Yes, You Can Meet the Savior Before He Returns - No NDE Required!

One thing I must express gratitude for, is the opportunity I have to share all the amazing videos, books, teachers, and links I come across here on my blog and in my Happy Lady videos with all of you. Not only are the blog and YouTube channel, tools where I can share what I've been discovering but also a great source for all of you (my friends and subscribers) to share what you have been discovering. There are so many of you who are so kind to share in private emails and messages your sacred experiences, testimonies, suggested reads, materials & teachers, and I love returning the favor in my videos and blogposts. Links are always provided in the video description of each of my videos to a wealth of resources. I'm amazed at how many messages come through each day from all of you, and humbled by what you share.

A friend of mine and follower of the blog, referred me to this video yesterday. I must say how grateful I am to have been able to watch this. It's so refreshing to know that there are more LDS people out there who are on the same page as me. This is the message I have been feeling so strong lately, and conveying in my video messages here a little and there a little - and so you can imagine how excited I was to discover all of it one video presentation. Adam Miller sums it up so well - better than I can. This is exactly how I feel! We can meet the Savior in the flesh before He returns to the earth as prophesied. We can meet Him often, and there is no Near Death Experience required! We can and should be seeking this kind of relationship with Him. This is His will for us - all of us.

If you don't have time to watch the entire video, go to 41:08 and you will hear Adam confirm (in his own words) that he has had what I believe to be a Second Comforter experience. To hear someone speak so boldly and beautifully about a topic that has always been "hushed" over the years, and to hear them speak it at BYU and see that it was so well received, just had me doing a happy dance!

Gems for Better Communication with God

A few weeks ago I watched these videos back to back and found so much treasure in them. If you've hit a spiritual slump, feel stuck in your learning, experience confusion when trying to decipher answers to prayers, or just feel your communication with the Lord could use a boost - well, then these videos are for you!

Did the Shift Finally Happen?

What a historical and incredible General conference! This week's video message is about the theme and message of conference. Did the Heavenly shift mentioned in last week's video message come to pass? Do we really understand the magnitude of living in the hour of 11:59 pm?

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!

Revolution Coming to the Church?

A couple weeks ago I found this article (The Coming Revolution Inside of Mormonism) and it resonated with me so much! The coming revolution that Greg Trimble speaks of, is what I refer to often as the separation of wheat and tares.

I feel blessed to lived in such a good community. I truly feel that the wheat outweighs the tares in my ward. However in regards to the whole (members throughout the world), I believe much in this article can apply. It goes beyond the boundaries of Mormonism and flows all throughout the Christian world.

The biggest issue I often tackle on my blog and in my videos is culture vs. doctrine. Sometimes we do certain things only because that's just how they've always been done. There were never any established rules, codes, or doctrines - it's just what Great Grandpa's generation started and so we continue it today. It's tradition! This goes for both things we do and things we don't do. Often times, we assume that because that's how it's always been done - then it must be the only correct way.

On my own path of getting to know my Savior on a very personal and real level, I have learned so many things that I now apply daily in my life, that I'm sure many would find very different and possibly odd. Things that were taught to me by the Spirit through the still small voice. Things that felt so right and have so deeply blessed my life and enriched my relationship with My Savior and Father in Heaven. Things that are so simple yet so sacred to me, that are not apart of mainstream culture or tradition. Things that have softened my heart, humbled me, and caused me to yearn for a day when the focus of all that we do is love.

I once told a friend of mine who often coordinates humanitarian trips to South America, "I would love to come along sometime, but not to teach English, build water pumps, or assist with medical care, I would just want to walk around the village and hug everyone. If you need someone to just love the people - I can do that, and I can do it very well!" She smiled, and said that would be a much needed role.

When I came across this article, it expressed everything I have been feeling over the past few years. To think of all the changes that have been made within our church just within the last five years is evidence of more changes to come. Many of these changes were a big shift away from tradition, and even were difficult for some members to accept. One recent change that comes to mind is the way in which Relief Society is now taught - chairs in a circle and more discussion. I have not experienced this change because I am a primary teacher but it's been interesting to hear perspective from those who have. Some love it, and some not so much. I remember reading comments on a facebook post of women who were struggling with this change. Whether it increased their anxiety, or they felt their babies were now more of a distraction, many had different reasons. Some even said they stopped going to Relief Society because of it. I wondered if small changes such as chair arrangement were to turn someone away from church, how much more would future changes on a larger scale impact a person's testimony and obedience?


Change often instigates the final straw. Many who struggle with testimony and obedience will use change as an opportunity for an exit. The small changes prepare us for the big changes. Our attitudes about small changes foreshadow our attitude about the future. We know that preparing the earth, the church, and the people for the Savior's return, means that there is much more change on the way. The first time the Savior came he brought with Him a revolution within the church, and I believe the second time He comes, He will again bring revolution to the church. But I believe this time, He will bring that revolution before His appearance to all the world. He will bring it as part of the preparation for His return. We live in that day and hour right now.

Here are the highlights I pulled from the article. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Article Highlights

Do you remember what was happening in Israel right about the time that Christ came on to the scene? Israel had started to live by their own set of oral laws and traditions, or what we might refer to today as “culture?” The “culture” in Israel when Christ showed up was one of the most judgemental and hypocritical cultures the world had ever seen. It was a very isolated and unaccepting culture. But Christ showed up and cast a net over all types of people. The Greeks, the Romans, The Samaritans, and every other nation across the globe. His net covered even the worst of repentant sinners. The only people that were excluded or damned were the unrepentant elite… the “scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites” who “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.” 

It was Christ who brought with him a revolution of love, empathy, and compassion. He built a culture that was geared toward the lowly of heart and revolted against those that spent their lives pointing out the flaws in others. “For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matt 23) The bulk of Israel was living according to their culture and their superstition. This has been the bane of each and every covenant society, which caused Joseph Smith to say: “What many people call sin is not sin; I do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down.” (History of the Church, 4:445 (7 November 1841) The doctrine of this church doesn’t lose people. It’s the culture and superstition that causes unnecessary strife.

I see a place where people have study groups again to provide support for those that need friends to talk to about the things they hear on the internet and social media. I see a place where people support one another, ask questions, resolve concerns, and speak honestly about the things that give them trouble in life and in the church. I see a time where “home-teaching” is just referred to as “ministering” and more lessons will revolve around love and not quotas. I see a time where “fellowshipping” will be replaced by “friendshipping” and where pure love is a stronger motivator than guilt.

I think we’ll see a time where programmatic meetings are cut by 50% and where the efficiency of those meetings are increased by 50%. We’ll spend less time behind closed doors meeting about all the stuff we should be doing, and more time ministering to the proverbial fatherless and the widows. We’ll get back to true religion and root out any programmatic religion. 

Members will increase their personal studying of the scriptures again. Missionaries will actually start memorizing scriptures again so that there will be water in their well. And callings won’t be looked at as promotions where congratulations are in order. Any form of pageantry will die with this revolution during the uprising of the greatest generation of saints this world has ever seen.

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!

From Telestial to Terrestrial - Translation in These Latter Days!

My most favorite book in the Book of Mormon has always been Third Nephi - especially Chapter 17. 

16 - ...the eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

Someday we will get to see what the Nephite people witnessed and I can't wait for that day! Surprisingly, as much as I love this chapter and its telling of the heavens opening, angels coming down and encircling the children with fire and ministering unto them, and Jesus saying that His joy was full because of the Nephites' faith, so much that He wept tears of joy - it isn't the only chapter that overwhelms my heart.

In Chapter 28 we read of that beautiful moment when When Jesus Christ asks each of His twelve Nephite disciples what they desire of Him. Nine requested to speedily return to Him when their ministry on the earth was complete, however three desired to remain on the earth to bring souls to Him until His Second Coming. 

6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.

8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.

9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.


10 And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;

And there we learn that the Lord blesses us according to our righteous desires and that He is pleased when we desire to help others come unto Him. But are we asking Him often enough for blessings and gifts that will help us better minister unto others and lead them to Him?

In 1 Corinthians 12:31 we are taught to covet the best gifts:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

What is the more excellent way that the Lord promises to show? The footnotes take us to Ether 12:11-12 in which we learn that it is through the gift of Jesus Christ that this more excellent way is prepared. I have found chapter 12 in its entirety to be a chest full of heavenly treasure! Well worth the read. 

The Brother of Jared

If we back up just a little we learn about the key that opens the door to this more excellent way. 

8 But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.


9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.

The key is faith! The way, is through Jesus Christ and the word (I'll expound in a minute - think Lehi's dream and the Brother of Jared), And the heavenly gift is the baptism by fire (fullness of the Holy Ghost) which allows us to pierce the veil, be in the full presence of the Lord, and is accompanied by prophecy, revelation, visions, heavenly visitors, angels, the Holy Ghost and more. 

In verse 17, Moroni references back to those three Nephites. He tells us,

And it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith.

4 Nephi 1:3

And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.

Hebrews 6:5

They have also “tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,” 

So great is this gift, that if it is denied after receiving it, one becomes a son of perdition. 

Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-32

Thus saith the Lord concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power—

They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born;

Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah

If we covet this gift, we must do all that we can to keep ourselves pure and worthy of it. Like Alma the Younger, we must be born again of the Spirit and baptized by fire. We must have that mighty change of heart and lose our desire to sin. In the meantime, while we prepare ourselves, the Lord is preparing a place for us in His Kingdom. However, even with faith and hope, there is an additional requirement that qualifies us for that mansion with the Lord. Without it we cannot receive this inheritance. That requirement is charity. Our hearts have to be changed, pure, and filled with love. We cannot be a tare. 

Ether 12:37

...except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.

Jesus Christ  - the Way or the Gift?

Some have argued that the fullness of the Priesthood is the way to the heavenly gift. What exactly is the fullness of the Priesthood? It is simply to be brought into the presence of the Father, by the Son, to be fully endowed with God’s power and being a possessor of all things, which can then be used to bless our fellow beings and to build the kingdom of God on the earth preparatory to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and those who come with Him in great glory. (reference link) 

It is the Second Anointing. Whereas the "first anointing" promises blessings in the afterlife contingent on the patron's faithfulness, the second anointing actually bestows those blessings. (reference link)

Doctrine and Covenants 50:26-30

26 He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.

27 Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.

28 But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.

29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.

30 But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; and as ye are appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you.

This comment I found on another blog, best supports and describes how I feel about the Heavenly Gift. 

"To me, from everything I’ve studied and read, the Heavenly Gift is to come into the presence of the Son. I have the gift of the Holy Ghost, so do you. I have been ordained to the priesthood, so have you. We have been endowed and taught sacred things about how to come into the presence of the Lord that are ONLY revealed in the temple.

The power of the priesthood, think about that phrase, can ONLY be received directly from God. It is not the same as authority or simply an ordination. Those are both invitations to go and get the real thing. We know we can’t pass the power of the priesthood from one man to another. We can only confer and ordain – invitations to go and get the real thing.


My conclusion: the Heavenly Gift is to receive power, directly from Christ, either by hearing his voice or by having him lay his hands upon our head. This fits the scripture that power cannot be passed from man to man – only authority can be given – an earthly authority at that. It is when we are in the presence of Christ we receive the fullness of the priesthood. The Heavenly gift IS the fullness of the priesthood."

Another commenter pointed out, 

"Why are the Gentiles failing to partake of the Heavenly Gift? We lack faith, hope, and charity."


Doctrine and Covenants 109:14-15

"And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books . . . And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost” 

From this scripture I have always believed that the gift of the Holy Ghost and the Fulness of the Holy Ghost are two separate things. We get the gift when we are baptized and the fulness occurs only after we are baptized by fire. The fulness of the Holy Ghost accompanies the fulness of the Priesthood - something that only God can give, and He is no respecter of persons when giving this gift. 

Translation - Part of the Heavenly Gift?


The Heavenly Gift, is something God bestows upon us to help further His work. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “It is a very reasonable thought to believe that both Moses and Alma, like Elijah and John [the Revelator], were translated to accomplish some work which the Lord had in store for them at some future day”

Whether in or out of the body, transfigured or translated while having these Heavenly experiences, it is by the glory of God that we can endure His presence. Translation operates at the Terrestrial level, and it isn't until resurrection that we can fully operate in the Celestial realm. Resurrection is the next step.  

According to Parley P. Pratt, ordinary human beings are said to have a telestial body; people who are translated are said to have a terrestrial body; and people who are resurrected are said to have a celestial body. The terrestrial body would be different from the Terrestrial glory of heaven, just as the present world is considered "telestial" but is not the Telestial glory of heaven. Translated beings with terrestrial bodies can appear or disappear the way the resurrected Jesus did in the 24th chapter of Luke. However, those who have resurrected "celestial" bodies have more power than those with terrestrial bodies. Thus when the wicked are resurrected, they will have power over Satan - a teaching we learned from Joseph Smith. 

What is Translation and What is it's Purpose?

Enoch

I once had an experience back in 2013 that really got me thinking about this subject. It was so profound for me that I wrote a post about it. I truly felt the men I encountered were either resurrected or translated beings. Here is what I have since learned about both types of beings. 

Both translated and resurrected beings are eternally young and fit, not subject to illness or injury and spend their existences as ministering angels doing things that require physical bodies to perform; for example, where a disembodied spirit can record events as a witness and offer comfort or advice, a physical body is required to perform ordinances such as laying on of hands.(reference link)

When righteous individuals are translated, their bodies are changed so they are not subject to mortal pain or death. Sometimes translated beings are taken from the earth without experiencing death in order to fulfill the Lord’s purposes. Translated beings, however, will undergo a future change as they pass from a translated state to a resurrected state.
https://www.lds.org/manual/book-of-mormon-student-study-guide/alma-45?lang=eng


And according to The Encyclopedia of Mormonism translation is defined as,

"changed from a mortal state to one in which they are temporarily not subject to death, and in which they experience neither pain nor sorrow except for the sins of the world. Such beings appear to have much greater power than mortals. All translated beings will eventually experience physical death and resurrection.Translation is a necessary condition in special instances to further the work of the Lord."

"...Resurrection is a step beyond translation"

"Translated beings are assigned special ministries, some to remain among mortals, as seems to be the case of John and the Three Nephites, or for other purposes, as in the case of Moses and Elijah, who were translated in order to appear with physical bodies hundreds of years later on the mount oftransfiguration prior to the resurrection of Christ. Had they been spirits only, they could not have laid hands on the mortal Peter, James, and John. the Prophet Joseph Smith explained the role of translated beings thus: "Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. The scriptures do not define differences between transfiguration and translation, but it appears that transfiguration is more temporary, occurring primarily to permit one to behold spiritual things not possible in the mortal condition." 

Bruce R. McConkie has said,

Bruce R. McConkie

"In this state they are not subject to sorrow or to disease or to death. No longer does blood (the life-giving element of our present mortality) flow in their veins. Procreation ceases. If they then had children, their offspring would be denied a mortal probation, which all worthy spirits must receive in due course. They have power to move and live in both a mortal and an unseen sphere. All translated beings undergo another change in their bodies when they gain full immortality.... Millennial man will live in a state akin to translation. His body will be changed so that it is no longer subject to disease or death as we know it, although he will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to full immortality when he is a hundred years of age. He will, however, have children, and mortal life of a millennial kind will continue."


Translation - a Fruit of Zion?

Are we ready to build the City of Zion? The answer to this question will better help us understand our proximity to the gift of translation in these latter days. A better question might be, are we ready to leave this world (Babylon) behind? 

Here's what the prophets and modern day leaders have told us about translation;

"Zion is the great moment of transition, the bridge between the world as it is and the world as God designed it and meant it to be."Hugh Nibley; Approaching Zion, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989), 3-4.

"Jesus will never receive the Zion of God unless its people are united according to celestial law, for all who go into the presence of God have to go there by this law. Enoch had to practice this law, and we shall have to do the same if we are ever accepted of God as he was. It has been promised that the New Jerusalem will be built up in our day and generation, and it will have to be done by the United Order of Zion according to celestial law."  Wilford Woodruff; Journal of Discourses, 17:250.

"First, if the Saints are to become part of the great celestial system of eternity in the resurrection, they must, as a people, practice the law of Zion. Second, essentially the same program was required of Enoch and his people, so that they might enter into the presence of the Lord and be translated to a state of glory.

City of Zion 

Finally, the same challenge confronts the Saints in the last days. They, too, must build up Zion so that Christ can receive them unto Himself when He comes to reign on earth in His glory. This means that there are certain prerequisites that must be achieved by the Saints before Christ comes. The Lord told Enoch that in the last days Zion, the New Jerusalem, would be built 'that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming.' The implication in this statement is that the Saints cannot look intelligently for the Second Coming and expect to be accepted by Christ unless they have built the society of Zion. When the New Jerusalem is built, Zion will be established upon the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom. Here is a prerequisite that must be fulfilled before the coming of Christ; and here is the challenge of the Saints." Hyrum L. Andrus; Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1969), 315-316

Orson Pratt

"...and he will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that Temple and offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord. In doing this, he will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that Temple, but he will purify their bodies until they shall be quickened, renewed and strengthened, and they will be partially changed, not to immortality, but changed in part that they can be filled with the power of God, and they can stand in the presence of Jesus, and behold his face in the midst of that Temple.This will prepare them for further ministrations among the nations of the earth, it will prepare them to go forth in the days of tribulation and vengeance upon the nations of the wicked, when God will smite them with pestilence, plague and earthquake, such as former generations never knew." Orson Pratt; Journal of Discourses, 15:366.

Spencer W. Kimball

"O my beloved hearers, what a world it would be if a million families in this church were to be on their knees like this every night and morning! And what a world it would be if nearly a hundred million families in this great land and other hundreds in other lands were praying for their sons and daughters twice daily. And what a world this would be if a billion families through the world were in home evenings and church activity and were on their physical knees pouring out their souls for their children, their families, their leaders, their governments!This kind of family life could bring us back toward the translation experience of righteous Enoch. The millennium would be ushered in." Spencer W. Kimball, “The Family Influence,” Ensign, July 1973, 15

"There is a Priesthood in the heavens, and we have the same Priesthood on the earth, but there should be a closer communion between the Priesthood on the earth and the Priesthood in the heavens; it is desirable that we should be brought into closer proximity, we want to be advancing as Enoch advanced." President John Taylor; Journal of Discourses, 25:308

John Taylor

"How perfect it was in the days of Enoch we are not told, but everything that they had revealed to them pertaining to the organization of the Church of God, also pertaining to doctrine and ordinances, we have had revealed to us, excepting one thing, and that is the principle and power of translation; that, however, will in due time be restored also." President John Taylor; Journal of Discourses, 23:33

"The principle of translation was a principle that at that time existed in the Church, and is one of the principles of the Gospel, and which will exist in the last days." President John Taylor; Journal of Discourses, 26:90

Joseph F. Smith

"Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead." Joseph Fielding Smith; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993), 169-171

"Although they had the ability to live in the earth among men, they had power over the elements of earth, power over the law of gravitation, by which they could move over the face of the earth with the speed f their own thoughts, power to reveal themselves to men; and yet power to mingle and move among men unobserved and hidden."  N.B. Lundwall;  Early Masterpieces of Latter-Saint Leaders, (Leatherwood Press 2005), 99.

Translation in the Latter Days

Pastor Bruce Allen

While pondering this topic I was intrigued to learn one day of a Christian pastor (Bruce Allen) who passionately speaks and writes on this topic. I have studied his experiences and messages and though he mostly speaks of translocation (travel through heavenly portals by faith) experiences, he terms these experiences under the umbrella of "translation". He speaks of his body changing (through a process) and not responding to the laws of time. He speaks of getting younger. 

In this article posted in 2008, Bruce expands on his story, which I found very interesting. 

At the tender age of four, Bruce Allen was playing with his brothers and sisters when he suddenly blurted out, "We are going to be here when Jesus comes back." One of his siblings asked, "Who's Jesus?".

The four‑year‑old Bruce only shrugged and went back to play.

"All my life I've had premonition of things to come before they happened," said Pastor Bruce
According to Pastor Bruce, the Third Day is the times we are now living in which is the beginning stages of paradise. After the Old Testament period, comes the Gentile period and then paradise when Jesus returns. Although Jesus has not yet come, the ending of the Gentile period signifies us entering into the last or third stage where Satan is defeated and the spiritual temple raised in the New Jerusalem.

"However, we are not called to follow the signs and wonders or the people behind them. What we are called to do is press on to be mature sons and daughters of God and set ourselves apart as Holy vessels for the glory of God. Then signs and wonders will follow us," warns Pastor Bruce.

Pastor Bruce Allen has been blessed to experience these signs and wonders in a way very few people have. He was translated in the spirit while ministering before a full congregation at Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, USA at Rending The Heavens conference in December 2002. He was suddenly caught up in the Spirit and found himself looking down on the continent of Europe. He was taken to a city and God told him it was in the nation of Latvia. He then came to a block of flats and was led to enter flat number 212.

"In that apartment I saw a little girl kneeling beside her bed, crying and praying to the Lord. Instantly I knew her name. It was Natalya. She didn't seem surprised or afraid to see me. I asked her why she was crying and she told me that she and her parents were hungry and cold, her parents had lost their jobs and now they were being evicted by the landlord. I was led of the Lord to comfort and encourage her and pray with her. Once I had finished praying with her I returned to the conference.

"The congregation did not suspect anything amiss because my body was still there in their presence. They did not know my spirit had left, gone to Latvia and returned. However, when Robert Bartow, a professional photographer took a photograph of me while in translation my body looked transparent as if it were an apparition," said Pastor Bruce. (Photo below was taken by Robert Bartow of Pastor Bruce in translation).

Unedited original photo taken by Robert Bartow 

"Translations, being taken up to heaven, visitation by angels and Jesus are getting more common now in this third day…In Iraq today there are a few hundred churches when there were hardly any before. And most of the people came to the Lord through a personal encounter with Jesus. The time is short and that is why He is appearing to more people, even non Christians and more people are being taken up to heaven," said Pastor Bruce.

Pastor Bruce teaches that as a part of this end time gathering and harvest, translation will be a necessary gift for many of God’s servants to do His work upon the Earth. In order for His servants to enter dangerous and forbidden locations throughout the world to share the gospel, they will need this gift. 


“We all want the finished product not recognizing the process. But let me give you an encouraging word. What took some of us years, doesn’t have to take you years. There is a grace in this hour because it’s the final hour, the day of conclusion. It’s the day of completion. The finish line is in sight and the Lord promised a quick work. If you’ve been struggling with your ability to recognize the voice of God…if you’ve been having difficulty in seeing into the realm of the Spirit, there is a grace here. God wants you to have that ability in the days ahead because you are going to need it…it’s the third day and what He’s doing, he’s doing quickly. And what you could never do for yourself, God’s going to intervene into your life, and bring you through a process very quickly. But He’s looking for willing hearts, hearts of passion, hearts that say, ‘here am I Lord’. Who qualifies to walk in this? Those who render Him total obedience. They will receive a unique manifestation of the reciprocation of His love by way of disclosing Himself. This is a promise for you right now." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWvwcCDdl-U

The day I discovered Bruce Allen, I was shown many other Christian evangelical ministers who are also teaching that the day of the Gentile is over, and the new day that we have entered in will be accompanied by the gift of translation, as we prepare the earth meet the Savior when He comes. I was reminded that God is no respecter of persons as I shared in my post "Unity Among the Churches? - Part of Zion", 

"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!

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."

All who are willing to testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, of His Atonement,  and that He lives, God is going to use. Jesus is visiting Jews, Muslims, atheists, occult members, and those in communist countries where Christianity is forbidden and they are being taught who He is. Just as Samuel Hislop said in this Mormon Channel "Hope Works" series on lds.org, 

"We know that there are fifteen million Latter-day Saints in the world...but we should also put into context that among seven billion people we're still a pretty tiny minority...you would need a pretty powerful microscope to even see us there. We're small. Among the seven billion, there's lots of other Christians, Jews, Muslims and others who are doing great good, they have great influence and there's opportunity to partner with them in our communities to show the world at large the fruits of good faith. Now that considered, we have to remember something from Elder Orson F. Whitney...he said this 88 years ago, 

'God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.'

Of course we have a message that other people need to hear. We have a very special thing - the restored gospel, but we also need to remember that God expects us to learn from others as well. And we can't do that unless we're willing to open our hearts and our minds and our ears to those who think, and act, and believe differently than we do."

Here is an older video of Pastor Bruce sharing some of these experiences. 




In the book Visions of Glory - One Man's Astonishing Account of the Last Days, "Spencer" (a pseudo-name for the anonymous LDS man who shares his personal story) shares his account of translation;

"...I knew we were all experiencing the same thing. We were being empowered to complete our missions, but I believe only a small percentage of those assembled there experienced this additional change into the translated state...I believe that all of the Twelve were likewise changed, for they thereafter did marvelous things no unchanged mortal could have done...They simply came and went by the power of God. (pg. 149)"

"Here in our little part of Zion, our hearts were changing, our bodies were changing, and our spiritual IQ was changing. We still had a fulness of the priesthood, as we first discovered just before the first great conference, and were learning every day what that meant. It took us years to understand that we had to evolve into Zion, not just march to it. It was a process that involved stripping away everything belonging to the world and replacing it with total faith in God. We had to learn that we did not need anything from the telestial world. All we needed was complete faith in Christ. It was a hard transition to make, but it was one of the reasons our journey to Zion took so many years - not to cover the distance, but to evolve spiritually so that we would be worthy to be in Zion when we actually arrived there. (pg. 168)"

"Those of us who had experienced the actual physical change of translation were somewhat different than others. We had clearer views of things and greater spiritual gifts. Unless we were speaking to another translated soul, we kept our translated status and these greater views to ourselves, as the Spirit seemed to require.

We were learning that translated people didn't get tired like normal people. Everything took less effort and taxed us less. We recovered quickly and could work long and hard and then recover in a few minutes. We still ate and slept, but we talked amongst ourselves, wondering if eating and sleeping was even necessary. After a big day's work, I felt hungry and tired but much less than in my previous life. I chose to eat, but it was different. I needed less food, slept better and far shorter, and felt absolutely wonderful. I could awaken in a second, even after just a few minutes of sleep, and feel perfectly awake and ready to go forward. At the end of the day, I was no more fatigued than when I slept a full night. I found that injuries, cuts, and scratches healed in days instead of weeks. If I wished it away, and prayed to the Father, it would heal in a matter of minutes. I expected in time to be impervious to injury, but I wasn't at this time. 

I was physically stronger day by day. My mind grew clearer and much quicker. Things that would have taken me long study before now came to me in flashes of understanding. I grew in my ability to understand complex situations, and I could instantly come up with complex answers that were completely correct and inspired. My hearing was actually attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer experienced temptations of any kind. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became part of me, a part of my soul, what I was. 

My capacity to love was profoundly enhanced, which made meetings and partings even sweeter, and more difficult. If anything had the power to make a translated soul sorrow or feel pain, it was this infusion of charity, because my heart wanted everyone to be blessed, uplifted, and supplied with every need. This wasn't always possible, and people I loved sometimes chose to transgress, and this caused deep sorrow at times. 

Every new gift I had was focused upon our new mission. The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost was an ever-present reality, and we knew the mind and will of the Lord. There was no guesswork and no more fear.

...Some of us had participated in the creation of worlds before we were born, and those divine sciences we understood then were slowly piercing the mortal veil, replacing mortal sciences. 

It was fascinating to watch our society leap forward, even while becoming simpler, less industrial, and non-commercial, with no consumer mindset. 

To my spiritual eyes, translated people just looked different. I could discern them far off. So when I had the chance to talk with another newly translated person, we occasionally took the time to discuss what this all meant, and what experiences and new priesthood gifts we had experienced.

...We also knew that even though the gift of translation had been fully given to us, that we still were in the process of becoming, of learning our duties and our abilities and when it was appropriate to use them. When I met an old translated being, there was a power and righteous serenity about them that I did not possess. Seeing and experiencing their highly developed state motivated me to yield to whatever process I needed to endure to become fully evolved in my new status. I knew I was changing. I also knew it was going to take years for the process to be fully implemented. 

There was a direct and constant influence of the Holy Ghost in the camps that could not be denied. It was a new phenomenon among the Saints that had begun that day of the great conference. Everyone was adjusting to this new level of spiritual power. There was a lot of conversation about whether this was the "millennial state" or if it was part of the process to the greater change of translation. (pg. 172-174)"

From Telestial to Terrestial

From Spencer's account we learn how and where we can gauge our own transition process from a telestial body to a terrestial body - should this be a gift that we ask for, or are given. 

Are we needing less sleep and feeling refreshed? Are we needing less food and feeling energized and well nourished? Are we letting go of the foolish traditions of Babylon? Have we been made aware of what they are? Are we losing the desire to be of the world? Has our taste in music and media changed to not only less of it, but only that which is wholesome and uplifting - evoking the Spirit within us? Has our love for our fellow man increased so much that we sorrow at the thought of their needs not being met? Do we see a change in our physical strength? Are our minds becoming more clear? Are we able to process things much quicker than before? Does it take us less time to learn more? Are we experiencing quick and miraculous healing? Have we experienced an increase in spiritual gifts? Have they been magnified? Have we lost the desire to sin and be tempted? Have we let go of addictions of any kind? Are we at one with God's will? Do we hear His voice? Do we feel purified and sanctified? 

What Does This Mean for You and Me?

I believe that the Lord wants us to know and understand our purpose in these last days. He has given us each specific missions to fulfill. Many are called but few are chosen. By pondering our Patriarchal blessings and going to the Lord in fasting and prayer, we can better understand how He would like to use us, what He has planned for us, and we can say 'Here am I Lord. Choose me' and 'What lack I yet?'. 

Are we all going to experience translation? No. Resurrection? Yes. Regardless, the Lord has asked us to covet the best gifts. If our desire is to truly build His Kingdom however He sees fit, then we can ask Him for anything if we feel it will serve that purpose, and we will receive.

This new era that we have entered into is unlike any before. If we haven't already, we are expected to become new creatures in Christ - to be born again of the Spirit and baptized by fire. We are to be changed! Accompanied with faith, our changes can bring about the greater manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Heavenly gift! We are invited to become partakers, and we should not take this invitation for granted. As we muster up our faith, hope, and charity, never letting go of our Savior's hand, He will lead us to new horizons that will exceed our greatest expectations! 

I testify of this in Jesus' name amen. 

The Great American Eclipse - What it Means for Us (Part 2)

Wow! I did not anticipate that my eclipse article would generate as much traffic as it did. Within 48 hours it has received 6,000 views. As of today there are 10,000. I give all credit and glory to the Lord for all that I was led to share. There are so many comments that I have seen circulating from different post shares, messaging, etc. that I wanted to post here but can't seem to keep track. With all the comments and messages coming in, I'm doing my best to answer them all in a timely manner and I have so many other Spirit pressing topics that I have been wanting to write about on my blog so I will do the best I can to give part 2 my very best efforts (with what the Spirit has been sharing with me) and then respond in the comments section below for further dialogue, thoughts, and questions.

        

 I appreciate all the kind comments and support of my blog - it really has increased my testimony of what the Spirit has been teaching me, and has reminded me of how awesome the Latter Day Saint community is. You all are truly a blessing with your thoughts, ideas, words of wisdom, and pearls that you have shared. Thank you!

First, I would like to share what comments I was able to save that I feel will add great value to part 2 of this topic, then I will get into additional gems that the Spirit has shown me, and from there I will share my own personal thoughts and opinions.

Comments

Probably the most intriguing comment that came in (on a facebook post), was a shared experience that really touched me and for some reason I have not since been able to find it, the commenter may have deleted it. It was from a woman who said she had just sold her home and was moving to Missouri. She and her family had just gone out that day to look at the land they had purchased. While there, she had a special experience in which a spirit visited her who had been a part of the mobs that persecuted and killed the saints in that area so many years ago. He was seeking forgiveness and apologized for what he had done on their land. She forgave him and assisted him in his healing and moving on. After this experience had happened she came across my article on the eclipse and received some special confirmations from the spirit of the sacredness of that area. I appreciated her sharing this pearl.

Another commenter shared,

"This weekend is also the Perseid meteor shower. It happens every year at this time. However, this year there are many more "shooting stars" than ever before in recorded history. The gibbus moon made it difficult to see, (as did the cloud cover in Utah) but, they happened. I've been thinking a lot about these three Heavenly signs in this 6 week period of time for quite awhile. It is definitely significant and a sign of the times. The meteor shower makes it appear that stars are falling from the sky. But what hit me just yesterday is that these falling stars appear to originate from the constellation Persius. He is a likeness of Christ. He holds Medusa's head, who is a likeness of Satan, showing that He ultimately triumphs over the devil. I haven't finished your blog, so I'm not sure if you mentioned this. But, where X marks the spot, looking at the earth it crosses in Missouri, but looking up to the stars it crosses over Medusa..."

...followed by another commenter:

"I just had the same thought occur to me this week and was telling my husband about it tonight - that the meteor shower comes from Perseus, and is even named after that constellation. My mind connected the dots to that constellation being a symbol of Christ and the meteor shower's origin being symbolic as well. Very cool to see when others are having the same thoughts at the same time."

This comment came in from a Jewish convert:

Very interesting. As a Jewish convert to the Church, and having lived in Israel over a long period of time, your "Jewishisms" are pretty good. I disagree, however, with the idea that Kolob may refer to the word "dog" and therefore the dog star. Since Kolob is written in English, it's impossible to know which "K" sound the word uses in Hebrew. There are several. But the first syllable is probably 'kol' which means 'all' or 'fullness.' The B in Hebrew is soft without a dot in the middle and becomes 'V.' With a dot in the center of the bet, it becomes the hard B. The 'ob' sound in Kolob is probably 'av,' which means father. Kobob probably means "Fullness of the Father," not celeb, which means dog.

More About Kolob

Several Mormon authors have attempted to situate Kolob within modern astronomy. Skousen speculated that Kolob is a star at the Galactic Center, Sagittarius A*, of our own Galaxy. This view also had the support of several former general authorities of the LDS Church, including J. Reuben Clark and George Reynolds (with Janne M. Sjödahl). In the mid-19th century, early efforts to find a single "central sun" in the galaxy resulted in failure.

Another Mormon author has hypothesized that Kolob exists outside the Milky Way Galaxy at a place called the "metagalactic center", and that this galaxy and other galaxies rotate around it. Within mainstream astronomy, the idea of a metagalactic center was once assumed, but has been abandoned because on large scales, the expanding universe has no gravitational center.

Another Mormon author has speculated that Kolob is Polaris.

Polaris

As I looked into Polaris (the North Star), I discovered it was used by sailors and journey men who navigated by the Heavenly Host. This is where it starts to get interesting with the star Polaris. Some of the names that were given to Polaris were "The Pathway", "Gate of Heaven", or like the Chinese called it “The Great Imperial Ruler of Heaven”. The star Polaris is located in Ursa Minor Constellation. The Kabbalists associate URSA MINOR with the Hebrew letter Tau. The Tau is the 22nd last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet and is associated with the Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The End.

J.R. Church from Prophecy in the news wrote, “Long before the constellation became a bear, it was pictured as a sheepfold. It represents heaven, the place where the Great Shepherd keeps His sheep”. He also writes that, “There is a star in the constellation called Kochab, meaning “waiting for the coming;” another star, Alkaid, means “the assembled;” and yet another, Alpherkdain, means “the redeemed assembly.” So Ursa Minor tells a story of a “redeemed assembly” who are “waiting for the coming” of The Great Imperial Ruler of Heaven.

Astronomers have discovered that Polaris, the North Star, is getting brighter. They say the star has suddenly reversed two decades of dimming. It is expanding at more than 100 times the rate they expected – and no one is sure why.

A team led by Scott Engle of Villanova University in Pennsylvania recalibrated historic measurements of Polaris by Ptolemy in 137 C.E., the Persian astronomer Al-Sufi in 964 C.E., and others. They investigated the fluctuations of the star over the course of several years, combing through historical records and utilising the Hubble Space Telescope. The team found that Polaris is 2.5 times brighter today than in Ptolemy’s time, which they say is a remarkable rate.

The single star we see as Polaris, which actually consists of a main star and two smaller companion stars in a triple star system, is a variable star. Interesting that 3 stars represents one!

Sirius

The title of the brightest star in the Earth's night sky happens to belong to Sirius. It is easy to spot because three prominent Belt stars in the constellation Orion (three stars in a short, straight row) always point to it. Also known as the "Dog Star", reflecting its prominence in its constellation, Canis Major (Greater Dog). The heliacal rising of Sirius marked the flooding of the Nile in Ancient Egypt and the "dog days" of summer for the ancient Greeks, while to the Polynesians in the Southern Hemisphere, the star marked winter and was an important reference for their navigation around the Pacific Ocean.

In Dogon (an African tribe) mythology, they believe god (Nommos) came from a planet in that system. The Nommo divided his body among men to feed them; that is why it is also said that as the universe "had drunk of his body," the Nommo also made men drink. He gave all his life principles to human beings."They also believe, the Nommo was crucified and resurrected and in the future will again visit the Earth.

A few years ago I remember coming across an interesting passage in a book. I wanted to cite the book but after tirelessly searching for two days, I have not been able to find any trace of it online or in my library. I have read many scanned, archived journals and diaries of the early saints that have not yet been transcribed into searchable text and wonder if I might have found it there. If this rings a bell and someone can shed some light on where this reference can be sited, please, please, comment below.

As I remember, it was a story of a family of early saints who had taken the prophet Joseph in for refuge one night. They served him dinner and gave him a place to sleep. To thank them for their hospitality he offered to discuss with them anything that might be on their minds or hearts regarding the mysteries of God. The husband and wife asked to know where God dwells. Joseph walked out to the front porch and pointed up at the night sky and said, "Do you see the brightest star in the sky right there?" They nodded in which he replied, "Do you see that star right next to it?" They nodded and he replied, "That's the place where God dwells."

I quoted this to the best of my memory, but would feel much more confident sharing it by having the actual source to verify. Take it with a grain of salt, however I found it interesting this afternoon when I came across this fact - the star next to Sirius is a lovely star cluster called Messier 41 or M41. This cluster lies about four degrees almost exactly south of Sirius. It is sometimes also called the Little Beehive, after the other famous Beehive star cluster (M44), also an open cluster, in the constellation Cancer. I thought of the State of Utah - also known as the Beehive state, and had to chuckle.

If Kolob is the closest star to the throne of God, and if the above statement is accurate, it's possible that Sirius could be Kolob. It's certainly fascinating to consider all the possibilities. For more information on astronomy and prophecy fulfillment - you might really enjoy this post I wrote in 2015 titled, A Modern Sign in the Heavens. I wrote it right after witnessing in the night sky an incredible prophecy fulfillment of the Savior's return.

Additional Christian Prophecies 

A few commenters have expressed their anger towards Trump and believe he is a punishment or curse for America. I thought the following prophecies might help shed some light on what I believe to be Trump's role in these last days.

Later, I received an email and a second comment about connections to the Eagle prophecy, from the book of Esdras in the Apocrypha. I have read the Apocrypha a couple years ago after feeling a prompting to do so when reading Doctrine and Covenants 91

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;

2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.

3 Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated.

4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;

5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;

6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.

A book was referenced, A Remnant Shall Return by Michael Rush as a suggested read from an LDS perspective on this prophecy. I had planned to read this book earlier in the year but have not yet found the time. I'd love to hear thoughts from anyone who has read it. From what I have gathered, it suggests that Barack Obama may be the last president to serve a full term in office. Michael's theory contradicts a prophecy I heard last year from a non-LDS woman (Kat Kerr) who had prophesied along with many others beginning in 2016 that Trump would be the next president of the United States. She even prophesied exactly how it would happen and the prophecy was fulfilled down to every detail just as she had said.

Kat Kerr 

During the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast this year, Kat was asked to pray for and declare over President Trump, Vice President Pence and their families. She took the mic and boldly began to declare God's plans for the next 8 years of Trump's life and God's plans for Pence as President following Trump for an 8 additional years of Justice, Liberty & Freedom for America. A very bold statement indeed.

Kat Kerr is very bold in her speaking style and not what most people are used to - and therefore may not be your cup of tea per se, but I didn't want to leave anything off the table that could add to this topic. The story behind why she has pink hair is a must hear. Keep in mind that because she is not LDS, her theology differs from Mormon Theology. However, she emphasizes many times the importance of not persecuting other religions as she teaches they all have a purpose in God's Kingdom.

For the last several years she prophesied this message as the Lord's words.

" I will not curse nor judge America but I will judge and remove the current Administration that is leading America Into Darkness. America is a Christian nation because I have made America a Light & a Gift to the nations. It belongs to Me!! I will put someone in office who will establish justice freedom and liberty for America and the people of America and my people who have been crying out to Me, to heal their land." 


On March 5th 2016 (my birthday) she said,

"The next American President will be a Strong leader who is an 'All - American boy' who will be 'All for America' and is passionate about it! He is already a Leader of Leaders"

"He will not befriend America's enemies nor will he fear them, but will help Ameica's longtime Friends and he will restore a strong military base to protect and defend".

"Over the next couple days, God will continue to share about the next President and what type of team will develop in the next administration and how important they will be to His plans for America and the next generation and beyond. This is the Father's time to be seen and heard through the Believers and those who will become Believers, so lay down your opinions, stop blasting the candidates and PRAY that God has His way above all else. On earth as it is in Heaven is already here, do not let your flesh interefere and miss being a part of tremendous restoration and Blessings!
PS. I will still love you even if you decide against God's choice, but I am irrevocably on His team as His Love for me has totally won me!"

"P.S.S. The Father just said, "Stop fighting about it and agree that His Will, His way be done. You may have your own opinions, but do not allow them to turn into wrath. You will be quite surprised who the Presidential nominee picks for his running mate (a most unexpected pair); and they will 'balance' what areas they both need help in. Together they will be unbeatable and make a loud sound, because I have chosen them and I know what they are now and what they will become."


"May all who read have their spiritual eyes and ears open to hear what the Father and the Spirit and the Son is saying and doing to answer the cries of their hearts!!"
"God told me He would NEVER allow another to take the presidency away from Trump and that some who try to attack Trump may be 'removed' permanently!"

On March 6th 2016 she said,

"The one who will sit in the White House as President is in big business and because of that he already has within him the ability to change the status quo for business and will restore many Made In America businesses and create new opportunities in the marketplace to cause American made products to flourish. Hope for a bright future will explode into creativity and new inventions and many in the world will begin to change their opinion of this great Country founded by Me to be a Light to the Nations"

"As I have stated in the past; those countries who have financially benefited for years from their own products (sometimes poor in quality and made from questionable materials) being continually sold in America, will in this new season be running to purchase Made in America products and putting millions of dollars back into this country! The economy in America will prosper greatly and will do so for generations to come because of the wise decisions made through the next administration.

I have purposely timed the birth on earth of many (in this country and other countries) who now know Me and Love my Son, that I will prosper openly and will excel in Business, Government, Society, Education and Arts & Entertainment (rated for family enjoyment) before the eyes of the world. They will become examples of living the Truth without compromise and will be sought out for their wisdom by many. Do not resist what I have chosen for this Age and do not think it is time to escape but rejoice that you are living in the time when My manifest presence and Spirit will touch ALL flesh. Will you be willing to carry the Glory (without spot or wrinkle) or will you hide from it. How changed will America be? The day is coming when it will be popular to be a Believer or the friend of a Believer because the Nations will be drawn to the Light in them, because I say so and when you think you know more than Me, tell Me! Stop fighting, for My eyes are on you all!" 

And on March 7th 2016,

"He will make quick decisions for what is best for America as far as justice and freedom are concerned. He will overturn any unjust self-made laws (forced by the current administration) that have hurt the American people by loss of hope, choice or hindered or stripped away their rights to live in peace and happiness including worshiping My Son, as did their ancestors for generations. What was once considered sacred has now become a crime and treated as such. It should not be so, for I have marked this Land as Mine and many have died for the opportunity to protect and defend this Land but even they have been directly scoffed at, belittled and even harmed through decisions of the current administration."

"Those who enter into this Land with intent to kill or destroy, will be dealt with harshly by the next President instead of being excused or helped. He will be a man of action so do not expect any boring days once he takes office! He does not fear man or their threats nor is he influenced by the liberal media of today. No matter how they attempt to insult or abuse his statements, I will cause him to lead far out in front. He will be recognized (even by other nations) as a strong leader and cause the return of honor to the title of President. He is far from perfect and many would not choose him but I do not choose the qualified; I qualify the chosen. He will make a wise choice for his running mate and will encourage them to have a voice."

"I do not always explain My choices and even though I have done so this time, some of My very own will harshly disagree and strike out against Me. It will be like tiny pebbles throwing themselves against a Great Mountain, but still I have chosen him to win. You have desperately prayed for help to change this nation and I Am answering those prayers with My choice for President and the one he chooses as Vice Presient. My Spirit will speak to them and even if they do not always know it is Me, they will not reject it as others have. He will change in time. If I could love you before you knew Me; then I too can love him. I see him through My eyes, not yours and even though he may not be fully mine yet, the devil fears greatly what he will do for Me and for this nation! 

I AM HOLY and I have been from the Beginning to the End and from the End to the Beginning and I created it all. You may choose whom you want but My vote also counts!" May the anointing from His words consume you and break any yoke of darkness that you may be free to Live and not just exist!"

On March 9th 2016 she said,

"Before I share what the Father's final comments are, I want to make you aware of some things to declare over;

"1 The liberal media is so terrified of this man as he is like no other candidate who will expose many things not only in the governmnt but in biased media. They were not expecting what he has already delivered so far and they are plotting together against him to flood FB and youtube with ridiculous stories and lies about him. You will see them coming from everywhere very soon as they want to stop him. He cannot be bought because he does not need their buyout schemes nor their approval."

"2 He does not need anyone's money and he is not about to throw his away in order to secure 'safe passage' in Washington. He is very dangerous against the devil's plans because the people have already chosen him too and it is because God's hand is upon him. None of the elite can wrap their heads around this avalanche of support from the everyday masses. They will not figure it out because they will not consider that Heaven is involved."

"3 Remember that there is another still to be included as half the team; the future Vice President (the unexpected one) who will balance the new President. Declare over both the new President and the other half of his team. It will be a surprise for me too as God is not saying any names right now. Let us also pray over all the leadership in Washington DC as well as those who run the political machines of our day, that they will al extend favor (without knowing why) to God's choice for President and pray that the Body of Christ lay down their differences and come together for God's will to be done (especially when all other competitors have left the race)."

THE FATHER SAID TODAY, March 9, 2016: " Although I will win him to Me in time, I have not chosen this man to be your Apostle, your Prophet, your Pastor, your Teacher nor your Evangelist; I have chosen him to be your President - Donald Trump will WIN."

She continued,


"On God's own Timeline in His Throne Room, there is a mark that says "Kingdom Age" and therefore change MUST happen because it is now His time and no longer man's time to decide if God really exists or not. Do you know that even the secular world wants change in America? It is a good thing, because God has already started change even though some of His own do not see it as His hand moving on their behalf."

I remember in the summer of 2016 we were in Germany visiting my in-laws and my mother-in-law began to ask what I thought about the election and the candidates. When I told her that I knew without a doubt that Donald Trump would win because it was God's will, she was speechless. I had heard this from so many prophetic voices & leaders in the Christian world, and I had felt the peaceful truth of it.

According to Kat, God was going to vote in this election, and it would be His will that would trump. I felt confirmation of her words. The night of the election when the states were lit up in blue and things were looking to swing the other way - that's when God voted. Suddenly the map turned red and every media outlet was flabbergasted. They said it was either a miracle or rigged. According to Kat, God rigged the election by voting. His will was done.

Kim Clement 

Kim Clement is a native of South Africa and has made several prophesies regarding America that have come to pass. Again, another person whose speaking style may not be what you are used to nor would you expect (he prophesies to music). But again, I feel his prophesies may add some value to this topic.

In 2013, he prophesied the Dow Jones Industrial Average would climb to 20,000 (it was, at the time, on a "winning streak" and had reached a record high of 14,447.29). It happened.

In 2014, more than a year before President Donald Trump announced his candidacy, Clement prophesied that a future leader of America would come forth and "restore the fortunes in this nation because of his brilliance." The president is now working hard to "Make America Great Again."

In the same prophecy, Clement also shared:

"California, you are dying because of a drought. Watch My sign, watch the sign of rain for I told you there would be severe wind from above and all the states that are affected by this severe weather have been set up for a shaking of My Spirit and an outpouring of My Spirit. California, I am looking at you."

California's drought has since been turned around to the point that dams were nearly bursting.

Recently footage from 2005 has surfaced on YouTube of Kim Clement prophesying of Donald Trump's presidency. The following is an excerpt from his Donald Trump prophesies of 2014 he made prior to Donald Trump entering the election.

"This man will throttle the enemies of Israel.This man will throttle the enemies of the west. And there are highly embarrassing moments that are about to occur for many, many, politicians in this nation. There will be a shaking among the democrats in the upcoming election, but unsettling for the republicans. For God said, 'I Am dissatisfied with what emerges from both parties...they will shout 'impeach', 'impeach' they say - but Nay."

"...This new one shall arise as my David that I have set aside for this nation. A man of prayer. A man of choice words."

Here is footage of a 2014 prophecy that shortly followed. Kim passed away November 22, 2016 just after seeing his prophesies fulfilled.

"Trump shall become a trumpet, says the Lord. Trump shall become a trumpet. I will raise up the Trump to become a trumpet."

"It shall come to pass that the man that I place in the Highest Office shall go in whispering my name. But God said, when he enters into the office he will be shouting out by the power of the Spirit."

"For I shall fill him with my Spirit and he shall go into office and there will be a praying man in the highest seat in your land."

"There will be a praying president not a religious one. For, I will fool the people says the Lord. I will fool the people, yes I will. God says, the one that is chosen shall go in and they shall say, 'He has hot blood'."

"For the Spirit of God says, 'Yes he may have hot blood, but he will bring the walls of protection on this country in a greater way and the economy of this country shall change rapidly, says the Lord of Hosts."

"Listen to the word of the Lord. God says, I will put at your helm for two terms, a president that will pray, but he will not be a praying president when he starts."

"I will put him in office and then I will baptize him with the Holy Spirit and My Power says the Lord of Hosts."

There have been many others who have prophesied of these similar events. What I have enjoyed most about listening to them is that they are all positive focused. They all speak of hope and so much good that is coming for the believers of God and His Church (the body of Christ). They mention that those in the body of Christ who fight against God's choice, are in reality fighting against God.

Cyrus 

Many have made the comparison of Trump with Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar, David, and Saul of Tarsus. All who at one point errored or were not men of God but nonetheless chosen by God to carry out his purposes.

This article points out,

"Cyrus was anointed by God to restore the Jewish people from captivity and to rebuild Jerusalem after Nebuchadnezzar, as a vessel of divine judgment, was called by God to send the Jewish people into exile and to destroy Jerusalem."

"Two pagan kings, one raised up to bring judgment and the other raised up to bring restoration."

"Could Donald Trump, then, be a modern-day Cyrus? Could it be that Trump, like Cyrus, clearly does not know the Lord in a real and personal way but could still be used by God to accomplish His purposes?"

My Dream 

Sunday evening I had a dream that I was holding a pack of gum (Trident or Orbit by the color and packaging). There were people standing all around me who wanted a piece. I happily reached into the pack and I noticed each stick of gum had numbers on them. I was awakened at 5:45 am by an unknown phone call on my husband's phone. I pondered the dream and believe the sticks represented a stick of knowledge or scripture. I was to give out these scriptures for others to "chew on". In the Bible,  scrolls, scripture, and records, were referred to as "sticks". "Trident" represents three and there were three scripture books. "Orbit" reminds me of the topic of this post (the eclipse). In the morning I wrote down the numbers and was led by the Spirit to these books and scriptures. When I saw them I was in awe. The Spirit confirmed to me that I was to share these in part 2 of this post. So here we go!

The Spirit told me to count 545 pages (5:45 am) into my triple combination (BOM, D&C, POGP). This is where the first scripture began. The numbers on this stick of gum were 1:3

1) Doctrine and Covenants 1

3 And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.

(This is what I mentioned in my eclipse post part 1. That this is the time when the rebellious of heart will be exposed and held accountable for their crimes and/or abominations. Many people in power, politics, the media, and high places will be exposed for rather embarrassing actions and choices. Spoken on the housetops represents satellite and WiFi - I believe we receive the news of their actions on our TVs, phones and devices. It will be shared all over social media. They will feel much sorrow, regret, and embarrassment. The Lord allows this because He loves them. Humility is the path back to Him.)

4 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.

(Listen to those who have prophetic voices and are shouting out these warnings. They are chosen for this calling - to warn the people and call for repentance. The Lord chooses many disciples because He has many different sheep in different folds. We are all being gathered in together and eventually will join one fold.)

8 And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious;

9 Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure—

10 Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man.

11 Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:

(Because of YouTube and social media, the voice of the Lord is being heard unto all ends of the earth.)

12 Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;

(Preparing for the Millennium)

13 And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth.

14 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;

15 For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;


(Apostasy of early Christian Church, apostasy of individuals today, and Apostasy of Israel.)

16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;

18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—

(the Lord not only commanded Joseph Smith to proclaim these things the world and within the Church, but He commanded others, of other folds to proclaim repentance as well.)

19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh.

(Sin and transgression will bring people of high places and positions to their knees. We will even see this happen within the Church. So much, that the world will lose their trust in man and begin to seek out God and put their trust in Him.)

20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

21 That faith also might increase in the earth;

22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.

27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;

(The chastening is an act of love and a blessing. We shouldn't point fingers and ridicule but open our arms in love and welcome the repentant back into the fold.)


28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;

33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.


(Part of the baptismal covenant we renew every Sunday during the sacrament. By repenting and turning to the Lord and His Atonement, we are promised to always have His Spirit with us.)

34 And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh;


35 For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

(God can choose and use anyone to fulfill His purposes. Often people we would never expect. He is no respecter of persons. If the day was "nigh at hand" in 1831 when Millennial peace ends and Satan is loosed, then think how soon the day must be when the Lord returns to the earth.)

36 And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world.

(Final Judgement)

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.


39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

2) 1 Peter 4:17-18  the second scripture the Lord led me to.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

(In the following verses Peter gives us the formula for how to overcome sin, and reminds us in these last days to minister through the Spirit and give all glory to God.)

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


3) Abraham 3:2-16

(The Lord clearly wanted to reference Kolob in this post. Again, I am in awe.)

2 And I saw the stars, that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it;

3 And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest.

(I see Kolob also as symbolic of the Savior. He is nearest to the throne of God as He sits at His right hand. He will govern all those who belong to the Kingdom of God. Jesus and Lucifer were both referred to as morning stars in the Bible. John the Baptist is called a "bright morning star" in Eastern Orthodox Church hymnnology. A “bright morning star” is a star that outshines all the others. Satan, as perhaps the most beautiful creation of God, probably the most powerful of all the angels, was a bright morning star. Jesus, as God incarnate, the Lord of the universe, is THE bright and morning star. Jesus is the most holy and powerful “light” in all the universe. Morning star, is also a name for the star Sirius, which appears in the sky just before sunrise during the Dog Days. These stars govern.)

4 And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord’s time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.

(1,000 years is a day unto the Lord)

5 And the Lord said unto me: The planet which is the lesser light, lesser than that which is to rule the day, even the night, is above or greater than that upon which thou standest in point of reckoning, for it moveth in order more slow; this is in order because it standeth above the earth upon which thou standest, therefore the reckoning of its time is not so many as to its number of days, and of months, and of years.

(Abraham learned that there are other governing stars located nearer to Kolob and that they rotate more slowly, or “longer,” than many other stars (but not more slowly than Kolob).


6 And the Lord said unto me: Now, Abraham, these two facts exist, behold thine eyes see it; it is given unto thee to know the times of reckoning, and the set time, yea, the set time of the earth upon which thou standest, and the set time of the greater light which is set to rule the day, and the set time of the lesser light which is set to rule the night.

7 Now the set time of the lesser light is a longer time as to its reckoning than the reckoning of the time of the earth upon which thou standest.

8 And where these two facts exist, there shall be another fact above them, that is, there shall be another planet whose reckoning of time shall be longer still;

9 And thus there shall be the reckoning of the time of one planet above another, until thou come nigh unto Kolob, which Kolob is after the reckoning of the Lord’s time; which Kolob is set nigh unto the throne of God, to govern all those planets which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest.

10 And it is given unto thee to know the set time of all the stars that are set to give light, until thou come near unto the throne of God.

11 Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord, face to face, as one man talketh with another; and he told me of the works which his hands had made;

12 And he said unto me: My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), behold I will show you all these. And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof.

13 And he said unto me: This is Shinehah, which is the sun. And he said unto me: Kokob, which is star. And he said unto me: Olea, which is the moon. And he said unto me: Kokaubeam, which signifies stars, or all the great lights, which were in the firmament of heaven.

14 And it was in the night time when the Lord spake these words unto me: I will multiply thee, and thy seed after thee, like unto these; and if thou canst count the number of sands, so shall be the number of thy seeds.

15 And the Lord said unto me: Abraham, I show these things unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words.

(Abraham was to declare what he learned to Egypt)

16 If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall be greater things above them; therefore Kolob is the greatest of all the Kokaubeam that thou hast seen, because it is nearest unto me.

("Kokaubeam" is a transliteration of the Hebrew "כּוֹכָבִים" [c.f., Gen. 15:5]) as meaning "all the great lights, which were in the firmament of heaven"). 

Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:  “The Lord made known to him [Abraham] the following facts: That Kolob is the first creation, and is nearest to the celestial, or the residence of God.  It is the first in government, the last pertaining to the measurement of time.  This measurement is according to celestial time.  One day in Kolob is equal to a thousand years according to the measurement of this earth, which by the Egyptians was called Jah-oh-eh.  Oliblish, so called by the Egyptians, stands next to Kolob in the grand governing creation near the celestial, or place where God resides.  This great star is also a governing star and is equal to Kolob in its revolutions and in its measuring of time.  Other grand governing stars were also revealed to Abraham” (Man: His Origin and Destiny [1954], 461).

Abraham learned that it is not size that makes one star or planet greater than another, but rather its proximity to Kolob.  So it is with the children of God – their greatness and glory will depend upon their proximity to the Creator, Jesus Christ, who is “nearest unto the throne of God,” “the great one,” “the first creation,” and is “set to govern all those which belong to the same order.”  The great star, Kolob, is a symbol of Jesus Christ. After the Spirit told me that Kolob does symbolize Jesus, He sent me to this reference for a confirmation (The Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, p. 37. 

Not Only did the Lord tell me Abraham Chapter 3 but He told me facsimile #3.

Abraham is reasoning upon the principles of Astronomy, in the king’s court. The Spirit confirmed to me that the Lord is pleased when we seek to learn and understand these principles.

A Little More About This Eclipse


Today I made the connection that this year's 2017 total solar eclipse will be the 17th total solar eclipse in America since 1776. Just had to add that to the mix.

A couple of commenters wanted more detail about what made this eclipse so unique. The total eclipse of 1918 started south of Japan, went across the Pacific Ocean, and then across the United States. From what I understand, this 2017 eclipse and the 2024 eclipse stretch across the entire North American Continent - coast to coast. The total eclipse of 1776 was exclusive to the North American continent but only wrapped around it and did not touch any other region which made it one of a kind - that is until now. The 2017 and 2024 eclipses which are only 7 years apart only cover North America like 1776 but also like 1918 go from coast to coast. What's funny is they mirror back to back which makes the X. There is no other total solar eclipse that came after 1776 that would have crossed over North America exclusively. All of the following eclipses would have touched other regions or possibly their totality path came no where near the 1776 path to even cross it. That's what makes this pair so rare. Here are two map links for 1776 and 1918.

1776

1918

The Coming 7 Years

Now I'd like to share my opinion about the coming seven years. I truly believe that there is so much GOOD that is already happening and on the horizon. All of the videos on YouTube with the apocalyptic undertones and back ground music, cause me to feel that so many are missing the point and the bigger picture here. My focus is not on the judgments or destruction of the wicked, my focus is on all the incredible prophetic promises and blessings that are soon to unfold. If you're on the Lord's team, then that's where your focus should truly be as well.

A Message for All of Us

A few years ago, I had an interesting encounter with the Spirit. For many years I was a huge fan of talk radio and news. I would begin each morning by listening to my favorite conservative talk show hosts, then call friends and family to fill them in on the latest and add my own two cents, and then spend the last minutes before going to bed re-visiting the headlines and passing along links to friends and family members with messages like, "Did you hear about this?" or "Can you believe it?"

One day the Spirit showed me just how much valuable time I was wasting by doing this. It was a tough blow when I realized that by spending my efforts and energies spreading negative headlines, I was actually being a very helpful tool for the Adversary rather than the Lord. No matter how repulsed I was by world events, political actions and correlating conspiracies, by spreading my negative feelings and reactions I was aiding Satan's army. In my mind I was simply "informing" my family, however anger and fear stirred up more anger and fear, and soon it was difficult to find room for love and peace. Though I kept this doom and gloom perspective on the down-low from the rest of the world, it showed through so many areas of my life. The Spirit didn't hesitate to tell me that if I continued to listen to these talk show hosts and media outlets, He was not going to stick around, and I could miss out on the plans the Lord had for me.

Quickly, I obeyed and went cold turkey. With all the distractions and loud voices now gone, the Spirit was able to teach me. The Lord said,

"Look to Me for your news. My news is good, and will fill your cup. Look for Me and you will find me. Listen for my voice and you will hear Me. My message and my news will bring peace to your soul."

I realized that Satan used the media to spread fear and anger for all sides, which is why I felt so drained and depleted at the end of the day. Feelings of, "it's hopeless", "things are only going to get worse", "the world is so wicked", "people are deceived and cruel", "the end is near", and on and on, were not coming from the Lord and were not benefiting me in any way. Through all of this negative thinking and feeling, I had forgotten how to dream because I didn't see the point. I stopped imagining, hoping, and believing in a bright future for my family and I, because what was the use? I used all my energy to prepare temporally for impending doom. The day I stopped dreaming and hoping, was the day I stopped living and enjoying my life. There were no more family vacations in the plans because I felt I had to save every penny for extreme apocalyptic preparedness. If I did make plans, I would hear, "Are you sure you want to visit there? That's an earthquake zone." or "There have been some terrorist attacks there. You're safer just staying put." My life was being ruled by fear.

The Lord had other plans for me. He wanted me to be living a life of faith. He wanted me to live in the present because that's where He was. The future was uncertain and unknown, but the present was His presence. The Lord said to me,

"You know the final outcome. Where is your faith? If you believe, show it by the way you live your life. Live your life for Me."

I realized that as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I was representing the Lord. Was I representing Him accurately? No, I was not. I was representing the spirit of fear whom I served.

That experience was a real eye opener and from the day forward I never looked back. I kept my eye straight ahead on the Lord. I began to dream again, set goals, and achieve them. I purchased beautiful things for my home and yard. We went on lovely trips and vacations - all while remaining valiant in our faith and staying close to the Lord. As I began to live this way, the Lord came through for me. He was true to His word. He showed me the good news in every moment of every day. I began to hear His voice more than I ever had before. His messages became more clear. My spiritual gifts began to be magnified and I felt immersed in all the good and beauty that Heaven had to offer.

My spiritual eyes were opened and I could see so much good in the world. I began to see others the way that He sees them. I began to understand His mysterious workings and could recognize His will. With this came so much peace and gratitude. I no longer relied on Sunday meetings only for my spiritual food, I was being fed three-course-meals every day of the week. In fact, instead of the mentality of, "What am I getting out of this Sunday lesson, or calling", it was "What can I contribute to this Sunday lesson or calling? How can I serve? Who can I uplift?" 

The "what's in it for me" attitude that many members of the Church fall victim to, can really hinder one's testimony and spiritual progress. It can cause a person to start looking for reasons to not go to church, serve, or contribute. It can cause a person to look for flaws in others and focus on those flaws as justification for personal negative feelings and choices. Being on the Lord's team means giving up the "What's in it for me?" attitude. It constitutes of everything in Mosiah 27.

25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

Yes, I was a baptized member of the Church. Yes, I attended every meeting faithfully. Yes, I did my visiting teaching 100% every month, paid my tithing and attended the temple regularly - but none of that mattered without being born again of the Spirit. Righteous conviction and actions weren't enough - I needed my heart in the right place. I needed God in my heart at all times. My motives needed to be pure. I needed that mighty change of heart spoken of in Alma 5:12-14

12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.

13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.

14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

I believe that the meaning in verse 13 is what Born Again Christians are referring to when they ask other faiths, "Have you been saved?" I truly don't believe it's meant to be offensive though many take it that way. They simply want to know if you've accepted Christ into your heart in a way that you no more have the desire to ever do evil as was the case of King Benjamin's people in Mosiah 5:2

"...the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

It's a pressing and constant desire to do good and love unconditionally - without judgement. A life changing alteration in which a person will never be the same. They have become something new in the Lord - and it's difficult, nearly impossible to go back. Often those who have had Near Death Experiences can attest to this.

A few days ago, in my email, I came across a recent article from one of the talk show hosts I used to listen to. It was a segment form his radio show that had aired earlier that day. In the segment he mentioned how at the end of the day he had been feeling so drained and tired. He had been drained by world events, politics, and life in general - so much that he returned home late each evening just wanting to go to bed. He expressed the sorrow he felt for not being able to spend time with his family and give them the attention they needed. Instead, he mentioned how they would fight. He felt angry and annoyed with them and he recognized it wasn't good.

This talk show host has suffered many health problems and fatigue during his career. His career is based on negative news. Negative news and fear makes money - it builds ratings. It was evident in this man's life and I felt the Spirit was showing me how different my life might be had I continued on that path.

Anger and fear form when a person feels they do not have control. Remember it's Satan's plan to control. But when it comes to God's Kingdom, let us remember that God is the one who sits on the throne. He has this world in the palm of His hand! Because of that I have complete faith and trust in Him, and I demonstrate that trust by choosing to feel peace each day, and living my life always hoping for the best.

It's my hope and prayer that all of us can can "shoot for the stars" (pun intended) and claim the blessings that the Lord has in store for us. These coming years may very well be a grace period for the unrepentant and a time in which the repentant will prosper spiritually, physically, and temporally. Righteous prosperity speeds up the growth of God's Kingdom. As Israel gathers, let us all do our part by extending charity in a way that this world has never seen. Let's brighten our lamps, hold our chin high, continue to dream big, and keep our eye single to the Lord. May we be greatly blessed by doing so!