The Benefit of the Benefit of the Doubt!

With all the hate and division happening in the headlines, comments, and social media, let's talk about the blessings & transformations attached to replacing judgement and criticism with love. It's so worth it! Also, what recent events, patterns, weather phenomenon, and signs should we be paying attention to? Watch to find out. 

 

A Battle For Your Mind - & An Epic General Conference!

Yay! I am so excited that this day has finally arrived. This General Conference should one we never forget. I have the orange rolls rising in the oven and spent some time in the early hours this morning being with the Lord. I am so ready to hear the inspired new messages that the Lord will reveal to us today. I pasted links below if you'd like to watch.

In this week's video message I share about more symbolism in local and world events as well as the battle that is raging right now within the kingdoms, the world, and our very own minds. How can we come prepared to the battle? Watch to find out.

WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE LIVE TODAY AND TOMORROW:
https://www.lds.org/

RE-WATCH PAST BROADCAST:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP16GC&lang=eng

When the Lord Knocks

We are always taught to ask and receive, knock and it shall be opened - but what about when the Lord comes knocking, and He asks of us? Do we recognize the ways in which He knocks and are we letting Him in to hear His message?

I love this week's video message, and it's no surprise that the Adversary is already working hard to take it down. As soon as I clicked on "publish" in YouTube, an instant copyright claim popped up from a Middle Eastern musician. It took me to the frame in the video where the copyright violation was, and it was a frame of me talking about a scripture in D&C. I filed a dispute. Watch it while you can! It's an important message :)

Unity Among the Churches - Part of Zion?

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the treadmill watching a new episode of one of my favorite shows. It's an evangelical Christian show, and I love that the host of the show often interviews people who have had miraculous experiences that changed their lives profoundly.

On this particular episode, the guest began talking about being a Mormon. I thought to myself, "Wow! The host is interviewing a Mormon. This is awesome!" Then as she continued, she began to say that she was brought into Mormonism by a step father during her rebellious teenage years. She wasn't happy to be on board and was in a dark place making bad choices. Long story short, she came to know the Lord through another church and because that experience changed her and pulled her out of her dark place she was now on a mission to share.

I began to think about how we are all at different places in our lives. We are all at different levels of learning and understanding. We are on different journeys but we all have the same destination which is our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what resonates with us and how we best learn. We all have different learning styles, different perspectives and different experiences we have been through that has shaped the way we think. This is why we should never judge other people's paths and we should never allow other people's paths or choices create doubt upon our own decisions and where the Spirit has led us.

The Lord will reach us however He can. He will lead us to people who resonate with us, and speak our language. He will lead us to whatever we are ready for and will never force upon us, knowledge that we are not ready to learn, understand, or accept. It's line upon line. A little light here, a little light there until our light gradually increases, and we are ready for more.

I had love and compassion for this woman as I truly believe she felt she was doing her very best. As the interview progressed, she began to talk about how Mormon's are deceived and are not Christian and will not be saved. She said that we teach our members to avoid Christians and not talk to them (That defeats the mission of the Church). She had created brochures and presentations on why Mormonism was wrong. I truly feel that from what she shared, she did not take make the effort to wholeheartedly study out the gospel or ponder it while attending off and on the LDS church in her teenage years. Her heart wasn't in it and she was in a dark place - but nonetheless I respected her beliefs and experiences.

At this point in the video, I felt a desire to share the truth. It did sadden me to hear what is so precious to me, spoken of this way. I have written posts earlier this year about beautiful stories of evangelical Christians who joined the LDS church because they saw and felt Christ in the members. Our church belongs to Jesus Christ. It is His Church not ours. We take on Christ's name and strive to be like Him. We are very much Christian in every way. I felt that so many would watch this video and take her opinions as truth. I couldn't be passive, or silent. I needed to share my perspective.

When I found the video in YouTube, I scrolled down through the comments. There were so many negative comments about Mormons being evil and of the devil. And so many statements that just were not true. There was one lone woman who was not a Mormon but stood up for the LDS church regardless and pointed out that we are good people who work hard to serve the Lord. That made me smile, and I thought, "Yes. We need to support and defend each other more often. We should never speak falsehoods or make unkind comments about other churches and their members - and have an us vs. them mentality. Instead of making invested efforts to prove other religions are 'wrong' as this woman had done, we should focus on what is 'right' about them and their members & communities, and how they are doing the best they can to serve the Lord, the best way they know how. We should take that energy and serve. We need to unite not divide."

If we truly are serving the Lord, doing His will, and have a personal relationship with Him, we would only feel inspired to serve, love, uplift, and share, with no other motives other than pure charity. If our motives are to show someone they are wrong, or to make them feel ashamed of their beliefs, or to make them fear that they have been deceived or have not been saved, then we need to re-evaluate those motives - they are not pure.

So, here is the comment I made:

I love ______ and I never miss an episode. I was saddened when I watched this episode and the guest spoke of Mormons as not being Christian. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (AKA Mormon) Jesus Christ is the center of my life. He and the Father are all I worship. Everything I do, I do it in His name and for Him. I have had the most beautiful supernatural experiences with Jesus and with Heaven which is why I'm a fan of this show. I can relate! Jesus is in my heart and the very core of who I am. The Spirit is my constant companion and my personal teacher. I enjoy the most beautiful spiritual gifts that I use daily to bless everyone. I have never been taught by anyone in my church to avoid Christians of other churches, that's the opposite of what Christ taught. That's not the gospel we practice as believers and followers of Christ. I have so many friends and family members of other religions & faiths and I love them just as much as my fellow church members. I am sorry this woman's experience was different. The gospel of Jesus Christ that I have studied my entire life has brought me closer to God and helped me become an amazing mother, wife, leader, and friend. I live to serve and love others. I feel so blessed, charitable, and loved. I have been a part of and witnessed healing miracles of biblical magnitude. I have participated in creative miracles. I've had beautiful encounters with the Holy Spirit daily and beautiful pictures of the Savior all over my home. I have been born of the Spirit and I feel so blessed - I will never be the same. It hurt my heart to hear Mormons spoken of this way. I believe that God has a plan for everyone. Every plan is tailored just for that person and what they need. We all came here to learn what we needed to and to help others whom God needs us to help. God leads us each to where He needs us to be. We all have a purpose and we all have great value in His Kingdom. Wherever you are right now is exactly where God needs you to be. Your imperfect life is perfect in Gods eyes because He knows the plan. Where the Lord leads me, may be different than where He leads you but it doesn't mean either of us is lost or misled. If Jesus truly is our Shepard and we truly believe in Him as our personal Savior and the only way to salvation and we do all that we can to be like Him and love like Him, that's what matters most. I could never judge any of Gods children and determine whether or not they belong to Christ based on what church they belong to. Your relationship with Christ is very personal and between you and Him. Wherever the Spirit has led you to be right now, is where you should be and that's why it feels so right and so good. We all have the same destination but a different journey and plan for getting there and that's what's so beautiful about Gods mysterious ways. If I had a judging heart I would not be able to experience such beautiful experiences as I have - that have really built my testimony and foundation on Christ. My open heart and mind leads me to many spiritual giants of many different faiths who I believe all have something valuable to offer. I wish my brothers and sisters in Christ could be more compassionate towards and accepting of my faith. I wish we could join together on what we have in common. We could accomplish so much good! I wrote this message from my heart and send love and prayers to everyone out there! ❤️❤️


...Different faiths  naturally have doctrinal differences but it's my hope that we can steer away from our differences, debates, arguments, and comparisons and focus on what we have in common which is our undeniable love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We all seek to follow Him and try our best to be like Him. God is so very proud of each of us through all our differences, mistakes, and weaknesses. Only He knows what's truly in our hearts. We are all doing our very best with what the Spirit has taught us and God knows that and delights in our genuine desires. It's my prayer that we can begin to see ourselves and all of God's children the way that He sees us and through that we can have nothing but unconditional love for each other, a desire to serve one another, be friends with one another, and unite on our common foundation of Christ. We are children of the Most High God and that makes us all brothers and sisters - and that's pretty awesome!! ❤️❤️

For an entire week, no one commented on my comment, or liked it, or disliked it. It stood on it's own and I think it made a powerful point. Since then, one person has commented and thanked me for opening my heart and asked me to consider reading this woman's book. I didn't reply, but I will say that I haven't felt impressed by the Spirit to read it, nor to share her name in this post. I don't wish to slander her character in any way, nor lead other people to feel the need to speak against her, so I will keep that information quiet, it's not what's important. 

The purpose of sharing this experience is to bring awareness that this is another tactic that Satan is using to divide our country and the children of God. When we are busy squabbling with others over politics, religion, world views, and even squabbling with others within our own church over doctrine and personal beliefs, we are helping out the Adversary. He wants us to forget what has been prophesied by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Doctrine and Covenants 27:13-14

13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in gone all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;

14 And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:22,28

22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;

28 And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man.

Matthew (JST) 1:27 

27 And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.

John 11:52

52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Mark 13:27

27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

In reference to the Kingdom of God and what it truly means for everyone on the earth - Brigham Young taught,

"The Kingdom we are talking about, preaching about and trying to build up is the Kingdom of God on the earth, not in the starry heavens, nor in the sun. We are trying to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth to which really and properly everything that pertains to men—their feelings, their faith, their affections, their desires, and every act of their lives—belong, that they may be ruled by it spiritually and temporally (DBY, 339)."

"When the Kingdom of God is fully set up and established on the face of the earth, and takes the preeminence over all other nations and kingdoms, it will protect the people in the enjoyment of all their rights, no matter what they believe, what they profess, or what they worship (DBY, 440)."

Evangelical, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Jehovah Witness, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Protestant, Mormon, etc. if our hearts are in Jesus, we are all on the Lord's team. Doctrinal differences aside, we all believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Together we make up the children of God. We are brothers and sisters. As Moroni tells us, God gives gifts unto all of His children, not just members of a particular church. These gifts are used to bless and benefit all. On this earth, it is the Lord's Kingdom against Satan's Kindom - there are no other teams to be on. When we try to be like Christ, and serve like Him, love like Him, we become His hands on this earth. We truly are on the same team and He uses all of us for His different purposes. He is gathering us all together into one fold. Let's not forget that. We should be rejoicing in this!

Dallan H Oaks

Dallan H. Oaks said it best when he said,

"We should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12)."

Perry Stone

Lastly, I came across an interview with Evangelist author and minister Perry Stone. He shared some visions he had of the last days that are very similar to many Latter-day Saint visions I have heard. I found it very genuine and humbling when he counseled the viewers in part 2 of the interview,

"Don't fall out with people who differ from you. Try to understand, 'why do they believe that?'...you have to show love even in unlovable times, when people are not returning love back...Jesus said they are going to know you by the love you show one another. So we've got to start treating each other better."

Furthermore I found it fascinating when he said, 

"I believe there is a remnant church that is going to come together. There will be baptists in it, there will be Methodists in it, there will be Spirit filled Catholics, there will be Pentecostals, Charismatic, Episcopalians, and they are going to be truth seekers and truth lovers. They are going to love the Word so much, that you're going to see them together in meetings and conferences, going together, and praying together, and meeting together, and God is going to pull a fragmented bride together and he's going to come at with what is His true bride without wrinkle or blemish." 

Brigham Young

I believe this to be a big part of the gathering, as the righteous from all over the world will gather together. Brigham Young said,

“By and by the Jews will be gathered to the land of their fathers, and the ten tribes, who wandered into the north, will be gathered home, and the blood of Ephraim, the second son of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, which is to be found in every kingdom and nation under heaven, will be gathered from among the Gentiles, and the Gentiles who will receive and adhere to the principles of the Gospel will be adopted and initiated into the family of Father Abraham, and Jesus will reign over his own and Satan will reign over his own” (Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 121–22).

Spencer W Kimball

Spencer W. Kimball said,

"This gathering shall continue until the righteous are assembled in the congregations of the Saints in the nations of the world." (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 438–39).

In Nephi 1:14 we learn that there are only two teams: the Church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil. The Saints of God in all nations are persecuted by the great and abominable church (the devil). Here is a great podcast on the Church of the Lamb, by LDS institute instructor Mike Stroud.

According to the LDS Bible Dictionary, the word saint is a translation of a Greek word also rendered “holy,” the fundamental idea being that of consecration or separation for a sacred purpose; but since what was set apart for God must be without blemish, the word came to mean “free from blemish,” whether physical or moral. 

We know that during the Millennium, good and just members of many religions will be living upon the Earth. It will be Zion on the Earth. Leading up to that time, as the earth gets more wicked, I believe many people of different faiths will come together as there is strength in numbers. It will no longer be this church vs. that church but instead a united stance of righteousness vs. evil. 

It is my hope and prayer that we can set not just our theological differences aside but all of our differences aside, and do our best to love all of our brothers and sisters. By doing so we will become pure in heart, the very definition of Zion, and will further prepare the earth to be ready to receive our Savior. I say this in Jesus' name amen.

The Great American Eclipse - What it Means for Us

Update: Within less than 24 hours of posting this, it's had almost 2,000 views and I've been getting in several incredible comments with added perspective that I would love to share. I have compiled some of these additional points and comments in a part 2 post on this blog. For those who have asked about sources for information in this article, all the sources are hyperlinked throughout the text and highlighted in yellow. The remaining source links for videos and other sites that were requested, can all be found in the comments section at the end of the article. Thanks for joining in on the pondering! 


Friday morning I woke up to the thought that I should play music while the kids eat breakfast. The next thought that came was that I should play "Walking in Memphis" by Mark Cohn. I found that sort of strange that a song that random should come into my mind to play.

The next thought that came into my mind was that I should ponder on the coming solar eclipse of August 21st. Ever since my husband ordered special glasses from Amazon so that we could all watch it, I have had a tugging voice to ponder about the eclipse. That there was something significant about it I was to learn. I kept hearing, "the sun shall be darkened"(Doctrine & Covenants 34:9).  For three weeks I had put it off, but Friday morning I found some time to ponder.

After dropping the kids off at school, the next thought that came into my mind was, "Do a YouTube search on it. There are people who have made videos about Biblical meanings behind the eclipse. Watch the videos you are guided to and tune into the Spirit for further instruction."

Even though I was rushing to get to the school and put on a Fun Friday for my 4th grade daughter's class and then a Fairy Tale Friday for my 1st grade daughter's class, I found a minute to connect the iPad to Bluetooth and listen to a video while cleaning the kitchen and scrambling to load my car.

The video began just as I had anticipated with a history behind how rare this event is, as well as other historical events connected to similar eclipses of the distant past. My ears tuned in when I heard the word "Memphis". This particular video pointed out that the Mississippi river divides the country with the city of Memphis on one side and the city of Cairo on the other. The narrator pointed out that it parallels the country of Egypt in which the Nile river divides the country with Memphis on one side and Cairo on the other. He pointed out that this region in the United States is known as "Little Egypt". I went to the Wikipedia to learn more about this area and learned that Little Egypt sits upon the verging point of two major fault systems, the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone. The Spirit told me to take note.

As the video continued on, it showed the path that the eclipse would follow and made a line across the map of the United States, then it showed the path that the following eclipse in 2024 will take across the United States. I saw that they crossed and formed an X. Immediately I heard in my mind, "X marks the spot." As I glanced at the clock, I saw that I soon needed to leave. I skipped on to a second video and got a second perspective. I noticed that both of these videos were referencing coming judgement on America with a Christian perspective. The Spirit told me to take note of many of the points but then I heard in my mind, "You are to take what you learn and factor in Mormon Doctrine. Plug in what you know, and fill in the blanks. Share what you discover." Yes, an LDS perspective on this was needed. I felt confirmation from the Spirit.

Soon I rushed out the door with my three-year-old to head off for a busy day of events that wouldn't allow me to return home until nine hours later. All throughout the day, I asked in my mind, "X marks the spot for what?" More than anything I wanted to get back home and continue to ponder and search until I had some answers. I had glanced so quickly at the map before I left, that I couldn't remember what states it crossed through. I had a feeling it was Missouri and Illinois. As I pondered about that I immediately thought of Jackson County Missouri  and many events and significant places in Missouri that are a part of LDS church history and prophecy. I knew there was something BIG about all of this and I could feel goose bumps confirming that from head to toe. I began to wonder who else was talking about all of this? Had others made the connection too? I had not heard anything about this eclipse related to scripture, prophecy,or signs. In fact, my 1st grade daughter's teacher isn't even taking her class outside to see the eclipse when it happens, so I am checking her out of school so she can see it. That is how important I believe it is. I had the thought to call my sister Crista and tell her about all of this. We hadn't talked on the phone in weeks and I wasn't even sure if she was aware of the eclipse.

A few hours before returning home, my sister Crista called me and said, "We need to talk about the eclipse." I couldn't believe it! I said, "YES WE DO!" I told her that the Spirit was speaking to both of us that day and there was something we were to discover. She told me that she felt the need to look up YouTube videos about the eclipse the night before and so she did. What she learned was so fascinating that she watched several more videos until 2:30 in the morning. I told her I had the same experience however because of time I had to pause my videos. It turned out we had watched different videos and because of that we learned different things. We exchanged what each of us had learned and we began to connect some dots.

After the kids went to bed I was able to sit at the computer and type up all the information I was learning as well as my own thoughts and feelings. I felt I was to make a video about my findings as well as write about it here on my blog. Truly, I feel that those who are in tune and ready to be given this information will be led to my findings. If you have found my video or this blog post, then I believe the Spirit is speaking to you also. You have eyes to see and hears to hear and you are ready to listen.

Though many videos you will find out there speak of parallels and connections to Judah, Israel, Egypt and Babylon prophecies, I want to focus specifically on what Mormon Doctrine can add to the table - it truly sheds light on something monumental!

First of all, what you need to know if you are not already aware: (These are the points the Spirit told me to take note of. Though I'm not quite sure how all the dots connect I do believe that once connected, they make one Amazing picture!)

1) Doctrine and Covenants 34:9

But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked.

I remember the most recent blood red moon. I woke my son up in the middle of the night when it occurred because he had wanted to see it so badly. Next week, I'll be checking my first grade daughter out of school so that she can see the total solar eclipse. My other kids get to see the eclipse with their class. These signs are a big deal. It's a once in a lifetime event. I want my kids to be able to tell their children what it was like witnessing them.

I am not sure about the stars refusing to shine, but I believe the sun and the moon prophecy have been and are being fulfilled. Revelation tells us that this is all "preparation" for the Lord's return. Preparation for what and who? The Earth must go through physical changes and be cleansed before the Savior comes. The Lord's Kingdom must be set up in righteousness to prepare for His reign which will usher peace onto this earth. As a part of this preparation, the inhabitants must also go through a cleansing process so that individually and collectively they are prepared to meet Him.

What does this preparation entail?  We learn from scripture that often times judgement was poured upon the wicked to chasten them. I believe that judgement occurs as a natural result of God's presence being removed. When His presence leaves, darkness reigns and has it's way. The Lord chastens those that He loves. Chastening is a form of preparation. When we are chastened, we are humbled, and when we are humbled we become prepared to hear the Word of the Lord, listen, and are willing to be taught. Many will be open to hearing and receiving the gospel because of this chastening process.

Dallin H. Oaks spoke of this preparation in his April 2004 conference address when he said,

Dallin H. Oaks

The Savior taught this in the parable of the fig tree whose tender new branches give a sign of the coming of summer. 'So likewise,'when the elect shall see the signs of His coming “they shall know that he is near, even at the doors”' (JS—M 1:38–39; see also Matt. 24:32–33; D&;C 45:37–38).

(D&C 88:88–92)

And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Isaiah 1:27

Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

From Isaiah we learn that we are redeemed with judgement. I find this interesting. Through judgement Zion is redeemed. To redeem means to "retrieve, regain, recover, get back, reclaim, repossess, compensate." All that has been taken, ruined, and perverted by the wicked will be reclaimed by the righteous.

To sum up point number one, we must watch for the signs, recognize them, and continue our own spiritual preparation.

2) The Number Seven

The longest eclipses can give you totality of up to 7 minutes. The Great American Eclipse will last for 2 minutes and 40 seconds for those of us on the ground, however those observing from the air will be able to experience 7 minutes of totality. This Great American Eclipse will be followed by a second total American Eclipse seven years later. "Sheva", the Hebrew word for seven, comes from a root which means complete. The number seven represents physical completion.

Could the Lord be telling us that something will be completed by 2024 (the second total eclipse)? It is important that we pay attention over the coming months and years so that the Spirit can testify to us personally what the completion entails.

Recently the number 7 has played an additional symbolic role in the United States. On the day that Donald Trump was inaugurated, he was 70 years 7 months and 7 days old. 777. This during the Jewish year 5777.  This year 5777 is highly significant. The Feast of Trumpets 2016 to Elul 29 2017 is the Hebrew year 5777. 5 is the number of grace and the number 7 means perfection and repeated three times (the number 3) means completion. Therefore, the biblical numeric meaning of 5777 means: "perfect grace made complete" or "the completion of the period of grace." Could this mean the grace period of repentance? A grace period for the wicked? (I have not verified the math however these numbers are being reported as facts via several sources).

Donald Trump was born exactly 700 days before Israel became a nation. Israel was 77 days old exactly 777 days after Donald Trump was born. Israel’s 70th birthday will come exactly 700 days after Trump’s 70th birthday. Donald Trump won the election on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 7th year, 7th month and 7th day in office. Trump won the election by about 77,000 votes out of than 136 million ballots cast. The Electoral College to three states allowed him to win by the smallest number of votes: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.There again you have the number 3 (3 states) and 77,000 votes (7). Something is about to be made complete!

The Aug. 21, 2017 eclipse will occur just 7 weeks after aphelion and only 3 days off from perigee, meaning the Earth will be close enough to the Moon so that the lunar shadow falls on Earth's surface, creating totality. There is 7 and 3 again. The definition of totality is "whole".

3) "Signs in Heaven Above and in the Earth Beneath"

The X of both eclipse pathways, marks the spot for the sign of this completion. It is only speculation to say that the sign could be a great shaking of the earth. However, considering that the X lies on two major fault lines and the pathway of the first eclipse runs over many major fault lines from the west to the east, it's not something that is off the table. From what scripture teaches us about patterns of signs and events - it is clear that the Lord is telling us something. He is marking it with a big X so we will take notice.

If we look above into the heavens we see that Jupiter, due to its retrograde motion, will spend the next 9 ½ months within the womb of Virgo. This length of time corresponds with gestation period of a normal late-term baby.

Could this be a sign of the birth of something grand? After 9 ½ months, Jupiter exits out of the womb of Virgo ( September 9, 2017) and is caught up to the throne of God. Upon Jupiter’s exit (birth), on September 23, 2017, we see the constellation Virgo with the sun rise directly behind it (the woman clothed with the sun). At the feet of Virgo, we find the moon. And upon her head we find a crown of twelve stars, formed by the usual nine stars of the constellation Leo with the addition of the planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars. Just as Revelation 12:1-2 says.
This will mark the beginning of the Tribulation.

This great sign in the heavens on September 23, 2017  is a one time event. Rev 12:1-2 says it marks the start of the tribulation period. It is the 120th jubilee from Adam. It is the 70th jubilee since Canaan. It is the 40th jubilee since Christ's death. It would coincide with the 70th week of Daniel in Daniel 9. And interestingly, It marks 72 years to the day from when the first atomic blast was detonated, in 1945, and the project was code named "Trinity". It will be the only one in history to have Jupiter in her womb for the proper amount of time for a human gestation period or pregnancy.
The sign will happen on Sept. 23, 2017 on the exact same day as Feast of Trumpets.

The 2017 alignment has 3 wondering stars Venus, Mars, Mercury with Leo's 9 stars making up the 12 stars above her head.The movement takes the child to the throne of God. The constellation Leo represents the Tribe of Judah. At no time in history has this alignment of stars and planets occurred. Nor will it again (http://www.heavenlysign2017.com/supporting-data.html).

To better understand the meaning of John's vision, in the New Testament Student Manual we read,

“And the dragon prevailed not against Michael, neither the child, nor the woman which was the church of God, who had been delivered of her pains, and brought forth the kingdom of our God and his Christ” (Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 12:1–3, 7 [in the Bible appendix]).

These clarifications confirm that Satan will not prevail in his war against God’s kingdom on earth. They also teach that the woman represents the “church of God” and that the child she gives birth to is the “kingdom of our God and his Christ” (Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 12:7 [in the Bible appendix]). The Church of God is at this time an ecclesiastical organization only, but when the Savior comes again and makes “a full end of all nations” (D&;C 87:6), the kingdom of God will also have political jurisdiction over all people on the earth. “The purpose of the Church is to prepare its members to live forever in the celestial kingdom or kingdom of heaven. … During the Millennium, the kingdom of God will be both political and ecclesiastical” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven”; scriptures.lds.org).

Revelation 12:1. The Sun, the Moon, and Twelve Stars

We learn from latter-day scripture that those who inherit the celestial kingdom will receive glory like unto that of the sun (see D&;C 76:70). The image of “a woman clothed with the sun” may symbolize the Church’s role in preparing its members for the future glory of the celestial kingdom (Revelation 12:1). The “crown of twelve stars” upon the head of the woman likely refers to the Twelve Apostles who preside over the affairs of the Church under Jesus Christ’s direction (Revelation 12:1).

John also saw “the moon under [the woman’s] feet” (Revelation 12:1). Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained a possible meaning of this image: “As the moon shines by reflected light, so do all earthly churches and kingdoms. They are under, beneath and lower than the true Church. The highest eternal reward they can offer is the terrestrial kingdom, whose glory is like the moon. (1 Cor. 15:40–41.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:517).

Revelation 12:3–4, 7–10. War in Heaven

These verses in Revelation 12 are a parenthetical reference to the War in Heaven. The dragon is a representation of Satan, who with his followers waged the War in Heaven against Heavenly Father and His faithful children (see D&;C 29:36–38; Moses 4:1–4). “The third part of the stars of heaven” (Revelation 12:4) are that portion of the hosts of heaven who followed Satan in the premortal war in heaven and were cast out (see Isaiah 14:12–17; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; D&;C 29:37; Abraham 3:27–28). Elder Bruce R. McConkie described the conflict that occurred in heaven: “What kind of war? The same kind that prevails on earth; the only kind Satan and spirit beings can wage—a war of words, a tumult of opinions, a conflict of ideologies; a war between truth and error, between light and darkness. … And the battle lines are still drawn. It is now on earth as it was then in heaven; every man must choose which general he will follow” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:518).

Back to Jupiter, it has been noted that there are similarities to Christ. It is the largest planet in the solar system, hence being called the "king planet" and representing the chief deity or the chief deity's son in a variety of ancient pantheons.  It is also covered in stripes just as Christ was after His flogging ("by His stripes we are healed") and has a prominent "wound" called the Great Red Spot that mirrors Jesus' own spear wound.  On top of all that, Jupiter takes all the blows from comets and asteroids that would otherwise hit earth (think Christ's atonement and taking the blows for us) and even more - Jupiter was recently photographed by NASA, which revealed that the planet is crowned with a magnificent glowing halo:

Jupiter's orbital period mirrors the biblical sabbatical and jubilee cycles and 2017 is the end of a Jupiter Jubilee. It was well known that Jupiter had 67 moons, but it was just announced in June 2107 that astronomers have positively identified two more.  That means Jupiter has exactly 69 known moons and the discovery was made just a few short months before Daniel's 70th Week might begin (http://www.unsealed.org/2017/06/astronomers-make-chilling-discovery.html).

Other sources have noted what the sky will look like beginning in the month of September 2017 that will lead-up to the Great Virgo Sign of the book of Revelation 12. As a prelude to the astronomical alignment, the location on Earth will center on the Giza Plateau of the Great Pyramid on the dates of the 11th, the 20th and the 23rd of September. As in the sky in September, like Virgo, the Orion belt stars and Leo mirror the 3 Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in a similar fashion. What will be noticeably different and striking is that there will be some planetary alignments that suggest a message of sorts perhaps. The astronomical alignment perspective is also capturing the essence of how Egypt, the Pyramids, the Nile River and the Holy Land mirror the constellation of Virgo, Leo, the Milky Way and the Orion belt stars. It's noted that Israel typifies Virgo, the Sphinx typifies Leo (the Lion), the pyramids typify Orion (the throne of God), the Nile River typifies the Milky Way. http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/feb2017/luisv219.htm

This reminded me of my earlier mentioning of Little Egypt in America and how it mirrors Egypt the country. Here is a great link from lds.org about astronomy in the scriptures. Also, here is a post I wrote in 2014 about the constellations testifying of the Savior (from an LDS perspective)

Did you know that every year in late August, you can spot Orion the Hunter and Sirius the Dog in the early morning sky! Orion’s three prominent Belt stars always point to Sirius. Did you also know that some have pointed out that Kolob might be Sirius and might be a derivative of the word "dog".

Proto-Semitic : *kalb

Arabic : kalb كَلْب

Hebrew : keleb כֶּלֶב

Ugaritic : klb

Ge'ez : kalb

Sirius has consistently been called the "dog star" since the begining of Mesopotamian civilization. The Assyrians called it Kalbu Shamash, "dog of the sun".

This is all very interesting but let the Spirit be your guide on what is truth. Some Heavenly signs are more noticeable, others you have to search, ponder, and pray for. It's amazing to see how many possible signs we can miss, when we aren't paying attention. 

4) America

In the past we see that total solar eclipses were key players in scriptural events and world history. It was a total solar eclipse (confirmed by NASA) that passed over the ancient city of Nineveh which prepared the people to be ready and willing to listen to the prophet Jonah who warned them of their coming judgement and destruction if they did not repent.

Jonah knew of their wickedness and he feared preaching to them. The Lord knew that the eclipse would cause wonder, curiosity, and fear among the people and He knew they'd be ready to hear Jonah. After Jonah's life was spared and he preached to the people, they received his message and repented.

Our modern day prophets have been calling us to repentance. Are we listening? If ever there were a mandatory time to repent this would be it. Truthfully, we never know when our last day on this earth will be. We should be prepared at all times to meet our Lord.

It was an August 21st total solar eclipse that passed over the beginning of World War I in 1914 and was visible in northern Europe and Asia. This Northern Europe and Asia involved war, signaled the fall of the German, Russian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires.

Is the Lord sending a signal to America? Is it more than a coincidence that this solar eclipse is also going to be on August 21st?  In 1914 there was world war. It was significant because it was the first first world war in world history. When the Lord provides patterns it means "pay attention".

5) Missouri  

Adam-ondi-Ahman

When I saw that the path of the coming solar eclipse, crossed over prophesied of and historical events in Mormon history and doctrine I felt the Spirit again say, "Pay attention."

Missouri is a significant place in Mormon doctrine. Not only is it the location of Adam-ondi-Ahman (the site where Adam and Eve lived after being expelled from the Garden of Eden and gathering spot for a meeting of the priesthood leadership, including prophets of all ages and other righteous people, prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.), modern revelation tells us it is the location of the Garden of Eden. If Missouri is where the Fall took place, could it be where Paradisaical restoration will begin? The Fall put the earth in a Telestrial state. Could the X mark the completion of that state? Is the Lord telling us to get ready for a brighter future?

Article of Faith #10

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

As Latter-day Saints, we believe that Jackson County Missouri is where the New Jerusalem will be built. There will be Jerusalem in the Eastern Hemisphere which will be the capital of the Eastern Hemisphere and a Jerusalem of the Western Hemisphere which will be the capital of the Western Hemisphere.

The writings of Ether, written prior to 125 B.C., abridged by Moroni 2 in the Book of Mormon, prophesy of the preparations for the coming of the messiah and of a New Jerusalem in the Western Hemisphere. It is to be built by the remnant of the seed of Joseph of Egypt (Ether 13:3-10). Ether also speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem of old, adding that it will be rebuilt with a temple and become a holy city (Ether 13:11).

The future rebuilding of the Holy Land for the house of Judah and the building of the New Jerusalem in the Western Hemisphere for the house of Joseph are associated with the return of the Messiah to the earth. Of this era, the 1845 Proclamation of the Twelve (MFP 1:252-66) says: He will assemble the Natives, the remnants of Joseph in America; and make them a great, and strong, and powerful nation: and he will civilize and enlighten them, and will establish a holy city, and temple and seat of government among them, which shall be called Zion.

And there shall be his tabernacle, his sanctuary, his throne, and seat of government for the whole continent of North and South America for ever. It will be to the Western Hemisphere what Jerusalem will be to the Eastern

In President John Taylor's vision we read (Source: Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, June 15, 1878, “A Vision, Salt Lake City, Night of Dec 16, 1877”):

John Taylor

Immediately after I seemed to be standing on the left bank of the Mis­souri River, opposite the City of In­de­pendence, but there was no city. I saw the whole state of Missouri and Illi­nois and all of Iowa, a complete desert with no living being there. A short dis­tance from the river how­ever, I saw twelve men dressed in temple robes, stand­ing in a square or nearly so (and I under­stood it repre­sented the Twelve Gates of the New Jerusa­lem.) Their hands were uplifted in consecration of the ground and lay­ing the corner stone of the tem­ple. I saw myraids of an­gels hovering over them, and saw also an immense pil­lar of clouds over them and heard the angels singing the most heav­enly music. The words were “Now is estab­lished the King­dom of God and his Christ, which shall never more be thrown down.”

I saw people com­ing from the river and from the desert places a long way off to help build the temple and it seemed that hosts of an­gels all helped to get material to build with and I saw some of them who wore temple clothes come and build the tem­ple and the city, and all the time I saw the great pillar of clouds hovering over the place.

Instantly, however, I found my­self again in the taber­nacle at Ogden. And yet, I could still see the building go on and I got quite animated in call­ing on the people in the tabernacle to listen to the beautiful music, for the an­gels were singing the same music I had heard be­fore. “Now is estab­lished the King­dom of God and his Christ, which shall never more be thrown down.”

The "Yellow Dog" prophecy (whether you accept it's validity or not) also adds speculation to the X marks the spot location.

Heber C. Kimball

"The western boundary of the State of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that, as President Young tell us, when you return to that place, there will not be left so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail. Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes. 

"Then the prophet and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson County, Missouri, and take part in the up building of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem."(Prophetic Sayings of Heber C. Kimball to Sister Amanda H. Wilcox, n.p., n.d., p. 6.)

Could it be that Satan knew the spiritual anointing this land had? Missouri is where the extermination order was given to kill all Mormons. It is where they received their harshest persecutions. Their plan to build Zion in Jackson County would be interrupted and delayed for years to come.

In D&C 105 the Lord tells the saints regarding the land of Jackson county,

27 And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and mine elders, whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of my house,

28 And to have sent wise men, to fulfil that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about.

29 For it is my will that these lands should be purchased; and after they are purchased that my saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given.

30 And after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.

In D&C 57 the Lord tells the Saints,

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints.

2 Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.

3 And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse.

4 Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile;

5 And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began purchasing property in Independence in 1904, eventually acquiring nearly 20 of the original 63 acres.Today the corner stones still mark this special location. Prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a magnificent edifice—the New Jerusalem Temple—will be erected on the location of the Temple Lot.  http://ldschurchtemples.org/independence/


6) National and World Events


The eclipse next week will go down as the first total solar eclipse whose path of totality stays completely in the United States since 1776. Remember, in 1776 America became a nation. We see a pattern here happening for the path staying in the United States, could we see a pattern relating to the events? In 1776 America began, could there be another beginning on the horizon, on this continent?

As we pay attention to world events that are taking place we will see many dots connect. With the United States ready to defend our lands from threats of North Korea, we could see events take place that bring upon the fall of the North Korean regime. This could signal an open door for the gospel to be preached to the people of North Korea - a land that has been forbidden for decades.

The United States and South Korean joint military exercises are due to begin later this month on August 21st. I believe the Lord has heard the cries of the people of North Korea and He is ready to bring salvation, because they are ripe and ready to receive it. The late Kim Clement prophesied 7 years ago that North Korea's dictator would die before attacking the U.S and be brought down from the inside. He said there would soon be a United Korea.

The United States is turning back towards God, through tearing down corrupt policies and removing corruption from government. I believe there is a large underground group of corruption that is ripe for exposure and judgement. Over the next few years, I believe we will see these groups, organizations and people exposed and brought forward to be tried for their crimes. Those who stay under the radar will face tough consequences at the Lord's return.

Could these next seven years bring in final fulfillment of the remaining awaited signs? It's no coincidence that our current president is working very speedily to fulfill His campaign promises. I believe He was chosen for this reason. Did you know that the name Donald means "mighty chief of the nations" and Trump means "Trumpeter" so you have a "Mighty Trumpet for the Nations". He is definitely not a quiet leader. The world hears his message loud and clear. I believe God chose him for this reason and for this purpose. After all, God doesn't choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen. God needed a leader who wasn't a puppet to any political party and didn't answer to the dictates of men. I believe while God uses him to subdue the nations, and restore America back to a Christian nation, God will also do a work and a wonder on our president's heart and his overall character. We will see a transformation of this man, and of our nation.

During this winding up of last day events, things will speed up as we have never seen before. If you pay attention to just how fast things are happening - that in itself is a sure sign that the day of the Lord is near.

I believe that the Lord is already on the earth helping prepare for His glorious coming and reign of peace. He is working behind the scenes on so many things that we can't begin to comprehend.

7) The Number 21

My sister brought to my attention that President Monson's birthday is on August 21st. He will be 90 years old. Again, I don't believe in coincidences.

According to numerology, the number 21 symbolizes new opportunities for new directions (Could this nation be headed in a new direction with new opportunities? Could this effect the Church in which new doors will open for amazing opportunities?)

 According to the gematria reference identities of the Bible Wheel, (Ehyeh, I AM) = 21. The number 21 is equal to the name of the Lord. (Could the Lord be reminding us that He is in control? He is still on the throne, and these signs testify of Him?)

According to biblical references, the number twenty-one symbolizes the great wickedness of rebellion and sin. After the children of Israel left Egyptian bondage they had 21 major rebellious events as they traveled and wandered the wilderness (Could this also be a sign for the wicked and rebellious that now is the time to repent?)

On the last day of God's seven-day Spring festival, the 21st of the month of Nisan, the Eternal carried out his last judgment against the Egyptians. He drowned Pharaoh and his entire army in the Red Sea as they were pursuing the Israelites in order to make them slaves again.

The last day of God's annual Fall Feast of Tabernacles, which occurs every year on the 21st day of the seventh Hebrew month, pictures the end of Christ's 1,000 year reign on earth when the devil is loosed out of his prison for a short time.

In 2 Timothy 3 the apostle Paul writes of 21 sins which show the exceeding wickedness of self and sin. He begins the chapter with a warning and then starts his list with the words "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will . . ."

1. Selfishly love themselves
2. Love money
3. Brag quite a bit
4. Be proud of themselves
5. Blaspheme
6. Disregard and disobey their parents
7. Not be thankful for what they have
8. Reject being holy
9. Will not have natural affection
10. Uncompromising
11. False accuse others
12. Lack any self-control
13. Fierce
14. Hate anyone who does good
15. Betray others
16. Will act Hard-headed
17. Will have exalted, selfish views
18. Love pleasure
19. Reject loving God
20. Will look from the outside as being Godly
21. On the inside they will deny God's power (2Timothy 3:1 - 4)

Paul advice to Timothy is "turn away from all these." (2Timothy 3:5)

Seven is perfection and whole, and 7 x 3 = 21. Remember, three sevens (777) equals completion. Could this represent the completion of a period or era?

Summary

Upon ending this post I realized I had seven points written out. That was not intentional on my part. I can't help but chuckle a little.

Though time will tell what these next seven years bring, I do believe it will be a period of great rejoicing for the pure of heart! I believe we will see amazing things comes to pass, that we may have never expected in our lifetime. We will see doors open up, gifts magnified, Divine encounters increase, and miracles in abundance.

For the hard hearted (even among our own members), I believe it will be a time of chastening and humbling.

Clearly, the Lord has a message for North America, the Church, and the entire body of Christ - and clearly we are being prepared for something big. We can only speculate what these signs mean and what they will bring, but one thing we can know for certain is that we have living prophets and apostles on the earth today who guide us. We have access to the Holy Ghost who can be our constant companion in helping us discern for ourselves what is truth and what is right for us. We have scripture that can be our compass and prayer that is our daily direct communication to God. We have all the tools we need to navigate the coming days and years and I have complete confidence and faith that we will rise above any challenges the world may bring, and shine bright for the Lord.

The Mysteries of the Kingdom

August was such a busy month for me. Sorry about being MIA. Do you ever feel like you you have so many things you need and want to get done but so little time in the day? This has been my obstacle all summer. Now that that kids are back in school I'm hoping to get a better handle on my list of things to do. This blog is definitely on that list.

Some AMAZING things have happened to me this summer. What's mentioned in the these scriptures below has happened to me!

Doctrine and Covenants 76:7 

And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:11

And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.

I can't go in to detail today but as I continue posting, I'll share a little more each time. I will say that there is so much knowledge that we don't have but if we genuinely ask with righteous desires it will be given to us. I have had so much personal revelation about "mysteries of the kingdom" revealed to me that I became mentally and physically exhausted last month. It's so much to comprehend and once you have the knowledge you have on obligation to apply it and be held accountable for it.

I know that there is a time and place for everything. I was not ready for this knowledge until recently. I have shared it with others and have found that some were ready to hear it and have embraced it and sought out for more and others did not seem to understand or have any desire to hear more. They were not ready.

I was reminded about the scripture,

Mathew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

and...

Doctrine and Covenants 41:6

For it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast before swine.

I truly believe that we are all at different levels of spiritual learning. Some of us are seekers of the truth and we receive revelation daily (knock and it shall be opened, ask and ye shall receive) and others don't yet have that desire to seek out further truth and knowledge...and that's okay.

But I testify from personal experience that when you are ready to hear truth it is delicious to the soul! It's a euphoric feeling and it burns inside of you. Just like Alma says below,

Alma 32:28

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Because of what I know and have been learning, my purpose and mission in this life has become more clear and more important. I am working and strengthening my gifts to better help do my part in building the Kingdom of God. Sentences in my patriarchal blessing are now clear to me and I am seeing wonderous miracles come to pass.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. His power is real and His atonement it real. Our Father in Heaven's love for us is endless. Until we truly believe in His power and how it can bless our lives, our faith will not be enough to see those miracles happen in our lives. This is what Moroni spoke about when he said,

Moroni 7:37

Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

WE can have these amazing miracles happen in our lives on a DAILY basis, just like in the days of the ancient prophets if we start believing again. If we exercise our faith.

That is all I can say for now. I ask that you pray about this. Get yourself in a position to desire to increase your faith and to have a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father and the Savior. With what lies ahead in these last days, it will be our faith that sustains us. It's so important that we get ourselves prepared.

I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Are All the Answers We Need Found in the Scriptures?

I love this answer from Joseph Fielding McConkie from his book Answers on pg. 227:

No. This is the party line of apostate religion, and  it is called the doctrine of sufficiency. The claim is that the Bible contains all that is or ever can be necessary for the benefit of man. In making such a claim, they are sealing the powers of the heavens, silencing God, doing away with the need for living prophets, and denying the power of the Holy Ghost. For a Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) to say the same thing of the standard works (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) is to agree in principle with this basic dogma of the Apostasy. Nephi said of such a notion, "For unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (2 Nephi 28:30). 

I testify that there is one true living prophet on the Earth today who speaks to God and that is Thomas S. Monson. I know that God continues to give His children counsel because He loves us. Miracles and great works still happen and the powers of heaven are real and continue to bless our lives through the gift of the Holy Ghost. His love, commandments and counsel did not end with the New or Old Testament. God continues to reveal more to us for the purpose of edifying us, lifting us up and helping us return to Him. He speaks to us today. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

A Link I Reccommend

Here is a link I came across today to a Mormon Belief Wiki that covers a wealth of insight and information about Mormon beliefs. You can order FREE Bibles, Book of Mormons and DVDs. Check out the link and share! 

http://www.religionresourcesonline.org/religious-beliefs-wiki/mormon-beliefs/Mormon_Beliefs

Bishop's Message

In church today we had a combined third hour with the Relief Society and the Priesthood. I felt so blessed to have been there, on the front row listening to the bishop's message of warning.

Having been recently out of town, having sick children, subbing a lot for primary and serving in the primary all last year, I was very fortunate to have been able to attend all three meetings today and hear the wonderful and eye opening messages that were shared. 

The second hour (Sunday school) was all about missionary work and how it is that stone rolling down the mountain. A brother spoke of a mission that currently has 60 missionaries and is expected to triple over the next few months. Another sister mentioned that around 150 or so missions have recently opened up and now women consist of 50% of the mission field where they used to be closer to 14% or somewhere around that number. It's amazing.

Our Sunday school teacher said that today the field is white and ready to harvest more than ever before, and the Lord has already sowed the seeds, we just need to do the harvesting. I was reminded of a conversation I had with my brother last week. He served his mission in Ireland about 14 years ago. He said that it was a tough mission and he only had about two prospects interested in the gospel the entire time. He felt bad that he didn't have the success he had hoped for.

Well, a few months ago he had a dream one night that he was called to go on another mission in which he would bring many souls unto the Savior and there would be many baptisms. When he woke up he figured it was a dream foretelling of a time when maybe his kids were grown and gone and he and his wife could serve a mission together. Then, two weeks later he was called as the ward mission leader. He lives in Spanish Fork. Over the last few months of serving in this calling he has found many people in his neighborhood who he has invited to meet with the missionaries - four of them have been baptized. So, two years in a foreign land with no baptisms and three months in his own neighborhood with four baptisms - amazing! He said that it has been very rewarding and enriching to serve in this calling and he finally recognized that this was the mission his dream had foretold of.

In these last days (or hours as we might call them) gathering everyone to Zion is the ultimate focus and goal of the church. People are ready and the Lord is preparing them to hear His gospel. I feel that the many great trials that are on their way will be what softens the hearts of many and prepares them to hear and accept the gospel.

We have these opportunities all around us every day and if we have the desire to serve, than we have already been called.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 4 sums it up perfectly;

 1 Now behold, a ^amarvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

 2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the ^aservice of God, see that ye ^bserve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand ^cblameless before God at the last day.

 3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are ^acalled to the work;

 4 For behold the ^afield is white already to ^bharvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in ^cstore that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

 5 And ^afaith, ^bhope, ^ccharity and ^dlove, with an ^eeye single to the ^fglory of God, ^gqualify him for the work.

 6 Remember faith, ^avirtue, knowledge, ^btemperance, ^cpatience, ^dbrotherly ^ekindness, ^fgodliness, charity, ^ghumility, ^hdiligence.

 7 ^aAsk, and ye shall receive; ^bknock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

During the third hour the bishop stood and said that he has been recently warned by the Lord that something drastic is about to happen and he has been prompted to prepare our ward temporally and spiritually as quickly as possible like never before. His eyes and expression were intense, and he didn't appear happy to be delivering this message. He didn't say if it was something local, national or global but just that he hoped these warnings were wrong. 

After he spoke, there were three additional speakers who spoke about how to get our ward prepared for what is coming. Our ward is a new ward of only three months. In the past wards I have been in, there were efforts to prepare the members but not as quickly and as intense as this. We quickly were told about a plan to divide the streets into sections of 6 households with a priesthood brother as a block captain and that each unit will be in charge of helping each other when the crisis hits. We are going to have several upcoming meetings to take inventory of everyone's skills and supplies so that we can help take care of each other and know our resources.

The messages continued on the path that all will not be well soon and we need to be ready for things to get worse and worse. This is what it took for my husband to finally be willing to discuss these things with me. He usually despises talking about the last days, warnings and what's coming - but now he is finally on board with me and I'm grateful for the message of warning that our loving bishop shared with us today. I feel blessed to be living in a ward with so many members who are in tune to the spirit and who have a desire to help everyone prepare. My heart yearns to become a more Zion like people and I'm ready serve, love and give all I have for the building up of Zion. 

I love this gospel, I love the Savior and I love trusting in God and seeing His hand in all things in my life. I'm striving to be more like the Savior and extending love and compassion to all. I know what awaits us will be bitter sweet - but I am willing to deal with the bitter in order to enjoy the sweet.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.