AN UMBRELLA

The 1960’s movie, Swiss Family Robinson, fired in my being an almost overwhelming desire to be part of such an idyllic setting.

Cast upon an uninhabited island after their ship has crashed upon the rocks outside an exposed reef in a raging storm, and then left to make do with what could be salvaged from the broken vessel, and such foodstuffs and materials as could be used from the bounties of such an island. With hard work, the family made lemonade out of lemons – so to speak. They built paradise!

I can still see in my memory the amazing tree house with its multi level rooms high up in the lofty branches, with a roped stairway from one level to the next, a water wheel driven bucket system which provided running water to the rooms high up, and the opening roof of the upper room which could be drawn back in the evening for star gazing.

The ingenious methods they devised to cope; i.e. fishing in the surf. The hilarious animal race, riding on Clementine the ostrich, Dutchess the zebra, Lightning the donkey and Rocky the elephant. Filmed on the Island of Tobago with its lush tropical vegetation, and many exotic settings, including its famous swimming hole under the falls. I hope the swinging rope over the pool is still there.

“The gathering to the New Jerusalem develops in time to the status of being “Zion” where God will visit. The growth is through refinement of the residents of the New Jerusalem… It will be a physical and spiritual enterprise to be accomplished by the hard effort of those interested in welcoming the Lord’s return.” (Was there an Original? Paper by Denver C. Snuffer Jr. P. 35-36.)

Perhaps, partly because of “Swiss Family Robinson” I have this longing to be in this New Jerusalem. I know many like me who have an aching desire to go there, but many of us have issues…

. We are old.
. We will be hard pressed to contribute physically.
. We are poor and contribute only little to the temple fund.
. We are unmarried, widowed, divorced. Can we go into the temple in such a state?
. I was/am a sinner.
. I would have to see it first.
. and many many more…..

There are probably as many situations for thinking we cannot or should not make a move to the New Jerusalem, if given the chance, as there are people. And sadly, there are those who think that because of their situations, they will not be given an invitation, nor even noticed. And others who think they could, and want to go there, but ask themselves questions like, can I go into the temple, or will my circumstances preclude me? If so then why pack up and move just to the “city?”

I know there are many who are so sure of themselves they would never think to ask any of these questions. Perhaps that is good and will work out well for them. There are, however, those like I have posed above. I know. I have talked with them. Mostly they have come asking these things of me. So I will ask this about myself:

“If I think that in spite of any existing circumstances such as listed above, or any other, that I can go to the city of The New Jerusalem, but doubt If I might ever be able to enter that beautiful edifice on the hill, why do I still want to go?”

Perhaps to answer that question, I’ll ask and then try to answer another related one:

“is there an umbrella of some sort which the Temple, set on a hill, will cast over the city, its surrounding precincts, and the people who will reside there, but who have not yet entered or cannot yet enter that Holy Edifice?” I think there is. Consider the following:

. Association with like minded, covenant people.
. Association with the endowed.
. Association with holy men, and angels.
. Physical and spiritual protection.
. Peace.
. Access to truth uncluttered by error.
. An increase of proximity with the Spirit, until the Perfect day.
. A library of the best books and artifacts of this earth. My opinion is that there will be a city library, separate from the library within the walls of the Temple.
. A holy place for conferences and festivals.
. One year for a vacation we traveled to all the temples in Utah in order to let our young grandchildren touch the temples. They knew they could not go inside, however the lasting impression on them has been immense in a lot of ways that are good. We too can be as little children.
. There will be many sacred things (I’m sure) visible from outside the temple, which to look upon will create a condition of holiness and wonder within us.
. In the encounter between the Lord and Paul as he was on his way to Damascus, Paul saw into the light, and heard the voice. Those with him seeing indeed a light, but hearing no voice nonetheless were left speechless by the experience. So too with Christ in the Temple.
. And then, one day, perhaps it will be my turn to go in. Oh be still, my heart….

I can yet think of many more benefits of coming to live within The city of The New Jerusalem, but even if I stop here, it –

Sounds like paradise to me.

Keith

PERHAPS HELP IS ON THE WAY

The two links listed below should be read by everyone. They detail efforts being made via the courts to hold those responsible for the misery perpetrated via this fraudulent covid-19 “pandemic.”

My question since last April is why there seems to be no lawsuits jamming the courts over this fraudulent covid-19? Maybe there will be.

I can only hope that Governor Gary Herbert, and the local government supporters of this most recent lockdown, and those who have been elected to carry on his policies, will be caught up as defendants, and found guilty of complicity is this Orwellian fiasco to subjugate a gullible populace, and ruin and rob a complete State’s population of their fiscal and social well being.

And if the directions of these recent illegal State government actions turn out to be tied to prodding’s by his/their church leaders, may they be exposed as well!

Keith

https://thenewamerican.com/huge-lawsuits-coming-against-covid-totalitarians-and-con-artists/?fbclid=IwAR0dzvQxcJbaogNTRoJ15DA2LgAcY49P6OWUqNfdFU0kGotagYjfm64QG34

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/10/17/coronavirus-fraud-biggest-crime-against-humanity.aspx

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT—WHERE IS IT?

Mughrabi gate = The Mughrabi gate is the only gate to the Temple Mount that the Waqf allows non-Muslims to use for visiting the Temple Mount complex. The Mughrabi Gate is atop the Western Wall of the Temple Mount at a point between the prayer plaza to the north and the archaeological park. Other gates to the mount names: Gate of the Tribes, Moors Gate, Golden Gate. Until February 2004 the Mughrabi gate was accessed by an earthen ramp.

Jerusalem Islamic Waqf = an Islamic religious trust (sometimes called an “Islamic Religious Endowments” organization) best known for controlling and managing the current Islamic edifices on and around the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
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“There is a tradition that the Ark of the Covenant was taken to a Jewish settlement with a temple located at Elephantine Egypt, but those traditions are somewhat dubious. [There are] lots of claims, including that it is housed today in Ethiopia, but that one has proven to be false and no one has been able to substantiate any [other] rumors.  It is likely that, if it fell into non-Jewish possession, it would be melted down for the gold. If so, the[n the] original no longer exists.

I think it will have to be reconstructed, if it is to be around again.”
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One other tradition that still holds to this day is that the Ark was buried in a chamber under the Court of the Women, just prior to the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem in 587 BC.

This brings us to an incident which occurred in February of 2004.  After a period of torrential rain and heavy snow, an earthquake hit with its epicenter almost exactly under the earthen ramp access to the Mughrabi gate, giving it the coup de gras, causing it to collapse. 

Since the Six Day War that ramp was the only access for Jews and all other non-Muslems to the temple mount. If anyone was up for an entangled, convoluted, yet interesting legal exercise, it would be to unravel the right of access of the Jews to the Temple Mount.  It makes my head spin to try to get a grip on all the rules and regulations, both Muslim and Jewish, that has piled up over that one topic. Their are claims from the big three, Muslim, Jewish, and Christianity, plus a cabal of intrigues and a whole gamut of other combinations, secret and otherwise.

Interestingly enough when the ramp collapsed it was discovered (exposed, pun intended) that there had been excavation going on over a proceeding 10 year period attempting to expose the whole underground length of the Western (Wailing Wall, Ha Kotel Ha Ma’aravee, etc.) Wall.  At one point during this “archeological dig,” earth and stone had been removed away from the wall, and it exposed an ancient, filled in gate. In the vicinity of the gate it was found that water was leaking through the wall from the inside.  At that point, Religious Affairs Minister Aharon Abuhatzeira gave permission to breach the wall through the sealed gate.  A large cistern was discovered on the other side.  At this point Chief Rabbi Schlomo Goren came to inspect and after his tour, immediately gave orders to seal up the breech again “because of the sensitive nature of the area.”  “The cistern was a tunnel from the Second Temple period that; (it was speculated, but never confirmed, because those who could confirm stayed silent); it was speculated, could lead to the treasures of the temple, INCLUDING THE HOLY ARK.” (Almost a quote from “Jerusalem, The Eternal City.”  Galbraith, Ogden, Skinner. Page 483.)  

This caused a real stink when it was discovered the Israeli’s had breeched the wall. (and perhaps had entered the tunnel?)  Consequently, the Jerusalem Muslamic Waqf sealed the temple mount side of the wall also at the “underground cistern” to prevent continued or further “Jewish penetration.”  This all took a massive police intervention and a lot of political manuerving to quell the uprising it caused. In fact if my mind doesn’t fail me there were calls for holy Jihad throughout the Muslim world.

This stuff is better than either Dan Brown: The Da Vinvi Code, or Joel Rosenberg: The Copper Scroll. This stuff is a “real” thriller.  

I remember thinking at the time, how can I get over there to be in on this.  Well when I finally got there it was January 2007 and a temporary wooden ramp was in place up to the Mughrabi gate, but I never even got to go up onto the mount because there was a Palestinian uprising going on and the Jewish authorities had closed the whole Temple Mount even to Muslims who couldn’t prove they were older than 50, Even the wooden ramp was closed.  Shucks!!  This uprising was over the still ongoing archeological excavations where the old ramp had stood.  This one issue alone has put muslims all over the world on alert and ready to perpetrate Armageddon on the Jews.  Makes one wonder how a temple can ever be built there.  Or even if it will be built there.  Or……?

Well, we know a temple will be built at least someplace “in” (or is that the Book of Mormon “at”) Jerusalem before our Lord comes, and for me it’s exciting to speculate that some way or another, the ancient treasures, including the Ark will be made available.  It seems to me that perhaps a better place to build the temple would be on Mt. Gerizim or enclosing Jacob’s well where Jesus first publicly announced His Messiahship – to a woman, no less.  

Maybe the Two Prophets could with the spirit of prophesy, declare Samaria a suburb of Jerusalem. After all they are only about 40 miles apart, as the crow flies.

Keith

for further study of the issues with the Mughrabi gate I have attached the following link:

https://jcpa.org/article/the-mughrabi-gate-to-the-temple-mount-in-jerusalem-the-urgent-need-for-a-permanent-access-bridge-2/

THE RETURN OF JOSEPH SMITH. (I Swear it’s True)

A long time ago, when I served on the High Council, I was assigned to Home Teach Kent Smith and his family. I loved that family! 

Kent and Sally’s oldest son was named Joseph Brett Smith.  And boy was he ever a cut-up; actually borderline rebellious.  This was back when boys hadn’t yet begun to dye their hair or wear make-up. But Brett did.  See, that’s what we all called him; Brett.  I think this was so we wouldn’t make mundane use of such a sacred name as Joseph.  As you can imagine, Kent was about to pull his own hair out (what he had left) over the antics of this hoped for heir.

One day Brett showed up to church sporting a four inch Mohawk, dyed purple with highlights of pink. The kids thought it was really cool, and their parents feared and trembled that this might be an example for their own. Actually, although the other kids thought Brett looked neat in this hair-do with somewhat matching attire, it never really caught on.  So, Brett continued to stand out all alone like a zit on the end of a nose.  But Brett was OK with his new look and the increased attention to himself, and it didn’t go away any time soon.

One Sunday, at early morning High Council meeting, just as we were getting into the heavy stuff of whether to have beef or pork at the coming HP banquet, there came a knock on the door of the HC room. The arrangements of the room were such that the door was down a short hallway out of sight from the main room, so when first Counselor Jack Diamond went to see who was there, at the request of President Mills, he was out of sight to the group sitting around the table.  But not out of hearing.  After we heard him open the door, there was about fifteen seconds of total silence. Then we heard this exchange:

“Can I help you?”

“Hi – I’m Joseph Smith, and I’ve been sent with a message from Bishop Stokes.”

After another 10 second pause;

“Sure you are!  And I’m the pope.”

“Gowan kid, don’t you know there’s a meeting going on in here?”

With this the door shut a little harder than usual.

President Diamond came walking back in with the weirdest look on his face.

“You should have seen what I just saw!”

Then it dawned on me – and only me – as to what just happened.  By this time a knock came again on the door.  President Diamond jumped to his feet and said, “I’ll take care of this.”

There stood Joseph again holding out his hand with a note,  “Really!  My name is Joseph Smith, and I have this message I’m suppose to give you from Bishop Stokes.”

This time President Diamond said, his words dripping with sarcasm, “Won’t you please come in and give your message to President Mills.”

In walks, and there stands Joseph Brett Smith in all his glory of a four inch Mohawk, dyed purple with pink highlights.

He was, however, dressed in a very fine looking suit.  I’m sure Kent would have been proud.

Keith

PS  This Gospel of Jesus Christ can cause us to have wonderful associations.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Last Tuesday was our immediate family’s Sacrament meeting. We hold this separate from our fellowship meeting, because we are spread far apart, and Brittany can’t make it to our fellowship because of her employment. Brittany is full of concerns and full of questions. The one she asked last Tuesday was: “Grandpa, do you think we have lost the chance to establish Zion or do you still think it will come; and how many does it take?” Her concern comes from the podcast “One Heart First.”

Immediately two things came to my mind which I presented to our little gathering as something to consider. The first was the concern Abraham showed about the Lord’s determination to destroy the Cities of the Plains, and the first question Abraham put to the Lord about it, which was, “Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked?” And the second was the ending of the talk Denver gave to our fellowship on January 14, 2018, “That We Might Be One.”

This is the way we considered each:

“Perhaps there may be fifty righteous within the city. Will you also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous within the city? Will you also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that may be therein? Oh, may that be far from you to do in this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked and that the righteous should be as the wicked. Oh God, may that be far from you. For shall not the judge of all the earth do right? And the Lord said unto Abraham, if you find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all this place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said, Behold, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord who is able to destroy the city and lay all the people in dust and ashes. Will the Lord spare them if perhaps there lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for their wickedness, if I find there forty five righteous? And he said, I will not destroy, but spare them. And he spoke unto Him again and said, If perhaps there should be forty found there? And He said, I will not destroy it for forty’s sake. And he said again unto the Lord, Oh, let not the Lord be angry and I will speak. If perhaps there shall thirty be found there. And He said, I will not destroy them if you shall find thirty there. And he said, Behold, now I have taken it upon me to speak unto the Lord. Will you destroy them if perhaps there shall be twenty found there? And He said, I will not destroy them for twenty’s sake. And Abraham said unto the Lord, Oh, let not the Lord be angry and I will yet speak but this once. If perhaps ten shall be found there? And the Lord said, I will not destroy them for ten’s sake. And the Lord ceased speaking with Abraham.” (OC Genesis 7: 40.)

We were amazed at the condescension, patience, and willingness of the Lord to work with man. We also found out the Lord has His limits. In this case Lot, Lot’s wife, and two daughters were willing to do as the Lord said. That makes four! The Lord brought them out and Sodom was destroyed.

At our fellowship meeting where Denver gave the talk entitled That We Might Be One, he said, “We have an opportunity. We have a bona fide, actual offer from God to allow us to be that generation in which the promises get fulfilled. But we have the freedom of choice that allows us to elect to be severed, to be contentious, to be agents of disruption, and to discourage and break the hearts of those who would willingly accept the challenge to repent and follow God.

Now it’s possible, in fact it’s probable, that at some point what the Lord will do is gather out a remnant of the remnant, gather out a few, and how many are essential in order for the promises to be fulfilled? I’m certain there is a minimum and I’m fairly confident that the minimum can be counted on your two hands, but there is no maximum. We’re not going to just have eight people on the ark; there can be more, there can be many more. The upper number is practically limitless. There is a minimum but heavens, why would anyone want that?” ( That We Might Be One. Denver Snuffer. 20129.01.14. P8 of 9. Emphasis throughout, mine.)

We took a vote. There were four of us together (same as in Lot’s group) and we voted affirmative. We want to be the kind of people whom the Lord can use in Zion.

Worried

Our fellowship, in its past regular Sunday meeting, became aware as a group that we are in peril. When I say “we” I am referring to the Restoration effort going on today and all those who identify with it. This movement stands in jeopardy.

I have been aware for some time of various efforts among us to take “the Gospel” to the “Lamanites.” Some have done this by living among them for short or extended periods of time. Some have carried Books of Mormon of one edition or another to a target group of their choosing. Others have developed video content to be put on the internet in general, and otherwise on some very specific sites. I applaud all these efforts. I think they all have merit, and I personally think it shows the Spirit of the Lord working on many who have come to feel they have specific responsibilities with the Seed of Lehi. Reading again in the Answer to the Covenant, a person comes to realize that our being blessed by having taken the Covenant is contingent upon two very direct commandments given by our Lord immediately when we sat down after saying “Yes.”

“Now hear the words of the Lord to those who receive this covenant this day.” (Commandment #1) “Teach your children to honor me.” (Commandment #2) “Seek to recover the lost sheep remnant of this land and of Israel and no longer forsake them. Bring them unto me and teach them of my ways, to walk in them.”(T&C 158: 9&11.)

Then to our dismay all of a sudden we learn that these disparate groups have received an invitation by the Hand of God, to allow him to help unify their efforts – which they reject. My hell people, haven’t we learned anything. The podcast this was reported on went on to say that maybe we’ll have to dissolve this fractured effort and wait for a more faithful group of people to rise up, who are willing to bend their effort according to the Lord’s way of doing things; which is to be as noble in their efforts to bring something about as is hopefully, their product.

One in our fellowship, however, interjected a hopeful rumor into this forlorn discussion, in that he heard that in just the last day or so there might be a re-think on their knee-jerk dismissal to the offer of help for unification, and that reconciliation among the factions might yet be possible.

We certainly hope so!

In fact we are counting on it. You, who have had this inspiration to work on this Lamanite effort, have had months and years devoted to your efforts. You have discovered many of the questions which need addressing and maybe even a few of the answers. You have at this point the experience of having gone through a Movement wide effort to produce Scriptures, a Statement of Principles, establish a Temple Fund, and see a Restoration Archives process get underway, et al. And you have right in front of you an on going example of a unified effort to take the Gospel message to the Jews. None of these could have been accomplished or come as far as they have with out unification. They would have all failed, and so will you, without a unified effort. So far none of these have failed. Not that there hasn’t been some butting of knot heads.

So, Are you going to be the first? You may think I have no business butting in with my 2 cents when I am not on any of these group efforts. Well, in that you’d be wrong! We all out here stand in peril of losing what’s been offered if you butt-heads [with those others] who have been personally inspired by the Lord and now are under offer by the Hand of God to help produce unification, shatter like glass, and think you can do this on your own.

So, here’s what we’re gonna do for you. As a fellowship we’re going to pray collectively and individually for you all to get your act together, repent, and come together with your collective knowledge of the subject, and with the help of a dispensation head produce a viable effort.

None of you can affect my individual salvation, but you can make it impossible for me to see Zion in my lifetime. It’s hell for a guy like me to have to admit something like that. I hope I never cause an outcome of something like that for you because of something I refuse to do, which is something of the heart.

SO….

We of this fellowship are exercising our faith, praying for you, individually and collectively we will be praying for your complete turn around and success in this effort you have been called to.

We invite all other fellowships to do the same

with all our love!

Coronavirus Deception, Lies, Fakery, and Fraud trumps the truth

Knowing that secret combinations will abound in these last days, it would seem that a wise course would be healthy skepticism and not buying in too far to the loss of our freedoms, until we can see more of the end from the beginning. Too much of this “pandemic” just doesn’t make sense on any rational level and conformity is not always the righteous choice.

Keith

The following was written by Gary D. Barnett and posted on LewRockwell.com blogsite.
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It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.”
~ Noel Coward (1979). “Plays, four”, Methuen Drama

The fear agenda propagated by governments and media is meant for one purpose and one purpose only, and that purpose is to deceive in order to gain power and control over people. One look around is enough to understand that this is a successful strategy, as the bulk of society has voluntarily imprisoned themselves at the behest of the ruling class. What is not spoken about concerning this imprisonment is that the population at large through incremental measures and indoctrination has been fooled into becoming more obedient and dependent for many, many years. The culmination of that obedience training and dependent mindset has now come to total maturation.

We are in the midst of what can only be described as the most prolific takeover of humanity that has ever occurred. This takeover has been achieved by state deceit, lies, fakery, and fraud, and has been accomplished in spite of all truth, logic, and sanity. How else could billions of people have been completely fooled into believing that an impotent virus was going to end life as we have known it on this planet? How else could a fake sickness created in a lab change the entire course of mankind? How else could false declarations by government cause people around this country to hide in fear in their own homes? How else could shaming others and reporting your neighbors to “authorities” be normal behavior? How else could abandoning family values, business, jobs and faith be so easily achieved?

To my knowledge, not one single death has been proven to be specifically from this particular Covid-19 strain, because the proper established methodology necessary to assure that proof has not been met. It seems we are all being manipulated due to an illusion, and not any legitimate or natural viral pandemic. Joseph Goebbels would have been proud to be a part of such deception, and would consider this virus coup to be the ultimate propaganda scheme ever devised.

“Crisis is the path to happiness. Decay and disintegration do not spell doom, but ascent and beginning. The powerful forces of a new creation operate in the hush beyond the noise of the day.” ~Joseph Goebbels (1987). “Michael: a novel”

This quote by Goebbels outlines exactly what is happening now, and his words ring true in the minds of the globalists and their puppets in government.

Cause of death has taken on a whole new meaning in this country due to the fraud called Covid-19, as no proof whatsoever is necessary to claim death occurred due to Covid. In fact, the CDC guidelines distributed to every doctor makes this perfectly clear, as the more deaths attributed to this so-called virus, the better it is for those standing to profit from this fake pandemic. In addition, most any that have had a flu shot in the past ten years would most likely test positive to the PCR test; a test that is faulty at best, but this truth is not even considered. Testing for any strain of coronavirus, as is the norm, does not isolate Covid-19, but it does vastly increase the numbers that can be falsely used by those attempting to push multiple nefarious agendas.

From Julian Rose at Global Research:

“The ‘gold standard’ in testing for COVID-19 is laboratory isolated/purified coronavirus particles free from any contaminants and particles that look like viruses but are not, that have been proven to be the cause of the syndrome known as COVID-19 and obtained by using proper viral isolation methods and controls (not the PCR that is currently being used or Serology /antibody tests which do not detect virus as such). PCR basically takes a sample of your cells and amplifies any DNA to look for ‘viral sequences’, i.e. bits of non-human DNA that seem to match parts of a known viral genome. The problem is the test is known not to work.”

Is this virus even a virus, or is it a long-term plotted response scenario purposely structured as a reaction to a planted idea meant to cause mass fear? Regardless of how or where this started, the totalitarian response is the real pandemic, as the response itself will cause the deaths of many more people than any fake virus has the ability to do. This is the truth that is shunned, as isolation, economic collapse, financial ruin, poverty, bankruptcy, unemployment, and extreme fear will have enormous and deadly ramifications for years to come. The psychological damage alone will be devastating, and sickness, immune system damage, suicide, abuse, and violence will escalate beyond anything imagined. In addition, economic systems across all sectors will not magically go back to normal when things reopen, and the fallout from these factors will cause extensive harm to individuals, families, and businesses for years to come.

What all should understand is that this entire exercise is a manufactured criminal undertaking by the dark forces that exist among us. The government and media are involved at a very high level, and are the lynchpin in efforts to implement draconian measures that will lead to a particular outcome. Many of those that control the politicians, and that also control the narrative, are for the most part hidden from view, but if one looks closely enough, the agendas being sought and accomplished, whether monetary restructuring, population control, mandatory vaccination, digital money systems, social scoring and surveillance, and other agendas fatal to liberty, the benefactors of these atrocious aims will become more evident. Once exposed, the lies and fascist partnerships become easier to identify, and once identified, the crimes being committed can be isolated and more easily targeted.

Tests are not only flawed but also useless in pinpointing Covid-19, deaths are being greatly exaggerated, if in fact not completely fraudulent, and most claims about this so-called virus are nonsensical and in many cases medically impossible. The media hype is being purposely staged so as to present a worst-case scenario where no real risk is evident. Does this sound like a stage production to you? It certainly appears to be a hoax at every turn.

This is a conspiracy of epoch proportions, and not theory at any level. It is a conspiracy that has been planned for many years, and has now been implemented and is being tested to determine just how far the elite monsters can go before the people wake up. Dissent is beginning, but it must not only continue, but also gain strength in the future. The public should not let any partial relaxation of dictatorial policies fool them, and in fact, all should be very skeptical of any temporary pullback meant to calm the herd. Like everything else, that will be a lie. My motto is to believe nothing and question everything. When government is concerned, this is a mandatory requirement if slavery is to be avoided.

The Temple Fund

There seems to be a misconception among some as to what a donation to the temple fund, run by the three sisters who comprise the Temple Fund Committee, will actually gain for you.

I have heard speculation from some that entrance into Zion will guarantee them the dream home they have always wanted, a plot of ground commensurate with the amount of their donation, and “free everything” just because they are there. And if it does not, why should they consider giving all they have to live in reduced circumstances.

I hear very little about the humility and repentance and lack of self aggrandizement it will require, from the “chat” taking place “out there.”

On the other hand I do hear some self deprecation from those, primarily who have small means. Many wish they could donate more, and some because they can’t, feel they have little hope that someone making such a pittance (in their view) of a donation will ever get noticed by God or those they are sure will have power over their getting into Zion, because of those other’s huge donations. Somehow this sounds somewhat less like humility, and more like envy.

I have my doubts that the donations given for any of the above reasons and/or any others of similar ilk represent the state of heart (and mind) of one who is well prepared to live in such a community. It was never the idea of the Temple Fund Committee that they would receive and build a fund from the self serving or those dependent upon the admiration of their fellows. Their intent was that there are enough who earnestly seek the approbation of their God. Those who want nothing more than to serve and please Him regardless of any cost to themselves.

Therefore at the very first of this funding attempt a credo was put into writing as part of the GoFundMe effort to gather funds, which stated what they expected from any individual or group that contributed, and now remains the same regardless of how they choose to contribute.

Have you read it? I’m beginning to think many haven’t. I have therefore attached it in its entirety lest what these sisters expectations from their contributors are, is not well known.

This credo is in the person of Elaine Henderson because the GoFundMe account was established in her name but represented the views of the entire Temple Fund Committee and still does. The names of the committee are Karen Strong, Jan VanLeer, and Elaine Henderson.

Keith

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Hi

My name is Elaine Henderson. I am part of a loosely knit group of fellowships which believe and practice the Doctrine of Christ through baptism by immersion by one holding the authority and power from heaven, and receiving, because of this baptism, the Holy Ghost and baptism of Fire as promised by God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. I also believe many other things advocated by God through the scriptures such as helping the poor, and being kind to all people.

One of the very strong beliefs which I have is that of advancement in knowledge and the receipt of higher ordinances to better prepare me and all people with my same desire to meet our Lord and Savior when that time comes. I believe that every person should have opportunity for an increase in these things while in this mortal life, and I believe an acceptable temple in the eyes of God to be the great motivator in these things. I do not believe there is currently any place on this earth approved by my Heavenly Father which can afford me all those kinds of blessings which I desire.

Consequently:

I am setting up this fund to establish means by which gifts can be collected from all those who would desire to contribute.  As these funds accumulate they will be transferred by GoFundMe to a personal account solely in my charge and keeping, where such funds will generate interest, and the amount of funds will accumulate until it is appropriate to begin the effort described herein.

This temple fund will be used exclusively for the purchase of land and the construction of the temple building on that land. These funds will be used for any and all needs related to that construction.  Architectural drawings, permits, building contractors, etc. will all be needed.

In gifting to this fund all must understand there is no personal monetary or real property value to be accrued to yourself, or any other, or position or status to be obtained by your gift. Your gift must be made solely because you believe this is a worthy project, or that you are pleasing your God by doing so.

God bless you in your kindness and obedience to Him.

Elaine

A Sucker Born Every Minute (PT Barnum)

According to David W. Maurer, writing in The Big Con (1940), there was a similar saying amongst con men: “There’s a mark born every minute, and one to trim ’em and one to knock ’em.” Here “trim” means to steal from, and “knock” means to persuade away from the scam. The meaning is that there is no shortage of new victims, nor of con men, nor of honest men.

Hi folks

I have sent this to many. You may agree with my views, or disagree. What we should all be thankful for is that we still have that prerogative, at least.

Maybe this is a stupid question but I’m going to ask it anyway. Why haven’t we heard of any small business filing a lawsuit in some court or another for the destruction of their business and their personal livelihood? Why hasn’t any individual in this country filed law suit for unlawful termination of his/her employment? Why is their no outcry through the courts over the legitimacy of other’s actions, which are causing so much havoc personally and collectively? Has fear or panic become a defense for any government entity or person to tread on the life and rights of another? Is this some great conspiracy which I alone am not privy to? Why aren’t the courts jammed rather than the hospitals? These may not even be the right questions to ask. There may be others which are much better.

Have we collectively lost our minds and become automatons; soon to be wards of the state, for a promised and yet to be delivered measley $1.200.00 pay off by the “leadership,” leaving behind our constitutional right to assemble, and who knows how many other freedoms, lest we contract a certain virus, because we fear a 2% chance of death more than the loss of our freedoms? And do we think this payoff will be without strings?

I can’t quite understand how we have been gullibly sucked so quickly and so easily into this hoax with no outcry. Satan must certainly be holding the chains with which we are bound, and looking up toward heaven, laughing.

I grew up in an era when we were taught by the education system to espouse a great outcry, given out by Patrick Henry, one of our founding fathers, who was a great force in establishing our Bill of Rights, as part of our personal creed to live by, when he shouted out, “give me liberty or give me death.” Does anyone else remember that?

I just got back today from Colorado where It seemed I have become a witness to the beginning of the dying throes of a great nation. Utah cops, stationed about every 20 miles from my house to the border seemed to just be watching and waiting for something.

Maybe God will use this “crisis” to further some great purpose. On that I can’t really say, but it certainly is painful and embarrassing to watch.

I am astounded!! I am only one voice, but I AM one voice, and I have this organ to use it.

Maybe this is just some bizarre April Fool’s joke and then we wake up…….

Keith

A greater chance than becoming LDS President

Pinning down what comprises ascending “Jacob’s ladder” is kind of an elusive thing. There isn’t an exact overlay between the plethora of pattern’s of ascension.  In fact another seeming path of ascension seldom discussed is that of gaining the experience, thus the titles of so many players there seems to be a need of, in the running of a world like this one.  For instance it requires an Adam, a Noah, a Melchizedek, an Abraham, dispensation heads, greater and lesser prophets, etc, etc, etc.  And standing as a great light above all, one who becomes a Savior of us all.  

Granted there is experiential overlap between some or all these characters, so I don’t know if it’s absolutely essential to become every one of these, and so thus I don’t know if it’s even proper to consider all these roles as a pattern of ascension.  Maybe that’s the same order of thinking, we indulged in when we thought the line of ascension was elder’s quorum president, bishop’s councilor, bishop, high councilor, sp councilor, sp, mission president, 70, apostle, and then becoming that high and holy luminary, president of the church, which none of us ever had a snowball’s chance in hell of becoming. I term this the BY – RMN pattern of ascension.

No; I think the most likely pattern of ascension is ordinance based, with these ordinances grounded in commandment, covenant and subsequently knowledge. For example, marrying a woman who will covenant with you that you are her choice, and that she will remain with you and love and sustain you; and then having that association and those promises ratified by the Holy Spirit of Promise, thus constituting an ordinance recognized as a required part of ascension on Jacob’s ladder. In fact nothing higher than where that ordinance puts you on that ladder will be attained unless or until this ordinance is in place.

The above paragraphs are a segue into the something below that has consumed a lot of my thinking lately.

If Jesus Christ and myself are begotten sons of the same spiritual parents, then it would seem that the redemptive sacrifice made by our Father in His round of creation would have been for both of us.  I am assuming that the Father made a similar redemptive sacrifice in a realm of creation which would have been created for Him as the selected Redeemer because of the many times Christ said, in this creation, “I only do those things which I have seen my Father do.”

This redemptive sacrifice which the Father made, would have been for all of the inhabitants of that world for which He (The Father) would have been designated as God.  But just as in this round of creation most will not reap the full effects of the sacrifice offered and given by the Son, so that redemptive sacrifice by the Father as the Son may be that which is termed by Alma as a preparatory redemption for those coming here who were prepared to only accept a portion.  Not for Christ, however, because He made full acceptance of what was offered by the Father, and became entitled to become a redeemer Himself.

So, for those that accept in this round of creation the full effect of what our Savior has now made possible again, we (they) become entitled to the right to be a redeemer, and for those that don’t accept the offered fullness, that which Christ has done will be considered for them another preparatory redemption, and they will move on again, added upon by what they have received.  In other words they will receive a resurrection and a portion of glory, but not a fullness.  And around it goes, each round being a preparatory redemption for the one to follow.  However, each round spinning off a few who become Sons to Him who becomes their Father, becoming redeemers themselves in this path of ascension.

It seems implausible to me that Christ’s redemptive sacrifice saved Himself (that’s almost an oxymoron).  It, however, did propel Him into becoming like the Father, having life and resurrection endemic within Himself, and it did save His Wife, just as we have learned that the Father’s redemptive sacrifice saved the Mother.  That redemptive sacrifice by the Father also saved the Son.  And for those who are now prepared for, and accept the fullness of the redemptive offering of the Son in this round will also be saved as Sons to Him who now becomes their Father.  For where was there ever a Son without a Father or a Father without a Son?

For those to whom the offered, redemptive sacrifice remains only a preparatory sacrifice, will, when they awake and resume and complete the climb, probably be saved as a Son to a completely different Father than the one to whom they now pray.

I think there may very well be the potential for a significant number of redeemers produced from this round of creation, and creations a plenty created by their Father (He whom we now call the Son) for which there is a need and opportunity. 

Keith