For What It's Worth!

Ward Conference Talk

2011-03-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

It seems that everywhere I look, I see families impacted by poor relationships. I feel like far to many Moms & Dads have ceased to function as Husband & Wife. It has been on my mind for some time now. What follows is the outline used to address my Ward last Sunday in our annual Conference. I feel like it went well. I am already aware of a few who seem to have taken some part of it to heart. If just one relationship is salvaged & tragedy averted it is enough.......but I certainly hope for more.

For What it's Worth

Ryan

· General principles for discussion

o “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” Thomas Paine

o “If you wish information & improvement from the knowledge of others, and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fixed in your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error. And by such a manner, you can seldom hope to recommend yourself in pleasing your hearers, or to persuade those whose concurrence you desire.” Benjamin Franklin

· The Family: A proclamation to the World

o “We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

§ “The sweet companionship of eternal marriage is one of the greatest blessings given to his children.” Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

§ “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall ^acleave unto his ^bwife; and ^cthey shall be ^done flesh.” – Moses 3:24 or Genesis 2:24

§ “…lift up thy heart and ^brejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of ^apride.” - D&C 25:13

§ “Determine that there will never be anything that will come between you that will disrupt your marriage. Make it work. Resolve to make it work. There is far too much of divorce, wherein hearts are broken and sometimes lives are destroyed. Be fiercely loyal onto another.” President Gordon B. Hinckley

§ “Depart ye not one from the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that ^bSatan ^ctempt you not for your incontinency.” - JST 1Corinthians 7:5

o “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other…”

§ “Thou shalt ^alove thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt ^bcleave unto her and none else.” – D&C 42:22

§ “Husbands, ^blove your ^cwives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” – Ephesians 5:25

§ “Let me assure you brethren, that someday you will have a Personal Priesthood interview with the Savior Himself…..he will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you been actively engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual.” - Pres. David O. Mckay

§ “Let the ^ahusband render unto the ^bwife due ^cbenevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. – 1 Corinthians 7: 3

· Tammie & I

o Dating & courtship

§ Lots of time

§ Spontaneous gifts & visits

o Marriage

§ “We loved each other; there was no doubt about that, but we also had to get used to each other. I think every couple has to get used to each other. Early on I realized it would be better if we worked harder to get used to each other than constantly try to change each other.” Sister Marjorie P. Hinckley

§ “Husbands and wives, learn to listen, and listen to learn from one another… Taking time to talk is essential to keep lines of communication intact. If marriage is a prime relationship in life, it deserves prime time! Yet less important appointments are often given priority, leaving only leftover moments for listening to precious partners.” Elder Russell M. Nelson

· Tammie gave up all comforts, everything to which she was accustomed, for us. Me? I was clueless.

o 50 hours a week work

o Remodeling house & yard

o Clerk in Ward

o Read incessantly

· Moved to Price -

o Both out of comfort zone

o I continued in cluelessness

o New branch

§ 50+ hours week

§ Homework

o Church Leadership

o New home

· I was pitifully slow in recognizing that Her needs were not being met.

o Habits are slow to change

o “How’s that working for ya?”

o Today

§ I’m still mostly clueless, but improving

§ What I know

· I LOVE MY WIFE!!!!!

· Tammie is wonderful – I would be much less a man w/o Her.

· What matters most is what lasts longest” – Elder Ballard Oct 2005

· "One of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
— Howard W. Hunter

· Importance of the Family

o We know of the sanctity of families in both directions of our eternal existence. We know that before this life we lived with our Heavenly Father as part of His family, and we know that family relationships can endure beyond death.

o The world needs to know what the proclamation teaches, because the family is the basic unit of society, of the economy, of our culture, and of our government. And as Latter-day Saints know, the family will also be the basic unit in the celestial kingdom.

o “When Satan wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he doesn’t poison the world’s peanut butter supply, thus bringing the Church’s missionary system to its collective knees. He doesn’t send a plague of laryngitis to afflict the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He doesn’t legislate against green Jell-O or casseroles. When Satan truly wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he attempts to confuse gender and he attacks God’s plan for His children. He works to drive a wedge of disharmony between a father and a mother. He entices children to be disobedient to their parents. He makes family home evening and family prayer inconvenient. He suggests family scripture study is impractical. That’s all it takes, because Satan knows that the surest and most effective way to disrupt the Lord’s work is to diminish the effectiveness of the family and the sanctity of the home.

o Couples unhappy in their marriages tend not to give appropriate gospel instruction in the home. They are less likely to be committed to gospel principles in their own lives. Some drift from the Church. Apathy can overcome even active members, keeping them away from the temple and weakening their capacity to be effective leaders and teachers—thus leaving countless lives untouched and slowing the Lord’s work. – Elder Ballard

o We cannot have a strong family w/o a strong marital relationship. We have to love, care & support. We have to be united & working together.

· Prophets speak

o “We warn that individuals who… fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” - Proclamation

o “The proclamation is a prophetic document, not only because it was issued by prophets but because it was ahead of its time. It warns against many of the very things that have threatened and undermined families during the last decade and calls for the priority and the emphasis families need if they are to survive in an environment that seems ever more toxic to traditional marriage and to parent-child relationships.

o Today I call upon members of the Church and on committed parents, grandparents, and extended family members everywhere to hold fast to this great proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni’s “title of liberty,” and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts. As we are all part of a family, the proclamation applies to everyone.

o To parents everywhere, my counsel is simple: Get a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord. Then be the very best and act the very best you can. God will give you strength beyond your own as you strive daily to fulfill the most sacred mortal responsibility He gives to His children. Listen to the voice of the Spirit and the counsel of the living prophets. Be of good cheer. God did not place you on earth to fail, and your efforts as parents will not be counted as failure unless you give up.” - Elder Ballard

· THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO EACH OF US IS OUR SPOUSE, MAY WE ACT ACCORDINGLY.

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” Thomas Paine

I am an American

2009-07-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

The following post is a talk that I gave a month ago in two wards with mixed reviews. It never occured to me that this topic would not be welcomed with open hearts & minds, most of what I said is quoted directly from the Prophets. I was, and to an extent still am, disturbed by the response of primarily one ward. I am interested in your opinions. Is there anything doctrinally unsound in what I said? Is this to direct for Sacrament meeting? Are people really indifferent to the responsibilities asociated with liberty? I gave a similar talk last week in my home ward where the message was very well recieved. Anyway, For What It's Worth, here are my musings on our great Nation. Please comment, ya never know I may actually respond.

-------

I begin today in the 1st book of Nephi, chapter 13 verses 12-14. These verses are part of Nephi’s vision where the angel takes him to the top of a high mountain & shows him the meaning of the vision of the tree of life and much more. This is part of the more.

“And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land. And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters. And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise…And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance;….

Columbus, Vespucci, the Pilgrims & those that followed them came to this continent to this land under the direction & inspiration of God. In verse 16 Nephi saw that they “did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.” Nephi says later (2 Nephi 1:5) that they had “obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands” and that “the Lord hath covenanted this land unto (Nephi), and to (his) children forever,” as well as unto “all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.” Brother & sisters we literally live in the promised land. Jesus himself told the Nephites (3 Nephi 21:4) that God the Father in his wisdom established the gentiles in this land as a free people that his purposes might be fulfilled. Nephi’s vision continues in verses 17-19

“And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.”

The Founding generation of this Nation, These United States of America, was chosen for & directed in their cause. God said (D&C 101:77-80) that

….the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment… And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

In general conference April 1898 President Wilford Woodruff testified “that those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord.”

It is about these wise men & the Constitution they drafted that wish to speak today.

In the same Conference talk President Woodruff also stated that “Every one of those men that signed the Declaration of Independence , with General Washington, called upon me, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Temple at St. George, two consecutive nights, and demanded at my hands that I should go forth and attend to the ordinances of the House of God for them.”

References from his Journal of discourses, his personal journals and temple records indicate that in addition to the men specifically mentioned in this conference address there where all except 3 Presidents of the United Stated up to and including Andrew Johnson, 50 other eminent men & 70 women. Among these eminent men & women appear such famous names as Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Fredrick the Great, “Stonewall” Jackson, Sir Walter Scott, William Wadsworth, John Wesley & Martin Luther, Jane Austin, Charlotte Bronte, Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Queen Marie Antoinette & her mother. Also present was Benito Juarez, liberator of Mexico & his wife Margarita. They were a diverse group, poets, actors, soldiers, preachers, kings, congressmen, artists, explorers & scientists. All were Men & Women of courage, discipline and faith. They lived their lives w/ integrity. Each of them in some way great or small impacted the founding of our country. Their influence promoted individual liberties, the freedom to think, believe & act according to our own conscience. These men & women merit our praise, admiration & our study. I encourage you to read about them, read what they wrote, follow their examples. Their lives are truly inspiring.

President Ezra Taft Benson in his booklet “The Constitution, A Heavenly Banner” begins by discussing 5 basic principles essential to an understanding of our founding documents. They are Agency, The proper role of Government, the source of human rights, people are superior to Government & that Governments should have limited powers.

Agency was the essence of the war in heaven. We chose to choose & Satan was cast down. He and his minions persist in that same war today. President Benson indicates that “one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments.” The question remains “shall the children of God have untrammeled agency to choose the course they should follow, or shall they be coerced & forced to be obedient?”

President Benson gave an entire speech on the topic of “The Proper Role of Government”, in this booklet however he contented himself with quoting from the Doctrine & Covenants. (D&C 134:1,2,5)

“…that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them…that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life…. that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments…”

In his own words “the most important single function of government is to secure the rights & freedoms of individual citizens.” Our freedoms he previously defined as our agency and he next defines our rights or at least the source thereof.

In determining the source of our rights President Benson quotes several of the founders.
Thomas Paine – “Rights are not gifts from one man to another…rights appertain to man in right of his existence…”
Frederic Bastiat - “Life, liberty & property do not exist because men made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life liberty & property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.”

Rights must be either God given or granted by government, one or the other. “If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government.” (President Benson)Rights exist independent of mans will & cannot be denied by anyone’s whim.

Thomas Jefferson – The Declaration of Independence – “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life , Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights , Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

That last sentence is the fourth principle, People are Superior to Governments. God gave us rights and we created governments to safeguard those rights. As the creators of government we the people are the master. We have an obligation to participate in Government, to do our best to diligently seek for honest men and wise men and to uphold good men and wise men in positions of leadership & trust. (D&C 98:10) It is our responsibility to bring our government back to its pure constitutional roots.

The final principle necessary to understand the Constitution is the limited powers of government. If we as individual citizens create & authorize government to act on our behalf then reasonably Government cannot be given any power that we as individuals do not ourselves possess. I as an individual do not have the right to steal bread from my neighbors table. Likewise government cannot justly redistribute wealth nor force acts of involuntary charity. “Government is created by the People…. The creature cannot exceed the creator.” President Benson closes this section by quoting the Alabama state Constitution: “The sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usurpation & oppression.”

President Benson then shares what he believes to the 5 most important provisions of the actual Constitution of the United States.

1st – The sovereignty of the people. We have already covered the concept that the people are superior to the government, that we created the government & therefore have the power.

2nd – Separation of powers. Despite the current appearance of our government the Constitution establishes 3 independent & distinct branches, the legislative or congressional to make law, the judicial to interpret the law; interpret meaning to determine weather or not a specific law is or is not constitutional, and the executive or presidential to enforce the law & act as a figure head or spokesman among the nations of the world. Each branch checking the others, thereby protecting personal liberty through a balance of power.

3rd – Limited Powers of Government. The 10th amendment clearly states that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it… are reserved to the states respectively or the people.” Quoting President Benson “the founding fathers well understood human nature and its tendency to exercise unrighteous dominion when given authority. A Constitution was therefore designed to limit government to certain enumerated functions, beyond which is tyranny.”

4th – Representation. Congress is comprised of 2 houses. The Senate where each state is represented equally and the House where representation is proportional to population. Again it is our duty to seek out the best representatives we can find. Never vote for the lesser of evils. When we do evil always wins. The only hope we have of winning is to intelligently and unashamedly vote our conscience every time. They represent us and we must hold them accountable.

5th – A moral & righteous people. John Adams – “our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Only when we accept God as the ultimate and original law giver can we administer and interpret law without trying to wrest unintended meanings from the written word.

In essence I believe that good government boils down to the words of King Mosiah, “Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right…And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you…” (Mosiah 29:26 & 27)

Brothers and Sisters, please live righteously. Repent regularly, see the bishop when necessary. Sanctify yourselves, the Lord promises great things to those who do. In D&C 43:16 he says “Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power”. In Ether 4:7 “in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations…” in D&C 88:68 “sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you.” And greatest of all in D&C 133:62 he commits that “unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life.” I believe that the most important thing that anyone of us can do is to purify our hearts before God, Sanctify ourselves, willingly subject our desires to Gods plan for us. If we do he can and will work miracles through us.

I love this country, my country. I am an American. I firmly believe in the principles of good government that I have shared w/ you today. As messed up as things seem to be we are for now among the freest people ever to live on the planet. I thank God for the founding generation and the lives they lived which allowed our Heavenly Father to work through them to establish a new nation and a Constitution which has made possible not only the prosperity and independence that we have enjoyed for more than 200 years but more importantly fostered a society in which the true Church of Jesus Christ could be restored. For that blessing I will be eternally grateful. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

For What It's Worth

Ryan

Appearances

2009-04-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I came home w/ a large chunk of unpretentious wood. It was a piece of burl or root & I was giddy with excitement. Although it was not much to look at, I could, in my minds eye, see the squirrelly, twisted, wild grain created by the roots as they grew in and around each other. I felt that it could be something uniquely beautiful. Tammie’s incredulous question, “you paid for that?”, was somewhat less enthusiastic.

The Prophet Samuel was warned against superficial judgements. “…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Regardless of how rough or refined our beginning, the Lord’s ability to apply strategic pressure will gradually, by successive revolutions, cut away the layers of uncertainty & doubt to expose our true selves, the person He knew long ago. He who knows the end from the beginning also knows us. He knows who & what we are. He knows our mission, our destiny. Because of his love for us He uses this knowledge to provide experiences that mold our minds and shape our souls. From His hands we emerge confident, unique and, beautiful.

I enjoyed releasing this piece from the wood. While it is true that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder I love the way it “turned” out. If in the end, the shape of my life, of my soul is pleasing to none but God that will be enough.

For What It’s Worth

Ryan

Stop the bailouts!!

2009-02-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

i sent the following to our state representitives in washington this morning.

For what it's worth.

Stop the “bailout”!!!!!

I don’t know how anyone can even call it that with a straight face. No more discretional spending of my tax dollars! No more borrowing. If business has made poor decisions they deserve to fail. Likewise if you as our elected officials have made poor decisions you deserve to fail & be replaced. In either case wise prudent men & women will be ready to pick up the pieces & move forward. If you truly wish to save our financial system & ultimately our Nation, you must limit spending!!!!! No good will ever come of extended interest payments & deficit spending. Look at where it has gotten us. Your collective greed & spinelessness has produced a financial system that can no longer stand. We are on the verge of an inflationary period unlike any other ever experienced in our history. You have tripled the amount of money in circulation in less than 6 months. Yet the economy continues to slide. The efforts to revive it by inciting more irrational spending among consumers with a quick influx of cash have failed. Why should I believe that yet more money will have any greater effect?

Truly, tough times do call for tougher action. Are any of you capable of taking that tough action? Are you willing and able to cut spending by cutting programs, popular programs, especially those promoted so heavily by the lobbyists & special interest groups? Are you willing to bring home all our troops, use them to defend our physical borders thus balancing the budget, protecting us both physically & financially? Do you have the courage to stand up to the bankers and the FED, to take back control of our money, to bring monetary policy back to its constitutional roots, back to Congress? Do you have the integrity to limit your own tendency towards pet projects? Will you tie total government spending, every single dollar that leaves the national treasury, to gross domestic product?

You must, for the good of the Nation & our posterity, bind government’s hands. You must take from yourselves the power to over spend, regardless of the reason or circumstance. We simply cannot spend what we do not have. You cannot spend your way out of debt, not individually nor as a Nation.

NO MORE BAILOUTS!!!!!!!

Respectfully,

Ryan

Patrick Henry...... Today.

2008-11-12T08:30:00.001-08:00

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains & slavery?... I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” These bold, passionate words spoken by Patrick Henry in 1775 still touch & inspire freedom loving souls across the country. Yet as I recently reread his speech this closing statement is not what most impacted me. His opening arguments in many ways seem much more timely. Addressing those of his day unwilling to take action or even make preparations, those who clung vainly to hope of reconciliation with England. He proposed that;

“…it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, (in mythology a siren is an evil mermaid) till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.”

Am I the only one to find that insightful? Don’t we all at some point “indulge in illusions of hope” or “shut our eyes against a painful truth”? I would like for a moment to use history to analyze the economic state of our nation & venture an opinion of the future.

A Fiat currency is any monetary system where the medium of exchange is not backed by something of intrinsic value. It can be gold, silver, diamonds or land, anything which cannot readily be reproduced or forged. Our Dollar, like most currencies around the world, is a Fiat currency. This style of monetary system has been tried repeatedly over many years, in all parts of the world, by all types of governments. The Chinese & Mongols tried as did, among others, the Romans and Germans. It has in every case failed miserably. Because there is no physical limit or check on how much can be printed, every nation inevitably deludes their economy with so much money that the currency looses its value. Trust in the currency is lost & the market crashes. This crash always results in a new currency & many times is accompanied by a new form of government. The question is are we, can we, as Americans be the exception to the rule?

I understand that up until about 4 months ago the average number of US Dollars in circulation was approximately 800 billion. Anyone know what it is today? When you add up the FORCED bank bailouts, the purchase of a controlling share of AIG, the economic stimulus packages and all the other hokey spending decisions, the number of available dollars is well over 2 trillion. In the last several weeks the amount of money in circulation has tripled. And they are talking about adding more.

There are soooo many problems with what is being done to our money and the way it is being done. But the one which will directly affect each of our lives in the not far distant future is inflation, HUGE, RAPID inflation. Look at it like this, the amount of products and services available for purchase has not changed. Yet the amount of dollars available to spend on those same products has tripled. Sooner or later someone will be able and willing to pay 3 times as much for the same item. Think about all of the products imported from Asia & elsewhere. Our money supply increases yet theirs remains constant. What does that do to our ability to purchase their products? In order to maintain a fair balance in trade they must of necessity increase prices. The price we pay for every item across the board will rise. Our cost of living will likely double or worse. We cannot now change it, the die has already been cast. Although currently low, due to supply & demand issues of both product & money, prices will rise drastically. Wages will not rise equally nor simultaneously. Real wages (wage adjusted for inflation) are among the lowest levels in more than 50 years. Inflation does not help the average Joe. Our standard of living, the way we live our lives is about to change.

These events were knowingly or otherwise set in motion nearly a hundred years ago when in December of 1913 the Federal Reserve act was passed. This act created a system of government accepted private banks known as the Federal Reserve System. It also transferred the power to coin money & regulate its supply to this same unaccountable private organization. A strict interpretation of the Constitution of the United States would consider this action Unconstitutional. President Woodrow Willson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law. He later lamented,

“I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country…. The growth of the nation … and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.”

I believe it to be imperative for us as responsible citizens to know & understand these things. We cannot effect positive change in the direction of our nation without knowledge. I echo the words of Patrick Henry, “For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it.”Be watchful, be aware & most of all be prepared.

In all of this there is a ray of hope. God is in control, our days will not be numbered less. He is watching over us, will protect us & see us through, come what may. Further, there are prophecies which promise that this, the greatest of all nations, will not fall. It will be preserved, upheld and even rescued. As you prepare and make the necessary physical changes to ready yourself and your family for the pending crisis. Search your soul, identify what part you may be asked to play in the rescue of the Constitution & prepare for that as well.

For What it’s Worth

Ryan

Bias?

2008-09-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I recieved the following photo & comment in an e-mail.

How can anyone say the media is not biased?

In essence this was my reply.

Kinda obvious isn't it.

I am not sure that Palin's involvement is enough to capture my vote but I know I don't like the extreeme solcialist views of Obama.

I have developed a strong dislike for the "lesser of evils” concept with which we (me included) have justified past votes. Evil is still evil, wrong is still wrong. Voting for the lesser of evils is still a vote for evil & Satan wins another round. As long as we settle for less than what we desire we will never change the face of American politics and we will continue our accelerating slide into a totalitarian socialist state.

If you are planning to vote for Mcain because you believe him & agree with his policies? Great, I support you in your decision.

If however you are leaning toward the republican ticket out of habit or because you do not see another option, may I respectively suggest that you look at either the Libertarian or Constitutional party Candidate. Either of these Men appear to have a belief system closer to my own & their voting record seems to be more in keeping w/ my personal beliefs & view of what our country needs.

www.lp.org/barr-root http://www.baldwin08.com/

We have choices. We do not have to settle for the Media or Major party candidate. A third party candidate can win if people vote for him. We just have to believe that he can win.

For what it's worth

Ryan Nelson

Thinking

2008-08-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tammie Related the following story to me a few weeks ago. Climbing the stairs yet again that day she looked up & noticed Mathew standing at the top with an unusually pensive look on his face. Curious, she asked simply, “what are you thinking?” His answer has far more meaning than he intended. He replied sincerely, “just thinking about what I want to think about.” Maybe it was because he had ample time on his hands so that the luxury of prioritizing the subjects of his ponderings came naturally. Knowing him it may also have been deliberate. In either case the desire to spend his time effectively is impressive. What a great kid.

President Eyring in his book “Because he First Loved Us” tells of attending a meeting along side a fellow with impressively marked scriptures. This man had studied topics and marked each topic in a specific color w/ corresponding tabs at the edge of each page. After asking the Man to explain his system & reasoning Pre. Eyring found himself purchasing a new set of scriptures so that he too could effectively study specific topics. He continued, “..it took more than a few days and more than a few prayers for me to know the topics that would open the scriptures anew for me.” He prepared himself than asked the Lord for the most beneficial focus of his time. Before beginning he like Matt chose what to think about and study. Could this be one of those things about which the Lord wants to tell us but cannot because we do not ask?

I believe that Matt was thinking deeper than he realized. Without direction it is hard to anticipate a destination. I hope to follow my son’s example & find more meaning in my study.

For What it’s Worth

Ryan

The Soul's sincere desire

2008-08-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

In each of our lives there are pivotal people. These people, perhaps without even being aware of it, change us and make us better. Sister Haws, my mission Presidents wife, affected me in such a manner. 15 plus years latter I remember her talks and council while most of what was shared by my President has melted into obscurity. In reference to today’s theme Sister Haws once spoke of a time early in their married life when they were going to school, trying to start a family and budgets were tight. President Haws needed a typewriter. I don’t remember what lead up to the moment but he determined to pray for one. He retired to the bedroom, knelt and, prayed. A few minutes later came out opened the want adds and there found with very little searching exactly what they needed. The right machine, at the right price, somewhere near by. As amazing as that experience was for them what I remember most from Sister Haws’ talk that day was her next statement. With mild frustration she stated that that is how prayer works for her husband, while for her it has never been that easy nor so clearly defined. I could & still do relate to her. Prayer is not something that comes easily to me. Crystal clear answers are even harder. Only once do I remember having actual words placed in my mind and even then I misinterpreted the extent of their meaning. My greatest challenge in prayer is to hear and recognize the Lords hand for what it is. Proper prayer, given in meekness, with pure intent will be answered. Weather or not we understand the answer, the Lord will act in our lives and on our hearts. Much of my understanding of prayer is beautifully expressed in hymn #145, Prayer is the souls sincere desire. Its words have returned to my mind again and again these past weeks. I will not sing it for you nor recite it in its entirety. I will quote passages then try to explain their meaning as I understand it.

Prayer is the souls sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed.

How often in communication, particularly verbal communication, do we speak the unadulterated truth? Do we not many times put a little spin on our presentation? Without lying don’t we try to sell our position? Maybe you don’t implicitly trust those around you and so you protect yourself by not sharing or exposing your true feelings. In Prayer this posturing for protection & personal gain is absent. Our omnipotent Heavenly Father already knows the thoughts & intents of our heart. We cannot lie to or deceive him. Perfect prayer gives voice to our soul. It may be easier to do so in private. There it may be expressed out loud or through our thoughts & feelings. I find comfort in knowing that even when I cannot put words to my emotions the lord understands. The spirit communicates with emotions, that is why it speaks all languages to all peoples. The lord understands & speaks to our hearts. Imagine, if you can, being face to face with Jesus Christ. In that moment what is important? What are you thinking, feeling? Isn’t that your souls sincere desire? Try praying for that.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try…

Complex wordy prayers mean, if anything, less to God than those humbly given. When was the last time you listened to a young child pray? In prayer as in speech they often surprise us with the things they say. There is no hypocrisy, no ego. They pray as they live, simply, honestly. This is yet another example of why it is necessary for us to become as little children.

Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice returning from his ways,… While angles in their songs rejoice and cry, behold, he prays.

Because we are human & therefore somewhat less than perfect we all sin. The question therefore is not will we sin but how will we respond, how will we react? Will we seek to hide our wrongs? To cover them up? Will we turn from God, deny him in a vain attempt to avoid repentance? Or will we humble ourselves, acknowledge our dependence on the Lord and seek him in earnest prayer. Alma the younger upon rising from his 3 day slumber described his state as being in the gall of bitterness he later indicated that he was racked with eternal torment because of his sins. In this dark abyss he thought to cry unto God. He prayed, asking Jesus to have mercy on him. “And what joy and what marvelous light (he) did behold; yea “his” soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was “his” pain.” There are many stories of repentance but few are as poignant as that of Alma & the sons of Mosiah. Alma’s first act in repentance was to pray. That is where we must start. Ask for forgiveness, ask for support & comfort. Pleade with God that he will guide you in wisdoms’ paths.

O thou by whom we come to god, the life the truth the way, the path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord teach us how to pray.

Teach us how to pray. How does he do that? Does he do that? We have his prayer as recorded in the bible for an example but is there something more than that? In 3 Nephi we read the account of Christ’s visit to America. He came & went for several days. On one of his visits he commanded the multitude to kneel down and that the disciples should pray. Christ then went a little way off & prayed for them, and thanked God for them. When he returned the apostles were still praying “and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray….” Isn’t that intriguing? It was given them what they should pray. I think that is a great way to learn how to pray. Isn’t that how we all began anyhow, with someone older & more experienced whispering in our ear? The bible dictionary describes prayer as "the act by which the will of the Father & the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of god but to secure for ourselves and for others the blessings that god is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking." It sounds to me like earmarks are an eternal principle. The Lord has blessings held in reserve just waiting for us to ask the right question. So sometimes he helps us, he tells us, it can be given us what to say. Teach us, show us how to pray.

Prayer is the medium by which we are able to personally approach our loving father in heaven. We can speak to him, share with him our joys & sorrows. He listens and answers. Throughout his life Joseph Smith would turn to god in prayer to seek the help & guidance he needed. A church member recalled hearing him pray in Kirtland, Ohio, at a time of great personal difficulty: “never until then had I heard a man address his maker as though he was present listening as a kind father would listen to the sorrows of a dutiful child…. There was no ostentation, no raising of the voice as by enthusiasm, but a plain conversational tone, as a man would address a present friend. It appeared to me as though, in case the veil were taken away, I could see the lord standing facing his humblest of all servants I had ever seen.” I want to have that kind of a relationship with my Father and his son, my savior & eldest brother. The scriptures say that when he comes we shall see him as he is and we will know him because we will be like him. I do hope that that is the case. There is no better a man to emulate.

D&C 112:10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

For What It’s Worth
Ryan

Eminent Men

2008-06-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Poets, Preachers & more.

This is a post that I have wanted to make for several weeks. Unlike many fleeting thoughts my ardor for this one has not dimmed with time. It comes as no surprise to most of you that I like to read. I grew up with most of my free (as well as a few stolen) moments consumed in a book. I love stories. In books I traveled the world. I crossed the plains, fought Indians, sailed ships and flew airplanes. I froze in Siberia and nearly died of thirst in the deserts of Arabia. As good as it was, and believe me it was great, my tastes seem to be changing. I read a reasonable story a few weeks ago. It was entertaining and avoided worldly evils. I was not however a better person for having spent the time. Kind of disappointing. In contrast I also recently read a book in which virtually every page lifts your thoughts and reestablishes the standard for personal excellence.

A series of 48 condensed biographies “The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff” by Vicky Jo Anderson, describes the lives and convictions of a surprising group of Christian men. Each chapter is about a different man who, along with our nation’s founding fathers, appeared to President Woodruff in the St. George Temple requesting that their work be done. The back of the book includes a list of the 70 Eminent Women (most of them the wives of eminent men) who requested the same service. It also includes excerpts from journals & discourses of Wilford Woodruff regarding the experience. These journals along with the temple records are the source for the list of men detailed in the book. They were a diverse group, poets, actors, soldiers, preachers, kings, congressmen, artists, explorers & scientists. Each of them men of courage, discipline and faith. Here are a few of my favorites.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut – The first American to receive the title of “Admiral”. Farragut went to sea in his youth, he was given temporary command of a seized ship for the return voyage at just 13. He spent his entire life in the Navy. At 60 years old he was given command of eighty ships blockading southern ports during the Civil War. With 30 ships he was commanded to take the forts at Mobile Bay. His flagship in 3rd position they approached the torpedo line intending to follow the path of the blockade runners. The first ship sunk when it veered into the torpedo bed and the second in fear began to retreat nearly colliding w/ the flagship. In this precarious moment Admiral Farragut appealed to heaven for guidance asking “Shall I go on?” He said that he was answered “Go on!” God had spoken to him, and personal danger could not deter him. Shouting “Damn the torpedoes” (heard that before?) he urged his fleet ahead. Torpedoes bounced off the hull & primers snapped audibly, but there was no explosion. He took the forts and closed the last of the southern ports. More impressive still, he was a Virginian. He chose nation over neighbor. He & his family narrowly escaped Norfolk in the days following succession.

Thomas Johnathan “Stonewall” Jackson – Confederate General, shot by his own troops while reconnoitering the battlefield. This is one man I had actually heard of prior to reading the book. I knew him as a determined defender, a leader who inspired devotion & sacrifice from his troops. What I did not know was how he did it. He was a very religious man. He read regularly from the bible & caused that churches were built for his soldiers to worship in. He did not require participation but given that he & General Lee were regulars the services were well attended. He taught his men to pray, and pray from the heart. Prior to the war he proposed that the nation unite in prayer that the war may be avoided. I am not sure that kind of unity has even yet been achieved. Jackson’s only defeat came under orders from superiors. After each victory he would write in his report , “God blessed our arms with victory.” He was a formidable military man and a superior leader. Personal opinion God took him so the North could win.

My clear favorite from the book was Thomas Chalmers. A Scottish preacher, he conducted an experiment upon his parish. For the better part of 12 years he reviled against the evil and immoral practices of society, yet he experienced very little change in the disposition of his flock. “I am not sensible that all the vehemence with which I urged the virtues and the proprieties of social life had the weight of a feather on the moral habits of my parishioners.” It was not until he preached “the free offer of forgiveness through the blood of Christ” that significant lasting change was made in peoples lives. As he prepared to leave his parish he told them that “You have at least taught me that to preach Christ is the only effective way of preaching morality in all its branches.” A profound lesson, I intend to learn from his experience.

I loved this book!

For what it is worth.

Goodly Parents

2008-06-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

My church asignment has not changed. I continue to speak regularly. I had changed my mind about posting my talks fearing that they are to lengthy for this format. However as I sat down to post my Eminent Men report & given the day it is I couldn't help thinking about my Father. Much of what I am today, particularly in the realtion to the gosple is a result of their example & teaching. It was Dad that taught me a love of the scriptures. He was the one who showed me how to help others and who set the example of consistant Church service. I, like Nephi, was born of goodly parents. I love you Dad. Your life fits in this talk. Happy Fathers day.

I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

Due in no small part to repeated attempts at diligence in reading the book of Mormon this verse is as familiar to us as any in scripture. Despite the familiarity I would be surprised if a fair number of us do any more than scan quickly over it as we plow into the initial pages of the book. This is a mistake. Every verse has meaning and the first verse is no exception. The phrase “having been born of goodly parents” communicates that they were kind and compassionate parents, that they respected and loved their children and that Nephi, at least, felt the same for them. Lehi & Saria where good parents, they tried to provide for and protect their children. Nephi also indicates that because they were “goodly parents, therefore (he) was taught somewhat in ALL the learning of (his) father;”.

This is not a solitary reference to Book of Mormon fathers teaching their sons. Enos thanked his father by saying, (Enos 1:1) “my father… taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it….” Initially he did not pay much attention to spiritual things but he learned enough that when his heart was ready he knew where to turn. Procrastination earned him a wrestle with the Lord. Alma the younger like wise disregarded the teachings of his father and even went about “seeking to destroy the church of God”. He too had a wrestle with the Lord, he described the experience to his son Helaman as “being wracked with eternal torment… I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.” In this forsaken state he remembered at length the words of his father. He remembered to have heard his father speak concerning the coming of Jesus Christ, the son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. It was not only his fathers fasting and prayers that saved Alma, it was also lessons oft repeated to one who would not hear. In some cases we may never know the net effect of our efforts.

Another scriptural example of parental teaching was King Benjamin. He loved his sons (Mosiah 1:2 (2-8)) “And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies…And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons.” Mormon likewise “began to be learned” at an early age. It was a priority for scriptural Prophets to teach their children. I suggest that, any parent who wishes to prepare their child for the future will provide for more than their immediate needs of food, clothing & shelter. We have heard before the statement that, “if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.” Think about how that principle applies to children. If we give them everything we deprive them not only of the satisfaction which comes from a job well done but of the knowledge needed for independence. We need to prepare them physically as well as spiritually. These requisite secular lessons are what I believe is meant by Lehi teaching ALL things or Benjamin teaching many more things. Teach them life skills, how to keep house, to cook, to grow a garden. Teach them how to do the simple physical things someone taught you. Or even better teach them the stuff you learned on your own. Times spent together anxiously engaged in a good cause endear them to you & you to them. While thus engaged opportunities to teach the gospel spontaneously, naturally occur. Watch for them and teach eternal truths.

Lehi evidently taught these truths. Nephi did not complain when asked to leave Jerusalem, he did not question when twice required to return and he was sufficiently well acquainted with the workings of the spirit to be lead “not knowing before hand the things which (he) should do.” These lessons where taught by Lehi, not a primary teacher or youth leader. The primary responsibility for gospel instruction resides with the parents. In the October Conference of 2005 Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “Teach the gospel and basic values in your home. …Too many of our parents are abdicating this responsibility to the Church. While seminary, auxiliaries, and priesthood quorums are important as a supplement to parental gospel instruction, the main responsibility rests in the home.”

From his tower King Benjamin instructed us to (Mosiah 4:14&15) “teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ... teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”

Alma the Younger directs his son Helaman regarding what to teach the people in Alma 37:32-34, “…teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity. Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.” Brothers and sisters we like Alma & Enos know where to turn for peace. In the Gospel we have the answers to life’s most persistent questions. We know why we are here and where we are going. We even know a little about what it will be like. We understand Gods plan for us. Wouldn’t it be a shame to loose this knowledge between generations? In many ways the extent to which we live the gospel, attend our meetings and serve others will determine how deeply these same principles sink into the hearts and souls of our children.

On September 23 1995 the First Presidency & Quorum of the Twelve Apostles published “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”. Regarding this proclamation President Henry B. Eyring said that, “Since the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a proclamation only four times. It had been more than 15 years since the previous one,… Thus, we can understand the importance our Heavenly Father places upon the family, the subject of the fifth and most recent proclamation…” An apostolic proclamation is not something to be treated lightly, please listen carefully. It reads in part,

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. …Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. …Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

In these few sentences we are instructed as to our duty, reminded of our accountability and given the principles by which we will succeed.

Think back with me once more to King Benjamin. He demonstrated one other parental principle that I wish to share, endurance. In Mosiah 1:9 we read, “And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of teaching his sons, that he waxed old, and he saw that he must very soon go the way of all the earth…” I believe he taught well into his retirement. He spent his whole life teaching his sons. To teach our children is not a responsibility with a finish line. As they mature our influence lessens but there are still lessons to be learned and times to teach. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 speaks about teaching children the word of the Lord, “And these words… shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." In all that we do we are always teaching, with even our last breath.

Scripturally it is a common occurrence for a world weary father, ready to pass on, to gather his children around him for final council and a blessing. I love these passages of scripture. Lehi’s pleadings for Laman & Lemuel to “arise from the dust & be men”, Alma’s reproach of Corianton & praise for Shiblon, his council to Helaman to teach the people “…an everlasting hatred against sin.” Or Mormon & Moroni, can you imagine what their last moments together must have been like? What council & wisdom passed from father to son on that day? Now I look forward fondly to a long life and many opportunities to teach my children. If however I were forced to give one final lesson, to teach one last thing I would say this; I Love Jesus Christ. He is my personal Savior. I trust him. I trust my Father in Heaven. I know that they have a plan for us, for me. I love the Book of Mormon. I love the characters, the stories. I am grateful for the understanding of eternal truths contained therin. The scriptures are true. The atonement is real, it works. We, weak and imperfect as we are, can be purified through Christ’s sacrifice and suffering. Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. Through him Christ restored his church & his priesthood. By virtue of this power & authority our family is sealed together. We are an eternal family and will be together forever if we are individually humble enough to accept Christ, to let him into our hearts & souls. If we can subdue the natural man & submit our whole soul, our every whim to the will of the Father we will be saved. Stay close to the Lord, Pray, seek for the companionship of the holy ghost. Love and support, help one another. But most of all my family, know that I love you. I always will.

President Monson has said,
“To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them."

I pray that we may all live worthy of the designation “goodly parents” that we may each & all be forever families.

For what it's worth

God's Country

2008-05-07T20:40:00.001-07:00

Several years ago my grandfather Nelson gave me a book, a BIG book, an edition of “A Treasury of American Folklore”. He had a well used copy in which I had show some interest previously. It is a wonderful compilation of folk songs, tall tales, yarns &, poetry. Its contents allude to the hopes & fears, dreams & realities of our countries frontier heritage. As I said it is a rather large book, I have not read it all. I have read one story, previously unknown to me upon which I ponder from time to time about a frontier family in search of God’s Country. They moved several times in search of a better life. They raised a family, fought fires, centipedes, poor crops, sand storms & drought. They spent 48 years together hunting for God’s Country before her beloved died. “Before he died we learned something. Something terribly important…”

If you would have asked me 15 years ago what my life would be like up till now I am not sure how I’d have answered. I do not believe that I would have predicted multiple moves landing in Utah County. Our married time in Cedar seemed brief yet turbulent. The time in Wellington was taken entirely for granted. We did not recognize until we left how deeply we had come to love our friends and neighbors. I don’t know if or when the vacant hole in our hearts will ever be filled. Thankfully some of those loved ones are willing to keep up a long distance relationship & have become even more dear. I don’t know how many of those I am thinking about today will ever see this but to all of you who touched our lives, by loving us, accepting us & just being you, thank you. You may never know how much it meant. You are all in our prayers. (Mormon 8:3)

“…We learned that God’s Country isn’t in the country. It is in the mind. As we look back we knew that all the time we was hunting for God’s Country we had it. We worked hard. We was loyal. Honest. We was happy. For 48 years we lived in God’s Country.”

Find peace with what we have & where we are, physically as well as spiritually, & we will be happy.

For What It’s Worth

Ryan

“…as if ye were present…”

2008-05-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Moroni, the last Nephite Prophet concludes the history of his people with a brief rehersal of events since their final battle followed by a beautiful, descriptive prophesy regarding the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. In that prophesy he speaks directly to us, “I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.” (Mormon 8:35) He continues to warn & chasten us over the next several verses, speaking principally about pride in its various forms and then asks several questions. In verse 40 he asks, “why do ye build up your secret abominations…?” In this same segment of writing he tells us he has seen our day, preaches against pride & warns of secret abominations (combinations). In Ether 8:20 he indicates that these combinations and oaths “are had among all peoples…”. Even up to the recent past whenever these combinations were mentioned in Sunday school or Priesthood I have assumed that they referred to gangs & drug runners, with their “secret signs” & evil desires they appear to be Gadianton incarnate. Upon further reflection however, I believe that assertion fell somewhat short of the mark.

My intention here is not to try & identify living Gadiantons, only to establish the likelihood of their contemporary existence, that we may be watchful & “suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above (us)…to (our) overthrow and destruction…” (Ether 8:23). In my brief study I found both method & motive. The desire of these people is “to get gain”, “to be praised of men”, to commit whoredoms & all sorts of evil contrary to the laws of man & God, “to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries” all that they might have power. (Helaman 2:8, 6:23, 7:21, Mormon 8:40, Ether 8: 15-16, 23, 25, 11:15 & Moses 6:15) They want to be in control, to rule over everything & everyone around them. There is no humility, only selfishness & greed. Their specific methods described by scripture (surely not an all inclusive list) are murder, thievery, plunder & to bear false witness. (Helaman 2:8, 6:17,21,23) They would certainly be capable of doing anything which might in anyway further their self indulgent cause. This mode of operation is routinely followed by evil of all calibers & description, hence my misplaced label. But does it seem likely that the most powerful Gadiantons will be content with petty turf wars for domination of a few city blocks when by using similar methods they can control entire governments(Helaman 6:39) & thereby nations? Satan’s desires, make no mistake he is the author of all secret combinations, have never been minor league. Right from the beginning he sought to take all power & glory. His modern minions surely harbor the same ambition.

“And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed…”(Ether 8:22) Moroni indicates that these combinations brought about the destruction of both the Jaredites & the Nephites.(Ether 8:21) We have a responsibility, a command that “when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you” (Ether 8:24). I believe that we have a duty to be watchful, to be aware, to fight evil wherever & and in whatever form we find it. A lone individual has a limited sphere of influence, however united we can stem the tide of evil & complacency which threatens to overwhelm our great nation. I hope that there are modern Moronis, we need men & women of his stature to once again raise a standard of liberty. A lesser know though no less valiant hero of the Book of Mormon was Pahoran Chief Judge of the Nephite nation, I close with his words, (Alma 61:14)

“Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God.”

For what it’s worth

Ryan

Dear Conservative America

2008-02-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Conservative America,

What do we do? Our nation is in distress. The value of our dollar is in a tailspin. We have promised aid & borrowed so much from foreign nations that we owe nearly the sum total of our gross national product. If the Federal Government was held to the same rules of finance that we are individually, it would & therefore we would be bankrupt. Look it up. Don’t believe the politicians who gloss over or problems as if we are unable to handle or not entitled to the truth. How long can we continue in error? We do not have money for social security, Medicare, nationally funded health care, or education let alone a foreign policy which costs millions every day. The recent tax rebates are giving us money that they don’t have, thus increasing the debt. Overspending will never solve our economic woes. I cannot borrow my way out of debt and neither can the government. Although we may stall a recession we cannot avoid it & the more debt we accrue, the weaker the dollar gets the worse & harder the recovery will be.

In this election year we must consider who can best address this unavoidable issue. McCain has been educated on economics by the same institution that got us into this mess. He does not have a prayer of a chance to solve this, our nations most pressing problem & neither do the other democrats (just look at his voting record he is more democrat than republican). The only hope for America is truly Ron Paul. Laugh if you like but truth is truth & he is the only candidate speaking openly about our situation. He is the only one with a plan that may actually fix the economy. He can still win. Less than 30% of Americans vote in Primary elections & less than 15% attend their Caucus meetings. Those who go will get their candidate elected. Go to your caucus & vote to save our nation. Vote Ron Paul.

For what it’s worth

Ryan Nelson

The McCain Bandwagon, a Lost Cause

2008-02-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

The value of the dollar is falling & the deficit grows every minute. 72% of Americans believe the economy is getting worse, yet none of the leading candidates have a clear solution. In fact all of them support programs or actions which increase government spending. On this issue there is no clear winner, they are all equally poor choices. Therefore despite the fact that most Americans believe the economy to be a larger problem than our foreign policy it will not be the deciding factor in this election.

The deciding vote will be cast for or against the war & our current absurd foreign policy. Roughly 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the war in Iraq and believe that we should bring our troops home. Coincidentally primary / caucus exit polls indicate that approximately 60% of voters voted Democratic. Why is that? It is because the leading Republicans profess a 100 year commitment to an unconstitutional war. Republicans will not gain the Presidency with a pro war platform. A vote for McCain is a wasted vote. He cannot win.

The only hope, slim as it may be, for conservative America is Ron Paul. He seems radical only because the party majority has slipped so far from its intended course of constitutionally based limited government, free trade & personal liberty. Ron Paul is the only republican candidate whose platform is capable of beating the democrats, sound, clear economic answers & a plan to bring our troops home. Dr. Paul is the only candidate from either party w/ a vision of and desire for real change. He is still in the race, nothing has yet been decided. Most of the delegates have not yet been awarded. The Utah republican caucus will be held on March 25th. Unless Ron Paul gets the Republican nomination the democrats will win the presidency. STAND UP and make your voice heard.

For what it’s worth

Sources –
Total votes cast in primaries http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/tally.phtml
Bring our troops home http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/the_war_in_iraq/iraq_troop_withdrawal
Public opinion on the economy http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/indexes/rasmussen_consumer_index

In Brief

2008-02-02T08:28:00.001-08:00

For those of you uninterested in my lenghty ramblings. Here are a few similar thoughts expressed more succinctly.

"The probibility that we may fall in the struggle ought not deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just." - Abraham Lincoln

"There are no easy answers... but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know to be morally right." - Ronald Regan

"No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause." - Teddy Roosevelt

"Never give in ... never, never, never, never, in nothng great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." - Winston Churchill

Difficult times & chalenging circumstances force us dig deep & find strength within to overcome. Great men are not produced by an easy life. The strongest amoung us grow slowly through adversity then rise to meet the challenge. I frequently wonder, will I be enough?

For what it's worth

Remember the Alamo (Politics part two)

2008-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed how you can live quite comfortably with your beliefs & opinions for along time and never realize just how strong you feel about an issue until your belief is questioned? When that happens one of two things result; either you bend your belief system to match the challenge or your existing feelings are cemented and become more firmly rooted than ever before. I read a book a while back that delivered this type of experience. I believe that I have mentioned it to some of you, “Profiles in Courage” by JFK. The first chapter did not make me question my beliefs it simply made me mad. I have rarely read anything which raised my dander to the level produced by Senator Kennedy’s explanation of what it takes to be a politician. I felt that he was promoting compromise over conscience. I really had a hard time with his position. The reminder of the book was outstanding! The portrayals of men for whom conscience & personal integrity meant more than popularity & prestige made my spirits soar. It is possible for men to participate in politics & not be tainted by the environment. I want to briefly summarize two of the biographies from the book.

Remember Sam Houston, the guy who left the Alamo to go for reinforcements but did not return on time to save the mission or her defenders. Soon thereafter Houston did beat Santa Ana & win independence for Texas. Sam Houston was her first president. When Texas was admitted into the Union Houston became a Congressman in the turbulent years leading up to Lincoln’s presidency & the Civil War. During this time of political turmoil, in spite of opposition from all sides Houston never waivered in his support of the Union. He once stated “think you, sir, after the difficulties Texans have encountered to get into the Union, that you can whip her out of it? No, sir… we shed our blood to get into it… We were among the last to come into the Union, and being in, we will be the last to get out. … (We) must stand firm to the Union, regardless of all personal consequences.” This was not a popular opinion for the representative of a Southern slave state. Public opinion gradually grew until he & his unionist views where voted out of Congress. He returned to Texas & somehow got elected as Governor where he continued to speak in favor of the Union. Here to he was eventually forced out as Texas succeeded. In his last official message as Governor he said “I am stricken down because I will not yield those principles which I have fought for…. The severest pang is that the blow comes in the name of the state of Texas.”

In like manner Thomas Hart Benton, the first Senator from Missouri, fought ferociously for the union while watching a 30 year career wither and die. As the battle lines began to form, dividing the North & South Benton found himself a vocal supporter of the Union representing a slave state. Like Houston Benton refused to change his mind or temper his tongue about the need for unity & reconciliation. Early in his life he determined that “if it should ever become necessary, for the good of the country, (I) would sacrifice (my) own political existence.” That is exactly what he did. He would not remain silent even to retain the seat he loved for future battles. Neither of these great men wavered in the defense of their beliefs. They would not compromise their values. They lived lives of integrity, courage & valor.

Compromise is a necessary & beneficial part of government. Rarely would anything ever be accomplished without it because whole hearted agreement among large groups is impossible. There is clearly a time for compromise. It is not however the right answer for every quarrel.
When the issue in question concerns revealed truths any compromise is wrong.

Revealed truths are principles and instruction given by God. The constitution is reveled truth. The scriptures contain revealed truth. The family proclamation is clear succinct revealed truth. Although we cannot force our beliefs on anyone our laws, leaders and government practices should be representative of the majority’s belief system. My personal liberty ends as soon as it infringes on someone else’s right to do the same. The problem we face today is that our judicial system has been so concerned with maintaining the rights of vocal special interest groups that many of these revealed truths have been compromised. A city no longer has a right to display evidence of Christian belief. We cannot pray in school. There is a movement to remove all reference to God from our Government, from our money, our pledge, everywhere. Abortion (Murder) is legal and homosexuality rewarded but if I stand up and speak out against the injustices of our government I can be named “an enemy combatant” and be stripped of my rights. I find it offensive that my beliefs, the majority’s beliefs, take second seat to a relative handful of vocal antichrists. Even more abrasive are those Christians who allow this to happen in the name of fair & equitable government. What ever happened to majority rule? Compromise happened. In an effort to resolve dissonant voices we have allowed minority beliefs to infringe on the revealed truths upheld by the majority.

Any compromise moves us away from truth. It dose not matter if we give a little or a lot me move away from our sure foundation. In compromise Satan always wins. He is just as intent on bringing down our government & stealing away or freedoms as he is on breaking up our families. Compromise enough and pretty soon the intent of the Constitutions is misread as individual freedom at the expense of the community. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral & religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other” - John Adams. We have compromised entirely too often. The general population has relinquished too much to minority rule. We need moral leaders who will fight to regain & maintain our God given rights; Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We need people who understand public virtue, the act of sacrificing oneself in favor of the public good. We are all entirely too selfish.

Voting for the lesser of evils is compromise, in doing so we distort the voters’ true desire. Morally we cannot expect more of our leaders than of ourselves. If we expect government officials to vote their conscience then we have to do likewise. Anything less would be hypocritical. Our form of elected government functions best when the elected officials truly represent the wishes & ideas of their constituents. “Now, it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it you law – to do your business by the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:26 , (25-29)). If we do not vote our conscience than how do we express the goodness that is in our hearts? How can the right man get elected if we persist in lowering our standards for fear of casting an ineffectual vote? The only meaningless vote is the one not cast. A vote for the party leader will be but one of many. A vote for the best man will always be significant, if only to oneself.

In 20 years Ron Paul’s record is consistent, predictable. He always votes against tax increase in any form. He always advocates smaller national government. He votes for fiscal responsibility. He consistently defends personal liberty and cries for a return to old fashion constitutional principles. He is a man of integrity who like Benton & Houston is not afraid to follow his conscience. He is very electable all he needs is your vote.

Ron Paul, The only “HOPE for AMERICA”

For what it is worth

Politics part 1

2008-01-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

“Even this nation shall be on the verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the Constitution is on the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation will lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.” Joseph Smith

In most locations across America it is an accepted fact that our system of government has deteriorated. Just how far it has drifted is the only real discussion. Few of us believe that our national leaders truly have our best interests at heart. Too often I, like so many others, worry that they sell out my interests in favor of a higher bidder or louder voice, whatever it takes for another term in office. It is easy to sink into despair, to accept what the media feeds us as the whole story & allow someone else to determine the course for our country. But there is hope. There is finally a candidate who has real plans for real change. Smaller Government , more liberty & more freedom.

A prominent TV talk show host encourages couples to fight fair, don’t allow yourselves to get caught up in topics. Identify & stick to the real issue. Topics generally stem from issues. Multiple topics can be solved by addressing one central issue. When applying this concept to the Presidential primary race we find that there are several topics but few issues being discussed and even fewer candidates willing to address them. In fact, the only issue I hear about is the growing gulf between our laws & the Constitution. Think about it, most of the sound bites we hear are topics addressed by the Constitution & even if an item is not specifically mentioned it is covered by this phrase; “powers not delegated to the united states by the Constitution, … are reserved to the states respectively,…”

Not long ago I read somewhere about the rise of the third reich in Europe & how it effected the Jews. At first all they had to do was carry with them their personal identification papers that progressed to a 5 pointed star forcibly worn as a sign of inferiority. Later they were taken to work camps, branded with an ID number & eventually lead to the gas chamber. The story pointed out that there was apparently little resistance, particularly in the early stages when a small effort could have made a huge difference. Right here in America, land of the free, a personal ID card, with not only a barcode & picture but a tiny micro chip, will be required at all federal inspection stations as of May 2008. Airports, post offices & other federal buildings will have limited access to unidentified citizens. The FDA has also approved a small chip & transmitter for insertion under the skin. Now we don’t have to worry about losing or leaving our ID & big brother can track us 24/7. So now…. which line do I stand in for my yellow star?

Despite the fact that the Constitution clearly states that “The Congress shall have power to … regulate Commerce with foreign Nations… to coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign Coin,” President Bush with out Congressional approval, signed an agreement with Canada & Mexico effectively dissolving our borders. By agreeing to the future formation of the North American Union, the use of a monetary unit called the amero & allowing the Union to tax us, he has at the very least abdicated our fiscal autonomy & probably more.

The Patriot Act was pushed through Congress in one night. The Congressmen had the 300 page document for less than 12 hours before they were required to vote. Does that smell fishy to anyone else? What is in it that Congress was not supposed to read about? The Patriot act is in reality very unpatriotic, it abolishes Habeas Corpus rights, it authorizes torture & allows a captive to be held with out trial. Is this American? Presidential Candidates give sixty second speeches about a variety of things why don’t we hear about stuff like this?

The issue is abuse & disregard for the Constitution by our leaders & apathy as Americans. Everything else is diversionary discussion which keeps us agitated & focused on single topics. We will never fix what is wrong with our Nation one topic at a time we have to address the issues. It is time for more than a change of face; we need something other than a new poster child for big business. We need a statesman instead of a just another politician. A statesman votes his conscience consistently. He is not beholding to any man let alone a corporation or special interest group. He fights for the best interest of his nation even when it is inconvenient for his state. For the first time in generations there is a Statesman running for President. There is a chance for serious change, for reformation.

All the candidates have made some claim about being the one able to deliver change. Only one of them is brave enough to speak truth about these and other issues. Only one of them can actually begin to make a change. He is the only one who sees a need for real change.

The question is not “will the nation endure?” The question is how far down will it go before the people wake up. The longer they wait the further down it goes and the greater will be our problem. If we don’t wake up soon enough only blood – human blood – will buy it back. (Reportedly spoken by President Ezra Taft Benson)

All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

Where do you stand?

Ron Paul for President 2008

Defining Moments

2008-01-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

In light of Christmas, the day in which we celebrate Jesus’ birth, the natural topic for December fairly leaps at you. So much has been said of his life & mission that I have been unable to settle on a better way to teach of Christ than to praise him through testimony. I begin by sharing spiritually defining moments from my own life &close by attempting to express my feelings for my elder Brother. These defining moments are occasions or events in our lives that forever alter our view of the world, moments after which we are never the same. In a spiritual sense these moments equate to periods of clarity, or of testimony, brief glimpses of things as they really are or ought to be, an occasional peak into the eternities. Through these experiences and others like them I have gained a personal witness of my Savior Jesus Christ.

My earliest recollection of such a moment was an evening at home with my family. I must have been 10 or 12 years old, we were gathered in my parents’ room and I was lounging on the floor alongside their bed with everyone else either on the bed or near me on the floor. Although I don’t remember just what was asked, I do remember it being a question regarding testimony & how we know the church is true. The clearest part of this memory is my emotional response that “I don’t know how I know, I just do.” I remember fondly the warm pleasant confirmation that accompanied the teenage embarrassment associated with exposing my soul. I also recall a few years later sitting on a pool table in the back of a large common room at the hotel where we held that years youth conference. One of the speakers instructed us as to the powerful influence of music on our minds & lives. Sometime in the same meeting reference was made to Job & his suffering. His testimony was quoted “though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19:26) As I repeated those words tears filled my eyes & the spirit taught me more than any guest speaker about the truthfulness of that statement. I knew then that I will indeed be resurrected & in this body be brought to stand before God the Father & Jesus Christ to be judged.

I never questioned weather or not I would serve a mission, not going really was not an option. I had a testimony unproven as it was & I had been taught that a mission is what young men of faith do. If you believe, if you have received a witness that God lives, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, that he restored the true church of Jesus Christ to the earth and, translated the Book of Mormon then you serve. My belief in what qualifies one for service has not changed. If you acknowledge Christ as your Savior a desire to serve comes naturally.

Knowing that a mission was the right thing to do did not make it easy. I went to sleep many nights on a pillow wet with my own tears. These times of intense emotion brought me closer to my Savior & allowed me to experience, maybe for the first time, the comforting power of the Holy Ghost. I grew to trust the Lords hand in my life. The most poignant was afternoon in Zaragotha, my easy going companion was content to spend an hour at the church waiting for a ward activity. Normally I would not have been opposed to this as it was winter & the other option was street contacts, which are rarely productive & not much fun even in the best of weather. On this particular day however I was terribly agitated & could not hold still. I wanted to be out on the street, I felt like there was someone we needed to meet. At length my companion consented under duress to accompany me back out on the streets for a few more minutes wasted in the cold. So we walked. After about 45 minutes of aimless wandering we headed back to the ward activity, I still had not felt inclined to approach anyone & I was becoming frustrated. Finally in desperation I attempted to stop a thin blond woman hurrying in the opposite direction. In answer to my equally hurried & less than perfect introduction of who were & what we intended she blithely answered that “I know who you are & where you meet, I will come by tonight” at which she continued on her way. Neither I nor my calloused companion believed for an instant that she would be a woman of her word. So in defeat we returned to the chapel without making much of an effort for additional contacts. I was sure that I had somehow failed again to meet the Lords expectations of me, or so I thought. Midway though that evening’s activity the unexpected happened, SHE CAME! Maria Luisa was baptized 2 weeks later. The Lord does work miracles through the “weak things of the world” and “by small & simple means.” My mission was a defining spiritual experience.

Children require change. Your life changes from the first moment you see hold & hear them. Very little is ever the same again. Meals are different, the home is different. Silence becomes a coveted rarity & sleep, a cherished dream. Yet I could not be happier. I love each of my children in ways impossible to express. There was a night 5 or 6 years ago when the power of God was directly manifest in our home. Nearly eight months pregnant Tammie awoke in pain. Her water had broken 6 weeks early. Due in large part to the subsequent blessing Curt came to us unharmed. I have never been more grateful for the priesthood & Gods willingness to bless & protect my family than I was that night.

The Lord continues to show me mercy by touching my life with his love. There will yet be defining moments in my future. These times are when significant spiritual growth occurs. The Lord loves us to much to abandon us on an eternal plateau.

Alma the younger once exclaimed “Oh that I were an angel & could have the wish of mine heart.” Alma wanted to speak with the voice of God, to cry repentance unto all men every where & bring souls unto Christ. He wanted to share the joy in his heart. I too wish to share the admiration, gratitude & love in my heart. I want you to know, to feel, that I have a testimony of Christ, that I love him. I trust him & that although I too often cause cloudy communication he does answer my prayers, even those as yet unspoken. He speaks & teaches while I try to listen & obey.

Jesus Christ lives, today. There is grandeur in that statement. He lives! The resurrection happened, it is for real. Jesus suffered & died on the cross. For three days his body lay in a borrowed tomb while he organized missionary work among the dead & then he reunited his body & spirit perfect for ever. Because he did this I too will be resurrected. Born to Mary his mortal mother he is the only direct physical offspring of God the Father. Christ was therefore a God in the flesh. His life is the perfect example of how we should live, act & serve. He is “the way the truth & the life.” His way is the only way, all that we may achieve on earth means nothing if we do not allow our will, or desires to be swallowed up in his. His way is the only way. Anything else will in the end be meaningless. He was tempted beyond what any mortal man could have withstood; he knows well what it is to be buffeted by Satan & how it feels to be left alone with out the spirit. In spite of this he fulfilled his mission. He knew what was in store for him, he knew the suffering & pain that awaited. Fully aware of the task at hand, he first asked if there was no other way, said he, “if it be possible let this cup pass from me” and then the words which show his faith, his commitment, his character, “not as I will, but as thou wilt.” The most powerful man ever to walk the face of the earth was also the most humble.

Hymns have always been a conduit to my heart for gospel truths. You will recognize these next phrases; they are verses that have touched me, truths that have reached my heart or expressions of testimony. “I believe in Christ; he is my King! With all my heart to him I’ll sing”, “He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior still the same. Oh sweet, the joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!”, “And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in, that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art.”, “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes. That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”, “I need thee, oh I need thee, every hour I need thee! Oh bless me know my savior, I come to thee.”

It pains me to know that I contributed to his agony. His suffering was bad enough without my stupid mistakes. He chose to suffer for me, for me. God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Zero tolerance. Absolute perfection is the standard. I fail to attain such a level of performance. I am considerably less than perfect. Even as we progress beyond sins of commission and more clearly recognize our responsibilities as sons & daughters of God, we become accountable for the things we don’t do & even for our attitude in doing. “Oh how great the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.” (Helaman 12:7) The dust obeys every time, do I?

Because I do not, it was “expedient that a an atonement should be made ; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened ; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement…. For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice … an infinite and eternal sacrifice.”(Alma 34:9&10) Jesus Christ was that sacrifice. In Gethsemane he bore the punishment for every sin & wrong doing of every person who ever came to earth. “Which suffering caused (Christ) the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit – and would that (he)might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-” ( D&C 19:18). I am humbled by his action. His personal sacrifice allows Jesus to intercede on my behalf with the father. Because justice has been served Father can extend me the mercy I so desperately require. Because Jesus Christ has already accepted the punishment for my sins I can be redeemed & live forever with my family, in the presence of God. This is my ultimate goal, Life Eternal, to live forever with God.

There is nothing save denial of the Holy Ghost for which I may not be forgiven. The Love of God, the charity which Christ has for me, expressed Gethsemane & on the cross, guarantees me a place in heaven if I but do one thing, Come unto Christ, accept his offering, his gift. To do so I must repent & rededicate myself to more fully keep his commands, to “rise from the dust”. When I stumble, fall or fail all I must do is come unto Christ & once again rededicate myself to keeping his commands. The price has already been paid, the blood spilt. I love Jesus Christ. He is my personal Savior. I must not let his suffering be in vain.

For what it's worth.

filled to overflowing

2007-12-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

I wish I was capable of the words to express what is in my heart. It is filled to overflowing w/ the love I feel for my lovely wife. Coherent speech evades me when I think of how wonderful it is that I can spend not only the rest of my life with her but eternity. What an awesome concept. What a goal. I strive daily to live my life in such a way as to be worthy of her affection, trust, loyalty & love. I know that I frustrate her, my bad habits & poor choices do little to help our relationship. I love her even more because of the way she tries so hard & sometimes fails to be patient with my failings. I love to hear the contented tone of her voice speaking to me when she has nothing particular to say but still wants to visit. She makes me feel that all is right with the world when she is around. It is fun to see her interests growing as she reads a wider variety of books. She is opinionated & at times stubborn but I wouldn’t have her any other way. Although it rarely happens that like tonight she is the 1st one asleep I do love the peaceful look on her sleeping face & her muted silhouette beneath the covers. I seldom miss giving her a soft kiss goodbye in the morning. Most days it is still quite dark & she is typically unresponsive but leaving feels empty without the gesture. I have always liked her in red. However despite her many enticing physical features the attributes I most cherish are those of the heart. Hers is very very large. She strives so diligently to be obedient to the word of the Lord, to listen to his voice & do his will. She is truly inspiring.

Tammie, I love you. I LOVE YOU. I know that words of affirmation are not anymore your love language than physical touch but it felt right to do this tonight. Know that I am trying to be the man you need me to be. You deserve it.

Good night sweetheart

For what it’s worth

Visions & Legends

2007-11-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

I recently reread what may be my favorite short story “The great stone face” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story takes place in a large valley with many communities & thousands of people. Among the mountains surrounding the valley was a rock formation which when viewed from a distance appeared to be a human face. The face was majestic & serene, it emanated peace & wisdom, and it was a fountain of positive virtues. The people felt that its watchful care was the reason for prosperity in the valley. Legend had it that one day a man would return who would exactly resemble the “great stone face”.

Ernest spent his whole life living simply in the valley. As a child he learned of the legend & watched for its fulfillment all his days. By worldly standards he was not learned but over time he came to be respected and his counsel sought for. His wisdom did not come from formal education. Earnest spent hours & days gazing upon the great stone face & pondering its virtues. Just as thought precedes action, his mind filled daily with hope for the fabled man of legend, Ernest through emulation fulfilled the prophecy. In his lifetime there were men believed to have the image of the great stone face engraven on their countenance, but with time the likeness paled. One of them “a man of mighty faculties and little aims, who’s life, with all its high performances, was vague and empty, because no high purpose had endowed it with reality.” This man, a politician, was particularly disappointing to Ernest because here was a man “who might have fulfilled the prophecy, and had not willed to do so.” The imposters had sought for & desired greatness, notoriety. They found it fleeting. Temporal pursuits, attainment & achievements are confined to this world. Unassuming Ernest by consistently choosing the best things the best virtues & the best ways of life earned a lasting reward. Peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.

We like Ernest have a pure perfect example continually before us. We too have a prophecy & a promise. The promise of our Savior's second coming. Jesus Christ will one day return. When he comes again will we know him? Will his image be engraven on our countenance? Will he know us because we will be like him? His image can become part of us only when we allow him to mould us, to use us for the betterment of the world & the building up of his kingdom. Is this, unlike the politician, our desire, our will? On what do we ponder? Where are our thoughts?

Now a few relevant quotes from another motivational favorite of mine “As a Man Thinketh”, by James Allen.

"A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."

"The man who does not shrink from self crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set."

"All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."

"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become."

"Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration..."

Read good books, think better thoughts &, seek to emulate the best virtues. If we do these things regardless of our earthly attainments we like Ernest will earn peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.

For what its worth.

Revelation

2007-11-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

There are topics to which I warm easily, ideas or stories from the scriptures that I love & embrace, concepts defined clearly in my mind, things about which I am comfortable in sharing my views & experiences. However today’s thoughts do not cover such a topic. I was frankly glad that I did not have to speak this month on receiving personal revelation & the Holy Ghost. This is a concept about which I have pondered & yet still find myself lacking. How do I even begin? Now don’t misunderstand I know that the Holy Ghost is at work in my life. I love to feel & witness its fruits. I believe that I am able in most instances to recognize his presence. Where I struggle is interpreting the emotions he brings.

True learning, the kind that becomes part of you, requires effort & usually involves making mistakes. The most challenging thing that I believe I have ever had to learn was how to speak Spanish. Every missionary I knew had a story to tell about an inadvertent verbal faux pas committed while stumbling through our first efforts to communicate in a truly foreign tongue. Experiences like the sister who in testimony meeting announced that she was pregnant rather than embarrassed, the Elder who’s intent was to praise a fresh coat of ceiling paint not the matron’s chest. A man asked to feel instead of sit or my personal experience inquiring of the grocer where he kept his private “balls” when I meant to ask about the eggs. It is unrealistic to believe that one may learn any language without stuttering from time to time.

While reflecting on my relationship with God & specifically his messenger, I recognized at least 3 types of direct personal communication. In all cases God speaks through the Holy Ghost. He, the Holy Ghost, manifests Gods will as a Comforter, a Testator and as a Revelator. I believe that all men have at sometime felt Gods love. They have been warmed by the hope of Christ. Although my life has been comparatively free of suffering I have like so many others turned to the Lord for comfort & assurance that all will be well & that this to shall pass. I cherish the memory of those emotions, the peace. That peace can only come from a loving heavenly father; it is a gift to be had freely if we but ask in faith. In St John 15:26 Christ promises that “when the Comforter is come… he shall testify of me.” In response to Simon Peters affirmation of His divinity the Lord explains that “flesh & blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.” In someway large or small all members have received a witness from the Holy Ghost building or beginning their testimony. In my own life I believe that this is the most prevalent manifestation of the Spirit, testifying of the reality, divinity & life of the Savior. His witness often comes during a hymn, while praying, listening to my local or international church leaders. I feel that confirmation while reading the scriptures, attending the temple & when I think of my eternal marriage. I am a lucky lucky man.

Most often we can know if a thought or idea is from God by asking & acting. We prayerfully, sincerely ask for the desired conformation of our righteous desires then we proceed in faith. Elder Robert D. Hales reminded us in last conference that “Revelation comes on the Lords timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire.” Sometimes I feel like one of the little cars at Disneyland. The ones where your course is predetermined by the metal bar going down the middle of the road, you can steer but despite your skill or ineptitude you eventually smash into the bar and get jolted back in the right direction. Or kind of like a bowling ball rolling down a lane w/ kiddy bumpers, the course may be drunken but you get there in the end. I feel like the Lord gives us a little something, enough to get started then stands back and watches to see what / how we will do. The part of heavenly communication that I struggle with the most is interpret ting correctly feelings or inspiration which require action. The more immediate the prompting the harder it is. I fully realize that this is a problem with me. It is not a problem with God changing his mode of operation just to confuse me. My weakness, humanity & fears combine to hedge up my way. Continuing to quote Elder Hales “We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and by building faith. Faith is the key. ...By unwavering faith, we learn for ourselves that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought.””

By self inflicted embarrassment I learned & never forgot the distinct words for “balls” and eggs. I have to trust that I can with help likewise learn to distinguish between my thoughts, the devils conniving & the Lords promptings. I can with faith, patience & persistence learn the Lords language. A language I hope to use more & more frequently in the future. I am grateful for the bumpers & guide rails.

For what it’s worth

Expressions of Faith

2007-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Those familiar with me know how I work. Even when things at the office are proceeding smoothly I put in more than an average work day & when things get rocky it’s worse. Opening a new branch is always difficult, that is to be expected, but this time around it is particularly slow in attaining an equilibrium. For reasons yet unclear to me it has proven nearly impossible to find & retain honest , reasonably motivated employees. The most recent casualty is a dear friend for whom I have a special place in my heart. (contrary to appearances this is not a work focused thought, just bear with me) Heidi first came to work for me in Price, she was a recent convert to whom I assisted in giving the new member lessons. As her home teacher I helped to teach & baptize her teenage daughter. Fast forward ten years & hear we are. Heidi has worked for Southwest in 4 out of the 6 branches, quit for a year plus & been rehired. All this to show, in part, our relationship & why what happened affected me.

It wasn’t anything grand or particularly out of the ordinary, just a box. A gift for my children, something that she had done before. One day during her last week she left something on my truck seat for the kids. It was, she said, some coloring books & videos purchased for her grandchildren but their parents vetoed the idea. I thanked her & went on about the day. It wasn’t until I had seen the generous gift and was driving home that I recognized the gravity & importance of what she was trying to do. You see, her daughter, the one that I helped baptize, did not stay active in the church, far from it. She didn’t finish high school, is unmarried & has 2 kids from different fathers. Her life has been colorful but appears to be improving. Now it is not a total shock that Heidi’s daughter is a little wild, she too has had spent her share of time on the wild side. She is still a tat wearin’ Harley ridin’ biker girl at least once a year for the rally. But one of the things I like about Heidi is just what I saw in the gift. Although she dose not have extensive gospel knowledge, I don’t think she even attends church once a month, she still feels something. She knows that there is a better way & not only is she trying, however slowly, to come unto Christ she made & will, I’m sure, continue to make an effort to help her family to do the same. She sees a need for Christ in the lives of her Daughter & grandchildren. Giving them the living scripture videos & coloring books was her attempt to reintroduce the gospel into their lives. I feel sorry for her, sorry that her daughter could not see the motivation behind the action & sorry for the rejection. It was Heidi’s simple manifestation of Faith, of love, her testimony.

There is another example of simple powerful faith that I learned of today. We have some wonderful neighbors just up the street. An older but not yet old couple, both of whom have been married before. Like Heidi they may not have a profound & doctrinally specific testimony of the gospel or of their Savior but they manifest their belief by their actions. They are a sincere Christ like couple. She is a talker & does not mind telling others about the goings on in their lives. Therefore everyone who cares to, knows that her health has been less than satisfactory in recent months. A few weeks ago she was diagnosed as having a terminal case of Lupus & was given only a few years to live. Along with much prayer & fasting a Priesthood blessing was given & she knew immediately that she had been healed. A visit a few days later to the Doctor for additional test confirmed that the disease was gone. They did not doubt that the Lord would answer their sincere supplication.

While reflecting on these experiences two scriptures have come to mind;

1st D&C 50:24; “That which is of God is light; and he that recieveth light, and continueth in God, recieveth more light ; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” When we take the little light (faith or understanding) that we are given, we cherish it, preserve it & act on it then the Lord blesses us with more. “Line upon line, Precept upon precept” even until we receive a fullness.

2nd D&C 82:3;”For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he that sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” I am blessed to have been born of goodly parents & to have been taught somewhat in the learning of my fathers or in the ways of the Lord. Although clearly still a novice I have been given limited talents and abilities. What am I doing with them? Is it enough? (If this verse is not plain enough look at 2 Nephi 9:27)

The point tonight of my ramblings is this. We do not have to have a “perfect knowledge of things” to heal, be healed or to have a positive influence on those around us. We merely have to act. Do something. Show a desire, an interest & the Lord will in his perfect wisdom make something grand of our efforts. If not to day then tomorrow and if not tomorrow then someday. He knows all. I trust Him.

For what it’s worth

Character House

2007-09-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

In business you meet & are required to deal with literally all types of people. From the pair we named stinky & stinky junior because of their “strength”(before whom my employees retreat with surprising creativity) to those select few that remain cherished friends years after a move. The know nothings, the know everything’s, the story toppers & story stoppers. The idiots who barely evade death & those who do everything at least twice despite the fact that you explained in agonizing detail how to accomplish their task. Amongst all of these & in addition to the you did what I asked you to, it didn’t work & it’s all your fault guy and many others are the slow pay & the no pay. These are the worst of them all. If you are lucky & believe me I try, you can spot them before they get a chance to do any damage, but all too often they get by my defenses & I get zinged again.

Currently I am wandering through the legal labyrinth with two different accounts both of which are seriously past due with sizeable balances. The two cases are related only by the actions of the defendants. I do not believe that either customer got where they are by deliberate action. I do not believe that their intent was to screw me out of my money or to steal my product. However for both men I believe that there was a moment when they made a choice. They chose what was for them the priority.

Not to long ago we read as a family “Little Britches” by Ralph Moody. This is a story, 1st in a series, about Ralphs experiences growing up on a Colorado farm in the early 1900s. Ralph was the oldest & as was typical in those days, he worked along side his Pa from an early age. He was only eight when his dad began to show him how to drive a team of horses. Feeling a little full of himself he wanted to work the horses by himself just to prove how big he was but knowing that Pa wouldn’t allow it just yet he lied to his mother to get the opportunity. Predictably, it didn’t go as planned & latter that afternoon Ralph showed up in the kitchen confessing what he had done in hopes of minimizing his punishment. He was made to stand in the corner until Pa got home at which time he reflected that “Hard as Father could spank, he never hurt me so much with a stick as when Mother stopped talking.” I feel that there is great truth in what Mr. Moody explained so simply to his son. “Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but worse than that , you have injured your own character. A mans character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn’t but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame upon the face of the earth.” Ralph learned that lesson. Throughout the remainder of the book he periodically makes reference to taking off or nailing on the boards of his “Character house”. I wish someone would have taught it to more of my customers. I feel sorry for my customers. As a direct result of their choice to be less than totally honest their lives are quickly deteriorating, becoming a ruin. Its too bad. They are basically good people.

Lack of integrity appears to be so common that the one who stands out is not the crook or shadey dealer but he who is truly beyond reproach. Both of the men I spoke of earlier made a choice. They reached a point when they could either suck wind, admit their mistake & make arrangements to settle the debt or they could choose to duck, weave, avoid & ignore. Pointing fingers & placing blame anywhere but on the man in the mirror. Honest dealings would make life so much simpler. The choice to show integrity is liberating. You can with a clear conscience move through the world & unflinchingly look any man or woman square in the eye. You can even approach our Father in heaven with greater confidence & peace.

I hope & pray that I can teach my children to be better. To be the kind of child that Ralph becomes. To be like the sons of Helaman who were “firm & did put their trust in God continually”. I wish that we would all be like Captain Moroni, a man “of perfect understanding” whose soul did delight in liberty & freedom, who was “firm in the faith of Christ.” For a man with a ruined character truly is a shame.

For what it’s worth,

Ryan

September Talk

2007-09-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

Up till now I have tried when speaking in church to study before hand, obviously, make some notes, maybe write an outline but not write a complete formal talk. The theory being that by not being overly prepard the spirit could more easily effect what came out of my mouth. History shows however that my theory did not consistently hold true. Due more to my weakness than anything else I'm sure.

In reviewing what talents I have been given & with significant imput from my lovely wife it has been determined that I am a far better writer than speaker (So if you don't like my writing imagine how you'd feel about my speaking, ouch). What follows is a talk given in the spanish ward last week. I wrote it in english first then used an online service to translate it. My spanish is not nearly good enough to have done it any other way.

Good afternoon brothers & sisters. Speaking to you is for me a difficult but worthwhile & enjoyable task. You need to know that you are loved. Loved not only by our father in heaven but by your ward & stake leaders. They plead regularly with the Lord that they might know how to best serve you. They are a blessing in all our lives.
Our Heavenly Father loves to bless us. He has given us everything. I was in Lake Tahoe last week & thrilled to the sights of huge trees, large fish &, clear emerald waters. The beauties of this world are certainly a blessing from God. There are a myriad of ways in which he can choose to bless us. Today I will speak briefly of two.
In a world full of uncertainty, where we are left to discover so much on our own I feel it a true blessing to be instructed specifically in the way to live our lives. The lord leaves no question as to right & wrong, virtue & vice, good & evil. Although narrow, his path is clear & straight. In D & C 82:8 He explains why he gives us commandments. He said, “I give unto our a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;” & so that there is no misunderstanding he restates his will in verse 9 “or in other words, I give you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.” He sets the standard that we must reach for. If we want to find lasting happiness we will follow his plan for us.
In mosiah 2 king benjamin reminds us of how generous the lord is to us & our responsibility in return.
Mosiah 2:21-24 “…if ye should serve him who has created you from he beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move & do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another – I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servents. And behold all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promissed you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land…therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you & prosper you. In the first place he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye arfe indebted unto him. Secondly he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And you are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever….”
It is a cyclical thing. As asked we keep the Lords commandments for which we are blessed. In return we recommit to keep the commandments, for which he doth immediately bless us. And so it goes. We can never repay our debt to him because every time we give him some small thing we are rewarded for our obedience. And thus we remain (mosiah 2:34) “eternally indebted to (our) heavenly father, to render to him all that (we) have and are”. King Benjamin continues (mosiah 2:41) “consider on the blessed & happy state of those that keep the commandments, blessed spiritually & temporally.” If we want to find peace & joy we need to do only one thing. To be obedient.
Among the many commands given us by God is the council to follow the prophet. Prophets too are a blessing from the lord. They teach & instruct us concerning gods will for us. They tell us his will concerning us, today. D & C 1:38 “...whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servents it is the same.” I asume that many of you are like me & struggle sometimes to receive & correctly interpret the promptings given us by the holy ghost. I am so greatful that I can listen to a living prophet & know that what he says is (D&C 68:4) “...the will of the lord,..the mind of the lord,..the word of the lord,..the voice of the lord and the power of god unto salvation.” What a blessing this is.
Brothers & sisters we have great opportunity before us. In the coming weeks we have the privilege of receiving the lords will for us directly from the mouths of the living prophets. In just two short weeks Elder bednar from the quorum of the 12 apostles, who we sustain as prophets seers & revelators, will be here in Eagle Mountain for our Stake conference. I have lived in Utah & been a regular attendee at conferences my whole life & this is the first time I have been blessed to here an apostle in such an intimate setting. I am very very excited to attend. In addition 2 weeks later we are privilaged to experience general conference, where the prophet will address the world. I love the Saturday sessions of conference. I have come to cherish the opportunity to sustain my prophet. I love him! I believe him!! Brothers & sisters do not take lightly these oportunities. Please come with me & listen to a prophet’s voice.
As we attend these conferences & hear the word of god, how will we react? How will we respond to the word of god? I recently read again the story of Alma’s mission to the zoramites where a relative few converts heard & followed the lords will when alma & amulek preached repentance unto them. We read earlier that amulek had left behind all of his gold, silver & precious things for the lord, “being rejected by those who were once his friends & also by his father & his kindred.”(Alma 15:16). I would be surprised if there are not some among you that have not acted similarly, choosing the church over past associations. I commend you. This portion of the story however is not what touched me this time around. I was intrigued by Alma’s observation at the end of their mission. In Alma 35:15, near then of the verse we read that the people’s hearts “began to wax hard and”, this is the part that intrigues me “that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word...” Have I everresponded in such a manner? Have I ever rationalized my actions in spite of a profetic statement or warning? When the prophet warned us against the evils of gambling did we listen? When he speaks of the maliciousness of pornography do we give heed? When he tells us as priesthood holders to rise up & be men, to accept & magnify our role of father & husband do we make the necessary changes in our habits & lives? This statement by Alma made me think about the whining of Laman & Lemuel when they told Nephi that “Thou hast declared hard things unto us, more than we are able to bear.” They did not like having their life style challenged. Neither do any of the rest of us. We do not like being told we need to change that we are not living up to our potential. However if we are sufficiently humble we will recognize the truth of Nephi’s reply when he said that “the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. ..If ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it... then ye would not murmur because of the truth & say: thou speaketh hard things against us.” I hope that any remorse or guilt that we may feel in listening to the prophet will not harden our hearts but motivate us to improve our lives & follow more closely the teachings of our savior.
I worry that too many of us go through the motions, manifesting a “form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” We wrestle with the spirit & kick against the pricks. What are we afraid of? Do we fear men? The hoards of which fill the great & spacious building to overflowing. Or are we afraid that it all might actually be true, that the lord really dose know us, that he knows our needs & has a plan for us? Why do we hesitate to trust the lord?
When Alma’s people were enslaved by the lamanites they were laden with overwhelming burdens. In response to their prayers the lord made the load light, “yea the lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease..” He can & will do the same for us. The lord dose not give commands to restrict or limit us. When we submit to his will he strengthens us. We become more worthy of his spirit & that spirit gives us wings.
In his book “twelve tests of character” Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote that “Some Christians carry their religion on their backs. It is a packet of beliefs & practices which they must bear. At times it grows heavy and they would willingly lay it down, but that would mean a break with old traditions, so they shoulder it again. But real christians do not carry their religion, their religion carries them. It is not weight; it is wings. It lifts them up it it sees them over hard places, it makes the universe seem friendly, life purposeful, hope real, sacrifice worthwhile. It sets them free from fear, futility, discouragement & sin – the greatest enslavers of mens souls. You can know a real christian, when you see him, by his buoyancy.”
May we all attend our conferences prepared to listen, to learn & to follow.

Here we go

2007-09-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

My intention here is to use this blog as a forum where I can vocalize & try to make sense of the thoughts which run in my head. Contrary to popular opinion work does not have exclusive rights to my mental meanderings. Things expressed here will mean something to me and are unlikely to follow any order. I'll thank you now for tagging along & reading Ry's ramblings.

Here we go,

For What It's Worth.