Eve Out of The Garden

The past I have in common with Romney and Obama

2012-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

Yea, I am one of those Mormons with an ancestry of polygamy, dating back to Brigham Young's time in the 1850s. I come through the first wife of my great great grandpa Higgs. He had three wives. Does this bother me a bit? No, it doesn't bither me a bot. (my favorite quote from Clark Gable in Teacher's Pet) Really. Some things are inexplicable in the history of religion, look at the Old Testament or the Torah. They talk of many wives and burning bushes and circumcision as a covenant, and sacrifice of animals.

Some countries still practice polygamy. Obama comes from a long line of polygamists -- his dad had two wives -- "Obama Sr. was already married when he left Kenya to study at the University of Hawaii, where he married again. His American wife-to-be, Stanley Ann Dunham, was not yet 18 and unaware of his marital situation when she became pregnant with his namesake son in 1961."(Washington Post)

Mitt Romney's great grandpa was a polygamist -- Miles Park Romney moved from Utah to Mexico. Some of the early Mormons went to Chihuahua, Mexico. They left the United States where polygamy was against the law. His great great grandpa is early Mormon apostle and polygamist, Parley Pratt. (Fox)

I just finished reading the massive history of Joseph Smith written by Richard Bushman, "Rough Stone Rolling". I wanted to know the accurate history. I still have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the gospel. He had a difficult life and a huge responsibility. He was human and not perfect, but I believe he was a prophet. The newspapers at the time sometimes referred to him as an American Mohamed. He was a community organizer (how do you like those words).

Yes, he had plural wives, but it was not something he wanted to do. He put it off for years. Bushman did the research on this and determined that Joseph did not get into polygamy because, as his critics said, "he had a wondering eye." It wasn't for the sex. It wasn't to demean women. It wasn't to be a super Hero. He had wives that were sealed to him for eternity, for the blessings in eternity, for the life hereafter, not some physical relationship on earth. It was seen as a blessing for the women and the women had a choice in the matter. They were not forced to marry. That idea goes against Mormon teachings. We always have a choice.

"When polygamy was practiced in early Utah, women had complete choice in the situation and the right to no-fault divorce. Church President Brigham Young knew that living in these arrangements could be difficult, so women could leave the relationships for any reason." (Mormon Voices) Utah became a no-fault divorce state and people would come from great distances to get divorced.

The early members of the church believed in the sealing power of Elijah to join families together a little bit different than we do today. Now, we stay within our lineage. Then, they would often seal people to the prophet. My polygamous great great granddaddy, was sealed at one time to Brigham Young, as a son. It was believed that you could be in a family of righteous souls in the life beyond. Someone in my family said that sealing was canceled. I don't know, but I am fine believing that BY is in my sealed family. I believe that our ancestors on the other side of this veil work to help us on this side. You know the scripture when Elisha says "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them"? When I am really down I like to think that I have strong worthy souls pulling for me on the other side.

Polygamy was not practiced by all the early Mormons. You had to get "called" or invited to participate. Some of the early problems arose when members decided to practice it on their own. John C. Bennet was one of those characters that seduced many women into a practice of spiritual wifery. He was a scoundrel, which his previous wife later confirmed, as well as the other churches he had bamboozled. He became one of the Mormons that left the church and published anti-Mormon articles in hopes of destroying Joseph and the Mormon faith. He had a hand in stirring up the mobs that killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

For whatever reason, maybe to keep the laws of the land, polygamy was no longer permitted in the church anymore. The prophet at the time, Wilford Woodruff read the Manifesto at a conference of the church in 1890.

"Beginning in 1862, various laws for the next twenty-five years made plural marriage illegal in the United States. The Lord showed Wilford Woodruff by vision and revelation what would take place if the Saints did not cease the practice of plural marriage. "The Manifesto formally announced that plural marriages were no longer allowed.

Today, those religious groups that practice polygamy are not Mormons. They have nothing to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They aren't fundamentalist Mormons, they're just some group that branched off a long time ago, were excommunicated and decided to start their own church. There is no such thing as a fundamentalist Mormon or a polygamous Mormon. Any Mormon practicing polygamy today would be excommunicated from the LDS church.

Nauvoo Temple

Entry of Nauvoo Temple (LDS.org)

Celestial Room, Nauvoo Temple (LDS.org)

Manti Temple, Utah, where the Higgs worked

Manti Temple in the background and my son's sweet girlfriend.

Featured image: my son at the gravesite of my great great grandpa Thomas Higgs

How Ann Romney used hippotherapy to control multiple sclerosis

2012-05-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ann Romney, like many young girls, had a love of horses. She didn't get to put that love to the test until age 50 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had to be hospitalized, have IVs, and be on steroids for 6 months. Somehow, out of fear of not being able to ride horses again, she pulled herself together, and out of bed, to enjoy what might have been her last chance. I don't think Ann knew it at the time, but riding horses is a proven therapy. I have a friend who has taken her son for therapy on horseback for cerebral palsy. It is often used for kids and adults with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain trauma and MS. It's called hippotherapy and it is physical therapy on horseback -- horse assisted therapy. I know, it sounds like therapy on a hippopotamus.

"It utilizes the movement of the horse to provide continual dynamic changes in the rider’s balance, posture, and proprioceptive input, resulting in moment-by-moment compensatory motor responses that eventually retrain the neuromuscular system." (Natural Medical Journal)

Ann shared her success with Dressage Magazine (a competitive horse magazine).

"I'd sit on a horse and forget I was even sick. I became so joyful and exhilarated that it brought my emotional state to another place, and physically, it got me moving and got my system charged. I'd feel wonderful for several hours afterward. Then I'd have to pull myself out of bed again the next day."

It's nice to know her husband stood by her side and encouraged her to ride. Neil Cavuto remarked that it was a good thing when Mitt Romney stopped everything when she heard she had MS.

New York Times photo, Terri Miller

Credits

Featured Image Credit

Dissecting the hottie hot hot flash

2012-05-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

All this talk about getting old, is getting old. There's no fountain of youth and we all get older. My mom complained about hot flashes way before I understood what the hoopla was all about. Until you have a hot flash, it doesn't sound like much. If you're like me, you won't want to take HRT (hormone replacement therapy), even though it will save you from the fire. Hot flashes are the most common symptom reported by women during menopause. Even though they are normal and three out of four women experience hot flashes; they are uncomfortable and bothersome.

What causes hot flashes?

The cause of hot flashes is not known, but it is speculated that they are caused by changes in your hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls temperature. For some reason, the hypothalamus gets the wrong message that your body is too warm, so it prompts a series of events to begin cooling. Blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate to increase blood flow and help dissipate heat. This causes the skin to become flushed with the accompanying feeling of heat. But no one knows why this happens.

What do they feel like?

A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense heat on the face, neck and upper body. There is a noticeable red flush on the skin and some women get red blotches on their chest, arms and back. The National Institute on Aging reports that a hot flash lasts from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and is either very mild or strong enough to cause sweating. An increase in pulse and heart rate pounding may also accompany a hot flash. After a hot flash, a woman can feel cold and even shiver. Some women report a feeling of anxiety at the same time of the hot flush, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Actually, the anxiety may prompt the hot flash. So, what comes first, the chicken or the egg? You get hot, you get cold.

How long do they last?

Women begin experiencing hot flashes as their estrogen levels drop during menopause. Although women respond differently to this change in hormones, most cases of hot flashes last three to five years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some women may find that symptoms linger, and women that have had surgery to remove their ovaries usually experience more severe hot flashes than those that enter menopause naturally. And those that had breast cancer, tend to get them more often and for a long, long time.

Are they dangerous?

Hot flashes are not dangerous and they are considered a normal occurrence for women going through menopause. The only complication is when they occur often at night, interrupting sleep and causing a woman to become fatigued. You get up in the morning, not refreshed, too tired and dragging. You can try some things to improve a restful sleep such as choosing cool fabrics to sleep in and using fans or air conditioning. Or you can make that deal with the devil and take HRT. My mom did that at about age 50 or so, and now, after surviving breast cancer, and off the hormones, she has hot flashes. HRT only postponed them, and probably contributed to the cancer.

God has a body and He weeps

2012-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

I awoke about 4 am, rolled over and hit the button on my speakers that hold & charge my ipod and began to listen. (I transferred all my Hugh Nibley lectures to MP3)

Nibley was talking about the prophet Enoch. Not much is known about Enoch, unless you look at some of the apocalyptic literature. And Moses 7. In the Bible there are only two or three verses about Enoch, but in the apocalyptic treasures (and some were once part of the Bible), there is much to learn.

God weeps.

This may seem strange to those who believe in a God without body and passions. As a Mormon, I believe that God was once a man. This is not blasphemy, but makes sense. Who better to understand the plights of man, the experiences, than one who has experienced them first hand. And in some way, unimaginable to my mind, his Son suffered all that we experience. That is why he employs no servant at the gate. No one knows how you feel, except maybe someone who has had the same experience. Only He can know and judge you.

God has passions, and He weeps.

Enoch weeps.

“In the Syriac Apocalypse of Paul, the apostle also is introduced to Enoch, being told when he is asked, "Who is this weeping angel?": "It is Enoch, the teacher of righteousness."
"So I entered into that place," Paul reports, "and saw the great Elijah, who came to meet us." He too was weeping, saying, "Oh Paul, how great are the promises of God and his benefits and how few are worthy of them!"
"There is, to say the least, no gloating in heaven over the fate of the wicked world. It is Enoch who leads the weeping, as it is in the Joseph Smith account. Enoch puts forth his arm and weeps, and says, "I will refuse to be comforted." (Moses 7:44.) Enoch is the great weeper in the Joseph Smith version. Of course, he doesn't want the destruction of the human race. But in the Joseph Smith version, the amazing thing is that when God himself weeps and Enoch says, "How is it that thou canst weep?" (Moses 7:29), Enoch bears testimony that the God of heaven actually wept. It is a shocking thing to say, but here again, if we go to another Enoch text, there it is! When God wept over the destruction of the temple, we're told in one of the midrashim that it was Enoch who fell on his face and said, "I will weep, but weep not thou!" God answered Enoch and said, "If thou [Enoch] wilt not suffer me to weep, I God will go whither thou canst not come and there I will lament"— (Nibley)

We have many circumstances that cause us to weep. Some may say this is a human characteristic, but it is actually a godly, divine quality. We weep with those who weep, and are inner soul is transparent.

Elijah and Enoch (ancestor of Noah) - an icon 17th cent., Historic Museum in Sanok, Poland

The back side of P.Mich.inv. 5552, showing portions of the Book of Enoch in Greek. This manuscript is part of the Chester Beatty Papyri, and is the 3rd leaf of the surviving manuscript

Why the blessing on the big sneeze?

2012-05-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

I sneeze BIG and LOUD. I can't help it. My family tells me to warn them, but really, who are they kidding? Have you ever tried to stop a sneeze? I cover my mouth, but no warning. I have tried. If I stop to warn, I lose the sneeze and then I keep trying to get it back. And that my friend, is not fulfilling. One of my sons told me I didn't have to be so loud, I could sneeze through my nose. Are you kidding? No thank you.

We traveled home from a jaunt with the family, my mom was in the back seat with my teenage son. I sneezed. Then everyone wanted to know why you say "Gob bless you," after someone sneezes. Of course, searching for an answer is easy today, my son tapped safari on his iphone and did the search. I was surprised that perhaps some evil spirit was catching a ride with me, or my spirit could be escaping.

Some crazy theories:

1. Your spirit gets sneezed right out of your body (especially with a loud and explosive sneeze) and the "bless you" protects your spirit from getting snatched up by the devil, and helps it get back inside your body. It's a little safety net saying that flings your spirit back into the safety of your physical body.

2. The opposite here-- an evil spirit came into your body and you expelled it with a big sneeze, now the "bless you" protects you from the evil monster coming back to take up residence inside your body.

3. You are between heaven and hell at that moment and the blessing saves you from damnation.

4. Your heart would stop with a big sneeze, the magical words of "bless you" ensured a good restart. (no it does not stop)

5. Doomed with a devastating disease, like the Black Death, this is your sign, the sneeze. Soon your flesh will be rotting, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, dead and gone. The "god bless you" is a blessing as you leave this mortal life.

6. Good luck is on its way -- the sneeze is a sign of something good about to happen for you.

The earliest mention of the blessed sneeze or sneezer is 77 AD, but no mention as to why. The phrase "God bless you" is attributed to Pope Gregory the Great, who uttered it in the sixth century during the bubonic plague. But whatever, it seems to be universal:

In Germany, it is "gesundheit" and it literally means "health."

In Arabic it is "Alhamdulillah," which means, "praise be to God."

Hindus say, "Live!" or "Live well!"

In Russia, "bud zdorov" means "be healthy", children are also told "rosti bolshoi" ("grow big").

In China, a child hears "bai sui," which means, "may you live 100 years."

I think I sneeze whenever my nose gets "out of joint". That's a silly saying my father used to say, "getting your nose out of joint" meant you were upset about something, usually, something frivolous and stupid (it had nothing to do with the big sneeze). I don't think I sneezed about it. I just get this urge to sneeze, no explanation, not the plague, not the chills and fever, just something in the air is buggin' me. And it feels good to sneeze.

Did you know you automatically close your eyes when you sneeze? It's a reflex. (for most people) Try to keep your eyes open when you sneeze. And don't sneeze too much while you are driving.

The sneeze is the only bodily function that gets the blessing, kind of funny. And have you noticed people only say "bless you" now, as if there is no god. Are they blessing me or just some ethereal ether-ness, nothing-ness?

Arnold Böcklin: The Plague (1898) – Kunstmuseum Basel

Burning of Jews during the Black Death epidemic, 1349

Date 14th century, A History of the Jewish People by H.H. Ben-Sasson

Jews being burned during the Plague

An illustration of an undertaker during the Bubonic plague

Theodor Kittelsen - Fattigmannen, 1894-95 (The Pauper)

Bildzyklus »Desastres de la Guerra«, Szene: Das Pestlazarett (black death)

The Original Little Rascals

2012-05-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

The Little Rascals are some of my favorite classics. It's kids just being kids. The producer, Hal Roach, looked out his studio window, after auditioning some children for his new series and found something he liked better -- kids, not trying to act, but kids in action, doing things when no adult is around -- like picking up sticks and sparring. It was a glimpse of the first reality TV show. And Hal Roach brought it all together in his production of "The Little Rascals". The series was syndicated by TV and pretty soon America got a taste of reality too. This first clip is when the kids won't drink their milk, 'cuz it's spoiled.

And my son just bought this for me:

Where do those contributions to the Mormon Church go?

2012-05-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

One of those crass careless characters in the news said it didn't count when Mitt Romney contributed money to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mouthy Maher said Romney's contributions to the Mormon church only go to Mormons and he should have given his money to a charity -- donations for apolitical, benevolent causes. He should do some fact-checking before mouthing off, because he doesn't know anything about Mormon Charities. And Mitt Romney isn't going to brag about it. Our donations help many people inside our faith and outside our faith.

Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism taught that we are "to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all."

"Much of what is done in the Church is to bless and help those who are not Mormon. The Mormon Church has donated more than $1 billion in cash and material assistance to 167 different countries in need of humanitarian aid since it started keeping track in 1985. Many of these countries have few to no Mormons, but are also non-Christian."Mormon.org

In a typical year, a "Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center will ship about 12 million pounds of shoes and clothing, 1 million hygiene kits, and 1 million pounds of medical supplies to relieve suffering in more than 100 countries."

"Humanitarian projects are funded by donations from Church members and others. One-hundred percent of these donations go directly to help the poor and needy. In-kind material assistance is provided through items donated by Church members and others. Church humanitarian efforts relieve suffering for families of all nationalities and religions and offer hope with the potential for a better life for millions of people around the world." LDS Humanitarian Services

Here are some areas where the money goes:

Immunizations – Ministries of health and the World Health Organization have immunized over 700 million people for measles. Church financial contributions and help from 59,000 local Church volunteers supported campaigns in 35 countries since 2003.

Vision Care –The Church provides training, equipment, and supplies to assist local eye care professionals and programs. Since 2003, over 550,000 people have benefitted from Church vision projects throughout the world.

Neonatal Resuscitation Training – The World Health Organization estimates that 1 million newborns die each year of breathing difficulties. The Church provides a train-the-trainer program for resuscitation skills and resuscitation equipment to doctors, nurses, and midwives.

Clean Water – The Church assists communities to establish wells and other drinking water systems to provide access to clean water. The Church also assists communities establish local water committees and provide hygiene training for families. Over 7.5 million people now have access to clean water because of Church efforts from 2002 through 2010.

Emergency Response – The Church strives to provide immediate assistance following disasters, providing relief supplies. Missionaries render service during disasters, such as the Alabama tornado.

Wheelchairs--The mobility devices we provide include wheelchairs for rough terrain, hospital wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and canes. Since 2002, over 415,000 people have received one of these devices.

For More Information and to Donate to Latter-Day Saint Humanitarian Charities click here.

Images: LDS.org

The manly men of Brazil get caught on video

2012-05-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

I love the real life footage of people caught on video. Here's one on a Brazilian beach that I found interesting on human nature and choice -- which people on the beach help the dolphins. Sometimes it is just one person who needs to start the process before the others join in. Take a look at the good men who see a problem and take action. Notice that none of the women helped. Hmmm.....

Would you have joined in -- and if you are a woman, would you have considered it nice to let the manly men do it, or would you have tried to help too? Maybe the women figured they were not strong enough? Someone had to catch it on video. But what about the unmanly man there?

Maybe it's a confirmation that men and women naturally gravitate to different roles and that women like to have men step up and do the rescuing. I like it.

Is it a good idea to put your kids in soccer?

2012-05-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is a great athlete. My kids play a lot of sports and we have had our share of coaches -- the good, the bad, and unfortunately, the ugly. But we learned valuable lessons. With our first child, we “tried out” the AYSO soccer when she was in third grade. Having been encouraged by others that it was a good program, not competitive, everyone plays, good for your little girl, etc, etc, we talked her into giving it a try.

“Just give it a try, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to stay...”

I thought she would never return after that first year of soccer, but she did, and she became good. She became very good and we aspired to the club soccer scene. She played a lot of club soccer, high school soccer, and college soccer. She could juggle the ball without letting it touch the ground upwards of 1000 times. We traveled all over the country for soccer.

Her coaches were tough on her. She had long workouts, some of which helped her improve, and some which were “ugly” in that the coach became ugly, name calling, many things that you would never sign your kid up for as a thinking parent. We also had three more kids playing at the same time. It was our life for a while -- three games every Saturday.

It seems in life that if you have more promise as an athlete, the tougher the workout. And, the tougher the workout, the better you get. The more years dedicated to those workouts, the more you can handle.

It seems in life that sometimes we are given more difficult trials than others. Perhaps we have promise to become more than we can imagine. The coach in this case knows us. He knows what we need. He is involved in our workouts. And He is wise.

Reminds me of "Mere Christianity", when C.S. Lewis writes--

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."
— C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)

All of my kids look on their soccer experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly--as mostly good times. They have learned the value of working through difficulties. And they have become stronger.
Life is sort of like soccer, there's a lot of disappointments, successes, bumps and bruises.

The work of learning to rest on the Sabbath

2012-05-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. It takes a lot of work to keep the Sabbath day of rest. Why is it so hard to rest, one day out of seven? I know it is a commandment, I know that even the non-religious researchers purport the value of rest. Athletes know this. But, I get distracted by things -- the internet is probably the biggest one for me. That and multi-tasking.

You may be able to do two or three things at a time, but you can’t really listen to two things at a time. Your mind will focus on one, at the exclusion of the other, or jump back and forth between the two. Your mind only allows you to think of one thing at a time. When writing, I have to block out external noise.

Things of the spirit are spiritually discerned. Meditation and quiet help you to focus, to hear. I guess that is one of the reasons to set aside a day of rest. Rest from the things of the world. A day of reflection and gratitude, a day to study and search for greater meaning in my life. A day to get in touch with my spiritual side--to develop it further. It all makes sense, but it is still hard to do.

I have tried to help my kids make their own choices -- I give them guidance, so that they can feel good about making the choice themselves. Of course, (another confession) I have been known, in the past to hide the modem from the boys so that they could not play their on-line games. But they would find it. My next sneaky attack -- I ventured out to the circuit-breaker box on the side of the house and turned off the power to the computer room and then padlocked the power box. All of this was to avoid confrontation and power struggles. I never got angry about all the shenanigans -- I too know how hard it is to keep the Sabbath.

One of the words of counsel that helped me explain to them that game playing--even though a “brotherly bonding time”-- was not a good Sunday activity comes from Isaiah:

"If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." (Isaiah 58:13-14)

Of course, it can become pleasurable to study the scriptures, to do a little searching and pondering, but I believe what Isaiah is referring to is the other pleasures that we pursue. And that was the key to avoiding a day of gaming on the Sabbath. And television. And hanging out in a beach cafe. And reading the news and sorting through my email.

There are many distractions which are often hard to avoid, more today than in years past. It takes a conscious choice to observe the Sabbath. It requires effort “to rest” from the things of this world.

But I am a better person, a more calm and focused person when I take that commandment and make it mine. It can become a day that I look forward to, as I put away the things of this earthly time, the trials and troubles, and focus on the higher, more perfect life to come. The Sabbath, the seventh period of creation is a small glimpse, a symbol and reminder of the last seven thousand years--the millennial era of peace.

And that is the example or pattern to fashion our weekly day of rest. We get some guidance, but the details are left up to us.

"Six days a week we seek to dominate the world, on the seventh day we try to dominate the self"--Abraham Joshua Heschel

Der Samstag (Saturday). Germany, c. 1800. Handcolored engraving. Hebrew Union College, Skirball Museum, Los Angeles. Based on a Frederich Campe painting, it depicts Jews gathered outside a synagogue on the Sabbath. The men are wearing flat, round hats called baretta. The eight-pointed star on the corner of the synagogue is a traustein.

God reposing on Sabbath day. Illustration from the first Russian engraved Bible, 1696

When your spouse forgets -- forget it

2012-05-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

There's an old "I Love Lucy" episode where Lucy hopes Ricky remembers their anniversary. It's so aggravating. Why doesn't she just remind Ricky, "its our anniversary on Tuesday." Instead she keeps dropping all these hints about their special day, serving him rice for breakfast, circling the date on the calendar and asking Ricky "why is that day circled?" Eventually she bemoans to Ethel that she's sure Ricky has forgotten.

It's never too late to take the first step and it's too self-consuming to sit around hoping your spouse remembers your special day. I don't care what it is, anniversary, birthday, your first date, whatever. Just remind him and plan it; if you want something special, you own the day and be happy.

One year, my hubby and I both forgot our anniversary. Truly, I was so surprised that I forgot. It was kind of a reminder that even I can forget things, and I shouldn't be dismayed when my husband forgets. That happens to me all the time, whatever I complain about, boom, next thing you know, I get caught doing that very same thing.

It's kind of normal for my spouse to forget, he just doesn't think like that, or keep track of time and dates. Maybe it's his dyslexia, or his ADD, or male compartmental thinking. I don't know, but if I were to evaluate my happiness on his memory of our special days, I would be a miserable woman.

My birthday is Valentines Day, so he never forgets that, because the world reminds him. But even so, there have been many birthdays when he was traveling on business. One year, I remember taking my three little kids out to dinner at the Soup Plantation for my birthday. I informed them that it was my birthday and we were going to celebrate. I bought them each a present, and said I was going to give them a gift for my birthday because I was happy to be their mom. We had fun; I juggled the three little kids at the table and left their big mess and my big tip for the waitress. I made my cake and I had a memorable birthday.

I like the idea of giving gifts on your birthday instead of receiving them. Just think, how many of your friends and family would be anxiously awaiting your birthday. "Hey, its my birthday today, and I'm thankful for our friendship." I have a girlfriend that often buys her own birthday or mothers day or christmas gift. I know, it sounds crazy, but really, you get to treat yourself, and you get what you want and you don't need to feel bad that "no one remembered me."

In a relationship it's nice if one of you remembers special occasions, but if that someone happens to be you, don't be sad when your spouse is not the one. Just take charge, plan something fun, remind your dear one that you have made some great plans, and decide that this method works. Remember men are different, they have this ability to compartmentalize and work very focused on one task. (So the psychologists say.) Women are better at juggling many thoughts at one time, to our detriment sometimes. Our minds really do work differently.

I have a special chocolate Grand Marnier birthday cake that I love, love, love, and do not make. I get it every year. (my mom remembers) There's a bakery near the Los Angeles Temple that makes it. (The Paris Bakery in Westwood, CA) They got a new baker and he made it wrong -- Pretty, but wrong. That's the photo of it at the top of the post. It should have had dark chocolate ganache all over the top and sides of it. Now, that was disappointing.

My daughter made this birthday cake for her 3yr old daughter -- that's what moms do for their kids.

When and what I teach my kids about sex

2012-05-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

I decided as a young mother to teach my kids about the basics of sex when they were young--young enough not to be embarrassed, or "grossed out"--young enough that someone else had not stepped in and told them "everything they wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask."

Kids come home from school with stories they've heard from their friends. And I've heard some whoppers. I wanted my kids to know about sex before that happened. I didn't want them to be surprised or dis-informed by a classmate or friend. My daughter had a young girlfriend tell her babies come out your belly-button -- of course my daughter corrected her. Today they hear all kinds of things. Our society will be teaching their opinions.

You may be wondering at what age I chose to disclose the so-called story of the birds and the bees to my children. Since I have a background in the biological sciences, I approached the whole "learning about sex" from that perspective. I think it's natural to teach your children the parts of their body--eyes, ears, nose, elbow, and not avoid the parts that make us female or male.

Avoid those areas, and they begin to wonder why--because children are so smart. Being too vague, is not a good idea. I think I remember being slightly amused when I heard Mr. Rogers sing the song "Girls are fancy on the inside, boys are fancy on the outside--everybody's fancy, everybody's fine, your body's fancy and so is mine..." At first I didn't get it, and then I realized what he was saying. That is fine for Mr Rogers, but not for a parent with their child.

Fancy, what does that mean? Vagueness leads to imagining things that may not be true. So I like to teach my two year-olds all the body parts, and that girls are, yes, different than boys, by body parts for sure. I teach them the medical terms, penis and vagina.

However, in addition, I think a mom can choose whatever name she wants for those gender specific parts. I am reminded of an interview with the actress, Andie MacDowell, who shared an embarrassing moment in the grocery store when her little girl, uncomfortable in the shopping cart, loudly announced the problem with her "Vagina". So, later they decided on a code word instead--"Princess". I believe that it's important to know the medical terms for all these body parts, but sometimes it is good to have a substitute, because little kids will say the craziest things in public. So, have fun choosing an alternate name. (that's a topic on it's own)

When they are three years old, they seem to have more questions, especially if mom becomes pregnant again. About age four I introduce the baby story. Like I said, I don't want to leave this up to someone else to teach, so I have a book, that shows how babies grow inside the womb, from fertilized egg to full baby. And yes, I say, the "P" word, and "V" word. And in very simple terms, the "P" goes in the "V". That explains how the sperm and the egg meet, an embryo develops, and a baby grows. The book shows this as well, in a respectful but clear way. And in my opinion, age eight is too late.

When I showed the book to my youngest son, who was about four years old, he looked at me and asked, "Does Hyrum know about this?"--he was ready to run out the door and share the book with his older brother.

It was matter of fact; not funny, not gross, not embarrassing. It is so simple, and a four year old is not embarrassed at all, it is just as if I explained that he has two eyes and a nose, and two legs that are great for walking and running. The door is open when questions arise.

Along the way, kids need to understand about morality, dressing modestly, and saving sex for marriage. I used to tell my daughter, when she was young and playing with her Barbie--"Barbie can wear this, but you can't, not until you are married." I must confess, I didn't get this, and dressed too often like Barbie.

I did not want to forbid it, but I wanted to let her know that sexy clothing is for a special time, married time, with your husband. This way, it is not taken away, but postponed.

At a certain time, the forbidden fruit is no longer forbidden, but we are blessed to be fruitful and multiply. There should be no guilt then.

It can be tricky to teach a concept--sexual behavior--that is a sin when you are not married, but not a sin when you are married. Most sins are sins whether you are married or not, such as stealing, cheating, breaking the sabbath, being uncharitable. But sex is tricky. Not married to each other, and it is a sin. Married to each other and it is righteousness, and keeping the commandments. The sexual stirrings are natural and good, but must be kept under wraps until that marriage. One father advised his son about his potential wife -- "she should have high morals, but she should barely be able to keep her hands off of you." That's a good sign that she has a healthy attitude about sex, but is waiting for marriage.

By the way, I do not schedule some special day to talk about sex--I have memories of the public school teaching us girls the joys of womanhood--not so joyous a memory.

But in our home we talk about sex, morality, dating and marriage as we talk about other things in life. I do not focus on it, but I make sure my kids know the correct principles. Times to talk will unfold as I have been prompted by the Spirit.

We study the Strength of Youth Pamphlet and I impress upon them that it is better to wait to date seriously and exclusively until the age of marriage. Girls need to understand that boys are different than girls. That boys are visual and for this reason it is important to dress modestly, and not look sexy -- Save all that sexy stuff for marriage. It's fun and it's good, but you need to wait.

It is important for kids to know what is normal as they go through puberty, and what is expected of them. That yes, these changes are good, but must be bridled as we put a bridle on a horse to show it the way to go. But there are times when the passion and feelings are all proper and good, in the bonds of marriage. The Apostle Paul said,

"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." I Corinthinans 7:3

Marriage is where we can express our full sexuality and feel good about it.

Doris Day and David Niven in "Please Don't Eat the Daisies"

2012-05-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I love this film, Doris does a great job playing a mom of four boys. I have four boys (and 1 daughter), so maybe that's why I appreciate the humor. Doris holds her own when a femme fatale starts moving in on husband, David Niven.

"Please Don't Eat the Daisies" is a 1960 comedy film starring Doris Day and David Niven. The story is about a New York theater critic, his wife and four boys who move to the country, leaving dear old dad to commute to the city. Doris Day's real life husband, Marty Melcher, was one of the producers, which could be why the title is a little goofy. There is a song that Doris sings with the title in the movie.

One of my favorite scenes is when they go to enroll the boys in the public school out in the country. The principal asks for Mrs. MacKay (Doris) to volunteer, and then turns to Mr. MacKay (Niven) to do the same. The principal says to David Niven and Doris Day (the parents) “it’s our policy to draw school and home closer together, therefore we ask our parents to volunteer for at least one school activity”

Doris agrees to supervise an after school activity, but when the principal turns to David Niven he totally embarrasses Doris--

“No, I’m sorry I don't think I’m going to volunteer...in my opinion, elementary schooling... the main purpose of it is to keep the children out of the parent’s hair and vice versa. Those hours when the kids are at school, have for generations been held sacred to American parents. That is when they are free. And I don’t have the faintest intention of giving up that freedom.”

the femme fatale pursuing the husband:

Doris Day and David Niven:

"By The Light of The Silvery Moon" -- Doris Day (eveoutofthegarden.com)
Doris Day -- Sunshine Overcame Abuse (eveoutofthegarden.com)
"The Glass Bottom Boat" -- Doris Day (eveoutfothegarden.com)
"Teacher's Pet" -- Doris Day & Clark Gable (eveoutofthegarden.com)
"The Thrill of it All" -- Doris Day & James Garner (eveoutofthegarden.com)
"That Touch of Mink" -- Doris Day & Cary Grant (eveoutfothegarden.com)
"Lover Come Back" -- Doris Day & Rock Hudson (eveoutofthegarden.com)
"Move Over Darling" -- Doris Day & James Garner (eveoutofthegarden.com)
"Do Not Disturb" -- Doris Day & Rod Taylor (eveoutofthegarden.com)

Liberal Media Goes to Extremes to Slam Motherhood

2012-05-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

This flashy trashy cover of Time Magazine -- is very demeaning to women who choose motherhood. The eye-catching photo of a young mother, breast exposed, feeding her three year old is meant to startle. And it does. It is frontpiece to an article about Dr. Sears, who has been a proponent of breastfeeding and attachment parenting. He has been a voice of common sense and good. Yet, the cover states, "Why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes -- and how Dr. Bill Sears became their guru." You see those words -- drives and extremes and guru? All Negative words. And the question posed, "Are You Mom Enough?"

The writer of the article says that some women subscribe to this theory of extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and carrying babies around in a sling, but others feel Sears is an "antifeminist tyrant, or that his ideas are just totally unrealistic." That image, on the cover is trying to get you to agree, that this parenting method is over the top.

What a mother does in caring for her children does not need to be scrutinized by our liberal press. I think the child on the cover looks like he is five, and the stool, and the boobs, this is all meant to demean mothers -- Especially mothers who stay at home with their children. You can't nurse that long if you work. I know. I stayed home with my five kids. I sacrificed a career and monetary comforts. This is an attack on stay-at-home mothers. And moms who work from home.

As a new mom, I went to Leche League to get advice about breast-feeding. And I nursed my kids until they were two years old. The last one, until he was three. None of my kids are damaged, I am not damaged, my husband is not damaged. We still have great sex, and have had great sex our entire marriage. I didn't know about Dr. Sears back when I started having kids -- back in the 1980s, but I learned what worked for me. My babies got that attachment, they nestled into our family bed. Ohh, no...in your bed? You say? Yes. I am sure any teenager can tell you there are plenty of places to have sex outside the bedroom.

And I would never ever subject any of my children to posing for a nursing shot for a national magazine, with my boob topping out. When you mother a nursing toddler -- it is private. I never wanted to receive the glares from opposing forces. I don't think your should whip your boob out either, especially for a photo-shoot. I nursed in all kinds of places, discreetly, no one knew. Of course, at home it was a little easier, but I usually snuck the babe under my shirt. What nursing mom runs around in a skimpy tank, bra-less, nursing her child standing on a stool? I think the majority of us are more modest. At home, in private, not infront of the older children, do what you want.

If I want to be an extreme mother, I will do that. It is my choice, so leave me alone.

I appreciated Diane Medved's response to this Time photo as well. I feel a little camaraderie with her, knowing she is one of those moms, who breastfed a toddler.

Here's a beautiful tribute to mothers and fathers:

Related Articles:

Ann Romney, Three Seasons of Motherhood

Don't Redefine Marriage

2012-05-10T17:49:00.002-07:00

I am a conservative and I have feelings of compassion for other people when life deals difficulties,
disappointments, and trials. This includes those who do not marry, gay or straight.

I am not anti-gay.

The marriage question is not that difficult for me. I believe marriage is a union of male and female, mainly because it is about having kids and ensuring the continuation of life. That there is much more to marriage is true. That some couples cannot have children is true. That some people never have a chance to marry is true. That some marriages end in divorce is true. But marriage was instituted by God, starting with Adam and Eve, who were given the command to multiply and replenish the earth; and to become one flesh. We become one flesh in our children; there is no other way.

Let's not redefine marriage -- it's the optimum union for perpetuating the species. If you can join in, great. If you can't, for any number of reasons, that is fine too. You are still a child of God, a person who can progress in this life and overcome trials and obstacles. We are eternal beings. We should trust in God. Liberal government tells us we deserve whatever feels good; that we should have no trials, and that God is a figment of our imagination--some delusional shadow in our DNA carried over from myth-believing ancestors.

It's not just LGBTs who feel left out. There are many who wish to marry, and do not for a number of reasons.

When your love is not reciprocated.

When you are very overweight.

When you are very homely.

When you fall in love with a married man.

When you are under-age.

When you are divorced and have five little children.
When you are widowed and have five little children.

We all have trials. We do not always get what we want. We make sacrifices. That is what life is about. It's not about getting everything that feels right, or feels good. We don't tell God what marriage is about.

A gay man can fall in love, and form a union that is extremely meaningful, and I can have love, respect, and admiration for that person and their union; but the term "marriage" needs to refer to a male and female union. Other unions should have respect--and laws can provide protection. But, my moral code says that sexual relations are approved within the marriage covenant; and that applies to me as well -- no sexual relations with someone other than my spouse.

I certainly believe we should accept gays (LGBT). There has to be a place for all of God's children; those who desire to keep his commandments and feel his love obtain a reward in this life and in the next. LGBT people are our friends, our brothers, and sisters, and should be able to worship God as I do.

Past President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married" (LDS Newsroom, 7 June 2006)

I think when you bring God into the picture it is easier. God tells us not to judge. I do not condemn those with same sex attraction as sinners. Some of them keep the commandments and remain celibate. That is not something required only of them, it is required of everyone outside the bonds of
marriage. I teach my kids to remain virtuous before marriage.

However, I do not condemn those heterosexuals who live together without marriage. I do not condemn those who have sex outside of marriage. None of us are sinless. There are good people in this life, trying to be better. I do stand up for what is right. I am appalled by the man the Obama Administration chose to represent the gay movement, Dan Savage. He is a gay activist, that has bullied Christians and threatened Rick Santorum. You can see his video. Let me warn you, it is disgusting. And I am sure there are some in the LGBT community who find this man not representative of their politics.

"Romney was right when he told Fox News last week that his campaign hires people 'not based upon their ethnicity, or their sexual preference or their gender, but upon their capability.'" (Dennis Prager, Conservative and Gays Where Do We Stand?)

Marriage does not have to be a requisite for happiness or success or God's continued blessings. But marriage was ordained of God, to be a union of a female and a male. To say otherwise is to say that religion and God are wrong. And that, for any country is more than just sad. It is a sign of dismissing God, and those of us that believe in Him.

"Those of us who fear the consequences of redefining marriage — asking children if they hope to marry a boy or a girl when they get older, banning religious adoption agencies from placing children first with a married man and woman, denying the importance of both sexes in making families..." (Dennis Prager)

Watch CBS Morning interview Dennis Prager about the Politics of Same Sex Marriage:

More Reading:
The Proclamation of The Family (LDS.org) (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Gay And Mormon, is it Safe Yet (Awellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com)

No Creationism -- Mormon God Organizes Matter

2012-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

God works within the laws of science. That is one of the things I love about Mormonism. We do not abandon all current scientific research. In fact, a lot of ideas that Joseph Smith brought forward have been validated by science now. Albert Einstein famously gave us E=mc2, in 1905. Energy and matter are linked. Joseph Smith talked about the eternal nature of matter in 1844.

God works within laws. The ideas put forth by scientists such as evolution, are just that -- ideas, or in scientific words -- a hypothesis. Too many scientists believe their hypothesis is the truth. Some are shown to be true, some are just ideas.

If you find a surfboard on the beach, you assume that a surfer has passed this way, not that the sands of the sea produced it. So, no evolution theory. But Mormons do not believe that God created something out of nothing. So, no creationism.

Mormons believe in a God that organizes pre-existing matter. He does not create matter. Matter can be neither created, nor destroyed. "There is no such thing as immaterial matter." (D&C 131:7) Joseph taught that matter and intelligence (the thinking part of you) are eternal, meaning not created.

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be changed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. The total amount of energy and matter in the universe is constant. It just changes from one form to another. For example, if you burn a piece of wood, the matter does not disappear. It becomes many things -- smoke, water vapor, ashes. It just changes but is not destroyed. Mormons do not believe in creation ex nihilo -- creation out of nothing. Early Christians and Jews did not believe this either.

The second law of thermodynamics has to do with energy always running downhill if left on its own. This is called entropy. A car that runs out of gas will not run again until you hike out to the gas station and put gasoline into the tank. Entropy is disorder. Without someone intervening, energy and matter become disorganized. According to the law of entropy--we should not exist--but we do. Someone has organized this. That someone is God.

Joseph Smith claimed that God did not make the earth

"out of nothing; for it is contrary to a rashanall mind & reason that a something could be brought from a nothing.....this earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodelled and made into the one on which we live." ("Rough Stone Rolling"; Bushman, p. 421; from "Words of Joseph", journal entries of first-hand witnesses)

This idea is different than many religions, but it makes sense to me. Mormons believe in creation out of something.

Featured Image by Ross

Doris Day is Passion Girl in "Send Me No Flowers"

2012-05-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Doris Day stars with Rock Hudson in another 1960s romantic comedy, Send Me No Flowers. She loved working with Rock and they made a great team. This was their third and final film together. Tony Randall is the side-kick and the three of them have some fun with Rock Hudson's character, who is a hypochondriac. My dad was a bit of a hypo too, so I recognize the symptoms.

Rock plays George Kimball, who is always worried about his health, when one day he over-hears the doc say "oh it's the ticker, how long has he got? Well, there's not much you can do when the old ticker goes" George thinks it's about him, and goes off sad, depressed, and looking for a new husband for his wife, Judy played by Doris Day.

George Kimball finds the perfect match with Clint Walker who plays Bert, the oil man and previous beau of Judy. Bert happens to be on scene when Judy needs to be gallantly rescued from a run-away golf cart. Big 'ol Bert scoops her up in his arms like a knight, and discovers, it's "Judy". At the club house he fondly calls her "passion girl" when he explains why he never married after she threw him overboard.

One funny scene is when Rock and Randall are talking about the "new guy" who will take the place as husband. They both agree that Judy would only be marrying for companionship and no sex would be involved. Yea. Nice thought.

Doris Day movies usually have a song or two written for her, and often the title of the movie reflects the name of the song. This is true for "Send Me No Flowers", composed by Burt Bacharach (lyrics by Hal David.) This is another film produced by her husband, Martin Melcher.

Cast:

Rock Hudson ..... George

Doris Day ..... Judy

Tony Randall ..... Arnold

Paul Lynde ..... Mr. Akins

Clint Walker ..... Bert

New York Times 1964 Review

"1984" Julia is Obama's Campaign Calendar Girl

2012-05-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

Julia is the female character in George Orwell's book, "1984" -- a book written in 1948, showing a dark future, after a socialist government has taken over. Julia is also President Obama's poster girl who ages under the Obama kingship, from age 3 until her retirement at age 67--to work in a "Community Garden." It's a bit scary; all we need is Winston as the poster boy.

According to the Obama Government, Julia gets to leave her home and attend free government school at age 3 (free only if the mom makes less than $15,130 for a family of 2; and $23,050 for a family of 4). She has no husband apparently; I guess the government is her spouse and provider. In fact, there is no mention of men in this propaganda message from Obama. Hmmm....

But, men are in the background, because Julia can get free birth control and abortions (hey, maybe even free in-vitro fertilization). There is no traditional husband/wife family in this scenario. If she keeps her wages low enough, she not only gets the benefits of headstart preschool, but health care and student loans. Obama says she gets to start her own business with government money. But, if she starts to make money in that business, her benefits will disappear and she will have to start paying hefty small business taxes. But he pretends she will get all this for free.

No worry; the government has that covered too; when she loses her business to bankruptcy, she can look for a real job, working for the government (if she's lucky). She won't get to collect unemployment during this time though, because she had her own business and was self-employed. I guess she will live in government housing and get food stamps. She will probably have lost all her self-respect by now.

The government will continue to see this as a success -- since they've already convinced so many citizens into thinking more government is the answer. And who will take credit for her wonderful life? -- Mr. Obama. He and his family will be vacationing in Colombia, while Julia is pulling turnips in the community garden.

It's not only scary, it's inaccurate -- Obama's big ideas are not factual, as reported in the Washington Post, and the Heritage Foundation provides a rebuttal linked below.

See Obama's "Life of Julia": here

The Heritage Foundation has a rebuttal to Obama's Julia: here

Here is a short animation on the Julia of Orwell's "1984":

Do Mormons Believe that Jesus and Lucifer are Brothers?

2012-05-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mormons believe, as did early Christians, that our Father in Heaven is the Father of all spirits. This means you and me and Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. I understand that this idea seems distasteful to many. How could God create something evil? Actually, he did not "create" anyone to be evil, but there are evil people. We have our free-will and it is our choice to be good or evil. Lucifer, son of the morning, chose to rebel against God. He chose to exalt himself above our Eternal Father. He chose to go against God's plan. In doing so, he became Satan, Fallen Morning Star. This is not something Mormons invented. It is in the ancient Jewish and Christian writings.

Both matter and intelligence are eternal.

Mormons do not believe that we come into existence at the moment of conception; God did not create us out of nothing when the egg and the sperm make contact. God organizes spirits from pre-existing intelligence--intelligence that is eternal. Before our mortal birth, we are spiritually born of God and that spirit is eternal, as our Father is eternal. Jesus was his first born spirit in the pre-mortal life. Matter, likewise, is organized by God, not created ex nihilo.

Mormons believe that we existed before our mortal birth, that "man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence was not created or made, neither can be." and that Jesus was "the beginning of the creation of God." (Rev 3:14) This is quite different from modern Christian teachings, but very much in-line with 1st century Christians. For example, Paul taught that all are the off-spring of God. (Acts 17: 22-24, 28-9, Ephesians 4:6, Hebrews 12:9)

Many believed in this doctrine of pre-mortal existence: Justin Martyr, Augustine, Cyril of Jerusalem, Clement of Rome, Origen, Pierius, John of Jerusalem, Rufinus and Nemesius. (footnote 34)

Clement records: "For this reason the world has existed through the ages, so that the spirits destine to come here might fulfill their number, and here make their choice between the upper and lower worlds. (footnote 35)

Origen taught this in 220 AD: "He described an initial spiritual creation of Heaven and Earth and the spirits of all the later inhabitants of the physical creation. From this spiritual pre-existence, some were born into one of three different glories which Origen called 'supercelestial, terrestial, and subterrestrial.'" (footnote 36, Origen, "On First Principles", as quoted in Fair LDS, Michael Hickenbotham)

These early Christian beliefs were condemned later in the Council of Constantipole in 553 AD.

How did Lucifer Become the Devil?

God's plan is all about choice. To progress, you have to be given freedom--freedom to choose. God's plan does not include forcing you to choose the right. He does not make sure you choose to keep the commandments. You decide. Unfortunately, some will rebel. Lucifer voiced his plan in opposition to God's plan. Lucifer presented a plan: not one soul would be lost--he would force everyone to follow God's commandments. In taking this role, he, Lucifer would become the God of this world. Christ was champion of God's plan and said the glory would go to the Father. Choice is necessary for our innate intelligence to enlarge, and paramount to God's plan; some chose to side with Christ, and some with Lucifer. This is when Lucifer became Satan, Fallen Morning Star.

Origen taught that "before the aeons existed, all spirits were pure; demons, souls and angels alike, all served god and did what he commanded them. the devil was one of them. he had free-will and wanted to set himself up against god, but god cast him down." (footnote 57)

Lucifer (hebrew- original shining one), was in the beginning as "son of the morning". He chose to exalt himself above God the Father, he rebelled and was cast out because of his choices. He was not created evil, he became evil by what he chose to do.

Isaiah recorded: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

We accept Jesus as God, the only begotten of the Father in the flesh, and first begotten in the spirit. He is our elder brother. We are the offspring of God.

Following are some wonderful illustrations (though, Mormons don't believe in wings--either for angels or for pre-mortal spirits).

Illustrations for John Milton’s “Paradise Lost“ by Gustave Doré, 1866 :

Jesus and God the Father

Satan is cast out the hill of Heaven

The Fall of Lucifer

Lucifer is cast out of Heaven

Lucifer, cast out, becomes the Devil

Image

Featured Image: Carl Heinrich Bloch
More info: MormonVoices.org

Are Mormons Going to Hell?

2012-05-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Protestors stood across the street from the Mormon Conference Center shouting Mormons are going to hell. That's interesting, because from a Mormon perspective, we believe very few "go to hell". We are much more generous with "going to heaven". We aren't going to say, "since you're not a Mormon, you're going to hell." Mormons don't believe that you automatically go to hell because you're of a different faith -- Christian, Catholic, atheist, agnostic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. We believe in many kingdoms of glory. And many opportunities to accept Christ as your savior, even after death. You will never see us on a street corner shouting that you're going to hell.

I love the Seinfeld episode when Elaine finds out her boyfriend, Puddy is a Christian. She confronts him,

Elaine: "Is it a problem that I'm not? (a Christian)"

Puddy: "not for me."

Elaine: "Why not?"

Puddy: "Well I'm not the one going to hell."

So, who goes to hell? The hell I presume we are all talking about is the burn in hell, fire and brimstone, outer darkness, where Lucifer rules kind-of-hell.

The other times we might refer to a "hell" are 1) right here on earth where some suffer misery for disobedience and, 2) the spirit world or spirit prison where the unrighteous, unrepentant dead await resurrection.

But most of the time we speak of the one hell -- the permanent place for the sons of perdition who suffer the second death -- the place where the Devil and his angels go -- outer darkness.

Mormons believe that only those who sin against the Holy Ghost will go to that hell where the Atonement has no power to cleanse the wicked. That is perdition -- banishment from God's presence and spiritual influence. These are only those who have known God, Christ and the Holy Ghost and have willfully turned aside from truth and light, while in the light, and sought to crucify the Lord anew, the sons of Perdition.

Joseph Smith declared, "You cannot save such persons; you cannot bring them to repentance" (TPJS, p. 358).

"Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame. These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels—And the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath. "(D&C 76)

My Mormon Underwear

2012-04-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to write about the Mormon garment. You see, we don't call them magic underwear. That's a derogatory term used by those who wish to ridicule Mormons who have made sacred covenants that include wearing a sacred garment. In fact, I find it inappropriate to talk about anyone's underwear, sacred or skimpy or sexy or simply not there. Underwear is private, no matter what your faith or non-faith. Well, it used to be, before our society lost its moral compass. But since some people seem to be rude about this, I felt it necessary to share my side of the story.

Yes, I wear my garments. That's what we call them. We really don't call them underwear. There are different styles and sizes and fabrics; tops and bottoms. I can choose tight-fit or loose-fit; but all the bottoms go to the knee and tops have a slight cap-sleeve for women. Men's tops can be scooped-neck or crew-neck; bottoms are boxer-like or tighter. In fact, they don't look that strange today. My sister-in-law, not a member of the church, saw mine and wanted some. One time, my daughter was visiting family (non Mormons) and left a top there. Her cute auntie called to her tell she left her "white top", and she hoped it was OK that she wore it one day! She had no idea it was part of the Mormon garment.

Can we take them off to bath and workout and be intimate -- of course.
Do I have other sexy undies for fun in my married life -- of course.

There are several reasons why we wear sacred garments. There is a long history of the wearing of a garment, beginning with Adam and Eve who were dismissed from the easy and blissful life of the garden, and relegated to this telestial earth, overrun with thorns, thistles, and noxious weeds. Our first parents were given coats of skin to cover their nakedness, as a protection, while continuing their sojourn here upon the earth. According to ancient tradition, the garment "of light" (miss-translated as the coat of many colors) was passed on, from father to son, down to Noah.

Adam and Eve with fur garments

Adam and Eve, coats of skin

Moses was told to bring Aaron to the tabernacle to be washed, and anointed and clothed in a garment.

There are other forms of clothing that represents or reminds the owner of promises. Through the ages, there have been clothing used for special achievements -- robes with pretty silly looking hats at graduation from college. Grads in the past have kept the tassel and hung it on their rear view mirror or other fixtures.

graduation ceremony 2004. Photo taken by en:User:Clawed.

Others of faith have worn special clothing or accessories -- For example: men and women wear crosses as a sign and reminder of their promises to Christ; priests wear collars and robes; rabbis may wear special clothing depending on their orthodoxy. The Jewish prayer shawl, called a tallit is a special clothing, as is the kippah or yarmulke, covering the head. Veils for women are common in many faiths and marriage ceremonies.

David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA

An Orthodox Jewish man wearing a Wool Tallit Katan
wikipedia

Ethiopian women at the Kotel during the week of Passover. Taken by Sputnik, on April 20, 2003, Jerusalem.

Young Israeli men of the Ethiopian Aliyah wearing kippot.

Cassie Ventura wearing cross necklace, photo: lukeford

Mormons that have been to the temple have made covenants to live righteous lives, much in line with keeping the ten commandments. To be clothed in a garment as part of this covenant reflects the ancient temple ceremonies. It is a reminder to me each day, to live faithfully, to love my neighbor as myself, to follow the commandments and be faithful to my spouse, to give to the poor and not hoard my wealth. I put aside the old man of sin (or wo-man, as the case may be), and put on Christ. The garment is the symbol of this covenant--that I carry with me. Some may wear a cross to remind them. It's not that weird. We can respect each other's faith.

Mormons do not wear their garments for others to see. It is just between me and my God. Mormons who serve in the military wear LDS garments that are the same color as military issue, so as not to stand out, but to keep these important reminders sacred.

When Joseph Smith restored this ancient custom for our day, he included women. Both men and women enter the temple to receive these ancient blessings:

The Lord commanded Moses to set up the tabernacle (the temple in the wilderness)--

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he. (Exodus 40)

Hugh Nibley relates the writings of Cyril of Jerusalem who wrote of being clothed in white linen after baptism.

"As Christ after his baptism . . . went forth to confront the Adversary, so you after your holy baptism and mystic anointing [the washing and anointing] were clothed in the armor of the Holy Ghost [a protective garment], to stand against the opposing . . . power. Having put off the old man's garment of sorrow, you now celebrate as you put on the garment of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been baptized in Christ and having put on Christ (cf. Galatians 3:2713) Cyril continues, "After you have put off the old garments and put on those of spiritual white, you should keep them always thus spotless white." Nibley

The Testament of Levi from the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs:

Levi goes to Beit-el, where he says, "And I saw seven men, clothed in white, who said to me, arise and put on the garment (endusai). Each of the seven angels, the seven men in white, as he placed an item of clothing upon Levi, said: From this time, thou art a high priest of the Lord, thou and thy seed after thee, for all eternity. The first anointed me with holy oil and gave me the staff of judgment. The second washed me with pure water and gave me bread and wine in the Holy of Holies, and placed upon me the holy and glorious garment [the leather stole, the protective garment]. The third placed about me a linen robe like an ephod. Hugh Nibley “SacredVestments.”

My Six Best Blogging Tips

2012-04-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

If you're a blogger, then you're probably like me -- always trying to improve. Here are six of my latest tips:

1. Zemanta is a blogging tool that works along side your post window. It helps you add a list of related articles (that you have written or others) at the end of each post. They also offer photos, but I find that they are usually too small for my taste. But you can click on the image and get a higher resolution and use that one. It also offers in-text links that are easily added. Be sure to set up your preferences and add your blog sites. Once you start using it, your posts will be available. Go to the site to sign up, it's free. See how it works at this demo.

2. Turn off the "word verification" in the comments section. This really turns people off, it takes too long to figure out those word verifications. I think I've only had one "bot" leave a message -- I'm just not that popular. If you're worried, use comment moderation, but I don't use that either. I have comments sent to my email and moderate it then and delete if necessary.

3. Use photos -- it's a visual world. Use your own or ones that have no copyright or they have "CC" (Creative Commons). Sometimes it will say that you must give attribution. If so, do so. I like Wikimedia Commons.

4. Give credit where credit is due. If you get an idea while reading someone's blog post, or article mention that in yours and link back to the original author.

5. Write off-line using an application such as MarsEdit (for Mac) or LiveWriter (for PC). I have used MacJournal for several years now. This program allows me to write off-line and upload directly to my blog. I am now giving MarsEdit a try. I am a devoted Mac user. If you want to try Live Writer go here: LiveWriter Download.

6. Link within your own blog to previous posts you have written. When mentioning something that you have written about, link to it.

Ann Romney Shares her Health Scares with MS

2012-04-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

When we're young we have no idea what's coming down the road for us. I'm quite sure we've all experienced health problems--that come with mortality. Ann Romney has multiple sclerosis--MS. I've always heard it's a terrible disease and yet I see her so strong -- talking and handling what I would consider a super-stressful situation.

In an interview, Ann Romney shared that she had a "health scare" on super Tuesday. She became aware that her MS was causing trouble. She noticed having trouble getting her words out, and feeling a little off-balance, starting to stumble.

"I didn't tell anybody I was tired. I just kept going. I had a little bit of a scare. I start to almost lose my words. I can't think, I can't get words out, I start to stumble a little bit. Those things were happening, and I thought, uh oh, big trouble."

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It affects more women than men, and typically between the ages of 20 to 40. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord.

Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions). Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks.

There are no known cures, only some therapies to help. I have heard Ann thank the people who pray for her. I believe in the prayers of others. Confession: I've forgotten to pray for her. (There's a little Jewish thought, that if you pray for others, your own prayers will be answered.)

About Super Tuesday, Ann said she pushed on, and told no one. Isn't that how we often do it? We don't tell, we push through and hope and pray it will all be ok. And somehow we get stronger. But it isn't easy. Some have tough health burdens to carry.

Ann and Mitt Romney, the younger years:

Ann and Mitt Romney with their five sons:

Four Sons on the Campaign trail:

Pastor Joel Includes Mormons in Christianity

2012-04-25T22:23:00.001-07:00

I always hold my breath while watching an interview on the big question: "Are Mormons Christians, and can you vote for Mitt Romney?" Joel Osteen, pastor and televangelist of the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, with 7-million viewers, gave an interview to Wolf Blitzer at CNN.

“When I hear Mitt Romney say that he believes that Jesus is the Son of God–that he’s the Christ, raised from the dead, that he’s his Savior–that’s good enough for me,” Osteen said.

Pastor Osteen said, as long as Mormons believe that Jesus is the son of God, then they're Christian, even though they're not "traditional" Christians. Joel Osteen is so inclusive; I appreciate his view and his strength of character--to stand up and share that view with the nation, and with his congregation, which encompasses 7-million viewers. His message has an impact.

His dialog is refreshing, after hearing so many Christians use fighting words against Mormons.
However, I was not surprised to read the negative comments after this video; many Christians are now condemning Osteen, and saying even worse things about Mormons in the comments section.

Mormon Christianity is based on 1st-century Christianity, before the 3rd and 4th century Councils convened to decide what to believe.

The Press Love to Talk About Mitt's DOG and His GOD

2012-04-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

There are two things that Mitt Romney will NOT talk about on his campaign -- his GOD and his DOG. I am fine with that. He is running for Commander-in-Chief, not for Pope or Prophet.
We've heard enough about his dog; and about Obama eating dog. Let sleeping dogs lie.

About his GOD--Mitt has shared some experiences about serving as a Mormon Bishop, which is similar to other ecclesiastical leaders; similar to a Pastor, Minister, or Priest. Your religious leader provides counsel, in confidence, and you know he will be discreet. It would be wrong for Mitt to talk about many experiences, which could be boasting of the service he performed, on one hand, or revealing confidences on the other hand. You wouldn't expect your Bishop, Pastor, Minister, or Priest to do that.

There are plenty of faithful Mormons to address people's concerns or respond to questions of interest.
Of course, there are those who hate us; the anti-Mormons. You will hear from them as well, no doubt. There will be Mormons who did not like their bishop's advice; and there are a few who are critical of "Bishop Romney." No one is loved by everyone; not even a good and faithful Bishop.

Mitt Romney and his family are faithful Mormons. Check any of the "faith promoting" links to find more information: Mormon.org, LDS.org, MormonVoices.org, MormonScholarsTestify.org.

Arguments and contentions do no good. Mormons as a whole, do have different opinions on doctrinal issues, and we must make our own choices. No one is ever forced to follow church counsel.
The Church is a voluntary organization, after all.

But CNN still wants to talk God. Just for your info, The Church says that a woman can have an abortion if her health is in danger. But this is a choice left to the woman.

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