Mindy Tyler Cam & Jane: Disneyland and Edward Withdrawls

Freedom Quotes

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
John Adams

"The (individual) growth required by the gospel occurs only in a culture of individual effort and responsibility. It cannot occur in a culture of dependency. Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plan intends us to be."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The Truth...

...About GOOD VS. EVIL: How do we tell the difference?

I started a study about a year ago. I was thinking of how we're told in these last days good will be called evil and evil called good. I was also thinking of how those who stand for good things are often portrayed as anything but, and those who secretly (or not so secretly) stand for bad/immoral, etc. things are either lifted up or they have such a way with words that they are able to trick even the best of us. History is replete with examples of both. So while history can often be skewed based on who wrote the history books, so to speak, I turned the ultimate authority of the scriptures for my study. My study was conducted in the Book of Mormon (although such a study could be conducted in any book of scripture with similar results) and over the past year while reading it, I pulled out and documented every instance of the following that I could find. Because I am not perfect, there may be more that I missed.

Instances of evil doers being popular/tricky
-King Noah and his priests use flattery and lead people to much wickedness: Mosiah 11:7
-Samuel the Lamanite points out contrasting examples (see other side below in next section); "flattery," no consequences for actions: Helaman 13:27-28
-inspired men testify boldly, and lawyers and chief judges, high priests are very angry because of; prophets are put to death secretly: 3 Nephi 6:20-23
-Secret combinations tribe leader Jacob flatters to gain dissenters: 3 Nephi 7:12
-Rebellious Alma the younger a "man of many words" and does "speak much flattery" causing people to commit iniquity: Mosiah 27:8, 26:6
-Sherem is "learned," has a "perfect knowledge of the language," uses "flattery and much power of speech" to "overthrow the doctrine of Christ": Jacob 7:4
-Zeezrom, the "most expert" of lawyers tries to catch Alma and Amulek with tricky words for money: Alma 10:31-32; all ch. 11
-Korihor leads away the hearts of many by teaching Anti-Christ doctrine: Alma 30:12-18
-Amalikiah leads away by flattering words and promises for power; seeks to be king and destroy foundations of liberty: Alma 46:1-10

Instances of prophets/good people being accused of bad things
-Abinadi called contentious/wanting to stir up anger: Mosiah 11:28
-Nephi, son of Helaman, called a liar and said to "condemn" and "revile" against the law: Helaman 8:1-6
-Samuel the Lamanite points out contrasting examples (see other side in above section); testifies of iniquity, is called "sinner," "devil," "false prophet": Helaman 13:26
-Samuel the Lamanite is said to have a devil: Helaman 16:6
-Lachoneus is called wicked by Giddianhi, leader of Gadianton robbers: 3 Nephi 3:10
-inspired men testify boldly, and lawyers and chief judges, high priests are very angry because of; prophets are put to death secretly: 3 Nephi 6:20-23
-Prophet Ether "esteemed as naught" and cast out: Ether 13:13
-Lehi is mocked and the wicked are angry with him because of his prophecies; other prophets treated similarly: 1 Nephi 1:19-20
-Lehi and Nephi are said by Laman and Lemuel and co. to be foolish, trying to gain power over and rule over others:
-Alma and Amulek thrown into prisons and have their lives threatened because of their preaching: Alma 8:31
-Korihor claims church leaders/priests seek to usurp power over the people: Alma 30:23-31

I wanted to share this with everyone because I want to stress that sometimes people are not what they seem and that we need to be careful to support and follow the right people, politically and otherwise. We as good people cannot afford to be tricked. This is especially important with elections coming up in November. Since we can obviously not always rely on someone's words, either their own representation or someone else's opinion of them, or popular culture/media's representation of a person, how do we decide who is "the real deal?" Who is really good? How can we avoid being tricked? I came up with a couple of good answers.

First, we can know someone's true character by their "fruits."
3 Nephi 14:17-18 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
So in terms of at least politicians, what are their voting records? What do they support with their actions, not words? Do they live an honest personal/family life? (Yes, I absolutely believe integrity in one's personal life has everything to do with public life as it is pure evidence of their true character.) Don't look at how one talks the talk, look at how they walk the walk.

Second, we've been given the power to judge for ourselves and with the Lord's help we can come to correct conclusions.
D&C 9:8 "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
This translates to me as "do your homework." I promise that "evil doers" have hidden their real intent and messages very well. You actually have to put in the work, study and research. Do more than passively hear one newscaster's assessment. Get the whole story. Spend the time. Then ask the Lord. It's a promise.

…About SECRET COMBINATIONS

The freedoms of the United States were divinely instituted by men raised up to that task. Today we are either distracted or have forgotten how fragile freedom is and cannot even fathom life without it. I would like to strongly suggest that there are evil forces at work bent on getting money and power at the expense of our freedom. And they have their people in our government, the media, and our corporations. Sure, you can call it a conspiracy theory if that makes you more comfortable, but to help illustrate my point and to show that I am not crazy, I am going to use the ultimate source, at least for LDS readers, The Book of Mormon. And while reading, remember the book was written specifically for us in our day. In fact, I have never been so terrified of what is happening today while reading Helaman through Ether as I was this last time around.

1. Yes they exisit: Secret Combinations/Gadianton Robbers will be among the Gentiles(us). Mormon 8; 2 Ne 26:20,22

2. These organizations will gain advantages because of people’s iniquities. 3 Ne 2:18

3. They hold positions of power and prominence: The organizations have their people fill government seats to usurp power and authority. Hel 7:4; 8:1, 27-28

4. Yes it is possible: Governments have been destroyed by secret combinations. 3 Ne 7:6,9

5. No nation is immune from the unthinkable: These combinations caused the complete destruction of both the Nephites and Jaredites. Hel 2:13; Ether 8:18,21

6. These were not organizations that destroyed from without, they destroyed from within; Nephites supported the combinations and united with them. Hel 6:38, 7:25

7. Fortunately, they can be rooted out: the Lamanites completely eradicated them from their society. Hel 6:37

8. A warning and hope for us: Unless the people repent they will not be delivered from the Gadianton Robbers. 3 Ne 3:15

9. Watch this video by President Benson

Don’t underestimate what is most likely happening. But don’t underestimate what you plus millions of good people just like you are capable of. Think about it. THEN ACT!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Disneyland and Edward Withdrawls

We're back from Disneyland! I have to say it was one of the best vacations of my life! So fun to get away from normal life. Plus, I don't think I could find a cooler and more fun group of people than my family. I love being able to see them. Thanks Mom and Dad! Here's a picture of most of our group on a ride we could all go on--the Jungle Cruise. My family is getting so big! We now have 16 in tow including a handful of children to juggle. We are beginning to master the ways of Disneyland with children. I will post more pictures once I get them because here's the thing: I was sick of looking at all the trashy photos I was taking and since some of the best photographers I know are in my family, I just didn't try, knowing my faves would be their shots anyway! So once I can gather enough, I will post!

Also distracting me from getting my emails, political knowledge, and blogs current: I am extremely preoccupied reading New Moon. (Thanks, Amy!) To all my friends out there who were adamant I should finish the saga, I have finally surrendered. After reading Twilight over 2 years ago, I decided being tortured and preoccupied by fictional characters wasn't my thing and I stopped there. But since the movies are bound to torment me anyway because I must see them, I figure I may as well beat them to the punch by reading the books. So I started Sunday night and of course I will be finished before the week is done. I can't put it down! Also as a side note, I do really like Jacob.

7 comments:

Tyler M. said...: She forgot to mention that Tyler was bitten by a vampire at the Tower of Terror in California Adventure and is somewhere in Washington State living with his vampire buddies. He is currently studying Edward-ology with hopes of returning to his lovely wife Mindy.; June 23, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Kara Lyn said...: The pictures look like you guys had a lot of fun and I am getting excited to see more. We are getting more excited for you guys to come and visit. For your information, I have all of the Twilight books and you are welcomed to borrow them anytime. I also have her other book and you can read that too. Have a great week!!!; June 24, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Jeanette said...: It's because there's SO MUCH to love about Jacob!

BTW, people thing it's lame to be a "book nerd" and obsessed with book characters, but those same people are obsessed with "their" shows on TV. There's no difference. We all have a soft spot or two for a fictional character or world of one kind or another.

I'm glad you're reading them!; June 24, 2009 at 10:03 AM
The Stronks Family said...: Yeah for you!!!! I have read the twilight seried twice. You would porbably like her other book the Host. It looks like you guys had a great time...I'm excited to see more of your adventure.; June 24, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Tyler M. said...: The Trillion dollar information on your truth side bar is staggering. If I had a nickle for every million the government spends....I would be a millionaire!!; June 25, 2009 at 9:06 PM
The Mom said...: Yes, Tyler: become a sexy but good vampire like Edward and it will be a thrill to Mindy!!!!!!!!!! You have the looks to begin with so you can do it!!!; June 25, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Tiffany said...: I chaperoned a stake dance the other night and one of the boys totally had his hair styled like Robert Pattinson's Edward and I was cracking up b/c I asked him if he was going for an Edward look and he said, "Of course." My other favorite Twilight story is that at Girl's Camp last year the YW President in our ward was talking about temple marriage and was asking the girls to picture their ideal spouse and almost all of the girls audibly sighed, "Edward.." She said she just stood there and was like, "Umm...but he's not real." It made me laugh.

Anyway, Disney looks like tons of fun! I can't wait to go again someday!; June 29, 2009 at 9:19 AM