Responsible Voting

The right to vote, to choose our representatives, is fundamental to our form of government. Election Day & the preceding campaign season bring increased devotion & political awareness to many of us. We look for solutions in sound bites & slogans, hoping for change in a new face or new circumstances. Far too often however this renewed interest rapidly returns to complacency as life continues in monotony.  Unfortunately for society cyclical patriots, though not lacking in zeal or opinion, quickly tire & lose interest in the work of representative government.

 

I believe that our system of government is perfectly suited to address this historical trend. We routinely empower others to make decisions on our behalf, to study the issues, circumstances & people then act in our name. When we select someone to represent us it is because we perceive that they have skills, knowledge, abilities or time which we do not. We expect them to do what they feel is best & we accept that not every decision they make is precisely the one we would have made ourselves. We demand the right to vote for City, State & National representatives. We even amended the Constitution to expand this privilege. So why do we struggle w/ a more intimate application of the same principle?

 

The caucus precinct meeting is representative government at its best. Friends & neighbors meeting together to decide who among them is best suited & trusted to make decisions on their behalf. Not only during campaign & election season but year round. We seek to elect those who have sufficient time & interest to investigate candidates prior to election, to follow their actions after election & to speak up, thus holding government accountable to the people.

 

A politician removed from his constituents may more easily avoid repercussion for his actions, his vote & his lies, but it is hard to hide from your neighbors. The Caucus System provides everyone the opportunity to be involved in the selection of representatives who truly represent our views with minimal personal commitment. For these reasons, among others, the caucus system must remain.

For what it's worth

Ward Conference Talk

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

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.

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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

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!!

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.

“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?

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

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

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

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

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