I am wary of fictionalized missionary stories, so when I was asked to review “Millstone City” I approached it with some trepidation. Would I be faced with yet another maudlin coming-of-age tome about a young man from a small town in Utah learning about the “real world?”
The good news is that “Millstone City” is a very well-done novel, a pleasure to read, and filled with surprises. Mormon and non-Mormon readers will find a lot to like in this book.
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This is an extremely well-done video.
Mormon Helping Hands responded to victims of Hurricane Sandy by donning their yellow vests and going to the affected neighborhoods to help out. I especially like that people went straight from Sacrament meeting to turn Jesus’ words into action.
Mosiah 4:16:
And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
(h/t: many people on Facebook linked this video)
As most readers will quickly realize, 3 Nephi 22 is almost exactly the same as Isaiah 54.
Just as a reminder, Jesus is teaching the inhabitants of the Americas. In other chapters, he quotes portions of Isaiah, but here he quotes at length.
In 3 Nephi 23, Jesus says:
1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; atherefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
We are commanded to search these things diligently, so let’s take a look.
As an introduction, I would like readers to consider that Isaiah is discussing three different groups of people. The first and most important group are the sheep that are lost, meaning the people who were once the House of Israel but have either strayed spiritually or have been separated physically from the rest of the House of Israel. The Nephites and Lamanites are lost in this sense. The second group is the gentiles, meaning people who have not had the Gospel but will play an important role in its restoration. The third group is the House of Israel.
Now’s your time to put your reputation on the line and put in writing your predictions for the 2012 election. Here are mine:
–Romney will win the electoral college with at least 273 votes (270 needed to win). I say he will get 51 percent of the popular vote. I see several scenarios where Romney will get to 295 or more, but I will stay conservative and say he will get at least 273.
–Democrats will keep the Senate, although it will be close and the Republicans may pick up a seat or two (they currently have 47).
–Republicans will either keep their existing majority or pick up a handful of House seats. Mia Love will win in Utah, and there will be many more surprise wins for Republicans (and a few for Dems) in the House.
Make your predictions below.