Mindy Tyler Cam & Jane: 2011 Kiddie Triathlon

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!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

2011 Kiddie Triathlon

This weekend Cameron participated in his first Kiddie Triathlon! A lady from my ward puts one together every year. It was so darling! She had a photographer there to take pictures (well, I did too but they're on my camera still). There were 18 kid participants with the average age about 4 or 5. Every child had an adult to accompany them. They got to wear real bibs and everything!

At about 9 am the triathlon began with the .25 mile run (down the street and back)!

This picture is washed out but I had to download it anyway because you can see the sheer joy on Cameron's face at running down the street with a big group of people! Like something out of a dream!

Go Cameron!

Next, the biking! We bought him this bike a few days before so he hadn't yet mastered pedaling. Tyler pushed him the whole .21 miles. (And if you're thinking the bike is too small, you're right. We're returning it for a bigger one tomorrow!)

Last leg, swimming! Again, Tyler assisted Cameron with the swim.

Finished!! Phew!

Cameron, stoic about finishing his first triathlon race. He got a medal and a "swag bag" full of goodies and trinkets.

Group picture! (Cameron is the only one cheering in this picture.) Everyone also got souvenir shirts to document their accomplishment. Cameron wore his shirt and medal all day. Today during his quiet time I noticed he found his shirt and swim shorts in the clothes hamper and got them out. Apparently he wants to do it again!

8 comments:

The Mom said...: So darling. He DOES look like he is in some kind of dream heaven running down the street with all of his peers! Lovin' his life, biking, swimming! Wow! That is really sweet of that woman to put that together. What a blast for the kids. Cam's bike is very darling. He is such a cute boy. Cute TyTy too, doing all the events with him.; June 12, 2011 at 9:17 PM
Kara Lyn said...: How fun! What a great way to encourage physical fitness in a family and friend setting.; June 13, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Kim and Jim said...: So cute! I'll bet he took a great nap after that one. Maybe you have a future Triathlete in the family! The running definitely looks like the favorite of the day.; June 13, 2011 at 10:45 AM
shelly said...: This is a great idea. Cities should have a daily "running of the tots" in a designated street, like the running of the bulls in Spain. It would be the highlight of their days =); June 13, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Holly or James said...: that is the coolest thing ever!
-james; June 15, 2011 at 1:02 PM
Melanie said...: I loved my life!!!! reading this. He is so cute! And I know that he loved his life, too!

That Stoic Cam at the race's end. I just love all those kids running it up crazy!

Paige LOVES her princess bike with training wheels. (Straight got it out of the dumpster. It's awesome. Every child's first bike should be beat up and used.)

Thanks for sharing this. I loved it!; June 22, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Heidi a.k.a. spaceghost said...: DARLING! I have never heard of a triathlon for little tykes. They are the ones who should be running triathlon's not adults! They have all the energy - I just want to take a nap. Cameron's sweet little face! He was loving his life big time.; June 23, 2011 at 6:09 PM
Holly or James said...: I read this post like 2 weeks ago and forgot I was interrupted before I got to comment!!

CUTE CUTE CUTE Cam Cam!!! He is just LOVIN' his LIFE running with his dad and with all those other kids. I loved reading this post and seeing his reaction to all the different phases of the day.

Cute tyler being such a proud great father too. (: Way to go guys!; June 26, 2011 at 8:33 PM

Mindy Tyler Cam & Jane

Freedom Quotes

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The Truth...

Sunday, June 12, 2011

2011 Kiddie Triathlon

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