Eve Out of The Garden

Mormons, Baptisms, and the Dead - a Voice of Reason

2012-02-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

Mormons are in the news again -- Elie Weisel (bless his heart), demanded that Mitt Romney get his church to stop baptizing the dead. Romney's campaign referred all calls to Church Headquarters. It's as illogical as demanding that Rick Santorum get his Catholic church -- the Pope -- to stop infant baptism.

Granted, baptisms for those who are deceased sounds kind of deranged -- like a zombie apocalypse -- but it's based on 1st-century Christian practice. The apostle Paul wrote, “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:29)

Baptism is a big deal in most churches. It's always been a big concern; if you weren't baptized before you died, you were in big trouble, consigned to purgatory or some awful fate, like hell.

“Historically, Christians have been exclusive,” says Terryl Givens, an expert on Mormonism at the University of Richmond.“'Catholics have taught that only Catholics are saved, and evangelicals say only if you confess according to their tradition. Mormons say,... salvation is open to all people.’

'In that sense Mormonism is the most nonexclusive religion in the Christian world,' Givens says." (CNN)

Agency is a primary principle in Mormon doctrine. The purpose of this life is to provide space and time to make choices. Therefore, it's against our theology to force anyone to do anything, especially join the Church. All participation is voluntary -- baptism, church attendance, temple marriage, tithing. You're invited to come to the party (or not); it's your choice, in this life and the next. But we don't want to leave anyone out that may want to come.

“'This is about putting names on the guest list,' says Terryl Givens. 'They might not go to the party, but they are given the chance.’"

Yesterday, hubby and I went to the temple. We added his great uncle, Harry Savage, to the guest list. Yep, that's right, Uncle Harry Savage. Sorry, there Harry, I can't help but chuckle over that name.
We also included his wife, Florence. They can accept it or not.

Mormons believe that after death you go to a spirit world before the final judgement. A world that is much like this one, where our ancestors are interacting, studying, learning, and possibly accepting greater light and knowledge. (1 Peter 4:6) If they do accept the gospel, that saving ordinance is performed -- through proxy baptisms.

"It presents the gospel of Christ in probably a more enlarged scale than some have imagined it." (Joseph Smith, Rough Stone Rolling)

Since 1995, Baptism of Holocaust victims is strictly forbidden. ( statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

12th Century Christian baptismal font (Temple Study)

And a little humor, because as I've said it is good and Godly to have humor: I love this --

Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons

Get your Big Government Nose Out of My Lunch

2012-02-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

In a North Carolina public school, Mr. Big Nose, Government Inspector snooped in the lunch bag of a 4-year old, Pre-K student. Finding a home-made turkey and cheese sandwich, banana, potato chips and apple juice not up-to-snuff with the Department of Health and Human Services standards and the USDA, he ordered the mandated federal cafeteria "school lunch" for the bewildered little girl. What did she do? She ate three chicken nuggets and took her own lunch home, untouched. The milk and veggie that was on the tray got dumped in the trash. According to our government, meals must include one serving each of meat, milk and grain and two servings of fruit or vegetables.

I don't know which is worse -- government agents telling a child that her mommy is wrong -- "your mother's lunch is not healthy, and you must eat the school lunch," causing undue stress for a young 4-year old, or government agents not recognizing a healthy lunch. Truly, this must be a science fiction novel, on par with Orwell's 1984 or Huxley's Brave New World. But truth be told, this story is real-life, 2012 -- big government pushing it's way into family life, and telling parents how it is. Welcome to Obama's new direction for America.

There is a new federal law backing this up, too. It's not free either, you get charged for the lunch. Here's a note the school sent home to parents: letter

One of my favorite scenes from The Ghostbusters -- Mr. Government Inspector shuts down the containment unit:

Vintage Valentines --What Are You Saying?

2012-02-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

I think I may have figured out why Valentine's Day can be stressful. I was looking through vintage valentines and discovered that Valentines have mixed messages. This could be the root of the problem -- and it goes back many generations. Take a look at some of these messed-up missives from days gone by:

I like you so much I won't sneeze on you?

I'm a perfect egg?

Who likes to be called Toots?

Hmmm... no foursome--

Sorry I broke your heart, now let me mend it?

I love kickin' your heart around?

You're my Cheesy Valentine?

I do tricks?

Ah, please hit my dog with a stick?

I was looking for honey, but oh well, you'll do?

Hmm. yea, this must have been written by a man--

I'll be your maid and clean up after you?

(I would give my hubby this one, kind of cute.)

Valentine's Day has a convoluted history, so maybe we can blame it on that -- this gives you a good understanding, and good luck and choosing a card:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries -- Recipe

2012-02-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
These are simple to make, you only need two ingredients and you can feel justified in eating most of them yourself. Perfect for Valentines Day and my birthday. Here's what you need:

1. Fresh Strawberries
2. Milk Chocolate chips or Dark Chocolate Chips (choose a quality chocolate -- Guittard is the same chocolate used by Sees and is available at many grocery stores)

Directions:
1. Wash and dry the strawberries. Make sure they are dry before dipping. Give them time to dry on a paper towel.

2. Melt the chocolate chips in a glass bowl in the microwave or in a double boiler over the stove. Stir until all chips have melted. If using microwave, set it on 2 minutes first, and then check and stir. Do not over heat. The chips should still hold their shape, but be melted enough to stir to a smooth consistency. And do not add any water or anything else -- just melt the chocolate.

3. Dip each strawberry and set them on parchment paper to set. Place them in the refrigerator to chill and set up further.

Mormons and Catholics -- Uncle Sam's Troublesome Bedfellows

2012-02-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

It was the 1870's and political cartoonist Thomas Nast, an implacable foe of both Mormons and Irish Catholics penned the question in Harper's Weekly -- "Religious Liberty is Guaranteed--But Can We Allow Foreign Reptiles To Crawl All Over US?" He branded both religions as "foreign" threats to liberty -- The Roman Church depicted as a crocodile and The Mormon Church as a turtle crawling over the Capitol.

Uncle Sam was bothered by several minority groups. Mormons were one of them. In 1879, the San Francisco Wasp published a cartoon showing 5-minorities troubling Uncle Sam.

It seems rather dated; but maybe not. Our current President is giving Catholics the boot by insisting they cover abortions in their healthcare plans. Mormons and other conservatives are getting the boot for wanting to maintain the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

The 2012 political cartoon by Ramirez, shows the government (Obama) has taken the position of "Church":

Mormons were a persecuted group and forced to leave any town they called home. It was hoped the Mormons would find their own homeland -- "The Lord intends that WHITE FOLKS, and not the Mormons, shall possess this goodly land." (Missouri). (Bennett, History of the Saints, p.193)

Harper's Weekly expressed a similar feeling:

"A new programme for the Mormons is indicated. It is now proposed that they shall emigrate to one of the East India islands, and reliable information is said to have been received that they will do so." (Harper's Weekly, 21 July 1860, p. 454)

The Wasp was a San Francisco weekly publication named after the insect -- implying the satirical magazine had a mighty sting. It could as easily been named after White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestants of the time. Those who did not fall into the WASP category were grouped together for ridicule and persecution.

"The Three Troublesome Children" Drawn by Frederick Keller for The Wasp, December 16, 1881.

Mormons, Abortion and Mitt Romney

2012-02-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

Mormons are different from Catholics and Evangelical Christians and maybe other Christians. We believe that a woman may be justified in seeking abortion, if she has been raped, or if her life is in jeopardy, or the child is so severely deformed, he/she will not survive birth.

Rick Santorum and Newt are asserting--very aggressively--that Romney supported abortion when he was Governor of Massachusetts. However, Santorum and Gingrich are wrong.

Here's what really happened:

Romney--elected Governor in Massachusetts--acted like a Conservative Republican. He vetoed a bill that required hospitals to provide emergency contraception to rape victims--because its not the state's responsibility. But the state legislature overruled his veto.

The state legislature, not Romney, forced Catholic hospitals to provide contraception to rape victims.

Regarding Romney's personal view on the subject, he declared, "My personal view, in my heart of hearts, is that people who are subject to rape should have the option of having emergency contraception..." (Romney, 2005)

Santorum is distorting the truth by ignoring the Romney veto. Nevertheless, Mitt's personal view is well in line with Mormon doctrine.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has consistently opposed elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Members must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion." (LDS.org)

The Mormon Church recognizes that there are rare cases when abortion may be justified:

1. A Pregnancy that resulted from rape or incest.
2. A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy.
3. A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive.

These "are not automatic reasons for abortion. Even in these cases, the couple should consider abortion only after consulting with each other, and their bishop, and receiving divine confirmation through prayer. The practice of elective abortion is fundamentally contrary to the Lord’s injunction, ‘Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.’" (LDS.org)

I don't know when the spirit enters the physical body, nor does the Mormon church claim to know. We believe that we existed before birth--that we are not "created" for the first time at conception. We each lived as a spirit, with a body of spiritual matter, similar in shape and form to our physical body.

I know of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant. After much prayer and counsel with her doctor, it was determined that she had to start chemo-therapy immediately, and therefore had to abort. This was an exception and all her Mormon neighbors rallied around to provide comfort. She recovered, became pregnant again, delivered a healthy son, who is today serving a mission in the Philippines. Maybe that aborted pregnancy, resulted in this spirit still being born to her at a later time. God is in charge of these things. We existed before birth. She had righteous desires.

Catholic churches and hospitals should not be forced to do anything against the dictates of their faith. There are other hospitals with other options. Romney supports this freedom. "On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will eliminate the Obama administration rule that compels religious institutions to violate the tenets of their own faith."

Meanwhile, most of the 1.2 million abortions performed yearly in the United States would not be exempted by any of the exceptions identified above.

Image: Oakland Temple, Oakland California

Kickin' Mormonism

2012-02-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Mormon issue is in the news everyday. The media and Christians can't leave it alone since Mitt Romney announced his run for President. You read all kinds of things, some positive and some negative. You find Christians who can't vote for a Mormon and you hear people who claim they know all about the Mormon religion and how truly "whacked" we are. Some even hate us. There are anti-Mormons just as there are anti-Semites.

But some have come to our defense -- like Dennis Prager and Michael Medved and Hugh Hewitt and others.

When there was a great public outcry for Romney to release his tax returns, the only thought that went through my mind, was, well I hope he paid his tithing (and of course his taxes.) Turns out he paid his tithing and generously donated to charity.

It Reminds me of a Brigham Young quote,

"Every time you kick Mormonism you kick it upstairs..."

The story goes like this-- A gentleman said to Brigham Young,

"You 'Mormons' scare us. You are here in the mountains, and this expedition would not have been sent against you, but you frighten us by taking such big strides. 'Mormonism' is but a few years old, and it has circumscribed the globe...

To which Brigham replied, "If the people will let us alone, we will preach the Gospel in peace, civilly, kindly, mildly;... But will they let us alone? No. And you think we take large strides."

He rose from his chair, saying, "You take ten or twelve strides at once...Every time you kick 'Mormonism,' you kick it up stairs: you never kick it down stairs...let me tell you that what our Christian friends are now doing for us, makes more for the kingdom of heaven than the Elders could in many years preaching." (JD 7:145)

Brigham Young had quite a sense of humor, he claimed the Mormons would settle back and be less committed if left alone,

"Let us alone, and we will send Elders to the uttermost parts of the earth, and gather out Israel, wherever they are; and if you persecute us, we will do it the quicker, because we are naturally dull when let alone, and are disposed to take a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little rest. If you let us alone, we will do it a little more leisurely; but if you persecute us, we will sit up nights and preach the Gospel." (JD 2:320.)

Brigham Young:

Missouri Anti-Mormons and Slavery

2012-02-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Anti-Mormon sentiments are nothing new to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1836 their anti-slavery position put them at odds with Missouri. Joseph Smith was an abolitionist. His Presidential platform for The United States included this view.

Missouri mobs forced Mormons from their homes in Jackson County, in 1833, leaving them penniless. And although they found refuge in Clay County, Missouri, where the people were kind and helpful, three years later, that anti-slave question loomed. The South and Andrew Jackson were trying to squelch all petitions to end the slave trade. The citizens of Clay convened a public meeting in Liberty, Missouri, and came to the consensus, that Mormons must get out of town --they

"are eastern men, whose manners, habits, customs and even dialect, are essentially different from our own... they are non-slave holders, and opposed to slavery; which, in this peculiar period, when abolition has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding prejudices." (Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, p. 327, quote from Messenger and Advocate, 1836)

In June 1836, the Clay County Committee voted for the Mormons to leave. The citizens did not force them out by mob, but gave them time to sell their property, but leave they did. "The religious tenets of this people are so different from the present churches of the age, that they always have and always will, excite deep prejudices against them."(ibid, p. 328)

English: Slaves Waiting for Sale - Richmond, Virginia. Oil, 20¾ x 31½ inches. Painted upon the sketch of 1853

The Abolition Garrison in Danger and the Narrow Edge of the Scotch Ambassador, Boston, Oct. 21, 1835

The Abolition of the Slave Trade' (The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840), by Benjamin Robert Haydon (died 1846).

Doris Day in "Calamity Jane"

2012-02-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Doris Day said that this was one of her favorite musicals. She loved playing the tomboy, "Calamity Jane". Maybe that's because she saw herself as bit of a tomboy, as a young girl. She said in her biography that

"I loved portraying Calamity Jane, who was a rambunctious, pistol-packing prairie girl (I lowered my voice and stuck out my chin a little)."

The prairie girl gets a makeover when her new roommate dresses her in a feminine yellow frock -- tomboy goes girly. But before Wild Bill gets to enjoy the new look, Calamity falls into a muddy creek, storming into the cabin covered in mud.

Doris enjoyed the makeup/dressup for this scene, commenting on the mud bath the crew had prepared for her:

“It’s wonderfully warm, though a bit lumpy. This is like walking around in fudge. You must give me your recipe, boys.”

Then they dropped her further into the mud and the director gave her a bucket of water to further enhance the look:

“How times change. As a little girl I was scolded for getting my party dress dirty while playing in the mud. Now I get paid for doing the same thing.”

In her biography, Doris says that a woman is either an outdoorsy type or an indoorsy type, and that she is definitely an outdoorsy type.

The movie was shot in 1953 and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, Secret Love, which became Doris Day's third million-plus recording.

The story was based on the life of Calamity Jane (Martha Jane Canary Burke) and her alleged romance with Wild Bill Hickok (James Butler Hickok) (played by Howard Keel.)

The real Martha Canary, 1852-1903, ("Calamity Jane"), full-length portrait, seated with rifle as General Crook's scout:

The real Wild Bill Hickok:

Doris as Calamity Jane:

Doris Day as Calamity Jane and Howard Keel as Bill Hickok:

Mitt's Secret Service

2012-01-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing my sons got this photo op with Mitt Romney in 2007, because starting tomorrow he'll be flanked by Secret Service Agents.

All my kids take an avid interest in politics and current events. I think home schooling has had a hand in that.

I can't help but wonder how the security situation works when the Romneys go to church or the temple.
Maybe they assign the Mormon Secret Service guys to hover around. They kind of look like missionaries, but I think they pack something other than scriptures. When my son was serving his mission in Moldova (a former Soviet satellite) he was often mistaken for an American CIA agent.

Michelle Obama's $50,000 Lingerie Stimulus Package

2012-01-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

It's not the best time for Mrs. Obama to get caught in her knickers -- knickers as in fancy shmancy lingerie -- $50,000 dollars worth in one shopping spree. Now that's a stimulus package. Wow. Her budget for panties and bras would pay off my small business debt. I read the article to my hubby and he took a renewed interest in the first lady.

It was reported that New York closed down a section of Madison Avenue while First Lady, Michelle Obama and Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah, shopped the high-end lingerie store -- Agent Provocateur -- provocative to be sure. The store advertises to have the "sexiest lingerie in the world". I've never heard of this exclusive store, but I've done my homework to keep abreast of the first lady's bra and pantie preferences.

The website for this lingerie sells $200 bras, $1500 corsets and $100 pasties. Yep, that's what I said, pasties -- those are little, very little in the way of a bra, as it only covers the nipples -- pasted on I presume. The online website has a model posed with horse halters, reins and a nice little whip. Now I'm all for keepin' the sex alive in your marriage, but not for $50,000.

No wonder they want to raise taxes. This must be the President's $50,000 stimulus.

Homemade Olive Oil & Beeswax Balm

2012-01-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

I use this as a rich creamy lotion -- beeswax, olive oil, avocado oil and walnut oil. So, yes it has more of an oily feel, but it absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving it soft and scented. It also works great as a lip balm. The beeswax melts into the oils and as it cools, the mixture becomes a creamy, buttery balm. Add an essential oil of rose or lavender and you have a sweet smelling body cream. It's super easy to make -- you melt it, mix it, and store it in a one pint jar. No mess.

Olive Oil Beeswax Balm

1 c. olive oil

1/4 c. walnut oil

1/4 c. avocado oil

1/2 c. beeswax

20 drops essential oil

Directions:

1. Combine oils and beeswax into a pint sized canning jar.

2. Put this jar into a saucepan and fill the saucepan with water until it comes 3/4 of the way up the canning jar, being careful not to get water into the oil mixture.

3. Put on the stove over medium/low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until melted.

4. Remove from stove. Add essential oil. Let cool to room temperature either by leaving out or quicken the process by putting into the refrigerator. During the cooling process, put a fork into the jar and stir vigorously every 15 minutes or so.

You may use all olive oil, or other oils such as almond oil. Avocado oil has been used for eczema and other skin ailments. It's high in unsaturated fats and vitamin E and edible, of course. Walnut oil is extracted from English Walnuts and is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 essential oils. This oil has also been used for finishing woodwork, especially surfaces that come in contact with food, as it is edible. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest grade olive oil and the least processed.

Newt Thinks His Affairs Make Him Better Than Romney

2012-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Newt says he's more "normal" than Mitt Romney because he's cheated on his wives and divorced them. If you only have sex with your wife, you just can't relate to people. It's Newt's explanation of why he got the Evangelical vote and the party of "family values". He said most "normal" people have had "sad moments" in their life, implying that Mitt hasn't had any sad moments, having stayed faithful to his wife. Sure, no sadness during his mission in France.

"So, I think in that sense, it may make me more normal than somebody who wanders around seeming perfect and maybe not understanding the human condition and the challenges of life for normal people." (Newt, CBN Interview)

"Weirdo Mitt Romney and the wife he doesn't cheat on because he's abnormal."

I'm glad I belong to a religion that encourages this kind of "abnormal" behavior, so I can "wander around" and not understand the challenges of life. Yea, I've never had any sad moments.

Found this one of Mitt and Ann:

No South Carolina Mob = No Demagogue

2012-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

I loved the debate without the noise and clamor of the audience to distract us from the real reason to watch a debate -- to hear the opinions of the candidates, without signals to applaud or boo. I share this post written by Z.H.--

dem·a·gogue: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

There were no jeers. No cat calls. No carnival show. Newt didn't know what to do with the sober audience of Tampa, Florida. It was like watching a ring master with no circus clowns to distract the masses from the absurdity of his country circus show. The man who touted himself as the debate king who was challenging anyone with a pulse to a debate fight fell flat on his face tonight without his mob behind him to boo his rivals and applaud his immorality. The politics of envy and resentment held little sway without his South Carolina pep rally crowd...

Republicans should be very wary of an angry mob and even more cautious of a dubious demagogue who's rhetoric is contrary to conservatism and republicanism as we know it. There is a strong tradition in the Republican party that the GOP tent is vast and includes conservatives, independents, and a lot of dissatisfied Democrats...This isn't the angry white mans party that Gingrich portrays. It never was!

This is an election for the soul of America... click here to read more.

-- Z.H., guest post

Blast From the Past Bath -- 1950's Bathtub

2012-01-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've never seen a bathtub like this, except in my childhood home. Yep, it's the same tub, circa 1950's -60's. Cast iron, enamel. In fact, I'm visiting my mom, and it still looks and works as good now as it did then. Sometimes the saying, "they don't make them like they used to" is true.

These flashbacks are almost like eating comfort food -- good memories when I was a young child, with little to worry about, and totally unaware of the world's problems.

When The Bible Belt Votes

2012-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Instead of voting for the Mormon man, or the nice Catholic boy, the Bible-belt voted for an angry man (with his trophy wife standing beside), whom he won by cheating on his second wife, won by cheating on his first wife.

I can just see what the liberal media will do with Newt if he runs against Obama. Even I will feel ashamed to be a Republican.

RightSpeak.net

Feature Photo: H/T Scott Conroy of Real Clear Politics

Winston Churchill Quote -- Truth Gets His Pants On

2012-01-19T09:41:00.000-08:00

It is a great characteristic -- honesty. It covers a lot of territory. You can be trusted. A person that lies is never trustworthy. You never know a truth from a lie. In fact, lying damages not only the person for whom the untruth is told, but it damages the perpetrator as well. Both parties are damaged. But the person that lies is the more damaged.

In the tradition of the American Native tribes, "speaking with forked tongue" means lying, and a person found guilty of this was no longer considered worthy of trust. This phrase became popular in early America as well. If you spoke with straight tongue, you told the truth, forked tongue you lied.

One of the reasons a lie is so bad -- it gives people the opportunity to believe it or even question it, even after the truth replaces it.

"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." Winston Churchill --

Images: Winston Churchill

Hugh Nibley -- Why Was I Put in This Situation?

2012-01-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

For my Hugh Nibley fans, I've updated my MP3 library. I have the rest of the Book of Mormon to upload and then three more talks to share with you, but I have added some files that were missing.

One of my favorite Nibley quotes -- "Why was I put in this situation?" It's from the video, Faith of an Observer when Nibley shares his World War II experiences. He was part of the military intelligence, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division -- the Screaming Eagles. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, he was selected to be one of the first few to hit the Utah Beach in Normandy. What an assignment of doom.

"I'll tell you if there was anything that puzzled me all the time I was there, I would say, 'What on earth am I doing here? Why was I put in this situation?' I felt I was just an observer. 'Why, am I being shown this awful stuff? I don't want to see it!' " (Hugh Nibley)

When life serves up some difficult experiences, I try to say that to myself, "Why was I put in this situation?" God must want me to learn something.

You can read about World War II experiences in "Sergeant Nibley Memories of an Unlikely Screaming Eagle." It's a really fun read, written by his son.

Complaints About Romney -- No Fire and Brimstone From Mormons

2012-01-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

Conservative columnist Jonah Goldberg says Mitt Romney "... seems more like a super-helpful manager at a rental car company than a fire-and-brimstone preacher." It was one of his criticisms. It seems like a good quality. Who doesn't appreciate a super-helpful manager? Who wants a fire-and-brimstone preacher? According to "Pollyanna", that's synonymous with Sunday sour stomach.

Unlike preachers like Billy Graham or Pat Robertson, Mormon leaders don't preach; they talk. Mormons don't have a paid clergy; bishops and stake presidents have other jobs to support their families. They may serve as a bishop for three years, a stake president for ten years, like Romney did, and then serve in the Primary, teaching kids, or in the nursery, babysitting 2-year olds.

There's no theological school where Mormons are taught to become orators. Mormons don't give sermons--they give talks. In fact, all members from age 3 and up give a talk about once a year. There's no clapping in a Mormon Chapel. It is quiet after members speak. We don't give fire-and-brimstone sermons. Frankly, that sort of thing would give me "sour stomach" too.

What would Jonah Goldberg say if Romney preached hell-fire and damnation?

Here's two examples -- A Mormon talk and an Evangelical Preacher --

President Thomas Monson:

Billy Graham, Evangelical Preacher:

Featured Image: Wikimedia

Christians Who Can't Vote for a Mormon

2012-01-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

A frenzied "Christian" man called a talk radio show and said he would never vote for a Mormon because they believe in some crazy things, like God lives on Kolob (not quite right), they believe you can progress to become like God (well, hopefully, but not in this lifetime), Lucifer and Jesus were brothers (well, that we do believe),and then he said, Mormons are "whacked." He said it several times, emphatically.

Jewish Radio commentator, Dennis Prager asked the frenzied man if he believed Jews will go to heaven. "Well, no," he said. Mormons? "No. Only Christians go to heaven."

Dennis pointed out that Christians can believe in some far-fetched stories -- Jesus died on the cross and then raised himself from the dead three days later. Jews don't believe that, but they believe that Moses parted the sea and God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac on an altar. Why can't Mormons or other religions have far-fetched stories as well?

I'm a Mormon and I can tell you that I could vote for a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist...who shares my values. I also believe that good people of all faiths and walks of life, that live righteously to the best of their knowledge, will go to heaven. Mormons do not believe that only Mormons go to heaven. Babies and young children that die -- no matter what faith, go to the highest of heavens. We are much more inclusive. There are many mansions in heaven. There are many good people and God is the Father and God of these people.

Mormons do not attack other people for their beliefs -- we let them worship as they please. Sure, we share our beliefs, but we don't tell you you're going to hell if you don't believe it.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Joseph Smith, 11th Article of Faith)

At our church meetings, the presidential race isn't even mentioned, our leaders are very careful not to ever endorse a candidate. We actually keep politics and religion much further apart than our worried Christian friends.

German Lilli Doll Was First Barbie

2012-01-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Barbie began as Lilli. Or, Lilli inspired Barbie. How ever you look at it, Barbie has a past that's linked to the Bild-Lilli Doll of Germany. First Lilli was a comic, a pin-up girl, drawn by cartoonist, Reinhard Beuthien for the newspaper tabloid, Bild-Zeitung in Hamburg Germany.

Lilli was lookin' so smokin' hot that someone (most likely a male) envisioned her in 3-D, in the form of a novelty doll. Lilli on paper became Lilli the doll, in sizes 7-1/2 inches and 12 inches, available in smoke shops and targeted for the male buyer, as kind of a gag gift. It was 1955, and no one knew that this sexy pin-up doll would ever find a place into a young girl's heart.

Image: wikipedia

Three years after the first cartoon drawing, Max Weißbrodt, working for the O & M Hausser Toy Company in Germany, sculpted the Lilli doll model.

The Lilli doll had three new patents:

the head wasn't connected to the neck
the hair was part of a cutout scalp attached with a screw
the legs didn't sprawl open

Yep, that's right Miss Lilli kept her legs together, so there's some modesty for you. If you've ever had a Barbie doll, you know about those legs, they only do the splits -- one leg forward, one leg backward -- and it's difficult to pull them apart to get Barbie's pants on. My daughter used to get so infuriated with the whole process, that she angrily bit Barbie's toes in frustration. Her Barbies have permanent damage.

Image by Tinker*Tailor loves Lalka via Flickr

Lilli was made of rigid plastic, jointed arms and legs, molded eyelashes, earrings and "high-heel" feet. Her painted eyes were glancing to the side (she didn't look you straight in the face), high arched eyebrows, red painted pouty lips and red fingernails. Her shoes were painted on as well. She wore her blonde pony tail high up on her head with one curl slipping over her forehead.

Barbie was a knock-off Lilli doll. Ruth Handler bought the Lilli doll while traveling to Germany in 1956, returned home to the U.S. and with Mattel, fashioned the new doll -- named "Barbie," after her daughter, Barbara. She had a son too -- Ken. In 1959, the Barbie Doll debuted in New York City as the hot teen fashion doll. She had the same eyes, glancing sideways, but painted toenails and removable shoes.

1st Barbies:

1st Barbie face:

Image via Wikipedia

Ruth Handler, lookin' a little bit like an older Barbie, check out that make-up (she just needs to be looking sideways.)

Ruth and her husband, Elliot had a business making wooden picture frames in the 1940's. But the wooden scrapes became more profitable -- Elliot began to use them to make toys. Then, 1945, with close friend, Harold Mattson they formed a toy company -- Mattel -- Matt (for Mattson) and El (for Elliot). Then came to trip to Germany. The rest is history.

"The Little Rascals" -- Buckwheat Billie Thomas

2012-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Billie Thomas is best remembered as "Buckwheat" in the TV series, "The Little Rascals" and "Our Gang". He was in the show from 1934 to its ending in 1944. He's another of the Rascals that had an untimely death at the age of 49 when he suffered a heart attack.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Thomas auditioned at the Hal Roach Studios at age three. His first episode was For Pete's Sake! But he wasn't playing the role of "Buckwheat" -- that was played by female child actress, Carlena (Matthew "Stymie" Beard's sister). Another young girl, Willie Mae Taylor played the role for three more episodes before Thomas took it over.

Image via Wikipedia

Billie Thomas became "Buckwheat" in the 1935 episode called, Mama's Little Pirate. But he continued to play the role as a girl. If you were ever confused about whether he was a little girl or a little boy, this may be the reason. He wore pigtails with bows, a large over-sized sweater and large over-sized floppy boots.

The Buckwheat character played by Thomas evolved into a boy after Stymie left the series in 1935. In the 1936, The Pinch Singer, Thomas was now a "he" not a "she". But his costume didn't change until the feature film, "General Spanky" when he began to wear overalls and lost the pig tails.

Buckwheat had a speech impediment as a child, which was part of the natural, real home feel to the series. Producer, Hal Roach had looked out his window at a bunch of kids in the street and was drawn to the comedy of it all. You might say it was one of the first attempts at reality shows. He liked to capture the kids at play.

At the age of 23 Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for two years, receiving the National Defense Serve Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

After his service in the army, Thomas worked as a film lab technician with Technicolor Corporation. He used his skill in editing in stead of acting.

photo credits

Romney -- Contraception Working Fine

2012-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

I got quite a laugh at the Presidential Debates in New Hampshire when George Stephanopoulos kept quizzing Mitt Romney about contraception. He just wouldn't leave it alone. He kept going after Romney, hoping to get him to say he believed states should ban contraceptives. I thought Romney's response was on target when he said, "contraception -- it's working just fine, leave it alone."

Was that a question to get Romney to look like a stiff, uptight, controlling Republican Mormon -- or what? We believe in the sanctity of life, and marriage between a man and woman, but really, Mormons aren't going to tell you how many babies you should have, or what kind of contraceptive you should use. We stay out of your bedroom. That was ridiculous, and I can see why ABC pulled the plug on the debate and cut it short -- their moderators were looking awful.

When Romney turned to Ron Paul and referred to him as the Constitutionalist to address this question, I wanted him to add, "and the gynecologist." (a gynecologist who wants to be president still makes me laugh)

The Two Awakenings of Adam

2012-01-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

I am very curious about the two awakenings of Adam. It's almost like two births. What was Adam doing before he went down for the rib surgery?

Adam is formed, God "breaths into his nostrils the breath of life" and Adam awakens the first time -- he becomes a living soul. God goes about planting and watering the garden which is eastward in Eden and then He puts Adam in the garden and tells him to "dress and keep the garden", and informs him of which trees he can eat; God tells him "don't eat of the tree of good and evil".

Interestingly, Eve is not present to hear this "thou shalt not eat of it" in Genesis, Abraham or Moses.

It's not clear how much time passes (it's a different time anyway), or what Adam is doing, by himself in the garden. But God and Jehovah say that Adam has not an help meet. So, God forms the animals from the ground and brings them to Adam for naming. But still no suitable companion.

Which is not good for Adam to be running around alone, without his help meet. God informs Jehovah that they will cause a deep sleep to come over Adam and when he awakens again, he will not remember anything, he will be like a little child, and he will be known as Adam, not Michael. He will not remember that he had any part in the forming of the world. His memory will be wiped clean. Blitz. This is when our little rib surgery takes place -- while he is in this deep sleep. Adam wakes up this second time and finds a woman, and names her Eve, because she is the mother of all living. They go into the garden together. And I am guessing he no longer remembers what he named the animals. But we are given the counsel from God, that it's good for a man to leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife.

So, there you have it, two births of Adam. Two awakenings. Maybe one is a birth and one is an awakening after a deep sleep that erases his memory.

There are some stories about what Adam may have been doing after that first awakening -- stories about Lilith. But that is for another day.

Earth created in 6 days. rest.

Mist comes up and waters it all.

Adam's First awakening: man formed from the dust a living soul, first flesh.

God plants a garden in Eden. with all the trees naturally growing.

God puts Adam in the garden.

God tells him he can eat, but forbids the one tree.

God says it is not good for man to be alone.

Animals get the breath of life. and Adam names them.

But no helpmeet. Adam hangs around the garden.

Deep sleep.

Rib surgery. Eve brought in.

Adam's second awakening: He awakens and finds Eve. It's good to leave mummy and daddy and cleave unto your wife.

Image

I went to the temple yesterday, where they review the creation, so that got me thinking.

Featured Image

Homemade Shea Butter & Avocado Oil Skin Cream

2012-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

We have some skin issues in our lineage -- eczema, is the source of irritation for two of my kids. They get it on the palms of their hands so bad that it cracks and bleeds. Interestingly, they never had it until they went to work. Something about handling a lot of products plus the stress of working must have brought it on. We have never found a cure, even when the best of the dermatologists have scraped and studied the stuff under a microscope.

My hubby dear has nightmares of his undiagnosed itchy skin problems that were so severe on his feet that he couldn't wear shoes. I think he had to wear socks and weirdo sandals to his "grammar school" and go home and soak his feet at lunchtime. Any little itch he gets, has to be treated with this homemade cream.

Sometimes eczema gets infected, sometimes it gets a mixture of flora and fauna. Sometimes it's tied to the fungi that affects athletes. So far, this little potion I mixed up is helping all of our skin ailments.

Homemade Shea Butter & Avocado Oil Skin Cream

2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil

4 oz. Shea Butter

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

15 drops tea tree oil

Shea Butter Extraction Wikipedia

One of the main ingredients is shea butter -- a white or yellowish fat composed of five fatty acids. Shea butter is extracted from the inner seed of the shea fruit, which grows on the African Shea tree or shi tree (be careful blending that word together). The trees take about 15 years to start producing, but by 20 to 30 years they are in full production, which lasts for 200 years. Now that's a crop.

Here's some good points -- Shea butter has anti-inflammatory effects as well as anti-skin tumor properties (trials showed it inhibits skin cancers). And it's an antioxidant as well. And it's edible. It also blocks UV rays.

Shea Nuts Image

This African Shea butter is the yellow colored one, and feels a little bit grainy. Avocado oil has been used for eczema and other skin ailments. It's high in unsaturated fats and vitamin E. The trees are super easy to grow in Southern California. They fruit in just a couple years.

Avocado Tree Image

Olive Tree

Image via Wikipedia

Tea Tree oil is an essential oil from the Melaleuca tree, so you don't need much of this one. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

Shea Butter & Avocado Oil Eczema Cream

2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil

4 oz. Shea Butter

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

15 drops tea tree oil

Directions:
1. Measure the shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil in a pyrex glass cup.
2. Place the glass in a saucepan filled with water.
3. Heat over the stove until the butter melts.
4. Remove from the heat, add the tea tree oil.
5. Pour into a container and put in the refrigerator to cool.

It stays firm even at room temp, so you can keep it on the counter.

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