By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
The workers need a place to start,
A foundation on which to build.
Yet, footings aren’t displayed like art,
Their surface with gold we don’t gild.
The foundation is an important part,
Of a building great or small.
And forms, in effect, the structural heart,
That helps it to stand or to fall.
We must build the foundation of our life,
Upon the teachings of our Lord.
Building each other as husband and wife,
To be ready when concrete is poured.
If we don’t build upon solid ground,
If we don’t take the time or the care,
We know that it will be found,
That there’s shifting and weakness down there.
When a structure has problems, Its owner will frown,
If the building is beyond all repair.
It’s so sad when we must tear buildings down,
And start building a new structure there.
Yet, if we build our lives with God’s plan,
We can find a whole lifetime of peace.
Yes, there can be joy for each woman and man,
The kind that will not ever cease.
The Soothing Summer Breeze
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
Sometimes the wind can move you, and make your heart beat fast.
But, a whirling violent vortex is a thing that cannot last.
For, in that wind is always strife, bringing chaos into life.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen the flames, with a devil’s tongue, leaping to the sky.
Burning up the innocence, to make the forest die.
Passion must be held in check, for sin can make your life a wreck.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a twister on the lake, spouting water high.
It lifted up a fishy, though It's not safe for trout to fly.
Excitement can bring danger. It’s unwise to kiss a stranger.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a snow-white devil, in it’s frozen hate.
Throwing snow up all around, angry to face it’s fate.
It seems to know the ageless truth, that it won’t make it out of youth.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a dusty funnel cloud, out in the desert waste.
It seems to run toward its end with sad and reckless haste.
A desert is so bare and dry, that love born there will surely die.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
Our love and friendship both have grown, stronger through the years.
We’ve cried together many times, with sad or joyful tears.
Your love for me is always there, an answer to my fervent prayer.
You are the gentle breeze that’s always constant.
Sometimes the wind can move you, and make your heart beat fast.
But, a whirling violent vortex is a thing that cannot last.
For, in that wind is always strife, bringing chaos into life.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen the flames, with a devil’s tongue, leaping to the sky.
Burning up the innocence, to make the forest die.
Passion must be held in check, for sin can make your life a wreck.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a twister on the lake, spouting water high.
It lifted up a fishy, though It's not safe for trout to fly.
Excitement can bring danger. It’s unwise to kiss a stranger.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a snow-white devil, in it’s frozen hate.
Throwing snow up all around, angry to face it’s fate.
It seems to know the ageless truth, that it won’t make it out of youth.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
I’ve seen a dusty funnel cloud, out in the desert waste.
It seems to run toward its end with sad and reckless haste.
A desert is so bare and dry, that love born there will surely die.
I prefer a gentle breeze that’s always constant.
Our love and friendship both have grown, stronger through the years.
We’ve cried together many times, with sad or joyful tears.
Your love for me is always there, an answer to my fervent prayer.
You are the gentle breeze that’s always constant.
To my Sweetheart, Dressed in White
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
There you are, in flawless white.
As a brilliant star, through gloomy night.
I love your soul, and I'm glad to be
Bound by our goal to partake from God’s tree.
We're sealed forever, and though we die,
We'll soon be together, You and I.
I do not recall, time preceding this life.
Yet, someday I’ll know all about you my wife.
Someday this veil, which hides the past
Itself will fail, and part at last.
I then shall know, the one by my side
As we both go, up to God and abide.
So, before the casket closes, I’ll kiss you one more time.
And know that like our roses, next spring you’ll be sublime.
Yes, then I’ll know you fully, as in blazing light we dwell.
In the presence of the holy, and the great Immanuel.
There you are, in flawless white.
As a brilliant star, through gloomy night.
I love your soul, and I'm glad to be
Bound by our goal to partake from God’s tree.
We're sealed forever, and though we die,
We'll soon be together, You and I.
I do not recall, time preceding this life.
Yet, someday I’ll know all about you my wife.
Someday this veil, which hides the past
Itself will fail, and part at last.
I then shall know, the one by my side
As we both go, up to God and abide.
So, before the casket closes, I’ll kiss you one more time.
And know that like our roses, next spring you’ll be sublime.
Yes, then I’ll know you fully, as in blazing light we dwell.
In the presence of the holy, and the great Immanuel.
Should Health Care be Nationalized in the United States of America?
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
The Health Care system should not be nationalized in the United States of America. In other words, the US government should not set the price that doctors can charge for specific procedures or set the price of prescription drugs or the cost of medical insurance.
Poul Anderson spoke the truth when he said, “I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when you looked at it in the right way, did not become still more complicated.” (Sylvan Barnet, Bedau Hugo. Current Issues and Enduring Questions pp. 257)
It is true that we live in a complicated world. The Body Works Health Database teaches that "The processes of life are wondrous, indeed. Though much has been learned about the technical intricacies of pregnancy and childbirth, for example, the concept of the existence of life itself, is still overwhelming. On our planet, over five billion people are engaged in the day-to-day occupations of life, from conception to death. In spite of this dramatically large number of people, each person is unique, a notion which, in itself, is cause for reflection." (CD-ROM Body Works 5.0 for windows from Softkey)
The health care system in the United States is a delicate and complicated system. Dianne Hales identifies some of the options available to a family using the current system.
“Many individuals with insurance are covered under an employer-based plan (options offered and partially funded by their employer). Individual health insurance coverage, though more costly, can be obtained through some companies. Uninsured persons depend on their own ability to pay, their qualifying for government insurance, or the care that physicians and institutions donate to those unable to pay." (Hales, Dianne. An invitation to Health 2009-2010 Edition.)
Hales also identifies some of the problems that exist in the Health Care System of the United States, “People with family incomes of $75,000 or more are twice as likely as those with family incomes less than $20,000 to be in excellent health” (12).
Hales continues by saying that, “. . . Race itself isn’t the primary reason for the health problems faced by minorities in the United States. Poverty is. Without adequate insurance or the ability to pay, many cannot afford the tests and treatments that could prevent illness or overcome it at the earliest possible stages. One in three Hispanics under age 65 has no health insurance. According to public health experts, low income may account for one-third of the racial differences in death rates for middle-aged African American adults” (13) Hales also notes that, “Women are more likely than men to lack health insurance, and the lower a woman’s income and education, the less her likelihood of getting important preventative services…” (500).
I ‘m a U.S. citizen and I’ve also lived in Canada for several years. I ‘ve been a patient in the heath care systems of both Countries. While living in Canada I experienced some chest pains one morning while hiking and over exerting myself. I went to the Hospital and immediately was given an EKG test. The results suggested that I had not had a heart attack and that I had just pushed myself too hard until I was at the point of exhaustion. I was never sent a bill for this examination.
While living in the United States, I ruptured a disk in my back. I was self-employed and had no medical insurance. I was unable to sit or stand without experiencing extreme agony. Because I had no medical insurance, I did not have access to medical care. I was no longer able to work for myself and I found it necessary to go to work for someone else. The nature of my injury caused me to experience extreme pain in the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of the left leg. I went to work for a company in which I had the responsibility of working at a computer all day. This required me to be seated and I was in agony the entire time. I worked in this way so that I could eventually qualify for medical insurance with this employer.
After receiving medical insurance I went to the doctor and had an MRI which confirmed my suspicion that I had ruptured a disk. Surgery was performed on my back and the disk was removed. Because of the time that had gone by, the nerve in my left leg had died and I am not able to flex the calf muscle in my left leg. This muscle has atrophied to almost nothing and I will be crippled and walk with a limp for the rest of my life.
After reading the story of my injury, it may seem that my essay would urge the Government of the United States to change current system of health care and Nationalize the health care system. This is not the argument that I am making. I recognize the impact that nationalization would have on the many people in this Country who are currently employed by HMOs and other medical insurance companies.
Income taxes in the United States are similar in this way because, a flat tax would be much more efficient and provide the most equitable taxation of the people. However, if the United States were to make a sudden change to a simple flat tax, the current structure of tax servicing would be devastated and the IRS itself would find it necessary to terminating the employment of a large percentage of its workers.
A sudden and drastic change in U.S. policy and law in the areas of the health care system and income tax code; would cause devastating effects on the economy by causing a sharp increase in unemployment. Changes to the tax code and health care system must come gradually if at all. Otherwise there will be devastating consequences to the wellbeing of every citizen in this country.
The health care system today is similar to a very high quality public transpiration system. We have a system that is like a high speed train from New York to LA. We have the fastest and best high speed train in the world. There is a large problem with this train however, it has a very limited number of cars and only one engine to pull it. There are simply not enough seats, daily trips, or stations to accommodate the needs of the entire Country. There is no possibility of offering a greater number of stops, additional trains, or more frequent service. This kind of train is simply too expensive. Some additional modes of transportation toward good health are needed.
We need a bus system that can help the common work-a-part-time-day people in this Country. The decision to add buses to the public transportation system does not require us to take the train out of service. We do not need to alter the daily life of those who have already been using the train with great satisfaction. We do, however, need to provide the rest of the people in the Country with a less expensive way to promote good health. Many of those who are stranded, in the backwaters of poor health, will not object to the idea of lowing slightly, the quality of service in order to increases the quantity of service.
Here is another way to think of the high speed train of US healthcare. Imagine that the train is running with many seats available at times because the fare is just too expensive. Therefore some people need to have the bus fare that is less expensive even thought the bus may take a longer time to get them to their destination. This needs to be an alternative so that we can, as a Country reach the destination of Good Health.
President Obama proposes some interesting and monumental changes to the health care system in order to accomplish the goal of providing more Americans with Health Insurance. The following is a summary of these proposals according to the world wide web site for Barack Obama 7 Apr. 2009
Some argue that we must either nationalize the health care system or keep it exactly the way it is. We propose to keep things the same for those who are happy with it, (While giving them a cost savings of 2,500 dollars per year.) For those who are not happy with the current system, we will tax the rich to pay for you to have better access to health care. If we get these taxes in place we will be able to: Require coverage of pre-existing conditions, Make health care coverage affordable for small business, control malpractice insurance premium prices, and set the prices of treatment for catastrophic illnesses.
President Obama’s current proposals are more grounded in getting elected for the next term and winning over public opinion, than they are in finding a strategy that will receive the needed congressional votes to become law. The following counter argument for government price control comes from the world wide web site for Fox News 10 Apr. 2009.
I have summarized this article as follows:
There is obviously a problem with the Health Care System in the United States. The focus of any constructive debate should therefore, center on what to do to solve the problems in the Health Care System. It is not right to paint
current Health Care workers as bad people. It is dangerous to believe that the government will do a better job than the current system.
Government run Health Care Systems have failed in Countries around the World and even in individual States here is the USA. We currently have the greatest health care system in the world. If the healthcare system were to be Nationalized completely, there would be a crisis as Doctors refused to work under the conditions mandated by the Government. The savings that are being promised from using Technology to stream line the medical records are not really possible.
We must, as citizens, recognize what we are in danger of loosing. We need bold leaders to set a course away from Nationalizing the Health Care System in the USA.
Universal Health Insurance coverage is a goal that morally, we cannot afford to abandon. Dianne Hales points out that “Most colleges offer some type of health insurance plan, with the student health center acting as the primary care provider. Many schools require enrollment if the student is not covered under any other plan.” (505)
Following this example on a national level is a simple solution to the problem of the medically uninsured in America. The most effective solution to this problem is to pass laws that require everyone in the US to have medical insurance. The government can provide an insurance program that is far more expensive and far less beneficial that current medical insurance, the uninsured could then be required by law to enroll in this unattractive government program.
If this law were enacted, the citizens of the United States of America, as they began to protest this action and look for other options, would influence the collective price of medical insurance and the cost of medical insurance would be reduced drastically in this Country. This drop in price would occur naturally as the existing medical insurance companies tried to secure the business of the 45 million Americans that would suddenly be shopping for medical insurance. The citizen health insurance motto would no longer be, “We can’t afford to have medical insurance.” Instead the national, citizen medical insurance motto would change to, “We simply can’t afford not to have medical insurance.”
Regrettably, like President Obama’s proposals, such a law would never receive the public support necessary to demonstrate to elected officials the political will necessary to successfully move the bill through congress with the required votes. If we as a Nation had started out with Nationalized health care it would be a good idea to keep it running and reform it as needed; however, making such a drastic change now, would only bring chaos and injustice to an industry that has done a fine job of caring for those who can afford the ticket to ride on the high tech train of the US health care system. We must not, therefore, blow up the high tech train just because alternate modes of transportation are not being created fast enough.
The Health Care system should not be nationalized in the United States of America. In other words, the US government should not set the price that doctors can charge for specific procedures or set the price of prescription drugs or the cost of medical insurance.
Poul Anderson spoke the truth when he said, “I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when you looked at it in the right way, did not become still more complicated.” (Sylvan Barnet, Bedau Hugo. Current Issues and Enduring Questions pp. 257)
It is true that we live in a complicated world. The Body Works Health Database teaches that "The processes of life are wondrous, indeed. Though much has been learned about the technical intricacies of pregnancy and childbirth, for example, the concept of the existence of life itself, is still overwhelming. On our planet, over five billion people are engaged in the day-to-day occupations of life, from conception to death. In spite of this dramatically large number of people, each person is unique, a notion which, in itself, is cause for reflection." (CD-ROM Body Works 5.0 for windows from Softkey)
The health care system in the United States is a delicate and complicated system. Dianne Hales identifies some of the options available to a family using the current system.
“Many individuals with insurance are covered under an employer-based plan (options offered and partially funded by their employer). Individual health insurance coverage, though more costly, can be obtained through some companies. Uninsured persons depend on their own ability to pay, their qualifying for government insurance, or the care that physicians and institutions donate to those unable to pay." (Hales, Dianne. An invitation to Health 2009-2010 Edition.)
Hales also identifies some of the problems that exist in the Health Care System of the United States, “People with family incomes of $75,000 or more are twice as likely as those with family incomes less than $20,000 to be in excellent health” (12).
Hales continues by saying that, “. . . Race itself isn’t the primary reason for the health problems faced by minorities in the United States. Poverty is. Without adequate insurance or the ability to pay, many cannot afford the tests and treatments that could prevent illness or overcome it at the earliest possible stages. One in three Hispanics under age 65 has no health insurance. According to public health experts, low income may account for one-third of the racial differences in death rates for middle-aged African American adults” (13) Hales also notes that, “Women are more likely than men to lack health insurance, and the lower a woman’s income and education, the less her likelihood of getting important preventative services…” (500).
I ‘m a U.S. citizen and I’ve also lived in Canada for several years. I ‘ve been a patient in the heath care systems of both Countries. While living in Canada I experienced some chest pains one morning while hiking and over exerting myself. I went to the Hospital and immediately was given an EKG test. The results suggested that I had not had a heart attack and that I had just pushed myself too hard until I was at the point of exhaustion. I was never sent a bill for this examination.
While living in the United States, I ruptured a disk in my back. I was self-employed and had no medical insurance. I was unable to sit or stand without experiencing extreme agony. Because I had no medical insurance, I did not have access to medical care. I was no longer able to work for myself and I found it necessary to go to work for someone else. The nature of my injury caused me to experience extreme pain in the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of the left leg. I went to work for a company in which I had the responsibility of working at a computer all day. This required me to be seated and I was in agony the entire time. I worked in this way so that I could eventually qualify for medical insurance with this employer.
After receiving medical insurance I went to the doctor and had an MRI which confirmed my suspicion that I had ruptured a disk. Surgery was performed on my back and the disk was removed. Because of the time that had gone by, the nerve in my left leg had died and I am not able to flex the calf muscle in my left leg. This muscle has atrophied to almost nothing and I will be crippled and walk with a limp for the rest of my life.
After reading the story of my injury, it may seem that my essay would urge the Government of the United States to change current system of health care and Nationalize the health care system. This is not the argument that I am making. I recognize the impact that nationalization would have on the many people in this Country who are currently employed by HMOs and other medical insurance companies.
Income taxes in the United States are similar in this way because, a flat tax would be much more efficient and provide the most equitable taxation of the people. However, if the United States were to make a sudden change to a simple flat tax, the current structure of tax servicing would be devastated and the IRS itself would find it necessary to terminating the employment of a large percentage of its workers.
A sudden and drastic change in U.S. policy and law in the areas of the health care system and income tax code; would cause devastating effects on the economy by causing a sharp increase in unemployment. Changes to the tax code and health care system must come gradually if at all. Otherwise there will be devastating consequences to the wellbeing of every citizen in this country.
The health care system today is similar to a very high quality public transpiration system. We have a system that is like a high speed train from New York to LA. We have the fastest and best high speed train in the world. There is a large problem with this train however, it has a very limited number of cars and only one engine to pull it. There are simply not enough seats, daily trips, or stations to accommodate the needs of the entire Country. There is no possibility of offering a greater number of stops, additional trains, or more frequent service. This kind of train is simply too expensive. Some additional modes of transportation toward good health are needed.
We need a bus system that can help the common work-a-part-time-day people in this Country. The decision to add buses to the public transportation system does not require us to take the train out of service. We do not need to alter the daily life of those who have already been using the train with great satisfaction. We do, however, need to provide the rest of the people in the Country with a less expensive way to promote good health. Many of those who are stranded, in the backwaters of poor health, will not object to the idea of lowing slightly, the quality of service in order to increases the quantity of service.
Here is another way to think of the high speed train of US healthcare. Imagine that the train is running with many seats available at times because the fare is just too expensive. Therefore some people need to have the bus fare that is less expensive even thought the bus may take a longer time to get them to their destination. This needs to be an alternative so that we can, as a Country reach the destination of Good Health.
President Obama proposes some interesting and monumental changes to the health care system in order to accomplish the goal of providing more Americans with Health Insurance. The following is a summary of these proposals according to the world wide web site for Barack Obama 7 Apr. 2009
Some argue that we must either nationalize the health care system or keep it exactly the way it is. We propose to keep things the same for those who are happy with it, (While giving them a cost savings of 2,500 dollars per year.) For those who are not happy with the current system, we will tax the rich to pay for you to have better access to health care. If we get these taxes in place we will be able to: Require coverage of pre-existing conditions, Make health care coverage affordable for small business, control malpractice insurance premium prices, and set the prices of treatment for catastrophic illnesses.
President Obama’s current proposals are more grounded in getting elected for the next term and winning over public opinion, than they are in finding a strategy that will receive the needed congressional votes to become law. The following counter argument for government price control comes from the world wide web site for Fox News 10 Apr. 2009
I have summarized this article as follows:
There is obviously a problem with the Health Care System in the United States. The focus of any constructive debate should therefore, center on what to do to solve the problems in the Health Care System. It is not right to paint
current Health Care workers as bad people. It is dangerous to believe that the government will do a better job than the current system.
Government run Health Care Systems have failed in Countries around the World and even in individual States here is the USA. We currently have the greatest health care system in the world. If the healthcare system were to be Nationalized completely, there would be a crisis as Doctors refused to work under the conditions mandated by the Government. The savings that are being promised from using Technology to stream line the medical records are not really possible.
We must, as citizens, recognize what we are in danger of loosing. We need bold leaders to set a course away from Nationalizing the Health Care System in the USA.
Universal Health Insurance coverage is a goal that morally, we cannot afford to abandon. Dianne Hales points out that “Most colleges offer some type of health insurance plan, with the student health center acting as the primary care provider. Many schools require enrollment if the student is not covered under any other plan.” (505)
Following this example on a national level is a simple solution to the problem of the medically uninsured in America. The most effective solution to this problem is to pass laws that require everyone in the US to have medical insurance. The government can provide an insurance program that is far more expensive and far less beneficial that current medical insurance, the uninsured could then be required by law to enroll in this unattractive government program.
If this law were enacted, the citizens of the United States of America, as they began to protest this action and look for other options, would influence the collective price of medical insurance and the cost of medical insurance would be reduced drastically in this Country. This drop in price would occur naturally as the existing medical insurance companies tried to secure the business of the 45 million Americans that would suddenly be shopping for medical insurance. The citizen health insurance motto would no longer be, “We can’t afford to have medical insurance.” Instead the national, citizen medical insurance motto would change to, “We simply can’t afford not to have medical insurance.”
Regrettably, like President Obama’s proposals, such a law would never receive the public support necessary to demonstrate to elected officials the political will necessary to successfully move the bill through congress with the required votes. If we as a Nation had started out with Nationalized health care it would be a good idea to keep it running and reform it as needed; however, making such a drastic change now, would only bring chaos and injustice to an industry that has done a fine job of caring for those who can afford the ticket to ride on the high tech train of the US health care system. We must not, therefore, blow up the high tech train just because alternate modes of transportation are not being created fast enough.
DOCTOR ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO GAIN SELF-RESPECT
Youth encouraged to gain mastery and self-respect
The Los Angeles Times reports in a story titled Study links TV and depression that every hour of TV watched as a teenager adds about 8% more risk of developing depression as an adult. Dr. Brian Primack recommends positive social, academic, and athletic activities that can give youth a sense of mastery and self-respect. He goes on to suggest that TV teaches kids to be passive, and to judge themselves against fictional characters whose looks and accomplishments seem out of reach.
Now why would I post something like this while I am talking about Mormons? Well, the answer is quite simple really. Mormon youth participate in weekly activities called Mutual. Mutual is what some other religions call the Youth Ministry, World Assembly for Youth or Institute for Youth. The term Mutual comes from the original name of the Youth organization created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization was called the Mutual Improvement Association and focused on providing youth the opportunity to develop positive social, academic, and athletic activites. I found this image from a play produced by the Mutual Improvement Association in 1920 quite funny. Great costumes and J.R. Sorenson sure looks the part of an old timer. Notice the M.I.A. Dramatics title as well.
Anyway, I simply found this interesting. I hope TV and video games don't consume so much time that no one has time to reach out and help others. It's pathetic when people sitting right next to each other would rather text each other instead of talk. Interpersonal communication is a fading skill, it's a good thing the LDS Church encourages home teaching, church attendance, mutual and service. Somebody's got to be out and doing.
The Los Angeles Times reports in a story titled Study links TV and depression that every hour of TV watched as a teenager adds about 8% more risk of developing depression as an adult. Dr. Brian Primack recommends positive social, academic, and athletic activities that can give youth a sense of mastery and self-respect. He goes on to suggest that TV teaches kids to be passive, and to judge themselves against fictional characters whose looks and accomplishments seem out of reach.
Now why would I post something like this while I am talking about Mormons? Well, the answer is quite simple really. Mormon youth participate in weekly activities called Mutual. Mutual is what some other religions call the Youth Ministry, World Assembly for Youth or Institute for Youth. The term Mutual comes from the original name of the Youth organization created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization was called the Mutual Improvement Association and focused on providing youth the opportunity to develop positive social, academic, and athletic activites. I found this image from a play produced by the Mutual Improvement Association in 1920 quite funny. Great costumes and J.R. Sorenson sure looks the part of an old timer. Notice the M.I.A. Dramatics title as well.Anyway, I simply found this interesting. I hope TV and video games don't consume so much time that no one has time to reach out and help others. It's pathetic when people sitting right next to each other would rather text each other instead of talk. Interpersonal communication is a fading skill, it's a good thing the LDS Church encourages home teaching, church attendance, mutual and service. Somebody's got to be out and doing.
That We May Be One
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
When we write the tune, that forms our short life,
We observe all too soon, that there will be strife.
In a choir and band, there must be music players.
Yet, though the piece is grand, it may be played by music slayers.
For, even if we plan the most beautiful thing,
We’ll loose our best fan, if it’s flat when they sing.
I now clearly see, it is God that I should trust.
If our duet becomes off-key, then MY tuning I'll adjust.
Yes, that's the key to life, to trust in God above,
And overcome all strife, with harmony and love.
When we write the tune, that forms our short life,
We observe all too soon, that there will be strife.
In a choir and band, there must be music players.
Yet, though the piece is grand, it may be played by music slayers.
For, even if we plan the most beautiful thing,
We’ll loose our best fan, if it’s flat when they sing.
I now clearly see, it is God that I should trust.
If our duet becomes off-key, then MY tuning I'll adjust.
Yes, that's the key to life, to trust in God above,
And overcome all strife, with harmony and love.
Is the Wasatch Front the Mormon Zion?
Today in Sunday School we talked about Zion. A few people seem to think the Wasatch Front centered around Salt Lake City is Zion. Simplistically, some say in days of old Mormons were encouraged to gather to Zion in Salt Lake City. While I do not dispute that many were encouraged to moved to Utah, I think the idea that Salt Lake City is Zion gradually came about over time. I discuss a few ideas about Zion and the gathering of Israel and explain why I think Salt Lake City has always been a place of Zion, but not the Zion.
Simplified historical perspective: Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, and his brother Hyrum Smith, the Mormon Patriarch, had been murdered June 27, 1844 while supposedly being protected by the government of Carthage, Illinois. Mormons had been harassed and pushed out of New York, Ohio, Missouri, and now Illinois. With their Prophet dead and understanding that the government of the United States at the time did not uphold it's constitution or bill of rights with respect to freedom of religion, Mormon leader Brigham Young January 14, 1847 (just two and a half years after Joseph Smith's murder) issued "the word and will of the Lord" found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 136. The section describes the preparations for the westward migration that ultimately took the Mormons out of the United States and into the territory of Mexico in 1847. Incidentally, most maps of the United States in 1847 go no further west than Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It should also be noted that the concept of Manifest Destiny had only been spoken of by John L. O'Sullivan in 1845. President James K. Polk, along with congress, precipitated the Mexican-American war that in 1848 brought the Salt Lake Valley back into the United States as a territory.
Brigham Young in Section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants provides a lot of organizational information for the westward migration of the Mormons and specifically calls some of his people "pioneers" (verse 7). The most telling item with respect to the Zion is found in verse 10 that states: "Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall locate a stake of Zion" (emphasize added). In January of 1847 the Mormons where off to create a stake of Zion, not create the Zion. On July 24, 1847 the Mormons first entered the Salt Lake Valley and Brigham Young declared, "This is the right place." Utah as a state still celebrates July 24th as Pioneer Day. The Days of '47 website describes a yearly theme.
Once the Mormons began arriving, Brigham Young would send out groups of pioneers to settle surrounding areas (in other words, to build more stakes of Zion). I don't think the Wasatch Front is the Zion, so members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should focus on Zion as the pure in heart, those that fear not thine enemies; for they shall not have power to stop my work, keep your pledges one with another, don't swear, cease to fight and gossip, cease to be drunk and use edifying language, return things you borrow, be a good steward of your materials possessions, sing, dance, and pray, and finally, you're being prepared to receive the glory of Zion.
Where is Zion for you? Is the Wasatch Front a special kind of Zion?
Simplified historical perspective: Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, and his brother Hyrum Smith, the Mormon Patriarch, had been murdered June 27, 1844 while supposedly being protected by the government of Carthage, Illinois. Mormons had been harassed and pushed out of New York, Ohio, Missouri, and now Illinois. With their Prophet dead and understanding that the government of the United States at the time did not uphold it's constitution or bill of rights with respect to freedom of religion, Mormon leader Brigham Young January 14, 1847 (just two and a half years after Joseph Smith's murder) issued "the word and will of the Lord" found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 136. The section describes the preparations for the westward migration that ultimately took the Mormons out of the United States and into the territory of Mexico in 1847. Incidentally, most maps of the United States in 1847 go no further west than Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It should also be noted that the concept of Manifest Destiny had only been spoken of by John L. O'Sullivan in 1845. President James K. Polk, along with congress, precipitated the Mexican-American war that in 1848 brought the Salt Lake Valley back into the United States as a territory.Brigham Young in Section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants provides a lot of organizational information for the westward migration of the Mormons and specifically calls some of his people "pioneers" (verse 7). The most telling item with respect to the Zion is found in verse 10 that states: "Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall locate a stake of Zion" (emphasize added). In January of 1847 the Mormons where off to create a stake of Zion, not create the Zion. On July 24, 1847 the Mormons first entered the Salt Lake Valley and Brigham Young declared, "This is the right place." Utah as a state still celebrates July 24th as Pioneer Day. The Days of '47 website describes a yearly theme.
Once the Mormons began arriving, Brigham Young would send out groups of pioneers to settle surrounding areas (in other words, to build more stakes of Zion). I don't think the Wasatch Front is the Zion, so members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should focus on Zion as the pure in heart, those that fear not thine enemies; for they shall not have power to stop my work, keep your pledges one with another, don't swear, cease to fight and gossip, cease to be drunk and use edifying language, return things you borrow, be a good steward of your materials possessions, sing, dance, and pray, and finally, you're being prepared to receive the glory of Zion.
Where is Zion for you? Is the Wasatch Front a special kind of Zion?
Judgment
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
This life is like a courtroom,
And we have a role to play.
Like the pattern in a weavers loom,
We’ll leave our mark today.
Some pass sentence very early,
And from their stance don’t budge.
Yet, we’re to be a witness purely,
Letting Jesus be the judge.
You see, we'll all be weighed,
In the balance that is just,
Using good works we have made,
While clothed with mortal dust.
We’ll be judged by the way that we love,
How we’re loved doesn't mater so much.
As we follow the Savior above,
He can heal us with his gentle touch.
This life is like a courtroom,
And we have a role to play.
Like the pattern in a weavers loom,
We’ll leave our mark today.
Some pass sentence very early,
And from their stance don’t budge.
Yet, we’re to be a witness purely,
Letting Jesus be the judge.
You see, we'll all be weighed,
In the balance that is just,
Using good works we have made,
While clothed with mortal dust.
We’ll be judged by the way that we love,
How we’re loved doesn't mater so much.
As we follow the Savior above,
He can heal us with his gentle touch.
Suffering
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
There is a law to follow,
With a punishment affixed.
There’s poison you can swallow,
Though with truth it may be mixed.
If we break the rules in life,
While knowing what is right,
We find sorrow, guilt, and strife,
And weep through lonely night.
Yet, suffering comes to everyone,
Resulting from the fall.
We conquer this through God’s own son,
Who has endured it all.
The devil wants to cloud our mind,
So we'll think God’s love is lacking.
He distracts us from the perfect plan.
As his demons are attacking.
Remember the message that has been sent,
While sin does bring grief and sorrow,
All suffering is not punishment,
And, in God’s time, gets fixed tomorrow.
There is a law to follow,
With a punishment affixed.
There’s poison you can swallow,
Though with truth it may be mixed.
If we break the rules in life,
While knowing what is right,
We find sorrow, guilt, and strife,
And weep through lonely night.
Yet, suffering comes to everyone,
Resulting from the fall.
We conquer this through God’s own son,
Who has endured it all.
The devil wants to cloud our mind,
So we'll think God’s love is lacking.
He distracts us from the perfect plan.
As his demons are attacking.
Remember the message that has been sent,
While sin does bring grief and sorrow,
All suffering is not punishment,
And, in God’s time, gets fixed tomorrow.
New Mormon Apostle Set Apart Elder Neil Lindon Andersen April 2009
Elder Neil Lindon Andersen newest Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2009
Elder Neil Linden Andersen, 57, was named the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today during the morning session of the Church’s 179th Annual General Conference.
The announcement was made by Church President Thomas S. Monson to 21,000 people seated in the Conference Center and to hundreds of thousands more watching the broadcast throughout the world. Elder Andersen will fill the vacancy left in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, who passed away in December of 2008.
Elder Andersen was serving as the senior member of the Presidency of the Seventy prior to his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve. He was named a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in April, 1993, at age 41. He previously led the work of the Church in southern Brazil and, again as a member of an area presidency, oversaw the Church in Western Europe. He has also assisted in supervising the work of the Church in Mexico and Central America. In addition, he supervised Church audiovisual production, including the filming of “The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd” and managed construction of the broadcast facilities in the Conference Center as the Executive Director of the Church Audiovisual Department. He speaks French, Portuguese and Spanish in addition to his native English.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Andersen served as a mission president in the France Bordeaux Mission, and as president of the Tampa Florida Stake.
Elder Andersen was born in Logan, Utah, and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, on a dairy farm where he remembers, "typical Idaho farm work, from morning to night.” In high school, he excelled in student government, serving as governor of Idaho Boys State.
He graduated from Brigham Young University, where he was a presidential scholar, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard University. After completing his education, he settled in Tampa, Florida, where his business interests included advertising, real estate development, and health care.
Elder Andersen and his wife, Kathy Williams Andersen, are the parents of four children and twelve grandchildren.
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serve under the direction of the First Presidency. In addition to their primary responsibility to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ throughout the world, apostles have administrative responsibilities as they oversee the programs and development of the global Church.
Here is a video of the announcement by President Thomas S. Monson:
It's Best to Know and Do
I drink all of it quickly down,
I cannot get enough.
It seems to me a golden crown,
The best of worldly stuff.
I learn all knowledge that I can,
I’ll take as much as I can get,
I am learning’s greatest fan,
And so right here I’ll sit.
Though many tasks now call to me,
I can’t tear myself away.
I have too many books with me,
I must learn the things they say.
Yet, is it right to learn and not apply?
To build up, and knowledge merely store?
While suffering persons pass us by,
And we leave closed our door?
Knowledge sometimes puffs us up,
Until compassion dies.
While love will fill the beggar’s cup,
Yes, Charity edifies.
It’s different with a Scripture feast,
They have a great message that’s true,
They help the selfish hand release,
To know, and also do.
I cannot get enough.
It seems to me a golden crown,
The best of worldly stuff.
I learn all knowledge that I can,
I’ll take as much as I can get,
I am learning’s greatest fan,
And so right here I’ll sit.
Though many tasks now call to me,
I can’t tear myself away.
I have too many books with me,
I must learn the things they say.
Yet, is it right to learn and not apply?
To build up, and knowledge merely store?
While suffering persons pass us by,
And we leave closed our door?
Knowledge sometimes puffs us up,
Until compassion dies.
While love will fill the beggar’s cup,
Yes, Charity edifies.
It’s different with a Scripture feast,
They have a great message that’s true,
They help the selfish hand release,
To know, and also do.
Loving God Far More than Life
Loving God Far More than Life
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
It is uncommon for people to think,
Of their upcoming death.
Our spirits are troubled and start to sink,
For, time will stop all breath.
I must think about all this,
For, I’m condemned to die.
It is my family that I’ll miss,
They’re the reason that I cry.
And I will die an innocent man,
For, I’m wrongfully accused.
And so I pray and wait and plan,
For God’s love to be infused.
While I have no bitterness today,
And my heart is free of hate.
There are some things I want to say,
Before it is too late.
When a person faces death with hope,
Faith grows and comfort comes.
Even while a noose is made from rope,
And the ticking clock still drums.
Faith and love both conquer fear.
A clear conscience, great peace brings.
Yes, even as my death draws near,
My heart, with joy still sings.
I wish that I were able to live,
And raise my children up.
There’s so much that I could give,
To overflow, with joy their cup.
I know the Lord is truly pleased,
When his children wish to stay.
I know our sorrows can be eased,
Though skies are cold and grey.
We all should LIVE upon this earth,
As long as life can last.
For, from the moment of our birth,
The time runs out so fast.
I will not die in a prison yard,
For a crime that I’ve confessed.
But this death, for me is just as hard
For, my cancer has progressed.
The death that soon will come to me,
Isn’t something I desire.
Yet, even so, I clearly see,
God’s love must cleanse like fire.
Though death is absolute, and frightening,
I know that God will take me home.
The word of God is so enlightening,
As through this valley I roam.
Yes, while I wish that I could stay,
Spending time with my sweet wife,
I’ll trust the things the scriptures say,
And love God, far more than life.
By Appreciable Goodfaithpoet
It is uncommon for people to think,
Of their upcoming death.
Our spirits are troubled and start to sink,
For, time will stop all breath.
I must think about all this,
For, I’m condemned to die.
It is my family that I’ll miss,
They’re the reason that I cry.
And I will die an innocent man,
For, I’m wrongfully accused.
And so I pray and wait and plan,
For God’s love to be infused.
While I have no bitterness today,
And my heart is free of hate.
There are some things I want to say,
Before it is too late.
When a person faces death with hope,
Faith grows and comfort comes.
Even while a noose is made from rope,
And the ticking clock still drums.
Faith and love both conquer fear.
A clear conscience, great peace brings.
Yes, even as my death draws near,
My heart, with joy still sings.
I wish that I were able to live,
And raise my children up.
There’s so much that I could give,
To overflow, with joy their cup.
I know the Lord is truly pleased,
When his children wish to stay.
I know our sorrows can be eased,
Though skies are cold and grey.
We all should LIVE upon this earth,
As long as life can last.
For, from the moment of our birth,
The time runs out so fast.
I will not die in a prison yard,
For a crime that I’ve confessed.
But this death, for me is just as hard
For, my cancer has progressed.
The death that soon will come to me,
Isn’t something I desire.
Yet, even so, I clearly see,
God’s love must cleanse like fire.
Though death is absolute, and frightening,
I know that God will take me home.
The word of God is so enlightening,
As through this valley I roam.
Yes, while I wish that I could stay,
Spending time with my sweet wife,
I’ll trust the things the scriptures say,
And love God, far more than life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)