THE WINDOW OF NOAH'S ARK

Okay, I have been sifting through some interesting material on LDSFF and found the following tidbit that I think merits posting on the Wood Zone....:

Re: Charles D. Evans - LDS Church Patriarch Sees Future

by Hyrcanus » Sun Aug 22, 2010 11:53 pm

One other interesting/cool item. In some of what Biblical manuscript experts call "fragment manuscripts" the word that is used for the window that God instructs Noah to place in his Ark is actually the Hebrew word for Urim. This lines up interestingly with the old rabbinic tradition that the Ark was actually air tight once closed and the "window" was actually a shining stone that God gave Noah. In the Hebrew manuscripts the KJV translators used, the word is a more mundane word meaning window or door.

Hyrcanus
captain of 100

 

Re: Charles D. Evans - LDS Church Patriarch Sees Future

by singyourwayhome » Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:46 am

Interesting, I'd never heard that about Noah's ark. It puts the Brother of Jared in a new perspective, if true- that he didn't 'invent' this radical idea of having shinging stones to light his boats- that he referred to a previous miracle in asking for his own.

If anyone wonders where the info on what Urim and Thummim means, it's in the Bible Dictionary. Another interesting connection is that in Hebrew, 'im' is the plural, like 's' is in English- so "Ur" would mean "light".... ironic name for Abraham's hometown and what occured there.
Here's the BD entry:
(LDS) BIBLE DICTIONARY
Urim and Thummim
Heb. term that means Lights and Perfections. An instrument prepared of God to assist man in obtaining revelation from the Lord and in translating languages. See Ex. 28: 30; Lev. 8: 8; Num. 27: 21; Deut. 33: 8; 1 Sam. 28: 6; Ezra 2: 63; Neh. 7: 65; JS-H 1: 35.
Using a Urim and Thummim is the special prerogative of a seer, and it would seem reasonable that such instruments were used from the time of Adam. However, the earliest mention is in connection with the brother of Jared (Ether 3: 21-28). Abraham used a Urim and Thummim (Abr. 3: 1-4), as did Aaron and the priests of Israel, and also the prophets among the Nephites (Omni 1: 20-21; Mosiah 8: 13-19; Mosiah 21: 26-28; Mosiah 28: 11-20; Ether 4: 1-7). There is more than one Urim and Thummim, but we are informed that Joseph Smith had the one used by the brother of Jared (Ether 3: 22-28; D&C 10: 1; D&C 17: 1). (See Seer.) A partial description is given in JS-H 1: 35. Joseph Smith used it in translating the Book of Mormon and in obtaining other revelations.
This earth in its celestial condition will be a Urim and Thummim, and many within that kingdom will have an additional Urim and Thummim (D&C 130: 6-11).

http://www.theprovidenthomemaker.com

singyourwayhome
captain of 100

Re: Charles D. Evans - LDS Church Patriarch Sees Future

by Hyrcanus » Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:57 am

singyourwayhome wrote:Interesting, I'd never heard that about Noah's ark. It puts the Brother of Jared in a new perspective, if true- that he didn't 'invent' this radical idea of having shinging stones to light his boats- that he referred to a previous miracle in asking for his own.

If anyone wonders where the info on what Urim and Thummim means, it's in the Bible Dictionary. Another interesting connection is that in Hebrew, 'im' is the plural, like 's' is in English- so "Ur" would mean "light".... ironic name for Abraham's hometown and what occured there.
Here's the BD entry:
(LDS) BIBLE DICTIONARY
Urim and Thummim
Heb. term that means Lights and Perfections. An instrument prepared of God to assist man in obtaining revelation from the Lord and in translating languages. See Ex. 28: 30; Lev. 8: 8; Num. 27: 21; Deut. 33: 8; 1 Sam. 28: 6; Ezra 2: 63; Neh. 7: 65; JS-H 1: 35.
Using a Urim and Thummim is the special prerogative of a seer, and it would seem reasonable that such instruments were used from the time of Adam. However, the earliest mention is in connection with the brother of Jared (Ether 3: 21-28). Abraham used a Urim and Thummim (Abr. 3: 1-4), as did Aaron and the priests of Israel, and also the prophets among the Nephites (Omni 1: 20-21; Mosiah 8: 13-19; Mosiah 21: 26-28; Mosiah 28: 11-20; Ether 4: 1-7). There is more than one Urim and Thummim, but we are informed that Joseph Smith had the one used by the brother of Jared (Ether 3: 22-28; D&C 10: 1; D&C 17: 1). (See Seer.) A partial description is given in JS-H 1: 35. Joseph Smith used it in translating the Book of Mormon and in obtaining other revelations.
This earth in its celestial condition will be a Urim and Thummim, and many within that kingdom will have an additional Urim and Thummim (D&C 130: 6-11).

I found more interesting statements by Serenitylala on the purpose and use of the personal seer stones mentioned in Revelations - but I thought it too sacred and even too fascinating to post here as there are probably around 10-20% who are not LDS and who might have no doctrinal context where they could place the information.  Serenity said without saying it that she was a possessor of one - and that they are more common than one would think.  Normally, I would immediately dismiss a statement like that as pure quackery - but it rang 100% true with me.  Holy cow!  That stuff is cool!  Wish I could post it here....  Wish I knew how to protect posts for invited viewers only.  Oh well.....  The hardest things I have done is not posted something cool - only to not be able to find it again.  Much good stuff is scrubbed off the net or links are broken and the info is never found again.  My most agonizing one is the statements I have read with my own eyes on the ages, etc of the two prophets that will be slain in Jerusalem.  I have tried in vain to rediscover that info.  Hours and hours - and no success.  That stuff would be great for the Wood Zone vault....

ORIGINAL WITNESSES TO THE BOOK OF MORMON

ORIGINAL INTERVIEW BY DAVID WHITMER - TRANSLATION OF THE SEALED PORTION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON.

Chicago Tribune

THE ANGEL IN THE PASTURE

After the translation was completed [Joseph] Smith, [Jr.], informed [Oliver] Cowdery, [David] Whitmer, and [Martin] Harris that the Lord had instructed him that the time was at hand when they should testify to all nations, tongues, and people concerning this work. These four Apostles of the Lord as they were designated, accordingly assembled in the public pasture, cleared of underbrush, at a point equally distant between two highways.

About the noonday hour they were seated on a log waiting for the promised manifestations, having previously knelt in prayer.

All at once the heavens appeared to open and there appeared a dazzling shaft of light beside which the light of the sun appeared dim.

Through this cleft in the sky, which seemed to lead away up to the pearly gates beyond, appeared an angel, disguised as a man, bearing the semblance of a table. The angel descended to the earth, landing nearly at their feet. On this table were the plates of gold from which they had just translated the Book of Mormon, and the plates of brass on which were inscribed the commandments written by Moses, and which had been taken from Jerusalem by Nephi 600 years before Christ and afterward transported to America.

The four Apostles were then commanded to go forth among men and preach religion as set down in the Book of Mormon. (Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec 1885)

Interview by Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulson

After a self introduction to David Whitmer and some general conversation, I remarked to him:

I - You are one of the Three Witnesses?
He - I am one of them.

I - And you saw the angel, and he showed you the plates?
He - The Book of Mormon is true, as true as any record can be, I saw the angel, and I saw the sword of Laban, and the breastplate, and the Urim and Thummim, and the plates and the director, and the angel stood before us, and he turned the leaves one by one.

I - Did the angel turn all the leaves before you as you looked on it?
He - No, not all, only that part of the book which was not sealed, and what there was sealed appeared as solid to my view as wood.

I - How many of the plates were sealed?
He - About half of the book was sealed. Those leaves which were not sealed, about the half of the first part of the book, were numerous, and the angel turned them over before our eyes. There is yet to be given a translation about Jared's people's doings and of Nephi, and many other records and books, which all has to be done, when the time comes.

I - How large were the plates?
He - About eight inches wide and six or seven inches long, as they appeared a little wider than long, and three rings kept the plates together; one above, one in the middle, and one below, so the angel could turn every leaf entirely over. The thickness was about of a common sheet of tin used by tinsmiths.

I - How did the engravings look?
He - There were characters. We copied some, and if you visit my brother John, one of the Eight Witnesses, who wrote for Joseph, John can show you some of the old manuscript which he borrowed from me. I must have it returned to me again, as it belongs to the Church, in connection with other records. As we were praying, the angel stood before us in his glory, and all things were before us on a table, and we heard the testimony about the plates, and we were commanded to bear that testimony to the world, and our testimony is true. And when the angel had finished his words, and shown us the plates one by one, which were to be translated, then the vision was closed at once, and exactly as it came even so did the sight disappear.

I - But these things which you saw were material things, how could they come and vanish away again?
He - It is the power of God. He does those things and his angels know how to do it. It was wonderful to us, but it was by the power of God. He had appointed his angels to be the guardians of the plates and other things, and the angel knew how it was done.

I - Did the Eight Witnesses not handle the plates as a material substance?
He - We did not, but they did, because of the faith of Joseph became so great that the angel, the guardian of the plates, gave the plates up to Joseph for a time, that those Eight Witnesses could see and handle them.

I - Did not Joseph, at an earlier period, have the full possession of those plates?
He - Yes, he did do in the commencement, but the persecution grew so hot that the angel took possession of the records, and showed those things, as he did, to Cowdery, Harris and me, and in the presence of Joseph, and afterwards he was allowed to show the plates to the Eight Witnesses.

I - Where are the plates now?
He - In a cave, where the angel has hidden them up till the time arrives when the plates, which are sealed,
shall be translated. God will yet raise up a mighty one, who shall do his work till it is finished and Jesus comes again.

I - Where is that cave?
He - In the state of New York.

I - In the Hill Cumorah?
He - No, but not far from that place. I saw the place where the plates were found, and a great many did so, and it awakened an excitement at the time, because the worst enemies of "Mormonism" stirred up the confusion by telling about the plates which Joseph found, and the "gold bible" which he was in possession of, so he was in constant danger of being robbed and killed.

I - How did the place look?
He - It was a stone box, and the stones looked to me as if they were cemented together. That was on the side of the hill, and a little down from the top.

I - How did you know Joseph to be at that time?
He - He was a very humble and meek man, and very simple, indeed. He did the will of the Lord, and an arduous task it was to translate the Book of Mormon.

I - Did Joseph use the Urim and Thummim when he translated?
He - The Urim and Thummim were two white stones, each of them cased in as spectacles are, in a kind of silver casing, but the bow between the stones was more heavy, and longer apart between the stones, than we usually find in spectacles. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, Emma, and my brother John each at different times wrote for Joseph as he translated.

I - When will the temple be built at Independence?
He - Right after the great tribulation is over.

I - What do you mean by that?
He - A civil war more bloody and cruel than the rebellion. It will be a smashing up of this nation, about which time the second great work has to be done, a work like Joseph did, and the translation of the sealed plates, and peace all over.

I - Will you live and see those things?
He - It was said to us, that the second great work should commence when nearly all the witnesses to the first plates had passed away, so I may live and see those things take place. ("Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulson to editors of the Deseret News," 13 Aug 1878, Deseret News, 16 Aug 1878, p. 2. )

Interview by Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith

The fact is, it was just as though Joseph, Oliver and I were sitting just here on a log, when we were overshadowed by a light. It was not like the light of the sun nor like that of a fire, but more glorious and beautiful. It extended away round us, I cannot tell how far, but in the midst of this light about as far off as he sits (pointing to John C. Whitmer, sitting a few feet from him), there appeared as it were, a table with many records or plates upon it, besides the plates of the Book of Mormon, also the Sword of Laban, the Directors--i.e., the ball which Lehi had--and the Interpreters. I saw them just as plain as I see this bed (striking the bed beside him with his hand), and I heard the voice of the Lord, as distinctly as I ever heard anything in my life, declaring that the records of the plates of the Book of Mormon were translated by the gift and power of God. ("Report of Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith," Millennial Star 40 (9 Dec 1878):771-7)

Interview by John Hart

Having some business in Richmond, Ray County, [Missouri] I took occasion to call upon Mr. David Whitmer, who was suffering considerably from the intense heat, but had, notwithstanding, a long and pleasant conversation with him and his son David Whitmer, Jr. After mutual introductions, I remarked that although I had no doubt of the truth of his published statement and testimony in the Book of Mormon, I should be pleased to hear the testimony from his own lips. He said, "Persons may attempt to describe the presentation of the plates as shown to himself and other witnesses, but there was a glory attending it that no one could describe, no human tongue could tell the glorious scenes that were presented to them. (Interview with John Hart, 23 Aug 1883)

Retelling by Orson Pratt

They, in no connection with Mr. Smith, who made the fourth individual, went out into the open field, near a grove of timber, a little distance from the house of Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, New York. They bowed down before the Lord in broad daylight - not in the night; so there could be no deception: they humbled themselves before him, called upon his holy name with all their hearts, and while they were thus engaged in calling upon the name of the Lord, they saw in the heavens above a glorious light, and a personage descending. This personage came down and stood before them: he laid his hands upon the head of David Whitmer as one of the three witnesses, and said, "Blessed be the Lord and they that keep his commandments;" and then he took the plates and turned them over, leaf after leaf, excepting a certain portion of the leaves that were sealed up, which Mr. Smith was not permitted to translate; but that portion he had translated was turned over, leaf after leaf, and presented before their eyes, and they saw the engravings upon the plates. (Orson Pratt, "Evidences of the Bible and Book of Mormon Compared," Journal of Discourses, vol. 7-8, 1860, pp. 29-30)



Testimony of the Three Witnesses


TESTIMONY OF THE THREE WITNESSES

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, HAVE SEEN THE PLATES which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken, and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, FOR HIS VOICE HATH DECLARED IT unto us; wherefore we know of a surety, that the work is true. And we also testify that we have SEEN THE ENGRAVINGS which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an ANGEL OF GOD CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that this is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ that we beheld and bear record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in our eyes, nevertheless, the VOICE OF THE LORD COMMANDED US THAT WE SHOULD BEAR RECORD OF IT; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLIVER COWDERY
DAVID WHITMER
MARTIN HARRIS

THE SHAMIR AND THE CUTTING OF A GEMSTONE (URIM AND THUMMIM?)

Someone asked about how one receives their personal urim and thummim as described in Revelations.  According to those that I know have one, its location is shown to the recipient by an angel, and more specifically, their guardian angel.  They are then to go find it, similar to the process used by Joseph to find the plates on Cumorah (shown in vision where it is, you go find the object, then you are given instruction by a messenger in how to use it/care for it).

In re-reading the wiki article on shamir, I found this reference to a guardian angel to be interesting:

The shamir worm was also used by King Solomon to engrave gemstones. Apparently he also used the blood of the shamir worm to make carved jewels with a mystical seal or design. According to an interview with Dr. George Frederick Kunz, an expert in gemstone and jewelry lore, this led to the belief that gemstones so engraved would have magical virtues, and they often also ended up with their own powers or guardian angel associated with either the gem, or the specifically engraved gemstones.^[6]

THE TIMING OF THE COMING FORTH OF THE SEALED PORTION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON

This from an interview with David Whitmer that was published in the Chicago Tribune:

http://woodyoubelieveit.blogspot.com/2011/04/original-witnesses-to-book-of-mormon.html

Interesting indeed!

Here it is:

I - Did the Eight Witnesses not handle the plates as a material substance?
He - We did not, but they did, because of the faith of Joseph became so great that the angel, the guardian of the plates, gave the plates up to Joseph for a time, that those Eight Witnesses could see and handle them.

I - Did not Joseph, at an earlier period, have the full possession of those plates?
He - Yes, he did do in the commencement, but the persecution grew so hot that the angel took possession of the records, and showed those things, as he did, to Cowdery, Harris and me, and in the presence of Joseph, and afterwards he was allowed to show the plates to the Eight Witnesses.

I - Where are the plates now?
He - In a cave, where the angel has hidden them up till the time arrives when the plates, which are sealed,
shall be translated. God will yet raise up a mighty one, who shall do his work till it is finished and Jesus comes again.

I - Where is that cave?
He - In the state of New York.

I - In the Hill Cumorah?
He - No, but not far from that place. I saw the place where the plates were found, and a great many did so, and it awakened an excitement at the time, because the worst enemies of "Mormonism" stirred up the confusion by telling about the plates which Joseph found, and the "gold bible" which he was in possession of, so he was in constant danger of being robbed and killed.

I - How did the place look?
He - It was a stone box, and the stones looked to me as if they were cemented together. That was on the side of the hill, and a little down from the top.

I - How did you know Joseph to be at that time?
He - He was a very humble and meek man, and very simple, indeed. He did the will of the Lord, and an arduous task it was to translate the Book of Mormon.

I - Did Joseph use the Urim and Thummim when he translated?
He - The Urim and Thummim were two white stones, each of them cased in as spectacles are, in a kind of silver casing, but the bow between the stones was more heavy, and longer apart between the stones, than we usually find in spectacles. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, Emma, and my brother John each at different times wrote for Joseph as he translated.

I - When will the temple be built at Independence?
He - Right after the great tribulation is over.

I - What do you mean by that?
He - A civil war more bloody and cruel than the rebellion. It will be a smashing up of this nation, about which time the second great work has to be done, a work like Joseph did, and the translation of the sealed plates, and peace all over.

I - Will you live and see those things?
He - It was said to us, that the second great work should commence when nearly all the witnesses to the first plates had passed away, so I may live and see those things take place. ("Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulson to editors of the Deseret News," 13 Aug 1878, Deseret News, 16 Aug 1878, p. 2. )
Interview by Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith

The fact is, it was just as though Joseph, Oliver and I were sitting just here on a log, when we were overshadowed by a light. It was not like the light of the sun nor like that of a fire, but more glorious and beautiful. It extended away round us, I cannot tell how far, but in the midst of this light about as far off as he sits (pointing to John C. Whitmer, sitting a few feet from him), there appeared as it were, a table with many records or plates upon it, besides the plates of the Book of Mormon, also the Sword of Laban, the Directors--i.e., the ball which Lehi had--and the Interpreters. I saw them just as plain as I see this bed (striking the bed beside him with his hand), and I heard the voice of the Lord, as distinctly as I ever heard anything in my life, declaring that the records of the plates of the Book of Mormon were translated by the gift and power of God. ("Report of Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith," Millennial Star 40 (9 Dec 1878):771-7)

Interview by John Hart

Having some business in Richmond, Ray County, [Missouri] I took occasion to call upon Mr. David Whitmer, who was suffering considerably from the intense heat, but had, notwithstanding, a long and pleasant conversation with him and his son David Whitmer, Jr. After mutual introductions, I remarked that although I had no doubt of the truth of his published statement and testimony in the Book of Mormon, I should be pleased to hear the testimony from his own lips. He said, "Persons may attempt to describe the presentation of the plates as shown to himself and other witnesses, but there was a glory attending it that no one could describe, no human tongue could tell the glorious scenes that were presented to them. (Interview with John Hart, 23 Aug 1883)

Retelling by Orson Pratt

They, in no connection with Mr. Smith, who made the fourth individual, went out into the open field, near a grove of timber, a little distance from the house of Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, New York. They bowed down before the Lord in broad daylight - not in the night; so there could be no deception: they humbled themselves before him, called upon his holy name with all their hearts, and while they were thus engaged in calling upon the name of the Lord, they saw in the heavens above a glorious light, and a personage descending. This personage came down and stood before them: he laid his hands upon the head of David Whitmer as one of the three witnesses, and said, "Blessed be the Lord and they that keep his commandments;" and then he took the plates and turned them over, leaf after leaf, excepting a certain portion of the leaves that were sealed up, which Mr. Smith was not permitted to translate; but that portion he had translated was turned over, leaf after leaf, and presented before their eyes, and they saw the engravings upon the plates. (Orson Pratt, "Evidences of the Bible and Book of Mormon Compared," Journal of Discourses, vol. 7-8, 1860, pp. 29-30)

USING THE BOOK OF MORMON TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIALS AHEAD

I THOUGHT THIS WORTHY OF SHARING:

Using the Book of Mormon to Face the Tests Ahead

M. Catherine Thomas

Our dispensation will embrace the greatest extremes of any day: the tares will be of greater virulence than any preceding period. President Ezra Taft Benson has declared: "Wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society (see D&C 1:14-16; 84: 49 - 53). It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before." But, at the same time, the wheat will exhibit greater quality than ever before (D&C 86:1-7), because the Church and kingdom of God are increasing in strength, six, and faithfulness. "It [the Church] has never been better organized or equipped to perform its divine mission"

Thus in the midst of the worst trials ever known among the children of men, the Saints will finish up the work of this dispensation under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not a defensive position we wish to take but rather a powerful moving forward to establish all of the will of the Lord in preparation for His coming. We need not shrink before the onslaught but prepare to go out to meet the Bridegroom (D&C 133:10)

We will never meet all of the challenges of this dispensation unaided. The forces about to be unleashed against the world will be sufficient to decimate the entire population (D&C 5:19). Only those who have learned how to take the Holy Spirit for their guide will be able to read the signs and abide those days (D&C 45:57); only those who have studied how to draw on the grace, on the divine enabling power of the Lord Jesus Christ, will escape through the means the Lord will provide (D&C 63:24). We will have to be a people who understand personal revelation. We will have to live in direct contact with the temporal world, but we will have to know how to be guided by the heavenly, unseen world.

It is possible to make a long list of specific things we would have to do to endure to the end. But, the real question is this: What is the quintessential preparation from which all other preparations naturally follow? The Lord has provided the answer, and it lies in the inspired use of the Book of Mormon - in particular, the use of the Book of Mormon as an instrument of personal revelation. Nearly every description of the tests that the Saints will undergo makes it clear that only personal revelation will make faithful endurance possible. Inspired uses of the Book of Mormon lie at the very core of the Saints preparation so that they, as the children of light, will not be overtaken as by a thief in the night, at the Lord's appearance (D&C 106:4-5). Prophets through the ages have looked at our day and warned us of the trials that lie ahead. President Heber C. Kimball "often used the language, 'A test, a test is coming.'"


"We think we are secure here in the chambers of the everlasting hills, where we can close those few doors of the canyons against mobs and persecutors, the wicked and the vile, who have always beset us with violence and robbery, but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST coming, and who will be able to stand?"




"This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand...

"...The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?"



President Heber C. Kimball was quoted later with respect to the intensity of the tests:


"The judgments of God will be poured out upon the wicked, to the extent that our elders from far and near will be called home; or in other words, the Gospel will be taken from the gentiles, and later on will be carried to the Jews.

"The western boundaries of the State of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that as President Young tells us, 'when we return to that place there will not be as much as a yellow dog to wag his tail.'

"Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to the test that will try the very best of them.

"The pressure will become so great that the righteous among us will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes...

"Then is the time to look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall."



President Ezra Taft Benson expanded on the nature of the tests we will face and confirmed that the process has already begun:


"There is a real sifting going on in the Church, and it is going to become more pronounced with the passing of time. It will sift the wheat from the tares, because we face some difficult days, the like of which we have never experienced in our lives. And those days are going to require faith and testimony and family unity, the like of which we have never had."




"The great destructive force which was to be turned loose on the earth and which the prophets for centuries have been calling the 'abomination of desolation' is vividly described by those who saw it in vision (see Matthew 24:15, Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:12,32). Ours is the generation to realize how literally these prophecies can be fulfilled now that God, through science, has unlocked the secret to thermonuclear reaction.

"In the light of these prophecies, there should be no doubt in the mind of any priesthood holder that the human family is headed for trouble. There are rugged days ahead. It is time for every man who wishes to do his duty to get himself prepared - physically, spiritually, and psychologically - for the task which may come at any time, as suddenly as the whirlwind."




"We will live in the midst of economic, political, and spiritual instability. When these signs are observed - unmistakable evidences that His coming is nigh - we need not be troubled, but 'stand in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come' (D&C 87:8). Holy men and women stand in holy places, and these holy places consist of our temples, our chapels, our homes, and stakes of Zion, which are, as the Lord declares, 'for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth' (D&C 115:6). We must heed the Lord's counsel to the Saints of this dispensation: 'Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord' (D&C 133:10).

"This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the Church. We must be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so we will not be deceived. Our Lord has indicated who, among Church members, will stand when He appears: 'At that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins' (D&C 45:56). The Lord has given the sobering revelation that in the midst of the latter-day trials, Church members will feel the Lord's refining power as he forges the Saints into a force for fulfilling his divine purposes:

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: [and the world is the children of the wicked] the angels come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: [out into the world to be burned] there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth"

(Matthew 13:47-50, JST text in brackets).




"Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; first among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord ... But purify your hearts before me ... Cleanse your hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be required at your hands"
(D&C 112:24-33; italics added; see also 88:74).



This refining process will prepare a purified Church membership to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. President Benson warned:


"It is well that our people understand this principle, so they will not be misled by those apostates within the Church who have not yet repented or been cut off. But there is a cleansing coming. The Lord says that his vengeance shall be poured out 'upon the inhabitants of the earth ... And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; first among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me ...' (D&C 112:24-26). I look forward to that cleansing; its need within the Church is becoming increasingly apparent."




"Yes, within the Church today there are tares among the wheat and wolves within the flock. As President Clark stated, 'The ravening wolves are amongst us, from our own membership, and they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep's clothing because they wear the habiliments of the priesthood ... We should be careful of them.'"



Yet, even as we witness the steady crescendo of sorrows spreading throughout the earth, it is apparent that the Lord has at least a twofold purpose. On the one hand, the wicked will be purged from the Church and from the earth; on the other, the saints will be purified and refined:


"Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi [the priesthood holders of today; D&C 84:32-34] and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord and offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and as a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord and offering in righteousness"
(D&C 128:24, italics added).



The present and the future do not hold so many terrors if we believe the Lord's reassuring words that the refining process is under his benevolent control:


"Fear not thine enemies, for they are in mine hands and I will do my pleasure with them.

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom"
(D&C 136:30-31).



President John Taylor commented on the necessity of the Saints' being tested but of the insignificance of the pain of the testing process in relation to the great destiny of the Saints:


"It is necessary that we pass through certain ordeals, and that we be tried. But, why is it that we should be tried? There is just the same necessity for it now that there was in former times. I heard the prophet Joseph say, in speaking to the Twelve on one occasion:


'You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God, and (said he) God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God.' ...


"But, all these personal things amount to but very little. It is the crowns, principalities, the powers, the thrones, the dominions, and the associations with the Gods that we are after, and we are here to prepare ourselves for those things. We are after eternal exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom of God."



In fact, Zion will be built by those who are purified by their sufferings, and have learned to endure suffering in order to obey the Lord's every command. Zion will have to suffer in order to be redeemed because her citizens have not learned to obey: "Were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now.


"But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them. And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.

"And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer"
(D&C 105:2-6).



The sacrificing to obey unlocks the blessings and powers of heaven:


"Verily I say unto you, all among them [the Saints] who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits are contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice - ye, every sacrifice, which I, the Lord, shall command - they are accepted of me. For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit"
(D&C 97:8-9).




"Let us here observe that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation ... It is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that the are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God ...

"... And in the last days, before the Lord comes, he is to gather together his saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice."



Elder John Taylor encouraged the Saints to cleave to the Lord as the night darkens: "In relation to events that will yet take place, and the kind of trials, troubles, and sufferings which we shall have to cope with, it is to me a matter of very little moment; these things are in the hands of God, he dictates the affairs of the human family, and directs and controls our affairs; and the great thing that we, as a people, have to do is to seek after and cleave unto our God, to be in close affinity with him and to seek for his guidance, and his blessing and Holy Spirit to guide us in the right path. Then it matters not what it is nor who it is that we have to contend with, God will give us strength according to our day."

Another source of reassurance is the knowledge that our coming to the earth at this time in the earth's history was no random event. We were prepared before we came to earth to do the work we would be called to do (see D&C 138:56). President Benson has taught:


"For nearly six thousand years, God has held you reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away; but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its head - even Jesus Christ. While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time. It is that God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. That is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God. ...

"Make no mistake about it - you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. Now is the great day of the devil's power. But it now is also the great day of the Lord's power, with the greatest number ever of priesthood holders on the earth."



Having faith in our premortal preparation, we can find unique blessings in realizing that the personal tests we face were specially suited to our individual, spiritual needs. Perhaps the greatest insight to come out of this realization is that the Lord orchestrates the details of the lives of his seeking and obedient Saints. With his orchestration of their individual trials comes also deliverance from those trials. Elder Bruce R. McConkie listed the tasks that lie ahead of these premortally prepared Saints, tasks that will require a greater commitment to spiritual principles than ever before:


"We have yet to gain that full knowledge and understanding of the doctrines of salvation and the mysteries of the kingdom that were possessed by many of the ancient Saints. O that we knew what Enoch and his people knew! Or that we had the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon, as did certain of the Jaredites and Nephites! How can we ever gain these added truths until we believe in full what the Lord has already given us in the Book of Mormon, in the Doctrine and Covenants, and in the inspired changes made by Joseph Smith in the Bible? ...


"We have yet to attain that degree of obedience and personal righteousness which will give us faith like the ancients: faith to multiply miracles, move mountains, and put at defiance the armies of nations; faith to quench the violence of fire, divide seas and stop the mouth of lions; faith to break every band and to stand in the presence of God. Faith comes in degrees. Until we gain faith to heal the sick, how can we ever expect to move mountains and divide seas? "We have yet to receive such an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord in our lives that we shall all see eye to eye in all things, that every man will esteem his brother as himself, that there shall be no poor among us ... As long as we disagree as to the simple and easy doctrines of salvation, how can we ever have unity on the complex and endless truths yet to be revealed?

"We have yet to perfect our souls, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, and to walk in the light as God is in the light, so that if this were a day of translation we would be prepared to join Enoch and his city in heavenly realms. How many among us are now prepared to entertain angels, to see the face of the Lord, to go where God and Christ are and be like them? ....

"We have yet to prepare a people for the Second Coming....

"Shall we not now, as a Church and as a people and as the Saints of the latter days, build on the foundations of the past and forward in gospel glory until the great Jehovah shall say: 'The work is done, come ye, enter the joy of your Lord; sit down with me on my throne; thou art now one with me and my father.'"



On another occasion, Elder McConkie made a sobering statement on the necessity of the development of our faith:


"It may be, for instance, that nothing except the power of faith and the authority of the priesthood can save individuals and congregations from the atomic holocausts that surely shall be."



President Brigham Young also observed that, in general, the Saints are not prepared for the blessings that the Lord anticipates bestowing on them: "Jesus has been upon the earth a great many more times than you are aware of. When Jesus makes his next appearance upon the earth, but few of this Church and kingdom will be prepared to receive him and see him face to face and converse with him; but he will come to his temple. ...


"When all nations are so subdued to Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, there will still be millions o the earth who will not believe in him; but they will be obliged to acknowledge his government. You may call that government ecclesiastical, or by whatever term you please; yet there is no true government on earth but the government of God, or the holy Priesthood. Shall I tell you what that is? In short, it is a perfect system of government - a kingdom of Gods and angels and all beings who will submit themselves to that government. There is no other true government in heaven or upon the earth. ...

"Is man prepared to receive that government? He is not. I can say to these Latter-day Saints, You are not prepared to receive that government. You hear men and women talk about living and abiding the Celestial law, when they do not so much as know what it is, and are not prepared to receive it. We have little here and a little there given to us, to prove whether we will be abide that portion of law that will enable us to enjoy a resurrection with the just. ... "... We have line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, and it is something that accords with the capacity of finite beings, and you improve upon this, and the Lord will open your minds to receive more, and let you see the order of the eternal priesthood; but if you do not live your religion, you cannot receive more."



Many of us are not yet living our religion. The Saints can reach for more. In the foregoing statements of the Lord and his prophets and apostles, one common observation is that amidst the latter-day trials, the Saints will need familiarity with the Lord's voice.

For example, President Heber C. Kimball said, "Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand:" President Ezra Taft Benson remarked on the current state of the Saints' preparedness to meet the Savior:


"Watchmen - what of the night? We must respond by saying that all is not well in Zion. As Moroni counseled, we must cleanse the inner vessel (Alma 60:23), beginning first with ourselves, then with our families, and finally with the Church. ... "... It takes a Zion people to make a Zion society, and we must prepare for that."



Obviously our responses to the Lord's direction have as yet been inadequate to achieve that state of preparation, even though the Lord has made it abundantly clear that the instrument of preparation for the Second Coming is the Book of Mormon. That book is the instrument by which the citizens of Zion will have cleansed the inner vessel.

The Saints, evidently, are still under condemnation for their neglect of the Book of Mormon, the very tool that has the most power to prepare the Church for the advent of the Savior. Upon reflection, we realize that the Saints have not yet adequately made the connection between the comprehensive use of the Book of Mormon and the light that each of them will need to withstand the trials of the latter days. President Benson exclaimed: 'That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion' (D&C 84:58). We have felt that scourge and judgment!

Perhaps some have thought that a testimony and a general knowledge of the Book of Mormon were sufficient fulfillment of the Lord's injunction. But a testimony of the Book of Mormon is not an end in itself. It is only the most rudimentary beginning. The next step, after learning that the book is true and can be trusted as a source for doctrine and the Spirit, is to learn its multiple uses and virtues. Here is the Lord's fuller text to the Church about using the Book of Mormon:


"Your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received -

"Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

"And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

"And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written - That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to pour out upon the children of Zion.
(D&C 84:54-58 italics added).



The Church apparently does not yet know all the uses and virtues of the Book of Mormon. It seems that the Lord would like us to use the Book of Mormon in ways it has not been used before and that he is waiting for us to ask his help to that end. President Benson, in urging us to get more deeply in into that book, pointed to the relationship between scripture study and the power of the Spirit in our life: "I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves I them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach our children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example. If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that 'the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just - yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them' (Alma 31:5)."

In that statement, President Benson has connected immersion in the scriptures with the gift and power of the Spirit. Several other Brethren have likewise pointed out the link between personal revelation and a spiritually skilled use of scripture. For example, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: "I sometimes think that one of the best-kept secrets of the kingdom is that the scriptures open the door to the receipt of revelation." However talented men may be in administrative matters; however eloquent they may be in expressing their views; however learned they may be in the worldly things - they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the Spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks declared: "As a source of knowledge, the scriptures are not the ultimate but the penultimate. The ultimate knowledge comes by revelation...

"A study of the scriptures enables men and women to receive revelations ... because scripture reading puts us in tune with the Spirit of the Lord." Elder Boyd K. Packer taught; "Buildings and budgets, and reports and programs and procedures are very important. But, by themselves, they do not carry that essential spiritual nourishment and will not accomplish what the Lord has given us to do ... The right things, those with true spiritual nourishment, are centered in the scriptures." One reason that some Church members are not reaping the full reward of scripture study may be that they do not know how vital the reward could be. The Lord promises that we can hear or feel his voice in the scriptures, that we can receive messages in and above what is printed on the page, and that we can repeat that experience over and over again. Scripture reading and feasting on scripture can take on new meaning.

Those who haven't heard the voice may find the scriptures less interesting than other literature. Perhaps some are afraid to hear what the Lord has to say, and so they may read the scripture with a protective veil over their mind and then say they are bored with the scripture. The real problem may be that they are afraid to hear the voice. But the Lord says to us today, "Resist no more my voice" (D&C 108:2). It appears that the Lord intends an intersection between the daily orbit we move in and the orbit of the Book of Mormon. A power is set in motion when we become deeply involved in what the scriptures are saying to us personally. The Lord has said that "the Book of Mormon and the Holy Scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things" (D&C 33:16).

Several other scriptures also show that the printed word can yield the living spirit of prophecy to the alert and prepared reader. In the very first chapter of the Book of Mormon, Lehi learned this connection between feasting on the scripture and receiving the power of revelation: "As he read [a book of scripture given him by the Lord] he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord" (1 Nephi 1:12). Nephi said, "And now, when my father saw all these things [scriptures on the plates of brass], he was filled with the Spirit and began to prophesy" (1 Nephi 5:17). Jacob made the same connection: "Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea" (Jacob 4:6). The four sons of Mosiah "waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God" (Alma 17:2-3).

The Lord, speaking of scripture, said: "These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; ... for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you ...; wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words" (D&C 18:34-36). To hear the voice of the Lord in the scripture simply means to feel the Spirit of the Lord, because the Lord speaks "by the voice of my Spirit: (D&C 75:1). Furthermore, the Lord's "voice is Spirit" (D&C 88:66).

Thus there is a relationship between the written scripture and the voice of the Lord, or personal revelation. The same Spirit that gave the written word quickens it as one who is prepared reads it. Taking all these insights together, we may conclude that if we wish to guide our life by the Spirit, we cannot do it without also being a spiritual student of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon itself teaches the progression from feasting on the word of Christ to hearing the voice of Christ through the Holy Ghost: "Fest upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do ... if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3 - 5).

The stories and principles and doctrines in the Book of Mormon are vitally important to the Latter-day Saints, but we soon discover that an important principle taught by the book is that no collection of writings can tell a person what to do in all circumstances. Many of life's challenges are designed to require divine insight and divine power and divine direction to meet them. Therefore, perhaps no principle is stressed as much as getting the Spirit of the Lord, who "will show you all things what ye should do," as a constant guide.

We can see how the voice of the Lord is a vital component of the gospel plan - not just for prophets but for all of us. Ultimately everyone who hopes to see the face of the Lord and to remain in his presence must learn to discern and obey the voice of the Lord. That skill is essential for the serious candidate for exaltation.

Elder Richard G. Scott explicitly stated that the Book of Mormon is like a personal Liahona or Urim and Thummim: "What does the Book of Mormon mean to you? ... "If you have not yet drunk deeply from this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don't let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do, but never quite accomplish. Begin today. "I bear witness that it can become a personal 'Urim and Thummim' in your life."

Indeed, the Book of Mormon describes itself as a Liahona. A primary use of a Liahona or a Urim and Thummim is as a physical symbol to teach the dynamics of revelation. They increase faith until one has learned to get revelation without sole dependence on the physical instrument. How important it is to realize that scripture, as another form of Liahona or Urim and Thummim, instructs our spirits in the processes of revelation.

The link between a tangible object of revelation and the process of receiving revelation without an instrument is illustrated in the Prophet Joseph's training under the Lord. The Lord started Joseph Smith out with the Urim and Thummim; later, Joseph was able to receive revelation without using it, thus showing that a Liahona and Urim and Thummim, seer stones, and scripture are all variations of the sacred instruments by which a person is taught how to receive increasingly detailed revelation - revelation that is often outside the imagination or experience of the person being so trained. Joseph's experience in translating the Book of Mormon by the Urim and Thummim actually prepared him to be the founding prophet, seer, and revelator of this dispensation.

Alma understood this relationship between instruments of revelation and scripture. In Alma 37, Alma used a succession of words that suggests that relationship: records, plates of brass, Holy Scriptures, mysteries, holy writ, interpreters, Gazelem, seer stone, counseling with the Lord, and Liahona. When the Nephites used their Liahona, they had miracles every day; whenever they grew lazy and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence, they lost their way and became hungry.

Alma taught that the ball, director, compass, or Liahona was prepared by the Lord as a type of the word of Christ: "For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the Promised Land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way" (Alma 37:44-46). It is possible that "vale of sorrow" means not only this mortal life as a whole but the individual vales of sorrow that the Saints come upon in their lives. That is, the Lord has given the Saints a Liahona to carry them out of their individual and collective vales of sorrow.

One problem of mortality is the inadequacy of our present language to provide vocabulary to describe spiritual experience. When missionaries try to teach investigators what the Spirit is, they have to do it by analogy or by metaphor; thus, when they see the Sprit working on an investigator, they will say "That's it! What you are feeling right now is the Spirit of the Lord!" Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: "We do not have the words (event eh scriptures do not have the words) which perfectly describe the Spirit. The scriptures generally use the word voice, which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined spiritual communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears."

We identify the Spirit mostly by feeling, and in the scripture the Lord teaches us what the Spirit feels like. If we think we have to feel something extraordinary in hearing the voice of the Lord in scripture, we might miss the subtle impressions of the Spirit. Many people have experienced the movement of the Spirit in their souls as they read scripture. On some occasions, feelings come, or maybe tears, perhaps heightened appreciation, or a sense of peace on a particular matter, a sense of unexplainable happiness, or a sense of the Lord's love. If we are asked on such an occasion what we heard from the Lord in that experience with the scripture, we might not be able to articulate an answer. Nonetheless, we have felt something sweet, something very tender. That was the spirit of prophecy, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On other occasions, we may be reading along when an issue or problem in our life comes to mind, maybe even a subject unrelated to the scripture being read, and suddenly we just know what to do about it. All these are instances of feeling the voice of the Lord to ourselves. We could develop this skill to a high degree and enjoy a living relationship with the Lord, in which the Lord could teach us many wonderful things. To develop such a skill we must invest time and experience, labor in the Sprit, and make scripture study a part of our daily life, but it is within the capability of any serious seeker.

The Book of Mormon teaches us how to receive a revelation from scripture: "I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things" (1 Nephi 16:28-29). By studying the spiritual conditions under which the Book of Mormon was translated, we can learn more about the process of receiving the Sprit from the scripture. Joseph Smith showed the way. David Whitmer described what the Prophet had to go through to get the spirit of prophecy so that he could translate:


"At times when Brother Joseph would attempt to translate ..., he found he was spiritually blind and could not translate. He told us that his mind dwelt too much on earthly things, and various causes would make him incapable of proceeding with the translation. When in this condition he would go out and pray, and when he became sufficiently humble before God, he would then proceed with the translation. Now we see how very strict the Lord is, and how he requires the heart of man to be just right in his sight before he can receive revelation from him."



On another occasion David Whitmer recorded: "He [Joseph Smith] was religious and straightforward man ... He had to trust in God. He could not translate unless he was humble and possessed the right feelings towards everyone. To illustrate so you can see the right feelings towards everyone. To illustrate so you can see: One morning when he was getting ready to continue the translation, something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour - came back to the hose, and asked Emma's forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and then the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save e was humble and faithful."

This account is highly instructive. We must approach the scripture in the same way that the scripture was given to one who was in a state of humility, of desire, of courage, of forgiveness of others. We can prepare ourselves to hear the word of the Lord by realizing that in opening up the scriptures, we are about to have a conversation with the Lord. Thus we approach such an encounter in a spiritual, prayerful, thoughtful, and solemn way. We read trying to feel, to listen, to hear, and even to make notes. Our heart must be prepared to be written on; we must want to hear what the Lord wants to say to us, what the Lord's counsel is to us. So we approach the scripture with as much humility as we can, with willingness to repent and to grow.

Whenever we feel that movement of the spirit in our own soul, we are feeling the voice of the Lord to us - the Lord is speaking to us individually. We are connected by the Spirit in that moment to our Savior. IN this way, the Book of Mormon can bring us to Christ is the main objective of all scripture. Simply, we feast on the words of Christ, and, if we have prepared, he speaks to us through feelings and impressions and happiness and even words, and thus we come to Christ as we study scripture and hear his voice.

This kind of immersion in reading, this knowledge of the Book of Mormon, this learning to discern, to hear or feel, and then to obey the voice of the Lord to us personally may do more to prepare the Saints for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ than nearly any other activity we could engage in. President Benson urged the priesthood holders of the Church: "One of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve.


"But that alone, as valuable as it is, is not enough. You must also bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes.

"We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young me on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow ...

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success'" (Joshua 1:8; italics added)."



President Benson also spoke on the centrality of the scriptures to the work that the Saints must do in the winding-up scenes of this dispensation:


"In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers o the few decades just prior to Christ's coming to America. By careful study of that time period we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet."




"My beloved brothers and sisters, I bear my solemn witness that these books [the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants] contain the mind and the will of the Lord for us in these days of trial and tribulation. They stand with the Bible to give witness of the Lord and His work. These books contain the voice of the Lord to us in these latter days. May we turn to them with full purpose of heart and use them in the way the Lord wishes them to be used."



It is clear that as wickedness increases, the Saints need a compensatory blessing to carry the Lord's work forward. We have been promised that very blessing. President Benson declared: "I bless you with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon. I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts; God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown." Finally President Benson has spoken on how we will get from where we are now to that day when our Savior appears and the Saints stand before him prepared:

"Only a Zion people can bring in a Zion society. And as the Zion people increase, so we will be able to incorporate more of the principles of Zion until we have a people prepared to receive the Lord." When the Saints have assumed their individual responsibility to possess the Spirit of the Lord in the ways that the Lord has instructed, all other preparations will follow, and we will have a people not only ready to stand in the midst of the trials preceding the Second Coming but able to rejoice under the sanctifying and prospering hand of the Lord Jesus Christ.

VISION OF CHARLES D. EVANS

Charles D. Evans - LDS Church Patriarch Sees Future PDF Print E-mail
Sunday, 09 March 2008 15:49

Charles D. Evans was a church patriarch, in the 1890's, while living in Springville, Utah.



While I lay pondering in deep solitude on the events of the present, my mind was drawn into a reverie such as I had never felt before,--a strong solicitude for my imperiled country utterly excluded every other thought, and raised my feelings to a point of intensity which I did not think it possible to endure.



While in this solemn, profound, and painful reverie of mind, to my infinite surprise, a light appeared in my room, which seemed to be soft and silvery as that diffused from a northern star. At the moment of its appearance, the acute feeling I had experienced instantly yielded to one of calm tranquility.



Although it may have been at the hour of midnight, and the side of the globe whereon I was situated, was excluded from the sunlight, yet all was light and bright and warm as an Italian landscape at noon, but the heat was softer or more subdued.



As I gazed upward, I saw descending through my bedroom roof, with a gently gliding movement, a personage clothed in white apparel, whose countenance was smoothly serene, his features regular, and the flashes of his eye seemed to shoot forth scintillations, to use an earthly comparison, strongly resembling those reflected from a diamond under an intensely illumined electric light, which dazzled but did not bewilder.



Those large, deep, inscrutable eyes were presently fixed upon mine, when instantly placing his hands up on my forehead his touch produced an indescribable serenity and calmness, a calmness not born of earth, but at once peaceful, delightful and heavenly. My whole being was imbued with a joy unspeakable. All feelings of sorrow instantly vanished. Those lines and shadows which care and sorrow impress upon us were dispelled as a deep fog before a blazing sun.



In the eyes of my heavenly visitor, for such he appeared to me, there was a sort of lofty pity and tenderness, infinitely stronger than any such feeling I ever saw manifested in ordinary mortals. His very calm appeared like a vast ocean stillness, at once overpowering to every agitated emotion.



By some intuition, or instinct, I felt he had something to communicate to sooth my sorrows and allay my apprehensions. Thereupon addressing me, he said:



"Son, I perceive thou hast grave anxieties over the perilous state of thy country, that thy soul has felt deep sorrow for its future. I have therefore come to thy relief and to tell thee of the causes that have led to this peril. Hear me attentively.



"Seventy-one years ago [1823], after an awful apostasy of centuries, in which all nations were enshrouded in spiritual darkness, when the angels had withdrawn themselves, the voice of prophets hushed, and the light of Urim and Thummim shown not, and the vision of the seers closed, while heaven itself shed not a ray of gladness to lighten a dark world, when Babel ruled and Satan laughed, and Church and Priesthood had taken their upward flight, and the voice of nations, possessing the books of the Jewish prophets, had ruled against vision and against Urim, against the further visits of angels, and against the doctrine of a church of apostles and prophets, thou knowest that then appeared a mighty angel with the solemn announcement of the hour of judgment, the burden of whose instructions pointed to dire calamities upon the present generation. This, therefore, is the cause of what thou seest and the end of the wicked hasteneth."



My vision now became extended in a marvelous manner, and the import of the past labors of the Elders was made plain to me. I saw multitudes fleeing to the place of safety in our mountain heights. The church was established in the wilderness. Simultaneously the nation had reached an unparalleled prosperity, wealth abounded, new territory was acquired, commerce extended, finance strengthened, confidence was maintained, and peoples abroad pointed to her as the model nation--the ideal of the past realized and perfected--the embodiment of the liberty sung by poets and sought for by sages.



"But," continued the Messenger, "thou beholdest a change. Confidence is lost, wealth is arrayed against labor, labor against wealth, yet the land abounds with plenty of food and raiment, and silver and gold are in abundance. Thou seest also the letters written by a Jew have wrought great confusion in the finances of the nation which, together with the policy of many wealthy ones, has produced distress and do produce further sorrow."



Factions now sprang up as if by magic; capital had entrenched itself against labor throughout the land; labor was organized against capital. The voice of the wise sought to tranquilize these two powerful factors in vain. Excited multitudes ran wildly about; strikes increased; lawlessness sought the place of regular government.



At this juncture I saw a banner floating in air whereupon was written the words, "BANKRUPTCY, FAMINE, FLOODS, FIRE, CYCLONES, BLOOD, PLAGUE." Mad with rage, men and women rushed upon each other. Blood flowed down the streets of cities like water. The demon of bloody hate had enthroned itself on the citadel of reason; the thirst for blood was more intense than that of the parched tongue for water. Thousands of bodies lay untombed in the streets. Men and women fell dead from the terror inspired by fear. Rest was but the precursor of the bloody work of the morrow. All around lay the mournfulness of a past in ruins. Monuments erected to perpetuate the names of the noble and brave were ruthlessly destroyed by combustibles.



A voice now sounded aloud these words, "Yet once again I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word yet once again signifies the removing of things that are shaken, as of things that are made; that those things that cannot be shaken may remain."



Earthquakes rent the earth in vast chasms, which engulfed multitudes; terrible groanings and wailings filled the air; the shrieks of the suffering were indescribably awful. Water wildly rushed in from the tumultuous ocean, whose very roaring under the mad rage of the fierce cyclone, was unendurable to the ear. Cities were swept away in an instant, missiles were hurled through the atmosphere at a terrible velocity, and people were carried upward only to descend an unrecognizable mass. Islands appeared where ocean waves once tossed the gigantic steamer. In other parts, voluminous flames emanating from vast fires, rolled with fearful velocity, destroying life and property in their destructive course.



The seal of the dread menace of despair was stamped on every human visage; men fell exhausted, appalled and trembling. Every element of agitated nature seemed a demon of wrathful fury. Dense clouds, blacker than midnight darkness, whose thunders reverberated with intonations which shook the earth, obscured the sunlight. Darkness reigned unrivaled and supreme.



Again the light shone, revealing an atmosphere tinged with a leaden hue, which was the precursor of an unparalleled plague, whose first symptoms were recognized by a purple spot which appeared on the cheek or on the back of the hand, and which, invariably, enlarged until it spread over the entire surface of the body, producing certain death. Mothers, on sight of it, cast away their children as if they were poisonous reptiles. This plague, in grown persons, rotted the eyes in their sockets and consumed the tongue as would a powerful acid or an intense heat. Wicked men, suffering under its writhing agonies, cursed God and died, as they stood on their feet, and the birds of prey feasted on their carcasses.



I saw in my dream the Messenger again appear with a vial in his right hand, who addressing me, said: "Thou knowest somewhat of the chemistry taught in the schools of human learning, behold now a chemical sufficiently powerful to change the waters of the sea."



He then poured out his vial upon the sea and it became putrid as the blood of a dead man, and every living soul therein died. Other plagues followed which I forbear to record.



A foreign power had inroaded the nation, which, from every human indication, it appeared would seize the government and supplant it with monarchy. I stood trembling at the aspect, when, lo, a power arose in the west which declared itself in favor of the Constitution in its original form; to this suddenly rising power, every lover of constitutional rights and liberties throughout the nation gave hearty support. The struggle was fiercely contested, but the Stars and Stripes floated in the breeze, and bidding defiance to all opposition, waved proudly over the land.



Among the many banners I saw, was one inscribed thus: "The government based on the Constitution, now and forever"; on another, "Liberty of Conscience, Social, Religious, and Political."



The light of the Gospel which had but dimly shone because of abomination, now burst forth with a lustre that filled the earth. Cities appeared in every direction, one of which, in the center of the continent, was an embodiment of architectural science after the pattern of eternal perfections, whose towers glittered with a radiance emanating from the sparkling of emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones set in a canopy of gold, and so elaborately and skillfully arranged as to shed forth a brilliancy which dazzled and enchanted the eye, excited admiration and developed a taste for the beautiful, beyond anything man had ever conceived.



Fountains of crystal water shot upwards their transparent jets, which, in the brilliant sunshine, formed ten thousand rainbow tints at once delightful to the eye. Gardens, the perfection of whose arrangement confound all our present attempts at genius, were bedecked with flowers of varied hue to develop and refine the taste and strengthen a love for these nature's chastest adornments.



Schools and universities were erected, to which all had access; in the latter, Urims were placed for the study of the past, present, and future, and for obtaining a knowledge of the heavenly bodies, and of the construction of worlds and universes. The inherent properties of matter, its arrangements, laws, and mutual relations were revealed and taught and made plain as the primer lesson of a child. The conflicting theories of geologists regarding the foundation and age of the earth were settled forever. All learning was based on eternal certainty. Angels brought forth the treasures of knowledge which had laid hid in the womb of the dumb and distant past.



The appliances for making learning easy surpass all conjecture. Chemistry was rendered extremely simple, by the power which the Urims conferred on man of looking into and through the very elements of every kind; a stone furnished no more obstruction to human vision than the air itself. Not only were the elements and all their changes and transformations plainly understood, but the construction, operations and laws of mind were thus rendered equally plain as those which governed the coarser elements.



While looking through the Urim and Thummim, I was amazed at a transformation, which even now is to me marvelous beyond description, clearly showing the manner in which particles composing the inorganic kingdom of nature are conducted upward to become a part of organic forms; another astounding revelation was a view clearly shown me of the entire circulation of the blood, both in man and animals.



After seeing these things and gazing once more upon the beautiful city, the following passage of scripture sounded in my ears: "OUT OF ZION, THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY, GOD SHINETH."



On this I awoke to find all a dream. I have written the foregoing, which is founded on true principle, under the caption of a dream, partly to instruct and partly to check the folly of reading silly novels now so prevalent.



CHARLES D. EVANS

Springville, Utah



(Contributor, Vol. 15, 1893; TRUTH 1:12, pp. 161-163; see also Visions of the Latter Days, p. 55)

A PICTURE OF THE ORIGINAL SEER STONE USED TO TRANSLATE THE BOOK OF MORMON

Wow - this is sweet information on the seer stone used by Joseph:

http://fox13now.com/2015/08/04/lds-church-releases-never-before-seen-pics-of-seer-stone-used-by-joseph-smith/

On a similar note:

Each one of you has one (a personal Urim and Thummim) - you just have to find it and I have a few keys of knowledge on that matter here.  Here is a data dump of previous wood zone articles on the matter:

http://woodyoubelieveit.blogspot.com/search?q=urim

HOW DO YOU RECEIVE YOUR PERSONAL URIM AND THUMMIN

I have not gotten mine - and I rather think that one would receive theirs in some way around the time that they receive the Second Comforter - or a personal visitation by our Lord and Savior.  It all comes line upon line, precept on precept.  Here a little, there a little; until a person comes to a fulness of the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here is a past search on the topic from the Wood Zone:

http://woodyoubelieveit.blogspot.com/search?q=URIM+AND+THUMMIM

I do know of two people who have made allusions which would seem to indicate that they have received theirs.  It is a sad thing - for they feel as strangers in a strange land and do not have a friend in the world.  They are exceptionally sober people - very serious about life and pleasing God.  Well on the way to achieving His presence in the next life.

Here is something from the Ogden Kraut book from the previous post.  Around the time that the PC movement started in Babylon, it also started in the Church and we no longer talk of these things.  There is a dearth of meat in our teaching and most are becoming malnourished on skim milk that we have subsisted on.

There is a picture on the net of this seer stone:

Rushton must have been a man of spiritual integrity because the Lord revealed to him the location of a special seer stone which he later found and cherished until his death in 1904. The experience of locating this stone is recorded in his journal and related by his daughter, Edith Rushton Christensen:

In July 1845, while Father was resting in the middle of the day, he received a vision, or quoting from Father's record, "I was caught away by the spirit and taken on a frequented footpath across lots to a ravine a few blocks south of Nauvoo Temple. As I stood in contemplation, the earth on the right side of me opened to the depth of about five feet, and I beheld a pot of treasure on top of which was a beautiful seer stone, clear as crystal, which I was told belonged to me. At the time I received the vision, I did not know anything [13] about a seer stone and had never sought for a vision. This same vision was repeated to me three times about two weeks apart. With this vision ever in mind, the following day I proceeded to hunt for the stone, taking three of my relatives with me. After digging for a short time, the stone was thrown out with a shovel of dirt. It is my firm conviction that this stone is one of the stones spoken of by John the Revelator (2:17)." (This stone is clear and beautiful. It is about the size of an egg and shaped somewhat like a kidney. It is treasured by the family and has been shown to hundreds of people.) (Edwin Rushton Journal, p. 3)

HOW WAS THE STONE OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE CUT WITHOUT HANDS??

Okay - I have to admit that I got blind-sided tonight by my Jewish friend that I work with. I have always marveled at the concept of the corner stone of the temple of Solomon being built of a stone cut without tools/hands and have always been satisfied with some sort of metaphorical reference to Messiach. So my Jewish friend (Elkanah) and I were talking about random subjects and he mentioned that Solomon's Temple was built aided by a "worm". I thought he was just talking gibberish and he challenged me to look this up:

Solomon's Shamir

and this: Legend of Shamir

and this: http://www.varchive.org/ce/shamir/shamir.html

I couldn't believe it. I am not sure how to interpret this - it is about as off the charts unusual as our concept of the Liahona and the Urim and Thummim.

Truly God has been party to some very unusual things that - I feel - belong perfectly at home in this blog for the sensational......

Wood you believe it??? And I thought I had heard it all......

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED - SERENITYLALA CHRISTINE PRINCETON

You're friends on Facebook

Works at Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)

Studied Medicine at Touro University of Nevada-College of Medicine

3 hours ago

 

E

 

I remember reading your LDSFF quotes on Urim and Thummim. I put some of that stuff on the blog, without revealing who the source was. I would love to get your take on that news release about the stone used by Joseph for translation and maybe what your thoughts are on the C&E. You clearly are a descendant of Christ (not sure if you have read the book by Vern Swanson on the topic).

Which one of his stones? Joseph had four. But I am not familiar with the news release on his seer stones.

 

E

 

http://woodyoubelieveit.blogspot.ca/2015/08/a-picture-of-original-seer-stone-used.html

THE WOOD ZONE: A PICTURE OF THE ORIGINAL SEER STONE USED TO TRANSLATE THE BOOK OF MORMON

The stones are cool but I'm more blown away by the Lord touching them with His holy finger to make them shine. From what I can tell reading scriptures, He's the most powerful, unfathomable, solar bank in the universe. The Light and Life of the world. It is said the sun is hollow and when it phases o…

woodyoubelieveit.blogspot.com

I don't know if Facebook is the best place for a discussion abt the C&E... Which time zone are you in? Email me at aprinceton@hotmail.com. I appreciate your kind words but there are so many that come from the Savior's bloodline that you throw a rock you'll hit one. I haven't had a chance to read Swanson's book. But I am interested.

He had one with a hole in its center, a darker one, one that I have never seen and don't know the color of, and an ordinary brown stone. The brown stone was the one he used more exclusively... It's the one Martin Harris switched out with an ordinary rock as a prank to see if Joseph could still translate.

 

E

 

I am in mountain - just moved to Cardston..... We were already headed here before Spencer made it cool....lol I will send a link to Vern's book. It might even blow your mind - the info is off the charts good. His research is unparalleled - and extensive.

My family was told to move to Salmon as a way station to Cardston.

Indeed - the blog post has the church's press release on it and shows the brown stone that you mentioned.

Spencer, or Tom as he is really, said in person Salmon was a place he saw and the Stake president in Challis is preparing for a great influx which will happen within the next five years.

 

E

 

 

That would be Salmon, ID right?

yep

Im in Oklahoma now and will be in NJ for two years due to the Lord's plans but my family are in Salmon

 

E

 

 

You think it would be that far along? Yes, I have been in contact with Tom. We are in the final 14 months of the seven year period. But then, the fallout of this war will be years. I have an 18.5 yo son who will die in battle as a 20 yo. That puts dire things happening within the next year or so. I knew that since I laid hands on him as a baby. We already lost our other son to SIDS - so yeah, great news, eh?

No... When things begin... There are 3.5 years of warning and then 3.5 years of ... Ah how can I put this moderately?... "Outcomes."

yes... We are past Daniel 11:27... And right at the Ezekial

chapter 8 moving to chapter 9

which correlates to revelations chapter 7

my gosh I didn't see the loss of your son part until just now! I'm so sorry.

Call me. It is faster than typing and more filled with the Spirit. 208-446-5004

 

E

 

Will there not be great destruction in the NJ between now and then? I know about the 3.5 years and then the 3.5. I do not know how to do a reader's digest version of this, but I ran across a guy who crunched all the scrips and said in 2005 on youtube that the A/C would ascend temple mount on March 22, 2013, eight years after the release of the youtube. On that date, Obama visited Israel on Passover and caused the sacrifice to cease. I will call.

seriously call me.

Phone die?

 

E

 

Ooops. We just ran out of minutes. My wife is re-charging right now.

Sorry about that. I don't know her phone well....

That's okay. I totally understand. Lol.

What I meant to say I was shown the car I would have... My brother got it for me without me ever describing it or seeing it upon his purchase... My brother has the children he had in the dream... The home in the dream... Distinctive... Never seen its like. We found it by virtue of the Spirit... It is a very unusual and one of a kind home and the Lord miraculously put it into our hands... In Salmon... My family moved to Salmon last December

but you desired to ask abt the C&E...

 

E

 

Wow - you saw that home in Salmon that long before they found it?

Yes... And I never knew it was in Salmon until the real estate dealer showed it to me...my mother said my face turned pale.

years after the dream

 

E

 

Are you positive that you are not supposed to be there sooner? Russia is about to make the move on the USA. Skousen said a dictator would take over the USA, then a natural or manmade disaster would hit and power would then be turned over to a Russian dictator who would take the fight into Europe and down into Israel.

But... That being said. The Lord has asked me to go by myself to NEW JERSEY iINTERJECTED BY ERIC) J... Oh my family own the home. I purchased it for them. It's ours and now we have a few things left to make it ready for the influx.

 

E

 

You have a bunch of Joseph in you (dreams, etc), but I have never met anyone as spiritually powerful as you are. Dead ringer for a descendant of the Savior. Much like Joseph Smith - both lines.

 

You are going directly there (to the NJ - she was talking about New Jersey)?

 

things will happen and martial law will be enacted before I am completely home but I must go and do as the Lord commands me

joseph has been in my dreams a lot yes... But he's really busy now... If he visits someone it is most likely to ordain them to something.

 

E 

 

Wow - you are a brave soul. Amazing faith. Kansas City will take a direct hit, as will Montana north of Great Falls.

Yes... And Colorado too. But before that there will be Isis militias rise up among Americans in large cities. Cleveland Ohio will become desolate with only the buildings standing.

you give me too much credit in the spirituality and bravery arenas. I have cried many a time about going to NJ... But He has asked and I will go because He gives no commandment unto the children of men save He will provide a way for them to accomplish the thing that He will ask.

But I am curious about the descendant thing you mention. Which one of the Savior's wives are you wondering about? Joseph Smith I believe came out of two if not three but I don't know all the details...

 

E

 

Our native friends have seen it - the missiles coming in from the North over Cardston. The ten tribes will come thru here, as well and will follow the Missouri south into the NJ.

wow!!! those details I didn't know.

oh I went back and saw my mistake... You meant Joseph in me, not had visits from Joseph in my dreams..oops sorry... Small phone screen. I better break out the computer

 

E

 

Yep, it will be epic. All of the plains indians here know that when the big one hits, they are to gather just west of Cardston and await the event. Hopefully, the people here will be ready for it. For the most part, they are good, faithful people. Probably the best I have ever been around.

I work with the Kaw and Pawnee plains Indians.. they are as blue eyed and blonde as I am.

 

E

 

The sign is that an old sacred mountain will crumble in the EQ and then they are to gather. They have quite the amazing holy men, as well. Cree Indians. Cool - you are in a clinic on the reservation?

I am working as their physician currently before I leave for NJ... my little bountiful if you will

Yes...

I was told that I would serve the Pawnee, years before I became a physician... and when I was told I was going to be on a reservation. I asked, "Is it the Pawnee?" And the Staffing agency said... "Is there such a tribe.. the surrounding nation is Cherokee..." but then it was the Pawnee like the Lord said it would be

 

E

 

Cool - I just finally figured out that the meso american model was complete bunk. Joseph was right - Zarahemla is just across the river from Nauvoo. We did our church history tour and visited those sites.

Yes... he is correct. And the mountainous range we love to call the rockies was the area that Enoch was from

Joseph left a lot more hints about things than scholars would like to believe

 

E

 

Wow - you are awesome! I would love to have that much foreknowledge. I have to work hard for it. You have an ease with it that I have not seen before in anyone - except Joseph Smith and others. It is a LONELY road.

It is a lonely road... but each of us have different pieces of the puzzle so that we can work with each other.

Where two or more are gathered... the Spirit of the Lord will be

 

E

 

Yep, many scholars have been leading us astray..... VERY frustrating for me. I have learned to trust the intellectuals less and less and seek out people that actually learn by personal revelation. What a concept, eh? Hey, I have a friend who is in the process of receiving her C&E - and has received some sort of witness that she is to be involved in the 144K. She is an elect and trying to figure out why all of the sudden she is having so many revelations and the path she is being led on. I would love to put you in touch with her so she can pick your brain and get some encouragement. She is reading Vern Swanson's book. I can pick out lineages just by interviewing a person - and she is a Fielding - clearly a descendant of Jesus. Just coming awake right now. About three years into the process.....

I have a friend whom has achieved more in terms of the Lord than I could ever dream of achieving in this lifetime... yet, I have one little piece of the puzzle with which the Lord has help him with... Everything else is superior in him by ten-fold... yet, that is how the Lord works.

I believe your talents lie in that which is designed for warriors and priesthood holders through faith and obediance... gods-in-training smile emoticon, if you will.

Wow... your friend sounds like an amazing lady! I would love to meet her

 

E

 

Indeed. I have perfect faith when I need it. When we found our kid, my first call was not to 911, but to my home teacher. I was insistent that we raise him. It was not the Lord's will - but I knew I had the faith to do it. Ever heard of Iohani Wolfgramm? Same kind of belief.

Yes... I know of him quite well. grin emoticon... Yes you are like him

That is where your strength lies and that is the nature of the male or patriarchal priesthood.

So what is the name of Vern Swenson's book?

When did this occur with your son?

 

E

 

Her name is Cherilyn Michelle Kynaston. We are on a FB group - and she was reaching out trying to understand her potential in an experience she had about one year ago. Unfortunately, I am a paygrade or two too low to help her. I need someone way ahead of me to turn her to. Here is a great song she did on the subject as she was striving before she had her first experience in preparation for her C&E: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flgr_2CPTv4&feature=youtu.be

He changes you

More Holiness Give Me

youtube.com

He would be 14 years old today. The next one is about 1.5 years out from being called over..... Ughh.... He is more mortal - so I am concerned about him. Not in the proper state to go over - at least at this point.

 

 

She is a fielding? Hyrum's child?

I'm so sorry.... Are you sure he will be only twenty or look twenty?

That hurts me for you and your wife.

 

E

 

I believe so. One of the elect by blood. Amazing gal. You can feel her spirit in her song - recorded on an iPhone for the RS and put together in three days.... Very talented and smart.

I'm am not a descendant of Joseph's family. Her song is beautiful. I imagine Hyrum would be proud.. or is proud.

 

E

 

We named him after my wife's dad who died in Vietnam - and I had been sick for three days straight. Basically a forced fast as I blessed him and I knew he would suffer the same fate. I knew when our SIDS kid would go to the exact date. As an engineer, I know the statistical odds of getting anything like that right three years in advance are off the charts. It is freaky beyond belief. There almost needs to be a support group for people with gifts - a frank discussion brings blank stares in an EQ lesson..... Cherilyn says the same thing. Feels like a freak - no one believes in gifts any more. She really could use you as a friend right now. I feel like a PA trying to do brain surgery, you know what I mean?

But getting one's C&E is an individual process... the change of heart which she is singing about, is less individual and has similar requirements based on the laws in the temple. The second baptism or I should say the sanctification comes with an individual sacrifice that the Lord chooses for a person.

Im sorry... to bear such knowledge is a heavy burden.

 

E

 

I know, I am a little worried that she is not up for what comes next. It is gut wrenching - all hell can break loose when you state your intent. Staying faithful through it is like riding the tail of a jetliner at altitude with nothing more than a rope to hold on with....

You are different from her as she is different from me. The gift of prophecy is fact... that's just how it manifests as blatant truth and that's it

Your manner of receiving the sorrowful news as almost as you would statistics... is because that is how the warning portion of prophecy feels. It is not a warm fuzzy. It doesn't bring a joyful tear to a person's eye. It is piercing undeniable truth.

Bringing up the gifts of the Spirit in Sunday school will get you blank stares because everyone is at a different learning curve. And even then, not everyone experiences Spiritual things the same. The laws are the same for everyone. The path is the same, it's the individual details that vary

 

E

 

Indeed - it is cold and hard to bear. I have been through so much - and read enough to know that life can be tough (as Joseph and the Savior showed), that I just accept life as it comes. I also gladly accept the blessings for being faithful - which are added witnesses and greater strength.

Indeed - I finally came to that conclusion after years of painful frustration. I love being around gifted people - it lessens the freak effect. It was sad to see LDSFF descend into chaos and faithlessness.

You're right the next part of the process.. involves the law of consecration. It is awful for anyone... Joseph's test was he was asked to give Emma poison. D&C 132 elicits to it. Her's may be as much as losing everything or having to give it away.

 

E

 

Indeed. We have sold everything and were told to make a mobile kitchen among other things. We will likely live in a tent while our things go towards those who are coming in from all directions. Cardston still will go thru a purge.

And it is hard... The system within the organization of the Church.. the way the Lord designed it was that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was to nuture and bear forth the Church of the First born (Rev 12). It is not an end unto itself... and it takes a no-child-left-behind approach in some cases... because some areas may have those still in the early stages governing. But... it is our relationship with Christ and our knowledge that we are to prove them herewith that keeps us going and pressing forward... with a steadfastness in Christ... 2 Nephi 31:20-21 was actually talking to those that had already received their Baptisms of Fire and the Holy Ghost like your friend... on their way, trying to seek the face of Christ their Living God.

 

E

 

She has been blessed with much - and I am afraid that will be the case. She may have to walk away from her family, as well. Her husband is not on board with her process. I do not think he or she expected her to ascend out of that sleepy state and find herself.... Thankfully, my wife is on board with all of my craziness. After I began to hit a solid streak, she began to be a believer. At that point, so did I. God is amazing.... I had no idea. We mature in our gifts often far too late.

Wow... and you speak of me as being faithful?! You are truly faithful! I am grateul to the Lord because of you two.

Yeah, I was about to ask whom is she married to... Because in order to be a part of the "144" one has to be married... So technically it's at least 288,000... So whom was she promised to in exchange? She would know this herself.

 

E

 

So, did you know that the Church just put in plumbing for 6,000 toilets in AOA? I think we are getting so close. Also, a request for bids on a covered arena that will seat tens of thousands for down in the valley. Quietly working away - and most everyone has no clue. The world truly will be unaware of it.

Nice... a couple where two work as one, you don't see that, much anymore. smile emoticon I'm proud of you two. Keep going together. Your wife's faith in the Lord and in you, actually in of itself increases your strength in the priesthood... that is the virtue of the matriarchal order of the priesthood. Faith

Wow... the whole toilets and land thing... Just like the Cardston Temple vision

 

E

 

Not sure - I mentioned this to her. To not give up on her husband - she believes she will be part of the 144K - but I told her she has to do it as a team - and time is short. You will need to ask her this. I think she knows - but she is reluctant to say.

Are you going to be part of the 144K? Or do you have another role in the NJ?

Yep, I keep trying to tell people that we are closer than most think. Just as the decline has accelerated at an alarming rate, the culmination of events will accelerate, as well. It is like drinking from a fire hose.

Oh... Joseph has given wives of less than worthy husbands to those that are worthy all the time. No biggey. If she is worthy then she will be assigned to another whom is worthy of her. I was told once: "A woman is a gift given to a man whom is worthy of her." She is a dominion... and if his priesthood literally can not justly rule or govern that dominion, and she has been faithful, then the Lord will give her to another whom is faithful and able to govern righteously. D&C 121 and D&C 132

My role is...well, I'm a different breed of animal. I go where the wind takes me.... or the Spirit instructs me. I cannot say for sure because I have not received such a dilenating ordination that would describe the exact nature of what the Lord wants me to do. But I will tell you, that the Lord's messengers have come to take me home on a number of occasions and I have told them, "not while the earth stands will I abandon my fellow men. I have work yet to do." What this work is exactly, I don't know and I haven't asked. I don't know if I would like the answer. I didn't much like the idea of going to NJ, though I knew deep down it would happen.

 

E

 

Indeed - you are about the only female on the face of this earth that is not a fundamentalist that has this down correctly. Most cannot take that with any kind of grace. It takes a full understanding of stewardship and Consecration in order to understand it. Having our son taken home to help my G-G Gpa on the other side of the veil taught me we are simply stewards and God will use us as He will in order to fulfill His purposes. Are you going to be part of the 144K or have you other roles? I have received ZERO information beyond what I am doing here in Cardston. I just know that I have been on a major repentance kick lately. If the Lord will use me, I have to be on a higher plane - or I simply will be passed over. A terrestrial state is not an easy thing to go to.

For yourself... wait until the Lord sounds the call for you to speak loudly and succinctly. It's not yet... when that takes place then ears will hear your voice. Right now... most haven't learned exactly how to distinguish the voice of their master from the thousand other voices running around in this world. And when they are ready to hear His voice, they will hear yours. Whether it be the voice of his servants or the voice of the Lord it is the same.

 

E

 

I would rather do the purifying on my own terms - rather than on the Lords' crash course. A purge will occur here in order to get things in running order - but there are SO many other amazing people who have been prepared for their roles. I have such hope and excitement. I never understood why Spencer had to go thru Cardston before going to the NJ. It seemed like a difficult step - other than to provide a refinement to him.

I understand the rules on the other side and how they see marriage and dominions. We add a lot more to it than they do... everything is based on worthiness... and either the law of adoption or another law which I will not mention here. Telestials have trouble understanding terrestials... and therefore they look at them funny or want to kill them... either way, its not fun for the terrestrial. But terrestrials live in the world of justice... they appreciate and esteem celestials, but they do not understand their concept of creation... creation is hard to understand from a stand point other than a celestial's... that's what the laws of chastity and consecration do, is prepare the mind for celestial thinking and creation. Marriage in its entirely is founded upon the principles of creation and dominion and sealing as many as possible to the eternal Father.

 

E

 

Indeed. I was in the temple in 2010 and was fasting and praying asking the Lord what to do. I was in the chapel and asked the Lord to direct my hands as I opened the scrips. They fell open to D&C88:81 and all the other verses greyed out and a light shone on 81. I about flipped out - that has not happened before or since. I then read the rest of the verses about judgment..... Man that was a wakeup call. I have been a blogging fool ever since. I hit one million hits last October after five years of blogging and then will hit the second million in a few days. So excited that I have been able to reach out to people and express my feelings and the Lord's will.

Caveat... telestials that are ready to become terrestrials are the only ones upon the earth in the telestial realm that understand a terrestrial and appreciate them. There lies the distinction... Those whom are ready for the Baptism of Fire and Holy Ghost do not shirk from it but embrace it. YOu being a man, will hear the audible voice of the Lord say unto you, your name followed by "you are clean and then possibly instructions."

Oh NJ! New Jerusalem! Nice! I am sent to New Jersey. And I was using NJ acronym the whole time.. lol... yes, I am behind the times. wink emoticon

 

 

E

Oh, that would be so awesome. I have had the baptism of fire when I was twelve after coming home from Priesthood Session. I was wrought upon so hard, I was unable to move. I asked my Seminary Teacher what was going on, I was kind of worried. She wept. She knew what it was. It stayed with me strongly for three days or more. The only other time I felt the overwhelming love I felt the night our kid died. Amazing embrace of love and fire.

I believe you are well on your way. Use the beattitudes as a step-by-step process in telling where you are at in the process and overlay them with the four laws in the temple the change of robes being the Baptism of Fire

 

E

 

You are AWESOME! I will do so.

Then you are somewhere past "hungering and thirsting after righteousness" in 3 Nephi 12:6 which is the Baptism of Fire step.

But I will tell you... as a man, you must hear the voice bearing record that you are clean. Your wife does not... she can hear it, but it is not necessary for her if she had her endowment taken out before 2001.

 

E

 

Whoa - interesting. It comes to the man in the coupling? And the man takes it to the wife? Through the ordinance we all know about? I will have to think about it a little more - pick out the details of the changes since 2001. They no longer call you in directly? The Church is very large now.

So you are saying you are supposed to go to New Jersey and not Independence on your next move?

Also superimpose 2 Peter chapter 1: 6-10 characteristics step-by-step list over the beatittudes and the temple endowment. Once one hits the law of chastity and the law of consecration... it gets a little slow and becomes an endurance race... so you constantly are wondering, am I making any improvement, am I doing as the Lord asks? This is where the beattitudes and the 2 Peter list come into play. Charity... is an actual gift given by the Savior...

The wife has a different role on her own... both are single even into the first degree of the celestial kingdom. She has differnt gifts given to her in the initiatory than the man. He is awarded the rights to "weaponry", she is pronounced clean there in initatory. Women are saved in childbearing and other associated things. For women whom are single and without children there are other things the Lord has them do. Men must be cleansed from the blood and sins of this generation by the "sweat of their brow" so to speak in spreading the gospel. women do not have that requirement

Yes... I will be sent for two years to New Jersey on the New York border. I blame Joseph. lol... Okay I don't blame him for this, but that is near his old stomping ground.... so I can *laughingly* and tasingly "blame" him for it. wink emoticon

teasingly not tasingly lol

 

 

E

 

How much longer will you be in Oklahoma? Do you know? I am not sure that NY will be wiped out here shortly. I was just there - it is the city that will fall in one hour.

Are you central time? You probably need to turn in for the night? Or are you on a late shift?

I will be in Oklahoma until October 24th then I fly back home to grab my things and make the trek from Idaho to New Jersey. I will be working in Christ Hospital in Jersey City NJ for two years until October 31st 2017. That's my contract time... I am not sure if things will last that long, but I can not say for sure one way or another. And no, if you are still wondering if I am one of the 144,000.... no... I'm a... little uh... different.

I do have to go.... but you've had one final question that you have been holding off on and I must stay up until you ask it. So ask away...

smile emoticon

 

E

 

How are you different? Are you not married at this point - or do not expect to be when that occurs? What did you mean by that?

Different is different.

Okay - I will leave it at that. 

 

E

 

When can you talk with Cherilyn? She says that Thursday night after 9pm is good for her.

No, I am not married. But that doesn't have to do with anything... I belong to someone, I just haven't married my intended yet and if it never occurs in this life, I am not concerned... Like I said, they've come to take me home several times, but I will not leave my fellowmen while the earth stands and I will serve until the end.

After 9pm? I think I can manage that. I don't work on Friday, but I am traveling to Texas because some rowdy people have been so kind to teach me archery for free and fencing, and I adore them. lol. Give her my phone number

LOL... Sorry typing doesn't come off as gentle as it is when one is speaking... I hope none of that sounded curt.. it wasn't at all... I'm not even bothered by the whole married-unmarried thing. lol

I've already been spoken for and I just shrug at the rest. LOL. I guess the things of the Lord are matter-of-fact to me anymore. lol

 

E

 

Wow - is your health good? Or have they just shown up in good health and asked you to go? That is cool - and yes there is agency involved. I was supposed to go in place of my son. My wife was given the opportunity to choose that it not be me. It was the most amazing, affirming thing I can imagine. I KNOW God lives - and that he loves us. I will pass her number on to you. I would love to be in on it - so I could learn - but you may be able to have a much better conversation one on one. Thank you for your time. I have much to study and ponder on.

You are amazing - you are the first female I have met who completely gets it. Amazing. God bless you in all your endeavors, large and small.

I am... uh... one moment healthy as a horse and the next they could stop my heart and it would be an ordinary thing. I do feel sorry for the messengers that plead with me to come home... I'm not the most understanding when it comes to their desires. I have my own agenda. I want to finish what I started and I will finish it unless the Lord Himself drags my behind going, I'm not leaving without a fight... or else this probation would have been wasted for me.

lol... when you've been to, seen the otherside as much as I have, it becomes normal. I have no worries concerning those things. I worry that I will not do enough here.

 

E

 

Wow - that is awesome. I am somewhat lost as to what I am to do. I know I should be over there - but still seek direction on what to do over here. If asked, I would gladly go where that love and warmth are. It is intoxicating - luring. BUT - at the same time, I know there is going to be one heck of an adventure here for those who stay. That was Cherilyn's prayer - she wanted to stay for the whole enchilada. And got a witness that she would and some kind of sealing to that effect.

In a family... when work has been done on the otherside in the family's line... a male or two must be taken in order to balance the work. It happened in Wilford Woodruff's family. Your child also chose it to be himself... and blessed is he for the work he is doing! What a strong man he must be! But your wife's faith... the prayers of a virtuous daughter of God are extraordinarily powerful if directed towards that which is righteous. Hyrum and Joseph's mother saved their lives numerous times because of her faith. The most important one was during Zion's camp. They were healed the instant Hyrum had a vision of their mother praying under a tree over them.

Wow... I'm liking this Cherilyn more and more... wink emoticon

 

E

 

Indeed. She is an amazing woman. But you will learn little from her - and she will need instruction like you have given me.

This is for your wife: A wife, a daughter, a sister, and a mother.... a woman's prayers on behalf of the men around her and her belief in their goodness and their priesthood makes them stronger and more powerful in the priesthood. That is your role. A shield maiden if you could call it a metaphor. The men face the outside threats and your strength gives them added strength... it is your belief in them and God that makes them greater... literally.... Consider it as you would faith as is described in the Lessons on Faith... Faith is a force... a power of action... an actual thing. Therein lies the unspoken portion of the matriarchal priesthood. YOur strength becomes theirs... why else does the prayers of virtuous daughters reach teh Lord's ears with such great speed... is because their faith in the Lord increases Him and His cause.

This is my duty... my right. I will strengthen as many as it needs be and take care of their wounds as they battle helping, until the women in their lives come to that understanding which the adversary has blinded them too. The adversary would have women believe that they are nothing without their husbands or even superior to men or that they have to be the same as men. NO no no. We are different. Unique. We work in groups. We pray in groups. We have faith in those we love and strengthen them and soothe them. The natural soothing power in one woman is enough to heal a household. The priesthood of men is strengthened and sustained by it... When your husband gives a blessing, it is best that you are there at his side with your faith strengthening his and you will see him physically and spiritually expand like you have never seen before. And thus increases his and your dominion.

We teach other women this these principles and they teach other women.

So when people ask me if I am part of the 144... my response is that I am a woman... I will do as my Lord asks of me. I am not... I am different.

 

E

 

When the decision was made who it would be, all three of us (my dad, my son and I) were all sick. My dad's Gpa, former patriarch of Cedar City Stake called us all in (my dad saw it in vision) and we were all interviewed. Gave our answers. My dad said the last one there was one who looked like I did when I was 25 - just a little taller and broader in the shoulder. He was taken two weeks later. I told my mom after the funeral that she was next that she had about six months before she was called home. A week short of six months, she was called home. They both came back to give my dad a message about being able to re-marry after it was over. It was exactly as I had been given it in the dream the night our boy died of SIDS. Statistically speaking - off the charts. No question that God lives - you might say I have a perfect knowledge of it. I do not need to see Him to know that. I wish I could pass that knowledge along to everyone I meet. The blog is the best I can do for now.

This exact thing occurred during Wilford Woodruff's time and he recorded it in his journal. There are always three candidates called. The interviewer interviews them... it is weighed whether or not their work on one side of the veil or the other is greater. Then one is taken at the appointed time, because to them over there: it's like walking from room to room or from house to house or from state to state. One stays in Idaho and the other moves to New Jersey. Your mother is a good woman. A very good woman. And so is your wife.

 

E

 

My wife is a survivor of sexual abuse (her step father who had just baptized her), so her faith in men has been in trouble for years. She is the strongest woman I know - she has just been beaten to a pulp in life and she still powers on. When she prays over me, I can feel it. I note the time and then later ask her if she was praying for me. Indeed - she was - and I know it.

This is how it is with men... called to callings. They just come and get us women. It's kind of funny really... I wasn't in a particularly polite mood when one male angel came to bring me home... I was exasperated and told HIM to go home, if he wanted someone to go.

She is most definitely a strong woman... and that explains the impressions of the Lord to give her the matriarchal priesthood "spiel"... not very many are to be taught such a thing... not very many at all.

I have got to go soon... there is one more question.

Tell me, what is that burning question that you hold so close to your heart?

 

E

 

LOL - that is awesome. I remember reading your experiences with angels on LDSFF and have held you in the highest regard since. How many others are there out there like you?

I cannot ask you here. Do you know what it is?

I have learned enough for a weeks worth of study on C&E. Maybe a month's worth - but I cannot ask it unless you broach it.

Can I paste this conversation for Cherilyn to read so she can use it to formulate her questions when she calls you?

LOL... oh I feel sorry for the angels that come to deliver messages to me... I am not penitent. I've been known to: glomp, tell them they're fatter than I remembered (that was to Joseph Smith himself), that they smelled funny like lilies (Poor Hyrum got both the glomp and "you smell funny"... glomped the just-man-made perfect right out of the poor guy), asked them a thousand questions, stopped talking with them about their message and spent the time instead inquiring from the HOly Ghost what I wanted to know... okay, I could go on, but man, I realize how naughty of a child I can be.. poor messengers.

 

E

 

Wow - I would give much to ask questions as you have. So would my wife. Are you going to be sealed to Joseph or Hyrum? As many have post-humously?

You are almost too good for this world.

Some simply cannot be kept here. "Spencer" is one of them.

She can have full access to this conversation if she likes. I was assuming it was about the C&E... but all I can say is "what is wanted?" It doesn't work the other way around. But... it does when a messenger comes to speak to you... you test them as if you are in the place of the Lord.. and remember above all else, their relationship with Christ distinguishes them as His messengers... THat is your failsafe question if you do not recognize them immediately: "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY name by which we can be saved?"

Sealed to Hyrum or Joseph? What made you ask that? That was your wife's question, lol... she asked that one.

I would love to talk with you guys as much as the Lord permits. YOu are good and blessed people whom have suffered much but are still faithful. You were exactly what I needed.

lol... the Smith brothers put up with me enough. lol

 

E

 

No - it is just that you will need to be with someone who is leaps and bounds above you. There are few in this world who will fit that bill. Soon, 70% of the males will be gone, and few will remain until the resurrection gets into full swing and good ones are called from the grave - and those who will, receive those who were promised to them. I am not even sure I will make it. I have gotten no promise. Just directives that I am to be here in Cardston. The collapse will happen soon - I will share my 777 "prophecy" on our next chat. The world economy will not make it past the next July. the crash started on 7/7/15. I felt the first one in 2001. I have blogged it all. I knew it when I came home from being set apart into the EQ and still had the spirit of prophecy about me - it lingers after events like that and I use it to look into the future. I COMPLETELY get Joseph. He is my brother. But I am nothing - and would be glad to eat the crumbs from his table...

I just want you to know that I love you guys and feel the Lord's love for you. It is a blessing to see His hand in your lives and guiding you.

LOl... I will say that I have had my share of proposals.. and leave it at that. lol.

Yes... the Spirit of prophecy lingers... it is probably the most amazing but peculiar aspects of the Spirit.

No one is nothing... Everyone has a part, for good or for bad.

 

E

 

Okay - I was going to say. How do you manage to remain single with your gifts?? I MUST let you go. Thanks again for your willingness to entertain Cherilyns' questions. She, like me is simply thirsting for more light and knowledge.