Lifting America's Prophetic Veil

My friend Dr. Lynn Ridenhour (the Baptist minister who loves the Book of Mormon), gave a wonderful sermon last month. This entire week I've been pondering some numbers and it seems like left and right things keep popping up for me, that make certain pondering subjects a little more clear.

I'm not sure how I missed this video until today, but I just had to share it (see video below - it looks like an ad but it's a video). This is the kind of enthusiasm, passion, and bridge building Lynn will be bringing to the Christ Power Event next month at Weber State. This truly is his calling. I loved when he talked about the number 13, and it's connection to unity and the 13 tribes of Israel. Now when I see 113, I'm going to think of 13 tribes (Ephraim and Mennasseh replacing Joseph) becoming one 1-13. Truly we are all Israel and come from Hebrew heritage. When I made this connection, I looked down at Lynn's video and there was my number. ❤️ What a witness!

          

Goodbye Lies - Transformation Begins!

Hooray!! Thank you everyone for your prayers. ❤️ At times it almost seemed impossible that the glitches with this video would go away. I woke up this morning and everything was fixed! Here is this week's video message - it comes with an awesome surprise I am excited to share. Has taken a lot of hours to put together. Now my kids can have their mom back. 😄

In this video I share a tool I created for incredible transformation and healing. Plus, I talk updates on what's happening in the news and what it all means! 

Our New Tradition!

When we decided to no longer celebrate Halloween last year, I suggested to my kids that since we were axing a tradition/holiday, maybe we could create something new. This opened up their minds to being excited to let go of Halloween, rather than feel like they were missing out. And so, they decided to create a celebration of summer and friendship. A day to celebrate all the wonderful memories we made during the summer and all the wonderful blessings we enjoyed. It was so fun for them to collaborate on what this celebration would be about, and how we could make it special and fun. We agreed that it should not be during the fall season, as it needed to be something totally separate from and not to be confused with Halloween. No "fall costume parties" or "trunk-or-treats" for this family. We agreed to be completely free of Halloween.

If you follow our vlog, then you know that we love to have fun and are definitely not a boring family. As we let go of traditions and activities of the world and of the past, we won't look back, have regrets, or feel we are being deprived. Fall has so much beauty, and we can celebrate it's beauty in better ways that are more pleasing to the Lord. We are entering a new season where all things will be made new. I believe it's the perfect time to create new traditions that align with our family values and the teachings of the Lord. Traditions and celebrations that elevate, strengthen, and build.

Yesterday we threw our first annual Summer's End Party. Each of my kids got to invite their best friend. Now, my kids do love dress-ups, and so we agreed for the theme to be "dress up as something that reminds you of summer". Tatem was a fireman (because of all the summer wildfires), Cambrey was Lady Bug, Paisley was a unicorn, and I was a butterfly. We played carnival games for prizes, made crafts, had a BBQ, and watched a summer movie. It was a beautiful night! We’ll for sure do this again next August.

Becoming Whole & Casting Nets

It's has been the busiest summer ever! There are so many posts I want to write, but I find myself never having enough time in the day and therefore sharing these topics in my video messages. I plan to post something later in the week that will lead very well into my next video message. I think you will like it! :)

This week's video message is about some dreams and visions that shed light on what we need to be doing in this final hour, as well as signs, symbols, and number meanings. I share an incredible story and vision about a mother and her missionary son. Enjoy!

An Interview You Need to Watch!

Today this video caught my attention when I saw that it was 1:13:52 in length. There's that number! After watching it I felt the importance of this man's message as he truly operates in third day power in the eleventh hour. This is the kind of faith that's needed in this eleventh hour and these are the kinds of miracles we need to be claiming. I feel we have a lot to learn from our Christian brother's and sisters when it comes to faith.

I've always been a fan of the Sid Roth show because I love the miracles and experiences that the guests often share. Miraculous healings, angelic visitations, the glory of God working in the lives of the believers. I remember at times feeling a little envious that we as Latter-day Saints aren't having these same kinds of experiences in our conferences and meeting houses. I would think about how awesome it would be if members could experience healing at church. If the hand of God would fall upon congregations and we'd witness miracles just like during the time of the Savior. How come so many other Christian leaders and congregations were experiencing these powerful miracles, acts of faith,  and witnesses, but it seemed to be lacking or seldom spoken of in our services? Our members have access to the power the Priesthood. We have the restored gospel, yet more and more of our members deal with depression, anxiety, mental illness, and suffer from physical ailments. They accept it as their cross to bear rather than asking for healing miracles through priesthood power. Why?

I was beginning to lose hope in our Latter-day generation, and felt we were slipping away from the powerful faith held by our early fore-bearers of the Church, especially in such a critical time as this eleventh hour. And then...

... at the recent General Conference, President Nelson spoke these powerful words that ushered a wake-up call to the Saints, especially the brethren. I could feel it in the sound of his voice and see it in his eyes. He knows. He knows our potential that we are not tapping into. He knows who and what this generation of Saints is supposed to be. He knows, and he'll see to it that we step into our divine roles and become powerful sons and daughters in the Lord's Kingdom.

He said;

"We see faithful women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in their endowment and other temple ordinances. These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, their children, and others they love. These are spiritually strong women who lead, teach, and minister fearlessly in their callings with the power and authority of God!1 How thankful I am for them!

Likewise, we see faithful men who live up to their privileges as bearers of the priesthood. They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord’s way with love, kindness, and patience. They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others by the power of the priesthood they hold. They bring miracles to those they serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe. They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel. I am most thankful for them!

Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.

I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs. Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do.

Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.

Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints—all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding faith,” to do this work."

Back to the video. As wonderfully bizarre as this man's experiences may sound, I believe his example to be a blueprint for all Christians (especially Latter-day Saints), who believe in the Lord and His power, who understand prayer, who have unwavering faith, and who hear the Lord's voice and obey. The Lord can and will use us as instruments in His hands in these last days - if we are willing.

I have included a link to the full version of this interview that contains extra awesomeness, as well as a link to the transcript for the interview, if you'd prefer to read. :) Enjoy!

https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/henry-gruver/

https://ofm6z46z825qpxk83fa00q1a-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IS947Transcript_Gruver.pdf

A New Era - One Man's Insight on Exciting Times that Lie Ahead for the Church

A new friend who follows my channel, shared a link to an audio recording from March 30th 2018 (last week) of her husband’s temple president speaking at a missionary reunion. He has served as a Seventy, mission president and temple sealer, and in this recording, he shared much insight on awesome things pertaining to where the Church is headed, behind the scenes gems and personal experiences with past prophets and current leaders, prophecy already fulfilled and currently being fulfilled, and things that were completely new to me. I felt a strong witness of what he shared and wanted to touch on many of the highlights here without sharing his personal information or identity.

I compiled these highlights below and tried to organize them as best I could. I tried to verify sources for most of what he shared. Some of these were facts he shared from memory. I also added additional facts and background on some of the topics to better help detail his points.

What I enjoyed most about listening to this audio recording was that it was an additional witness to many of the things I have been pondering, and that the Spirit has been teaching me. I feel this information will be a great benefit to many and I am so excited to share!

Here is that transcript (Mostly in his own words).

The Era We Are Living In

We are all foreordained on this earth to do something (no matter what we’ve been through). Right now we are going through a transition period.

Harold B Lee

When Harold B. Lee became president of the church, in his first meeting with the seventy he quoted D&C 1:35-37 and said, “Those verses are now fulfilled this day.” He then mentioned three disasters that would happen that year and he said, “From this day forth, the natural disasters will only increase in frequency and intensity as we prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior.” He then said, “It is now time to start the work among the Re-organized LDS church, to bring them all back.”

Thomas S. Monson

In April 2017 General Conference, President Monson said,

“We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness… If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you… If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far.”

Read D&C 109:38.

"Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble."

Church president will be joined by his wife, Wendy, and Elder and Sister Holland
this April, for a 2018 World Tour. 

We are preparing the Saints (not the world) for those things which are going to come upon the earth, to prepare for the return of the Savior which is not too far away. President Nelson has talked about activating people, preparing the Church and the missionaries to prepare the world for the return of Jesus Christ. We are in a transition period, which means there is a window of time to be on probation again. To see if we will comply and live by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. President Nelson has already scheduled a world tour, and he’ll schedule another one, because he is going to deliver the message personally.


Prophecy Fulfilled 

Spencer W. Kimball

President Kimball related one evening a vision he had seen while in Korea. He had been sent there by President Smith to set up a mission in which Korean leaders told him “No”. He later had the same vision while in Mexico trying to establish a mission there and was also told, “No” by the Mexican government. The Lord prepares his prophets years before they are called. At that time, the missionary work had slowed down in the U.S. and Canada, and Europe was at a standstill. At the time, they had baptized more people in the Utah South mission alone than all missions in Europe put together.

In his vision he saw missionary work pick up in South America, the Philippines, and other places. He saw the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the Bamboo Curtain. He said, “It is now time to start the work among the Jews.” He quoted D&;C 98:16-17. Around that time, thousands of Jews came through to the Washington D.C. temple open house and said that they were interested in learning more. As these Jews traveled back home to their different cities all over the U.S., missionaries were sent to their homes to teach them more. The missionaries were welcomed into their homes yet not one visit resulted in a single baptism, because the missionaries could not answer certain questions about the temple such as much of its symbolism. The Jews are the most knowledgeable people on the earth about temples, other than the Latter-Day Saints. We are often ignorant about our own knowledge and doctrine.

There are changes taking place in the Church at the present time. Are we prepared? The iron curtain fell in 1989 as prophesied in by Pres. Kimball in 1984. Under President Nelson, we will see the Bamboo curtain fall! Are we ready to march? The Lord prepares people along the way. Think about the Jews, China, and you. President Nelson said that when President Kimball told him to learn Mandarin, he learned it. President Nelson is the highest-ranking member of the Church and four years ago he was honored with highest award in China.

President Russell M. Nelson, center, of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, receives a painting from the son and grandson of late Chinese opera star Fang Rongxiang, whose life was saved in 1985 by a coronary artery bypass graft operation performed by then-Elder Nelson. The painting, done by the grandson, was presented Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at the Shangdong University School of Medicine in Jinan, Shangdong, China.

The Lord’s Ways Are Not Our ways

Russell M. Nelson

Dallan H. Oaks with President Nelson

When Russell M. Nelson was invited to China to teach the Chinese about heart surgery, he brought along Dallan H. Oaks who met with the Chinese government. Elder Oaks was successful at signing an agreement with the Chinese government which stated that the LDS church would provide full BYU scholarships to Chinese students, and the government could decide which students to send on the condition that if the students were taught the gospel and wanted to join the LDS church, they would be allowed to do so. The first 25 students were all children of the Chinese government leaders and every single one of them got baptized. Chinese students have been joining the Church ever since. This was 1987. These original converts are now at the age where they will soon take their place as heirs to government leadership positions in China, as they replace their parents.

BYU China

The Church doesn’t announce these things, so you generally won’t hear about them, but the groundwork has been laid. There are currently many LDS braches (50+) in China. People wonder why Dieter F. Uchtdorf was not kept in the presidency. Dallan H. Oaks’ lawyer skills and experience is greatly needed for this transition. He was originally involved in this great undertaking and will continue to see it through. Those contracts have to be worded and signed carefully and properly.

Prophecy About the Jews

 In 1917 Israel was asked to fight in World War I. Israelis said they would, if they were given a land where they could gather.  As prophesied, they are to gather home to their promised land. In 1917 the Balfour Declaration was passed in British Parliament stating that the Jews could have a place in Palestine to gather home.

Jewish Refugees of 1948

Later, the end of WWII led to more than 6 million displaced Jews in Europe who had nowhere to go. In a special session, the UN General Assembly voted on November 29, 1947, to partition Palestine into two new states, one Jewish and the other Arab, a recommendation that Jewish leaders accepted and the Arabs rejected.

In 1967 tensions between Israel and its surrounding neighbors became heightened and there was a 6-day war in which Israel won. Arabs relied on Soviet weaponry and Jordan’s army was equipped with American weaponry and British aircraft. Their warfare technology was far advanced and gave them the advantage. As mentioned in the recording, within three months of Israel winning the war, Jeffery R. Holland went to Jerusalem and signed a contract. He then presented the mayor of Jerusalem with a copy of the dedicatory speech given by Orson Hyde which reads:

Orson Hyde

“Thou, O Lord, did once move upon the heart of Cyrus to show favor unto Jerusalem and her children. Do Thou now also be pleased to inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look with a friendly eye towards this place, and with a desire to see Thy righteous purposes executed in relation thereto. …

“Let that nation or that people who shall take an active part in behalf of Abraham’s children [who include both Arab and Jew], and in the raising up of Jerusalem, find favor in Thy sight. Let not their enemies prevail against them, neither let pestilence or famine overcome them, but let the glory of Israel overshadow them, and the power of the Highest protect them.”

In 1968, BYU began a study abroad program in Israel with just a handful of students renting hotel rooms. By 1989 the BYU Jerusalem Center was in full operation. This how amazing the Lord is. This is how He works in His mysterious ways. In 1974 President Kimball said, “Start the work among the Jews.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks to a Mormon and
 Jewish delegation at Orson Hyde Memorial Garden in Jerusalem, October 27, 2016.

In October of 2014 Jeffery R. Holland and Quentin L. Cook (who is a lawyer) visited Israel. The Church paid the way for Rabbis all throughout the world to visit the temple mount in Jerusalem. Again, they read the Dedicatory prayer of Orson Hyde. It’s been hanging in the mayor’s office ever since 1967. Jeffery R. Holland and Quentin L. Cook signed papers with Jewish nation. We are now one nation again as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:19. Ephraim and Judah. The contract states that we will proved economic aid, medical aid, humanitarian aid, and all that we can to help the Jews gather Israel, except anything that would be military or conquest.

Israel’s Prime Minister and President Donald Trump Sept. 18 in New York.

Right after that, a strange thing happened in the United States. A resolution came up before the United Nations. It said that the Jews had to give the West Bank back to the Palestinians, for an independent nation. They had taken it from them in the 1967 war. This happens to be where the Jerusalem Center for the Church is located. The U.S., Britain, and China had veto power. The U.S. was the only one who refused to sign the veto. Obama refused, which meant that Israel would need to give the land back. Then something interesting happened during the election. Trump said, “If I’m elected president I will move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.” Everything that happens in the world whether good or bad, whether by righteous people or wicked people, God uses it to accomplish His purposes.

Finding Our Power in the Priesthood 

Boyd K. Packer

Eleven years ago, Boyd K. Packer talked about activating the power of the priesthood. President Nelson has said there is a need for righteous men and women who can activate the power of the priesthood. He has said, "Covenant-keeping men and women seek for ways to keep themselves unspotted from the world so there will be nothing blocking their access to the Savior’s power.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng

Thirty-six years ago, in 1979, President Spencer W. Kimball made a profound prophecy about the impact that covenant-keeping women would have on the future of the Lord’s Church. He prophesied: 

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.

My dear sisters, you who are our vital associates during this winding-up scene, the day that President Kimball foresaw is today. You are the women he foresaw! Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!

We, your brethren, need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!

Today, let me add that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God’s children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly."

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/a-plea-to-my-sisters?lang=eng

"I fear that there are too many men who have been given the authority of the priesthood but who lack priesthood power because the flow of power has been blocked by sins such as laziness, dishonesty, pride, immorality, or preoccupation with things of the world.

I fear that there are too many priesthood bearers who have done little or nothing to develop their ability to access the powers of heaven. I worry about all who are impure in their thoughts, feelings, or actions or who demean their wives or children, thereby cutting off priesthood power.

I fear that too many have sadly surrendered their agency to the adversary and are saying by their conduct, “I care more about satisfying my own desires than I do about bearing the Savior’s power to bless others.

I fear, brethren, that some among us may one day wake up and realize what power in the priesthood really is and face the deep regret that they spent far more time seeking power over others or power at work than learning to exercise fully the power of God."

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/the-price-of-priesthood-power?lang=eng

Women are missing the point when they speak of wanting to hold the priesthood. The truth is, sisters in Zion have power in the priesthood through the ordinances of the temple. See D&C 84:19-21

19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

Bruce R. McConkie

Bruce R. McConkie has said that every man, woman, and child only receives certain blessings and gifts through the temple. We covenant to live the law of consecration when we are in the temple. It hasn’t been taught in years past to missionaries in training, but it’s going to be taught now. See D&C 60:13.

13 Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known. 

There’s an urgency coming in the Church for the ushering in of the preparation to live a consecrated life as it should be when the Lord returns. This is prophecy that is to be fulfilled. Truth and righteousness will sweep the earth as a flood, men and angels will work together to accomplish this. Moses 7:62.

"And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem."

Prophecy About the Inactive Saints

It’s true we have people falling away. It’s true we are combining wards in some places. It’s true that six out of every ten missionaries that come home, fall away from the Church. But you see, that is going to stop with President Nelson. Realize that we learn powerful lessons from the worst things that happen to us in life. We are to use those experiences to relate with others, empathize with them, and then teach them what we learned and how we overcame. This is why God allows bad things to happen to good people. We won’t understand and appreciate the sweet if we don’t taste the bitter. We can’t relate to those who are bitter if we have no experience ourselves. There are people who will only listen to and connect with certain other people. God has for-ordained all of us to go out and find these people who only we can reach through our unique personalities, talents, and gifts. Wherever we live there are people who live nearby who require a constant labor.

By being good examples and maintaining a valid temple recommend, you’ll be an instrument in the hands of God wherever you live and can bring thousands of souls unto repentance. The Lord has said, “My servants represent Me. If you reject my servants than you reject Me.” So He will speak to the wicked as follows:

See D&C 43:25. The Lord is about to speak to the wicked through increased natural disasters. The church aired a special on TV during conference in which it shared that the Church has made arrangements that the first responders in the East Coast cities will be missionaries. What kind of examples are people going to see? Good examples by the thousands. Because of this we can expect these disasters to increase. In his own words on the recording he said, "We can look for a 'real good famine. Plagues are going to go forth, until all the wicked are destroyed, accept those that remain, who are faithful and want to know God. The Lord tells us that this must needs be so that he can fulfill the promise that He made to the living. These coming years can be referred to as the 'Killing years'".

The first earthquake in Idaho was in 1854. In the last year there have been over 1,000 Idaho

San Diego, California LDS Temple

earthquakes. The very day he looked up this information, 72 earthquakes happened. Last year in the world there were 40,757 recorded earthquakes.

The power of God descends upon the covenant people of the Lord. If we repent and attend the temple, we will have the power to change the world in ways we never knew. The Lord sent forth the fullness of the gospel and His everlasting covenant so that we might be partakers of the glories. Through plainness and simplicity, He prepares the weak for the things which are coming. The weak shall confound the wise.

The Coming Record Growth of the Church

We have a new prophet. We are the ones who have been foreordained to prepare the world for the Second Coming. We have angels who have been assigned to us. We have people who are preparing and will be with us. They will be on every side of us. The Church could build thousands of temples if they wanted to. Why don’t they? We don’t have enough ordinance workers. The initiatory ordinances hold the keys that unlock the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let him that is ignorant call upon God that his eyes might be opened and his ears may hear. Start claiming the blessings that are yours in the temple.

LDS Baptisms in Nigeria

We are approaching the days when people will flock to the Church by the thousands and we will not be able to build church buildings fast enough. But the biggest problem we will face is finding leaders that know what is going on. Niue is projected to be the first nation that becomes all members of the Church.

More to Learn About Temples

1833 Plat of zion

The old Danish Bible from about 1500 A.D. spoke of baptism for the dead. It was later removed. By our righteousness we secure blessings for four generations forward and back. In June 1833, the Prophet Joseph and his counselors in the First Presidency prepared a plat for the city of Zion—a plan for the layout of the city. President Frederick G. Williams drew the plat, which called for bishops’ storehouses and 24 temples in the center of the city, surrounded by blocks divided into property for residences. Temple 17, 18, and 19 are temples where you make an appointment, you’ll schedule a room, you’ll go in, and the ancestors you are looking for will be there to give you the information you need to do their work. Some temples have to be remodeled for special ordinances that will only be performed in preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord. These are ordinances we don’t talk about publicly. They have been talking about them for the last 20 years on conference, we just don’t understand. It’s all Elder Bednar speaks about. The first talk he ever gave as an apostle had to do with this, and no one understood what he was talking about. The temple is to perfect the living more than it is to do work for the dead. We perfect the living by going and doing work for the dead. Much of the wicked will repent when the calamities are happening. There are many who have been deceived who would accept the gospel but they are blinded and don’t know where to find it. If you leave this life with a valid temple recommend, and you are righteous, you will be exalted.

There are 100,000 revelations that we can receive in the temple. We have to ask and the Lord will teach us. The Lord spoke in parables to protect the ignorant so they would not be held accountable. The symbols of the temple are filled with revelations that we can learn if we ask.

How the Book of Mormon is Key in These Very Last Days

The Church is under condemnation because we do not read the Book of Mormon and do what it says. That is going to change.

Franklin D. Richards

Where is the Church going to get all the needed leaders when they are baptizing 2-3,000 people a month? From among the inactive. In 1949 Franklin D. Richards spoke of this. “There’s more leadership among the inactive than there are the active.” In 1974 President Kimball said, “When we have activated all of the un-missioned, un-endowed, unmarried, and all who have fallen away, then we will be prepared to meet the Lord and we will live in times (prior to the Millennium) of luxury and comfort. The prophecy is simply this: we go to the temple to prepare every needful thing. What is every needful thing? It is what you are doing today to be prepared in all things, for the day when desolation and destruction shall come upon the wicked. For the day, when he sends us out to magnify the callings we were extended in the pre-existence. Are we prepared in all things to march? We are to testify and prepare the saints for the Second Coming of the Lord. We have to get the inactive back to the temple (See 2 Nephi 27:35) .This will start slow, but our main job will be just to try and motivate someone to read the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the only book on the face of the earth that has the Divine commission from the Lord Jesus Christ to convert people, because it makes known to the people the “plain and precious things” pertaining to the gospel which have been lost from the Bible.

1 Nephi 13:39-42

39 And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true.

40 And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

41 And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth.

42 And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.

Once we gain that testimony of the Book of Mormon, we’ll find that it’s really easy to get someone to read it. He shares a personal story of a Catholic man who was assistant to the Catholic priest and his wife was interested in learning about the Church and joining it and he was very upset and would not allow it. He was able to convince the man to allow them 15 minutes of their time in which afterwards they would never return again unless he wanted them to. He agreed and they left him with a Book of Mormon for his wife to read. He decided that night to read some of the pages before his wife did and when doing so he received a vision (the same vision that Lehi had seen), then as he proceeded to read about that same vision in the Book of Mormon he knew it was true. He was baptized right away and has since served as bishop and High Counselor. Start thinking about now what you will say to persuade someone to read the Book of Mormon, but realize when the time comes the Spirit will put the words into your mouth of what you should say. Study the scriptures so you can be a reservoir of knowledge. Be sanctified so that you can be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you a question. In the next five years you’ll have more questions asked to you about the Church than you’ve ever had in your life all put together!

Healing, Signs, Miracles, and Wonders!

What does it mean to operate in third day power while in the eleventh hour? I share some personal experiences of how healing, signs, miracles, and wonders are alive more than ever!

It's the Third Day And the Eleventh Hour - What That Means!

Here it is, in case you missed this week's video message! Can I just say, this is going to be an amazing year for so many reasons. :)

 

Spiritual Warfare Strategies for 2018!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Where do I begin?

A week ago, a friend of mine referred me to Graham Cooke and told me to check out his videos on YouTube. All I can say is that I have been spiritually edified and blessed by every video I have listened to. Here are the first two videos I found and absolutely loved!

They tie in so much to everything I have been sharing over the last couple of months in my video messages. There is so much wisdom and truth in Graham's messages and it ties in so nicely to what the Spirit has been teaching me. I just couldn't help but share. Hope you enjoy as much as I have!

 

An Incredible Recent Experience About Obedience to the Spirit

The Spirit speaks in a still small voice. Sometimes it's so still that we dismiss it as not important, or just our own thought. But what happens when you treat those thoughts like a phone call and you pick up on the first ring? Listen to my recent experience!

Uncovering the Mysteries and History of Prayer - The Questions We Have All Wondered

Over the past five years, I have observed the various differences across many cultures when it comes to prayer. Some cultures pray with hands clasped together and fingers interlocking, some pray without fingers interlocking, some pray with hands crossed, some pray arms crossed, some pray with arms bowed down to the ground and other pray with arms extended towards the Heavens.

HATS ON OR OFF?

Women in the southern states and women in England, often don Sunday hats to church fastened tightly with hair pins which are not expected to be removed during prayer. At girls camp it's common along with men to see some women remove their hats for prayer. In the 19th century, pioneer women prayed in their prairie bonnets while pioneer men removed their hats. Pagan traditions taught the contrary - men were to cover their heads when praying. Though the Hebrew Bible and Talmud taught men to pray uncovered and women to cover, the Pagan traditions were adopted and later confused as Jewish tradition with Hebrew origins (see reference). And we've all seen the famous painting of George Washington in prayer at Valley Forge with his hat off. In one version his hands are open and his head is raised with eyes closed, in another version he is depicted on one knee with head bowed. So, what does scripture teach us about this?

I remember about five years ago reading my scriptures and coming across this curious passage from Paul to the Corinthians;

1 Corinthians 11:4-7

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Why would a man dishonor God by praying with his head covered? Because the blood of Jesus was the final sacrifice and covers all as it serves as our atonement before God. It is believed that to have covered his head would have been to undermine the Atonement. (See reference).

As for women, it was tradition to veil their heads for prayer. Why? In the first century and the centuries before and after, for a woman to wear a head covering was an act of propriety in respect for her husband and his covering role for her as protector. Further, it recognized that the Lord Almighty was over her husband as well who covers man and woman with his rule and makes them clean by his atoning blood. If the woman acted improperly in respect to her husband by uncovering her head, Paul said, she "dishonours her head" (11:5). What is her head? The answer is three-fold:

1) Her own head - herself as a whole being.

2) Her husband.

3) The Lord God.

For a woman, wearing a head covering showed her "sign of authority on her head" (11:10). Paul was counseling the people on the importance of this tradition and what it symbolizes. Today we can liken it to a woman's cover being the protection of her husband through his priesthood. Paul reminds us of the patriarchal order in 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the ahead of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

We learn from Exodus (28:4, 37, 40), that the high priest covered his head and that it was
generally considered a sign of mourning to cover the head and face (2 Samuel 15:30, 19:5; Jer 14:3-4; Esther 6:12). Mourners and lepers covered their heads as to show uncleanness and unworthiness before God. Their unjustified state shown in the unclean state of death (see reference).

Paul then goes on to tell us in verses 14-15

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

This is most likely where the cultural rule of thumb for it being appropriate for women to have long hair and men to have short hair stemmed from. Long hair acted as a covering.

Why then was Samson told not to cut his hair as it contained spiritual power? And why is Jesus almost always depicted with long hair, and also praying in head covering? 

Samson was a Nazirite, and in that he was given immense strength to aid him against his enemies and allow him to perform superhuman feats, including slaying a lion with his bare hands and massacring an entire army of Philistines using only the "jawbone of an ass". However, if Samson's long hair was cut, then his Nazirite vow would be violated, and he would lose his strength.

According to the Bible, a Nazarite (not to be confused with Nazarene) was one who voluntarily took a vow to abstain from alcohol, refrain from cutting hair, and be ritually pure (Numbers 6:1-21). Samson’s long hair was not the source of his strength. Rather, it was the symbol of his covenant relationship with God, who was the source of Samson’s strength.

Could Jesus have also have taken the Nazarite vow? A Nazarene Nazarite? It's possible and would explain the depictions of long hair. Otherwise according to Paul who taught after the teachings of Jesus, it was a shame for man to have long hair.

In Native American culture however, it is believed that long hair is a physical manifestation of the growth of the spirit, and some say it allows for extrasensory perception, and connection to all things. Some Native American tribes even believe that the hair is connected to the nervous system. That long hair reaches out like tentacles, and pulls energy and information from the world around us similar to a cat’s whiskers (see reference). In fact, during the Vietnam war, special envoys of the war department were sent to Native American reservations in search of Men with a reputation of having seemingly supernatural tracking abilities. Once the men were enlisted however, their extra sense and supernatural tracking abilities seemed to vanish. When the privates were asked about why they would fail to perform as before, they would consistently answer that their required military haircuts left them unable to harness the sixth sense that was previously very natural to harness. They could no longer sense an enemy approach, and felt as if their natural intuition was no longer reliable. After this was uncovered, further tests involving privates who were allowed to keep their hair against those who had received the required military haircut commenced (see reference).

Is there validation to long locks and spiritual power?

In Numbers 15:38-40 it says: 

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

Jews refer to this as a "tzitzit" and is worn as a reminder of their covenant with the Lord. Jesus wore a tzitzit as a practicing jew. In fact, Mark 6:56 tells us this about Jesus' tzitzit,

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

The word "tzitzit" comes from the root word for "flower" and originally meant a "tassel" or "lock", as in the Book of Ezekiel where Ezekiel is picked up by an angel and carried by a "lock" (Hebrew tzitzit) of hair (see reference). Interestingly, orthodox jewish men sport long side burn locks called a "peyot" which have a separate unknown purpose to the tzitzit. The Torah states, “Do not round off [the hair] at the edges of your heads.” The Talmud explains that the term “edges” refers to the hair between the ears and the temples. “Rounding out the edges” refers to removing the sideburns so that there is a straight hairline from the forehead to behind the ears (see reference).

When pondering on this tzitzit or tassel, I thought of the graduation ceremony and the square cap. In the Old Testament, the square symbolizes the four corners of the earth, the four angels, and the four living creatures that surround the throne of God. We use the sign of the square to sustain church leaders and according to Elder Robert D. Hales in 2008 April conference, "...even a covenant, to sustain and to uphold the laws, ordinances, commandments, and the prophet of God..." 

The gesture of moving the tassel from one side of the cap to the other symbolizes the individual’s movement from candidate to graduate. Prior to the ceremony the tassel is expected to be worn on the right. During the ceremony it should be moved to the left side. This reminded me of advancement in the priesthood from candidate to "graduate" and also advancement from glory to glory through our covenants we make here and in the realms hereafter. We can learn quite a bit in the temple through the guidance of the Spirit about the great symbolism in the ordinances we participate in.  

Many paintings depict the Lord with his head covered while blessing and praying. In today's western culture Christian men uncover their heads as a sign of respect and humility when praying. In these paintings it appears also to be a sign of humility to cover the head - as to cover your own glory when in the sight of God's glory. Whichever the case may be, it's universally agreeable that prayer should always be offered in humility - whatever that looks like between you and the Lord.

There is no official church doctrine on men and women covering or uncovering their heads or how our prayer stance and arm positions should be. Culture and tradition have led to arms folded, head bowed, and eyes closed. According to legend the origins of the pretzel had everything to do with teaching children to pray this way, when an Italian monk invented pretzels as a reward to children who learned their prayers. He called the strips of baked dough, folded to resemble arms crossing the chest, "pretiola'" meaning "little rewards."  Praying with arms folded, head bowed and eyes closed is taught in the church to primary children to help them maintain their reverence and keep from being distracted. Though this is what we are accustomed to, a much different custom of of raised hands during prayer can be traced to the early years of Israel. 

HAND POSITIONS?

Aaron, the first High Priest, raised his hands in prayer as he blessed the Israelites when the sanctuary was first established. The book of Psalms speaks of raised hands regularly:  "Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." (Psalms 63:3-4). Further, the congregation is exhorted to lift their hands in worship of God: "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion." (Psalms 134:1-2).

So, what does raised hands signify? For one, raised hands are symbolic of our dependence on someone else. Raising hands during worship can be similar to children who lift their hands to be picked up, comforted, protected, or carried: "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." (Psalm 143:6). Thus, raised hands in worship may suggest a reaching out for God's presence, blessing, comfort, or strength.

Another significant meaning of raised hands is to bless God, much like Aaron's blessing of the people. In Psalm 63:3-4 the psalmist says he raises his hands to bless God. "Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." This symbolizes both gratefulness and joy for the blessings God has given. Indeed, many of the psalms indicate that hands are raised in song and prayer to show thankfulness and joy for God's great works (Psalms 134, 141).

The lifting of a hand may also signify a vow or covenant. This is practiced throughout scripture: "Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:" (Psalms 106.26) and "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven. And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:" (Revelation 10:5-6)

The raising and showing of hands can also symbolize clean hands before God. "I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" Alma 5:19

The custom of raising hands during worship was a common practice in the early church, especially during prayer. In Paul's letter to Timothy he writes, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8). Indeed, according to some Jewish commentators, the Israelite practice of lifting hands during worship in the synagogues was stopped in reaction to the Christians who customarily raised their hands during prayer. (see reference)

The thought has crossed my mind that an unseen power flows from the Lord into us through our hands. It reminds me of a TV antenna AKA rabbit ears. These are used to pick up the stronger VHF signal (frequencies) which transmits the picture and sound onto your screen. The rabbit ear antennas are the strongest indoor antenna for picking up the best signal. One reason for the V shape is that when receiving channels at the top of the band with the rods fully extended, the antenna elements will typically resonate at their 3rd harmonic. In this mode the direction of maximum gain makes it advantageous to be able to adjust them to various angles.

I felt great symbolism in this as the "V" reminds me of a compass, and resonating in "3rd harmonic" reminds me of resonating in the third heaven, the Celestial Realm. Our hands are pointing towards Heaven and acting as an antenna picking up frequencies from our Heavenly home. Direct communication through the Spirit. 

In some churches, the congregation holds hands during prayer. Science can teach us much about the power of connection during prayer. I have shared before in books, videos, and blog posts the work of Greg Braden. He speaks about a scientific discovery known as the "Divine Matrix". This is the energy field in which thoughts, feelings, and emotions are transmitted, and how they travel. I will share more on this in my next blog post. In a Manila, Italy conference he conducted a live experiment in which he created a powerful circuit of energy by having the audience hold hands, creating one long chain together. He asked the audience to feel the feeling of love in their hearts. He then measured the calibrated frequency in the room when hands were connected before feeling love, during feeling love, and then disconnected while still feeling love. He demonstrated that hearts can be knit together without a physical connection. We can unite through love and prayer throughout the world without holding hands, and it is just as powerful!

In a the March 2017 Face to Face with Elder Eyring and Elder Holland, Elder Eyring mentioned that when praying you are approaching the throne and you should act as such. He said that he wears a suit or Sunday best when kneeling before God. On the contrary, a few years ago I was listening to Kirk Duncan speak at a conference, and he mentioned that when he thought of Heavenly Father as God on the throne he felt intimidated and unworthy. He found it difficult to pray and develop a relationship. So one day he asked God for to permission to think of Him more as God the Father - rather than God the Deity. He asked Heavenly Father if he could imagine him in a cabin in the woods and the two of them fishing together and wearing flannel shirts. He felt if he could imagine Heavenly Father that way, he would feel more comfortable talking to Him. He felt God's love surround Him and tell him that was just fine. God would take a relationship with Kirk in any way He could get it. That story touched me, as it reminded me of the fatherly, nurturing side of God.

In the Church, if a person has been found unworthy by the bishop to take the sacrament, he/she is usually asked to refrain from praying in church, until he/she is deemed worthy again. I have always pondered on this and thought it must have everything to do with being clean before God and having a pure vessel to be able to pray by the Spirit. The way to the Father is always though Jesus Christ. Personal prayer however, is never refrained from. We are always encouraged to pray to our Father especially when we need help and especially when we have sinned. Through Jesus and His Atonement, we can be made clean so that we can be worthy of the companionship of the Spirit. So that we can have clean hands and receive His signal. We are always worthy of the love of our Savior and our Heavenly Father, that is something we don't ever have to earn, but being worthy to be in the presence of the Father has everything to do with being clean. If Moses was asked to take off his shoes in the presence of the Lord, how much more mindful should we be about our personal cleanliness when we exercise our faith and approach the throne of God? Just think of what the brother of Jared may have missed out on, had he been unclean when petitioning the Lord. He was clean, he was pure, he had faith, and the veil could not constrain him. 

Elder Russell M. Nelson said in April 2003 conference in regards to prayer, 

"Jesus taught us how. We pray to our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the “true order of prayer,” in contrast to “vain repetitions” or recitations given to 'be seen of men.'

Jesus revealed that we pray to a wise Father who knows what things we have need of, before we ask Him."

  

I often ponder on the way in which we are taught to pray in the temple when petitioning the Lord for greater miracles on behalf of the names of those who are afflicted whose names we write on the prayer roll. There is so much we can learn when we are in the temple. 

IN SUMMARY

I will say that the way I pray in my closet is much different than the way I pray in public. If we follow President Nelson's counsel, we can't go astray when we pray. Whether we prefer to clasp our hands, fold our arms, kneel, extend our hands, etc. when praying alone in our closets, what's most important is where our heart is and our intentions are. When we are humble, meek, and submissive before the Lord, He hears us. When we are repentant the Spirit can be with us during prayer, and miracles happen when we pray in the Spirit. 

Remember prayer is a two-way street. We can't just be good talkers, we must be good listeners too. I know this to be true, and I know that the Spirit can teach us more about prayer if we desire, if we ask, and if we are willing to listen and be taught.