Today was Tyler's last day of work for his internship! Hooray! Tomorrow morning we begin our month long journey to visit people. First, we'll visit my sister Melanie and her family in Illinois for about 4 days. Next, two days in Nauvoo. Then, after two days of driving interrupted by one night in Lexington, Nebraska, 2 days with my sister Holly in Utah. THEN--we're not even close to being done yet--a few days with our sister Kara and husband Joe in Utah for Tyler's graduation and a Merrill family reunion. This will be followed by a week and a half in Pendleton visiting family. Then, two days of watching my nephews in Utah. FINALLY, we will return to home sweet home the 29th in just enough time to get set up for school on Monday. Phew! So if my blog is seldom updated or if I don't get to visit yours, you'll know why.
I want to give Tyler the credit he deserves for all the hard work on his internship. Although paid hourly for only 40 hours, he usually went to work early and stayed late, making in more like 45-50. But he never complained. And he did a phenominal job. He recieved many compliments from his superiors about the quality of his work and his ability to get along with everyone, definitely one of his strengths. He even got compliments from those he managed (not a frequent occurance). Everyone really liked him and wanted him to return after he finished school. Not only this, his boss essentially extended a job offer to him to work for Sodexo. He said Tyler only needs to say the word and he will be hired on to start after school. What city and what position will be determined in the future, but he told Tyler that he will not have to worry about whether he will have a job when he graduates, a huge blessing! So here's to Tyler, the best husband and manager ever!
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May 2011
my energetic boy
my angel girl
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
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
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
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!
Mindy Tyler Cam & Jane
May 2011
Cameron
my energetic boy
Jane
my angel girl
Other blogs I look at...
- 3 Plus One
- Akikko and Jade
- Amy
- Ashley and Alex
- Brady and Rachel
- Camille
- Curt and Holly
- Dead Lip Skin
- Devin and Amie
- Family Photo Blog
- Fisher Fam
- Frazier Family
- Free Fun in Austin
- Hilary and Adam
- It's Your Girlfriend
- Jeane and Aaron
- Jeanettics
- Jon and Mary
- Kara
- Kim n' Jim
- Melanie and James
- Natalie Neal Photography
- Politik
- Rachel and Heath
- Steve and Miss
- Susan's Happy Things
- Tiffany and Brian
- Tyler Finds
- Whitney and Scott
9 comments:
I think I have the best wife ever!! Thanks for staying with the Cam-meister while I was gone. Love you both!
Good work to Tyler and good luck with all of your journeying this month.
-jimmy
Nice job Tyler! Mike and I were thinking that as long as you are on a road trip you should just stay on the road and come visit us in California :) Cam would love Disneyland! Hope you are safe traveling.
Way to go Tyler!!! You are awesome to be around, and you work so hard and are so good at your work!!! What a HUGE blessing to have a job waiting for you!
You're such a great hard worker Cameron! I know interning is no fun, but it's part of life, I guess. Only better days to come! (:
Congrats on the job offer! That's so nice to have that safety net upon graduation. It also makes you a better interview-ee for other companies, I think, because you're not as nervous during the interview. Anyway, enjoy your travels and we'll see you in Utah! :)
Good job Tyler!
Way to go, Tyler! working 50+ hours a week must have made you feel like you were back here at AG, right? :) That's awesome that you have a job offer for when you finish up, too. It's always great to have options. Have fun on your road trip!
It was good 2 have you!
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