actually going to send this email, in the hopes that you would re-evaluate you language and attitude of Mitt Romney. He is the best chance to win the election and actually get stuff done.

On and end note, Ron Paul would be great, but he could never win the nomination or general election. Even if he did, he would not be able to rally the legislative branch around his ideas. He's had 30+ years to do that and has not succeeded.

Virginia Republican Presidential Primary Election Rules

UPDATE: § 24.2-644.C At all elections except primary elections it shall be lawful for any voter to vote for any person other than the listed candidates for the office by writing or hand printing the person's name on the official ballot

As we are just now finding out, Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry failed to qualify for inclusion on the VA Presidential Primary ballot. Only Mitt Romney and and Ron Paul have qualified. Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick Santorum didn't even try. (How sad is that? That's 10% of the delegates lost right there!)

This post is going to be a slightly technical post regarding what I have found so far regarding the Virginia Republican Presidential Primary Election. Why am I doing this? Because there is a rumor floating around that VA is not a write-in candidate state for the primaries. I will address this topic and a few other tidbits I've found.

First, this is rumor (as I've not read an article, but only a comment on this topic), That there was only 1 candidate in past years that did not make the ballot in VA, and it was because they were 15 minutes late. All other candidates in the recent past have been able to meet the VA ballot requirements. That we've had 2 candidates fail and 3 not even try is, frankly, sad. It proves the point that the Republican field is utterly weak. (Mitt Romney excepted.)

Okay, about that rumor. If it is true that write-in candidates are not allowed, that would be huge because the winner would have to be selected between Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. No one else would be accepted. Is there any truth to this? Let's find out.

So, I started my search. I first found the information about the above rumor as posted in comment sections related to articles about Newt's failure to make the ballot. I could not find that specific language in any article specifically or anywhere else, but in comment sections.

After broadening my search, I came upon another document regarding write-in candidates. According to VA's laws, the definition of a candidate includes write-in candidates. This is specified in a document detailing that write-in candidates must also submit financial disclosure forms if they wish to remain a candidate and viable for office.

I then found the Deadlines, Duties and Ballot Access Requirements for the Presidential Primary Election pdf document, and this is what I am basing the rest of my information on.

I could find no language in that document regarding write-in candidates. It just did not state whether or not it is possible. The closest thing which might indicate that a write-in is not allowed is this line:
Candidates wishing to participate in the presidential primary must follow the procedures outlined below.
Since the definition of candidate includes write-in candidates, does that mean they must be ballot qualified to "participate" and, as such, a write-in nullifies their opportunity, because by logical definition, a write-in failed to be ballot qualified? Ambiguous at best.

I did find some other tidbits of information. While the rule is 10,000 total signatures with at least 400 signatories from each Congressional district, they suggest between 15,000 - 20,000 signatures, with 700 signatories from each district.

VA is an open voting state, but a primary voter must only participate in one primary. This applies to signatures as well. A registered voter from an opposing party may sign a candidate's ballot petition as long as they state they plan to participate in the Republican primary and not in any other party's primary. (Not difficult in an incumbent year.)

There is NO filing fee to get on the ballot. (Thus the need for signatories.)

Finally, the State Chairs have until close of business on Tuesday, the 27th, to certify the candidates who will appear on the ballot. The next day a drawing will be held to determine the order of placement of candidates' name.

I'm calling the rumor a hoax. However, I welcome the chance to be proven wrong on the write-in rule.

UPDATE:
Newt is going to try a write-in campaign

UPDATE:
Write-in's are not eligible according to this tweeter McCormickJohn

Expect this issue to get muddy.

Mitt Romney Central friends

Here is a fun little thing I came up with today.
Copy any of the code below and paste it into the MRC chat.

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[/scroll] I've got a new goal... $2000. This is my most ambitious, yet. Can you help? (Click the rocket)[br][center] [url=https://www.mittromney.com/donate/?fid=7314&sc=EKY002]
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[/center][br]Only if you can. Thank you.
[br][b][color=red]UNINSTALLING OBAMA[/color][br] [color=darkgreen]███████████████████[/color][color=black]▓▓[/color][br] [color=red]6 days remaining[/color][/b] A Tomato to throw during debates for bad answers, bad moderators, bad commentators, or whatever...
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Pain on the Cain Train

For those who are keeping up on politics and have heard about the sexual harassment accusations laid at Cain's feet, I hope to clarify a few things here.

1. In my opinion, these claims are frivolous. I'm hoping the situation is that these were gold digger ladies or highly sensitive ladies who, like many others in the 90's, threw the SH accusation whenever the wind blew wrong (doing a major disservice to people who were actually sexually harrassed).

2. Companies will pay out on these claims because the cost to litigate is more than the payoff. If you have no virtue, you can sue a company or government for all sorts of discriminations, and if the payout is less than litigation, they just might pay it.

3. Cain handled answering the claims VERY badly.

3a. He had 10 days to come up with a decent complete answer before the information was published.

3b. When the info was released Cain had 4 different answers on day 1. With 10 days prep time, he should have had 1 very good answer, or better yet, released the info ahead of Politico.

3c. On Day 2, he played the race card and blamed Perry for the leak (not Romney). This, unfortunately, makes Cain look petty. I doubt Perry was the source of the leak.

4. Perry deflected stating it was probably Romney who leaked. "I could see him doing that." (Real slick, Rick, you sleaze.) For the record, I don't think Perry or his campaign are the leak either.

5. Romney and his campaign have no knowledge of any of this besides what is in the media currently. Despite petty commentators at sites like Red State who actually accussed the leak of being in Romney's SuperPAC (the guy is in Perry's SuperPAC) and Limbaugh who made the allusion that it was Romney, it was not Romney who made the leak. Romney is a classy guy and proves this over and over (including his answer to Cain's trouble on ABC yesterday).

6. I was really hoping Cain would get a VP consideration. The handling of this situation and other situations proves he is not ready for either the POTUS or the VP nod. This makes me sad. his campaign staff are the minor leagues in a major league campaign.

The media and so-called conservative commentators are doing the GOP no favors through these accusations, their lying about people's records (especially Romney's), and their blaming anyone without proof.

VIRUS WARNING

Wow! Did I ever receive a very convincing email today. Since I did have a mistake on my tax return this year, I almost fell for the ruse. A couple of things stood out from this e-mail. It was unsolicited, it was from a person I had not dealt with, and it was saying my bank returned my tax return funds to the IRS. (Your bank would not do that without first notifying you.)

Of course, it also had a link to a "PDF" file. Why do I put that in quotes? Because when I hovered my mouse over it, the link actually showed me that it went to some other website. Look at the picture to see the website. DO NOT go to the website.

I REPEAT THIS EMAIL IS SPAM AND A VIRUS. DO NOT FOLLOW ANY LINKS IF YOU RECEIVE A SIMILAR EMAIL.



The HEADER
As a side note, I have no idea how it passed the Barracuda spam filter. The email says it is from Pam_Delany @irs .gov but the message-id is from 5624897102.4PPR0IZP169555 @ bwhsagtmxa.foczytgll.ru (Note the .ru TLD, that's Russia)
and the envelope from field is from helpfullyj @ pado.com.br (Brazil) The message passed through galati.astral.ro which is Romania.

7 years

As of last Sunday, Noelle and I have been married 7 years. Pretty dang cool. The only reason I thought about this is because my artistic creative juices have been flowing and it reminded me of our wedding announcement. (I got a fine compliment on how well done the layout was - telling me I should be a layout artist. heh) Besides, I really like how we look in this picture.



After 7 years, I love her more now than I did then. But more than that, I appreciate her more now than I did then.

Israel and Obama

President Buffoon... I mean Obama, is no friend of the Jewish people. He proved it again today. I've blogged about this issue before.

I always thought the US would always stand for Israel. But what President Obama is requesting is that Israel shrink itself to 8 miles wide, down from 45 miles. This would give the Palestinians fish in a barrel. They could easily lob their missiles anywhere into Israel. What's amazing is that there is at least one Jewish group, J Street, that supports "wholeheartedly" what the President has said.

As I said, I always thought we'd support Israel, I NEVER thought we'd be the ones that would enable Israel's enemies to begin the events foretold in Revelations. It would be interesting if Romney gets elected and is President during the Second Coming.

Thunder Over Louisville: 2011 Edition

WOW! That was a really awesome fireworks display. And I'm not just saying that. It has been years since I've been pleased with their display. What is the reason for this my previous displeasure and my current satisfaction? MUSIC. That's right, in past years the music took me out of the moment of the fireworks, but this year it was the correct mixture and the synchronization between the fireworks and music was beautiful. I'll explain.

First, one of the things that really bothers me with compilation music are the transitions. It is almost never good to go from country to rock to orchestral to soft rock and a mixture of whatever. In past years, I muted the TV so I wouldn't lose concentration on the beauty of the fireworks. This year was different. They used all orchestral, big band, and other types of music. Very few pieces had words in it. The ones that did went along with the overall theme and didn't break the flow. There were some rough transitions, but nothing like in previous years. If the Thunder Over Louisville producers want to have another successful year next year, they need to stay away from most hip hop, country, pop, etc music and stay with the classical, orchestral, and similar styles of music. Plus, it's easier to synchronize the fireworks with it - you can crescendo the fireworks in time with the music (which they did two or three times during this show).

The second reason why this year's Thunder was spectacular were the new styles of fireworks they had on display. For several years, the fireworks were mostly the same with one or two new styles thrown in. But they were difficult to see or notice because they were drowned out by the other fireworks. I saw four or five, at least, new styles this year. The ones that impressed me the most were the short shots off the bridge. At the beginning of the show, there were rockets that streamed off the bridge, then spiraled inward. There was another short shot with a nice white/blue color that mostly fired straight up, but had a bit of randomness between the different cannons so that there was overlap between the streams. This was near the end of the show. Another piece that impressed me were a couple of bloom shots. Instead of having points spots, the bloom shot I liked most had smaller, more compact blooms where each point would have been. The array of colors in some of the shots were impressive.

The third reason why I like this year's Thunder is that not only were the fireworks in sync with the music, but they were in sync with each other. Also, transitions between the different styles of fireworks was good. There was almost no downtime between shots - good job tech crew!

I have been mostly disappointed with the views the TV crews have given Thunder in the past. But they did a really good job this year. Or, perhaps, it's because I was able to watch on a large, wide-screen TV. However, in years' past, they would do close-ups, focus on a single barge too long, focus on a small section of bridge too long, something. But this year, they did a good job getting appropriate views of the entire scene (and, thankfully, no crowd shots... which sounds like a good view, but it's not.)

So, I wonder will anyone from the Thunder organization trip into my blog post and take notes? I doubt it, but it would be nice, I wrote this mostly for them. Congratulations!

p.s. I'd post some pictures of shots from this year, but they haven't been posted anywhere else, yet. And if they did, they'd probably be copyrighted.

Wii Dismantled!

So, our old Nintendo Wii had bitten the dust. The disk drive didn't work, it had taken a beating from being knocked off a shelf of some height (thanks Rachel), there was now a rattling in the case, and there was no power. So I did what any sensible geek would do with a device that was out of warranty - I dismantled it to try and find out why it was not working.

After taking out the case screws, and taking out the disk drive, the nail that was rattling inside fell out. No, I didn't know it was a nail before. Again, thank you Rachel!

Well, there was still this power issue to resolve. So off came the aluminum plating that separated the main board from the disk drive and everything else. I plug everything back in and powered it up - nothing. So I pull out my trusty Radio Shack multimeter which had broken within a few weeks of my purchasing it. Yep, the thing is still broken (I've learned recently, I need to replace the fuse in the thing.)

The next thing I do, which I should have done in the first place, got the power cable from our new Wii and plugged that in. Hey! Power! Turned it on, slid a disk in the drive and everything is working well. Well, except that the disk drive sound it like an engine (not good). Granted, it was out of its natural habitat with rubber grommets for shock absorbers.



So it was time to put it all back together. I only had 2 extra screws left over. The thing still powered up, so it's all good. Now we just need to get a replacement for the old power adapter.

Next thing to do? Dismantle the Guitar Hero Drum kit. That one is a lost cause, though. (The hat's wires have been cut.)