Apostle Says Religious Freedom is Being Threatened

Exerpts from an LDS news brief:

An apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said religious freedom is being threatened by societal forces intimidating those with religious points of view from having a voice in the public square. (See the full text of the speech here)

Noting that the students he was addressing were among the generation that would face continuing challenges to religious freedom, Elder Oaks offered five points of counsel:

• Speak with love and show patience, understanding and compassion to those with differing viewpoints.
• Do not be deterred or coerced into silence by intimidation from opponents, insisting that churches and their members be able to speak out on issues without retaliation.
• Insist on the freedom to preach the doctrines of their faith.
• Be wise in political participation, remaining respectful of those who do not share their religious beliefs and contributing to reasonable discussion.
• Be careful to never support or act on the idea that a person must subscribe to a specific set of religious beliefs in order to qualify for public office.

“Religious values and political realities are so interlinked in the origin and perpetuation of this nation that we cannot lose the influence of Christianity in the public square without seriously jeopardizing our freedoms,” Elder Oaks concluded. “I maintain that this is a political fact, well qualified for argument in the public square by religious people whose freedom to believe and act must always be protected by what is properly called our ‘First Freedom,’ the free exercise of religion.”

RIP

“Always love your country — but never trust your government!

“That should not be misunderstood. I certainly am not advocating civil disobedience, must less insurrection or rebellion. What I am advocating is to not expect too much from government and be wary of it power, even the power of a democratic government in a free country.

“Ours is one of the mildest, most benevolent governments in the world. But it too has the power to take your wealth and forfeit your life. ... A government that can give you everything can take everything away.”

- Robert Novak

Superfoods

My mom recently sent me an article that perscribes natural foods for various health problems. Check it out! Ailments included: Heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, asthma, allergies, arthiritis, depression, vision problems, irritable bowels and PMS! I wish we could get rid of all the processed shiz America eats and GO NATURAL! Just think how much healthier we would be and how much we'd save on health care; individually and collectively. Put down the Fritos. Read the article.

Eat for Your Health

Eating healthy feels SO GOOD! Here is a list from Oprah on 10 natural foods that do wonders for your health. Enjoy.

1. Acai (What? I thought this was a little sales pitchy of Oprah.)
2. The Allium Family (Onions, Scallions, Garlic, etc.)
3. Barley (Fiber helps colon among other things)
4. Beans and Lentils (The magical fruit)
5. Buckwheat (Little rascal?)
6. Green Foods
7. Hot Peppers (I love salsa.)
8. Nuts and Seeds
9. Sprouts
10. Yogurt and Kefir

Martyrdom

I wouldn't be surprised if the spark of indignation caused by gay marraige activists will lead to increased persecution of faithful believers. I hope it fizzles out. Regarding persecution, keep this in mind-

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:10.) This Beatitude is often referred to as the blessing of the martyrs. In the days of the New Testament, the words witness and martyr were virtually synonymous. Bearing testimony has always brought persecution. Stephen could have continued preaching, like many pagans did, as a kind of “entertainer” in the central squares. But he looked up into heaven and bore his testimony:

“I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

“Then [the people] cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

“And cast him out of the city, and stoned him.” (Acts 7:56–58.)

Joseph Smith was not murdered primarily for political or economic reasons, but rather for bearing testimony that he had seen the Father and the Son:

“I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17.)

The Savior was not crucified for giving the Sermon on the Mount or for walking on water or healing the sick. Ultimately, he was condemned to death for testifying that he was the Son of God, the Messiah for whom all Israel had been waiting.

“Again the high priest asked him, … Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

“Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

“Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.” (Mark 14:61–64.)

Why? Because he testified of the truth!

It is inevitable that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find themselves looked upon with suspicion by many today. The prophets have said that in the last days persecution will come again. But we have the assurance that persecution will not destroy the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith has reassured us:

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church, 4:540.)"

(From The Beatitudes: Pattern for Coming unto Christ by Robert E. Wells)

Cheeseburger Sandwich for the Soul - getting your facebook fix

Since quitting facebook on 1/1/09 I have spent dramatically less time surfing the net, and consequently less time blogging. The social aspect of the internet is so hollow and to all out there who keep in touch through facebook, linkup, blogs or anything else- I submit my personal experience from scaling back on internet social tools; Less facebook with people = more face time with people.

Go offline. Don't be afraid. People have phone numbers and adresses. You will be able to keep in touch. People have been staying in contact without the internet since... forever. Consider the cost of convenience. How has your life changed as a result of online social networking and are you happier because of it? For me the answer was no. So I canned it and my life is more enriched, my relationships more fulfilling, and there is more time in the day to run, work, read and spend quality time with family and friends.

Think of your needs. You need social time like you need to eat. Maybe not as badly, but still. You can eat flaming hot cheetos, baby bottle pops, cookies and drink Red Bulls and satisfy your appetite; but is that good for you? Fulfilling a need doesn't mean the filler is good. Facebook is junk food filler for your social needs. As is gchat, blogging, whatever. We do it for the same reason we eat fast food while on the go. Its quick and easy. No risk, no rejection, no hassle. Well, you reap what you sow. If you eat crap you will look and feel like crap. The more you socialize through crappy channels of communication, the crappier your relationships.

I know because of experience on both sides. Take my word for it! Social life is better when you put your neck out there. Make real friends. Talk to strangers. Share experiences. Socialize like Jesus did. Be more like Him. I don't imagine He would have traded His time teaching and blessing others to sit in front of a screen typing and looking at pictures. When it comes down to it- fulfilling socialization is about communicating love. The best way to do that is in person, through service and kindness.

Singularity

Google and NASA back new school for futurists

Google and NASA are teaming up to make the Singularity University. What??! This inventor wrote a book called "The Singularity is Near" about a day coming when Matrix style technology will overcome mankind and the universe within the next century. Google and NASA must be smoking crack to buy this guy's ideas. Check them out!

The Singularity is Near

ABC report on Mormons