Fulness of Times

I'm sure I'll repeat some thoughts and ideas from earlier posts. I've been reading--several times--3 Nephi chapters 20-22, where the Savior is talking to the Nephites and telling them of events that will transpire when the gathering of Israel will commence. Outside of the Church, and even most of those in the Church, seem to want to lump all the calamities spoken of in the scriptures into the time of tribulation, right before the Second Coming. However, it seems apparent that there are two general locations, each with distinct events, with their own sequences of events. For most, the sequence of events hinges around the old world, and, primarily, Jerusalem and the Middle East. However, there are events that will happen in the New World before and even during the big events spoken of in the Book of Revelation, particularly the period of time referred to as the days/time of tribulation. From my readings and study, I have come to the conclusion there will be signif...

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in any past post, but the recent earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, with its devastating liquefaction, brought this back to mind. When the Provo City Center Temple was being built, the ground water was found about 18 feet. The two below ground levels would be bringing the depth of the temple foundation down to 40 feet. What the construction company did (which was part of the plans) was to create what essentially became a big bath tub. First the walls, then the floor. When I read about this, my immediate reaction was the foundation was like a big boat. I'm not sure if it could actually hold the weight of the temple and adjoining structures in a water environment, but my thought is it would float the temple when a big earthquake shakes and liquefies the ground. Other structures nearby will likely receive damage or sink into the ground as a result of the soil liquefaction. But, the temple will float and receive minimal damage. Some a...

I'm excited about President Nelson's announcement at the beginning of General Conference concerning the change in meeting schedule. And, it's not just because we have four kids ages 8 and under, where it can become a constant struggle to keep the youngest ones somewhat reverent for 70 minutes. And, it's not because I've been helping with the nursery during the second and third blocks of the three-hour meeting schedule. I'm mostly there because our youngest is having a hard time getting used to nursery and there isn't enough help. A shortened meeting block means one additional hour spent with the family, reading with the kids, writing in journals, or doing other things to build family relationships and have gospel-related discussions. Six months ago the ministering program was introduced with all of the Melchizedek priesthood being the elder's quorum. Now the church is moving towards a more home centered, church-supported focus. In the April 2...

A prophet in the Book of Mormon warns us to beware of conspiracies in the last days, although in the Book of Mormon conspiracies are referred to as secret combinations. Basically, a "secret combination" is an organized effort that combines against what is right, against God, and its goal is to get power and money (gain) using any means (lies, cheating, bribes, murders, etc.) it can through secrecy. Oaths of secrecy and loyalty are administered to those who are involved. These oaths are to not reveal plans or actions of the group, and severe repercussions result on those (and their families) who break their oaths. In the book of  Ether chapter 8 , the prophet Moroni tells of one instance (that led to the destruction of the Jaredite nation) and then warns us about secret combinations (I've bolded certain parts for emphasis): 8 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in ...

Conspiracy theories are all over. Most people tend to fall into one of the following: they either believe the conspiracy theory, or they completely dismiss it. Those who believe conspiracy theories often believe in more than one. Those who dismiss a conspiracy theory usually dismiss all of them. To me it seems that many conspiracy theories are becoming more outrageous and harder to believe. This does not mean the entire conspiracy theory is false. However most people will discredit and dismiss them simply because of a falsehood in the conspiracy theory. Here's where I stand. I believe most, if not all, conspiracy theories have some truth to them. Some will be more true than false, and others will be more false than true. The question is what part of the conspiracy is true? My thoughts are many conspiracy theories are fabricated by those operating behind the scenes. Misinformation is a key component of waging any war. However, the misinformation cannot be completely ...

It is unfortunately becoming more prevalent, those who may say they believe in God, but they don't believe God. That is, they don't believe God's commandments make civilization better. They also don't believe traditional families are the foundation of strength and goodness in a community, society, and country as a whole. They believe that they know better. That the traditional morals and values, most of which center around believing God's ways are better than man's. They point to extremist and overbearing views, opinions, and traditions. They show how those religious followers have caused so many of the ills and problems in society. But they fail (either intentionally or ignorantly) to acknowledge that the majority of religions are peaceable in the doctrine, and it is through the extreme interpretations of man that causes the ills and problems. That is the first effect. The failure to follow God's commandments--either by simply disobeying them or a...