So in the world of today:
-72 people in the Philippines died in a factory fire.
-Israel is uprooting a Bedouin village to build an upscale housing development for Israelis.
-Isis is calling for all Muslims to kill Christians and Jews.
-The White House failed to produce a single Benghazi document in the past six months.
This blogger website includes all my previous posts that I have ever posted from my Thai blog to my world news blog to my advocacy blog to my portfolio blog.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
'So in the world of today: 14 May 2015' by Sam Orr
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
'So in the world of today: 13 May 2015' by Sam Orr
-The Vatican officially recognized the state of Palestine.
-US beekeepers lost 40% of their beehives last year.
Most LDS Misunderstand Faith. How is Your Understanding of It?
When Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Bible, he was directed by God to replace the word substance with the word assurance, saying "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for" in the scriptures. This faith can only be a gift from God through prayer because he alone can give it. No man can assure you that your actions qualify you for the grace of God. We need to obtain an assurance of the truthfulness of the Gospel in order to have faith. In the chapters covered for today's post, the stripling warriors are introduced to us, and I do not believe that the majority of the families of these Latter-days are not being led by parents teaching their children to have true faith. "They (the stripling sons of Helaman) were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." (Alma 53:20-21) This faith that we are missing out on was taught in the land of Jershon's homes.
I will now quote evidences of true faith. The Nephite nation's culture was largely based on the gospel of Christ, but this segment of the Book of Mormon text tells the fruit of the high class taking control of the government in war time.
"And it came to pass that we did wait in these difficult circumstances for the space of many months, even until we were about to perish for the want of food. But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was innumerable. And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction. Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people. Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him. And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty."It was the assurances from God that gave them faith to optimistically face the enemy without discouraged individual among the company. Do you see how faith is powerful? A couple missionaries prayed at each corner of street seeking assurances from God that they are being led to someone, seeking the truth. When they identified the person, that individual was a little stubborn, but she openly said that she was seeking the truth with prayer, knowing that two people will approach her that day. My roommate was the missionary, and he was transferred before he knew what happened to her. I just finished having a conversation with him, and he told of his practice of real faith. He was prompted to travel around town seemingly with failure, but they were placed where he and his companion was approached by a guy, who was baptized. Another time he promised a family that they would find three investigators, if they prayed every hour of the day, and the promise came true for it was the word of God. It did require the missionaries to practice proper faith. One can't claim a promise like that without the work and guidance of the Holy Ghost. Don't we want this assurance that we are following the spirit? Let us keep the comforter as our constant companion, receiving the Holy Ghost continually.
Moses is a great example of faith. How did he have the faith that the Red Sea will part? Moses knew that the sea would part before he even led the people of Israel to the Red Sea, for in the first Chapter of the Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price verse 25; it says: "And calling upon the name of God, he beheld his glory again, for it was upon him; and he heard a voice, saying: Blessed art thou, Moses, for I, the Almighty, have chosen thee, and thou shalt be made stronger than many waters; for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert God." Moses did not go to Pharaoh, making up his words on the spot. He has the word of God, assuring him of how he will approach Pharaoh. Moses did not do any miracle without God telling him what to say. You may say that Nephi had to follow "the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do," but don't forget that an angel moments before Nephi's adventure in Jerusalem visited Nephi and his brothers, saying "the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands." Let us seek assurances before committing to an act in the name of God like King Mosiah. "And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request." (Mosiah 28:6-8)
I have given many examples of true faith. I use to say that faith is your boldness to keep the commandments, but my definition is not God's; therefore, I should forsake it. Let us implement the practice of obtaining faith by prayer described in the introduction of the Book of Mormon.
"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
'So in the world of today: 12 May 2015' by Sam Orr
-Verizon bought AOL
-Liberia was declared Ebola Free.
-Nepal had another earthquake.
-Nato discovered dozens of Russian spies at its HQ.
-A study found that in the past 8 years the number of Christians in the US dropped by 7.8%, while Atheists and agnostics rose by 6.7%
-The Federal Government is suing Ohio over its voter ID law.
Monday, May 11, 2015
'So in the world of today: 11 May 2015' by Sam Orr
So in the world of today:
-The LDS church opened a new temple in Peru.
-Obama ok’d drilling off the coast of Alaska.
-The London review of books said that there may’ve been a cover up concerning the death of Bin Laden.
-The EU authorized military action to destroy migrant ships.
-As part of Obamacare, all health insurance companies will be required to provide all approved forms of birth control free of charge.
-The creator of the 3D printed gun is suing claiming free speech violations for his designs being censored.
-Saudi Arabia’s king is snubbing Obama.
Friday, May 8, 2015
'So in the world of today: 8 May 2015' by Sam Orr
-Unemployment hit its lowest point since 2008.
-PM David Cameron and the conservative party in the UK won the most recent election.
-Tropical storm Anna may hit North and South Carolina.
-Due to Isis the threat levels on military bases increased.
- Thousands of Macedonians protest police brutality.
-The Attorney General is launching a civil rights investigation into the Baltimore police department.
-A former Christie ally plead guilty to be responsible for the bridge scandal.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
'So in the world of today: 7 May 2015' by Sam Orr
So in the world of today:
-Isis officially claimed responsibility for the Texas attack.
-The Court declared that the Government cannot collect data from our phone records.
-A police investigation in the death of Freddie Grey suggested that some of the officers involved may not be quite as guilty as previously thought.
-Defense employees were found to have been using government cards for strip clubs and casinos.
-The Al Qaeda leader behind the Charlie Hebdo killings was killed.
-The Humanitarian conditions in Syria dramatically fell.
-Israel began a controversial construction project.
-Canada released a former Guantanamo detainee, guilty of killing a US soldier.
-The White house announced that it would not investigate foreign donations made to the Obama administration through the Clinton foundation.
What are God's and Satan's agenda today?
Roxy's Stats: 4 Lessons on Decision-making From Nephi
Hey guys ,
Here are, four lessons of inspired decision making by Nephi can reduce your fears and increase your confidence to move forward.
You young adults are now living in what has been called “the Decade of Decision.” You are making many of the most important choices of your life, such as “going to the temple, serving a mission, getting an education, selecting an occupation, and choosing a companion and being sealed for time and for all eternity in the holy temple.”1
I speak particularly to those who are struggling with one or more of these important decisions—some perhaps almost paralyzed from fear of making the wrong decision or needing reinforcement to remain confident in a decision made previously.
Four lessons of inspired decision making by Nephi, if applied, can reduce your fears and increase your confidence to move forward.
1. Obey the Commandments
The last verse of Nephi’s sacred record encapsulates his life: “For thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey” (2 Nephi 33:15).
Nephi’s faith in and love for the Savior is exemplified in his obedience to God’s commandments. He prayed (see 1 Nephi 2:16). He read the scriptures (see 1 Nephi 22:1). He sought and followed direction from a living prophet (see 1 Nephi 16:23–24). Such obedience permitted the Holy Ghost to powerfully accompany Nephi throughout his life and yielded ongoing personal revelation.
You too must stay close to the Lord by keeping God’s commandments. I testify that consistent obedience to small things such as reading the scriptures, praying daily, attending Church meetings, heeding the counsel of living prophets, and serving others will qualify you for the Spirit—and the revelation it brings.
Perfection is not a prerequisite to personal revelation. The prerequisite is daily repentance (see Romans 3:23). If your repentance is sincere and thorough (see D&C 58:42–43), the cleansing power of the Atonement will bring the Spirit to guide you in the weighty decisions of life.
2. Move Forward in Faith
Put yourself in Nephi’s sandals. Your father tells you the Lord has commanded your family to leave your wealth and depart for the wilderness. Wouldn’t you like to know about your journey and destination?
I suppose Nephi would have been thrilled had the Lord clearly revealed his future. But that is not how God worked with Nephi, and it is not how He will work with you.
As Nephi’s family traveled through the wilderness, instructions came to him only “from time to time” (1 Nephi 16:29; 18:1). Viewing his life’s journey with certainty up front would not have provided him the soul-stretching and faith-forming experiences that helped him become a more Christlike man.
composite of Lehi loading the plates of Laban on a donkey and a modern-day girl reading the Book of Mormon
Their Joy Was Full, by Walter Rane, courtesy of Church History Museum
If you are waiting for God to reveal what academic major to pursue, whom to marry, what job to accept, where to live, whether to go to graduate school, and how many children to bear, you will likely never leave your apartment. I testify that personal revelation will come only “from time to time.”
Our Heavenly Father wants us to grow, and that includes developing our ability to weigh facts, render judgments, and make decisions. But He also invites us to bring our decisions to Him in prayer (see D&C 9:7–9). Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught that answers to our prayers come “in one of three ways.”2
Confirming Assurance
“First,” Elder Scott said, “you can feel the peace, comfort, and assurance that confirm that your decision is right.”3 My wife, Christy, and I have found that assurance for critical life-affecting decisions can be communicated through the scriptures, often after temple worship.
For example, after much pondering and praying, we decided to abandon our new dream home in Texas, accept a job transfer, and move with six young children to Beijing, China. But we desperately desired spiritual confirmation for such a momentous move. Divine assurance did come to us—in the temple—as we read these words in the Doctrine and Covenants: “It is my will that you should … tarry not many days in this place; … think not of thy property. Go unto the eastern lands” (D&C 66:5–7).
The voice of Jesus Christ in the scriptures, accompanied by powerful feelings from the Holy Ghost, confirmed that our decision to move to China was right.
Unsettled Feeling
The second way Heavenly Father answers prayers is through an “unsettled feeling, the stupor of thought, indicating that your choice is wrong.”4
After my mission to Taiwan, I thought international law would be a good career choice. As Christy and I considered that possible future, we understood that five more years of expensive education lay ahead.
The U.S. economy was in a deep recession and our funds were limited, so we reasoned that joining the Air Force ROTC would be a wise choice to pay for my schooling. But as I took the required tests and filled out the paperwork, we just could not get comfortable making that commitment. No stupor of thought or dark feelings came—only an absence of peace.
That seemingly illogical financial decision was inspired, in part, because I would have been a horrible lawyer!
Divine Trust
God answers prayers a third way: no response. “When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act,” Elder Scott said, “proceed with trust.”5
Nephi’s final attempt to obtain the brass plates illustrates how we should proceed with divine trust. He recorded:
“I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
“Nevertheless I went forth” (1 Nephi 4:6–7).
Moments will arrive during your decade of decision when you cannot procrastinate any longer and must act. I have learned that, as Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “we will get promptings of the Spirit when we have done everything we can, when we are out in the sun working rather than sitting back in the shade praying for direction on the first step to take.”6
As with Nephi, the Spirit will in due time confirm or warn of your chosen path.
3. Live in the Present
Nephi’s commitment on the journey to the promised land stands in stark contrast to that of his brothers Laman and Lemuel. They made the decision to go, but their hearts never left Jerusalem. Nephi was fixing his broken bow to hunt for food and mining ore to build a ship while his brothers seem to have been lounging in a tent.
Today the world has many Lamans and Lemuels. But the Lord needs committed men and women like Nephi. You will experience greater progress in life when you wholly commit to your decisions and strive to excel in your current circumstances even while you have an eye open to the future.
Nephi exemplifies the wise counsel of President Thomas S. Monson: “Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.”7
4. Draw on the Strength of Others
Even after we have sought the Spirit, moved forward with our decision, and are wholly committed to it, doubts may still arise and cause us to question our decision. In such circumstances a trusted family member or friend can provide counsel and strength to stay the course. I suggest that along his journey, Nephi’s bride became his trusted anchor.
An appreciation for Nephi’s wife came to me while visiting the Church History Museum. I was transfixed by a painting there of Nephi lashed to the mast of a ship, soaked to the skin in a driving storm.8
At Nephi’s side were his wife and one of his children. She was experiencing the same storm and challenges as Nephi, but her eyes were defiant and her strong arms were protectively wrapped around his shoulders. In that moment I realized that I too was blessed to have a loyal spouse offering strength in my times of trial. I hoped that I was a similar strength to her.
composite of Nephite family and modern-day couple
Helpmeet, by K. Sean Sullivan
Brethren, preserving and enhancing the spiritual strength you developed (or will yet develop) as a missionary or in other righteous service is your best asset in becoming a desirable husband and father. Sisters, spiritual sensitivity, faith, and courage to follow Jesus Christ are among your best qualities as a wife and mother.
I invite you to become the type of person your current or future spouse can draw on for wise counsel and strength. A virtuous man and a worthy woman, sealed for time and all eternity in the temple, can do difficult things as equal partners.
I promise that if you will apply the lessons learned from Nephi and modern prophets about making decisions, you will be led along with personal revelation “from time to time.” As you progress through your decade of decision, may you, as did Nephi, have the faith to say:
“I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
“Nevertheless I went forth” (1 Nephi 4:6–7).
To Reduce Fears and Increase Confidence
1. Obey the commandments.
2. Move forward in faith.
3. Live in the present.
4. Draw on the strength of others.
This is kind of lengthy but please read it is really informative and interesting.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Modern LDS Actress
Well hello I'm Kaelee. I'm an actress and singer. And I'm lds. It's kinda of complicated at times. Oh btw this is my first blog. Throughout this little series I'm going keep you all updated with the trials I have on set and the fight of temptation in this life. Hope you all enjoy if you would like too contact me I have Facebook. Twitter. Snapchat. Tumblr and kik. Much love brothers and sisters
Kaelee Vigil
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
God works by Small and Simple Means.
"O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come. Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers. How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so. And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime. And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof... And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and began to preach unto them also; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the land. And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets? Now the high priest’s name was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words. Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true. Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents. And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain for the sins of the world. And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges. Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and have brought them to believe, by their traditions and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according to their words, offend some unknown being, who they say is God—a being who never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever will be." (Alma 13-18; 21-28)Alma explains the perspective of a disciple of Christ, recognizing the small and simple means that God works by his word, light, and spirit.
"Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44)
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