Author Archives: guest

Intelligences: Why Bother Revealing this Doctrine?

Posted on by
We know next to nothing about what the Lord means by “intelligence” … so why know anything about it at all?
 
 

One of the most intriguing and enigmatic doctrines of the Restoration is the doctrine of intelligence. Sometimes the scriptures use “intelligence” in the everyday sense: information or “smarts.” But sometimes the Lord uses the term to refer to an eternal “material” or “substance” that we don’t know much about. It’s used in that sense six times for sure (D&C 93:29–30, 36; Abr. 3:21–22) and possibly another four times (D&C 88:40; 130:18–19; the context makes it hard to say for certain).

So what is meaning of “intelligence” when the scriptures use it in this unique way? Elder Robert L. Simpson explained the concept this way:

Before drawing the breath of life on this earth, we were all spiritual beings living in the realm of God, the Eternal Father. Scripture reveals that even before our spiritual birth, each of us had individual identification as an intelligence. Before all else could take place, there had to be that beginning spark of light.1

In other words, “intelligence” is what comes before we were born as spirits.
Continue reading →

What! Adversity is good?

Posted on by

 

We live in very difficult times. Many people worry about what is on the horizon, and what future adversities will come.

No need to worry. Adversity shouldn’t be feared. It should be accepted and embraced.

In the book Character, by Samuel Smiles, it says: “In fine, stability of institutions depend upon stability of character…The people may seem to be highly civilized, and yet be ready to fall to pieces at the first touch of adversity. Without integrity of individual character, they can have no real strength, cohesion, or soundness. They may be rich, polite, and artistic and yet hovering on the brink of ruin. If living for themselves only, and with no end but pleasure – each little self his own little God – such a nation is doomed, and its decay is inevitable.”

So, how do we train ourselves to be ready for adversity? How do we develop this kind of character and instill this much character in the hearts of our children? Continue reading →

“Watch What You Eat” and Drink: Conspiring Men?

Posted on by
Image from pepsico.com

I usually stick to topics about parenting and family life, but I can’t resist posting this. Has anyone else been watching the blogs out there about Pepsi Co and all its companies being involved in using aborted baby kidney cells to enhance flavors in their products? I would love an open forum on this. I have only been researching this for a few days, but am shocked at what I have found.

This gives “Watch what you eat” a whole new meaning.

It also gives, “conspiring men of the last days” a whole new understanding.

Here are some links to articles about the issue. Continue reading →

“Give Me Tree Bark, Or Give Me Death.”: Liberty Yesterday and Today

Posted on by

 

No speech has ever stirred the American people so much as Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech. No matter if I see a professional orator perform it with eloquence, or a young child reciting that speech, it touches my heart with goodness and purpose. The United States of America was built upon these two feelings and Patrick Henry’s speech.

Henry’s cry for liberty started a world wide movement toward governmental freedom, spiritual freedom, and personal freedom.

Liber, Liberty, and Freedom

What is liberty? Years ago I attended a seminar called “The Liber” by a professor named Dr. Shannon Brookes. Dr. Brookes explained that before books and parchment, there was tree bark. Only a few people in each community could read or write the tree bark documents they had. At the time tree bark was the most logical, and simple method of communicating for business, politics, and religion with other communities of people. The word for tree bark is liber, and the people who were privileged enough to learn how to read it, write on it and speak what it said to the community were called “Liber” as well. Continue reading →

The Angels of Darkness – More on Sherlock Holmes and Mormons (well, Mormons, anyway)

Posted on by

I feel that sufficient time has passed since Geoff pointed out the interesting Mormon bits in the first Sherlock Holmes tale, A Study in Scarlet (interestingly, the first time I ever read that story, it was in an abridged version that cut out the Mormon bits.  I didn’t find out about the Mormon chapters until college).  Anyway, There is one other Sherlock Holmes tale featuring Mormons.

Except that there’s no Sherlock Holmes (but Watson is there). And it’s the same tale (sort of).  Read on to find out more: Continue reading →