Newtown, Conn, Portland, OR and China

This week alone has seen 3 attacks, 2 on schoolchildren. On Tuesday, a man shot and killed two people, then took his own life at a mall in Portland, Oregon. The gun used was stolen from a friend. When his ex-girlfriend was interviewed, she said that the last time she had talked to him, Jacob Roberts had sold all of his property and bought a one way ticket to Hawaii. She went to his house to spend the night and found him depressed and unresponsive when she tried to talk to him. His everyday attitude, according to the woman, was a sunny disposition. 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/13/friends-man-accused-in-ore-mall-shooting-express-shock-disbelief-over-rampage/

In Newtown, Connecticut a 20 year old man named Adam Lanza, entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed almost 30 people, 2/3 of whom were children. He reportedly killed his mother at the house before going to the school. All the news websites, Twitter, Facebook, and search engines have been reporting the latest on the shooting all day. I've heard reports that Adam Lanza had anywhere from two to four guns. His brother said that he was slightly autistic, and had some other mental difficulties.  Lanza's older brother, Ryan, was misrepresented as the shooter earlier in the day, but later news showed that he was at work in New Jersey, an entirely different state.

http://gma.yahoo.com/breaking-conn-school-district-locked-down-shooting-report-151955384--abc-news-topstories.html

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONNECTICUT_SCHOOL_SHOOTING_SUSPECT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-12-14-18-40-31

http://gma.yahoo.com/connecticut-shooter-adam-lanza-obviously-not-well-182011729--abc-news-topstories.html

In China, a man described as 'deranged' attacked an old lady with a knife and then crossed the street and attacked primary school children, 20 at last count. The children are now at a State Hospital recovering from their wounds. No deaths have been reported. Thank goodness! In China primary school is roughly analogous to elementary school, with children ages 6 to 11 attending the schools. The culprit is now in police custody. 

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-attacks-22-kids-knife-china-school-article-1.1220230

First off, I'd like to express my condolences to the victims, alive and dead. I won't ever know what it would ever be like to be a child who witnessed a shooting. I hope to never witness one as an adult. Because places involved with violent and horrific events can trigger PTSD flashbacks, part of the school in Connecticut will have to be rebuilt so that children do not have panic attacks if they repeatedly remember a man with guns blazing stepping around a corner of the building. Even that thought is hair raising. Construction should be redone on the Portland mall and the Chinese school as well. Of course physical building construction won't be enough. Counseling centers and psychology centers have stepped forward and offered mental health counseling to the survivors. 

I want to get this discussion over as fast as possible. On Twitter I saw several tweets from individuals calling for strict gun control, or even banishment of all firearms. I can't say I blame anyone for asking for that. Even though I enjoy target shooting in the desert if the banishment of guns meant the banishment of murder I would gladly find something else to do with friends on the weekend. But no guns doesn't mean no murders. http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcgvinco.html

This was also evidenced by the less discussed, but just as tragic attack in China. Chinese citizens are not allowed to have guns. So this guy found a knife. Attacks on all people, let alone little children will not lessen, let alone cease. 

All three of the attackers have been reported as having some degree of mental incapacity. This is in no way meant to attach the stigma of 'dangerous individuals' to those with some form of mental illness. I have diagnosed depression and anxiety. I can't imagine hurting a child. In mental health cases, these events are an exception rather than the rule. But the fact that all three attackers, as well as the Dark Knight Rises shooter from earlier this year, showed symptoms of mental illness should not be ignored. I don't mean the 'mental illness' of, "What kind of *expletive* guy would shoot kids?" that I have heard today. I mean the kind of mental illness that someone we know has: Depression, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia etc. These are treatable, but for some reason were not. I don't know about China, but here in the United States there are counseling facilities, treatment centers, prescription drugs, and doctors who know how to treat these illnesses. Unless an individual has good health insurance or is at a university that offers free counseling, the cost of mental health care is quite high. This is not the time to debate the pros and cons of individual health care, Obamacare, socialized medicine, or other options. I will say that since the CEOs of several top Health Insurance and pharmaceutical companies received on average $9.2 million in pay it is pretty safe to say that they could live on a lower budget and drop their prices a bit.(http://www.healthreformwatch.com/2009/05/20/health-insurance-ceos-total-compensation-in-2008/) On economic issues I am usually rather libertarian, and I don't think that the government should go charging in and forcefully take their money. But, the heads of these companies, and those that work with them should have some common decency towards the average citizen. If these CEOs only think about money then we have an even bigger issue. Assuming that they are still human, the lowered prices would allow care to those who need it most, and hopefully incidents like these in recent months and today would lessen.

Even if there are ways to make these events happen less, they did happen today. Now we need to come together and restart the healing process. We were able to do this after 9/11. Today is no different. I saw several posts filled with anger, a legitimate emotion. After the anger fades, and it will, what are we to do? I suggest we follow the teachings of Jesus given during the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) and through his prophet Abinadi in The Book of Mormon, "Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort . . . " (Mosiah 18:9). Pray for the families in Connecticut, Oregon, and China. Certainly not all of them are Christian, but that does not matter. Put politics and any unkind feelings we have, and pray for them to be comforted and for them to be healed. We should also remember that there is another family that lost their mother and brother in Connecticut today. The mother was killed, the brother was the killer and then was killed. That family also deserves our prayer and help just as much as any of the other victims. It may be natural for us to be angry, but as the natural man is an enemy to God we would do well to remember these words, "But I say unto you, ^aLove your ^benemies, ^cbless them that^dcurse you, do ^egood to them that ^fhate you, and ^gpray for them which despitefully use you, and ^hpersecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
Some may ask, where was God this day? He could have given the shooter in Connecticut a heart attack before he got to the school. Yes, that could have happened. And I don't know why it didn't. 

Heroes of the day:

As I can't possibly put this experience into words of my own, here are the news stories:

A teacher that put her life in danger to keep her students safe

http://gma.yahoo.com/childrens-terror-newtown-massacre-192100426--abc-news-topstories.html

The President's words

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-statement-newtown-shooting-3-15-p-m-195212145--politics.html

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20656617,00.html

170-130=40

For perhaps the last year to 18 months I have gained weight. Well, at least in that amount of time it became noticeable. At the beginning when I began I probably didn't notice, or if I did, I denied it would continue. After all, my whole life I was called "skinny punk" by my stepdad, and in a more congenial manner was told I could "eat anything" and that I had a fast metabolism. In high school I averaged 130 pounds. It seemed that no matter what I shoved in my mouth that didn't change. Now at 27 (almost 28) I am almost 170 pounds (166 last time I was on a scale). That's 40 pounds extra. I may not want to be a "skinny punk" again, but I don't want to be chubby like I am. And I don't think I should wait until I am 300 pounds before I get up and try and solve the problem. 40 founds is going to suck to get off, but it is infinitely better than having to lose170 pounds.
I'll admit it. I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what people will say. I'm afraid of what they will think when they see me starting to exercise. Heck, I'm afraid of exercising. I've never really done it, so I'm not sure I know how to start on a program. Plus, I'm not sure it will work if I don't know how to do things correctly. I can't really ask for help since most health and athletic trainers need to be paid since it is their job. But I don't have a job or any money, so I can't do that.
What I do know is I have to do something! Yesterday I went to the Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. Walking around the show shouldn't have been very strenuous, the air conditioning was on, and it wasn't a hot day. Even Southern California cools down in December. But by 3:00 I was sweating and out of breath. I had a large breakfast with my dad, sister, and brother-in-law. At around 2:30 we stopped to have lunch before going to see more cars. I still wasn't very hungry, but I ordered a full meal and even tried to eat it. I ate about half of it, then felt like crap for about the next half hour. It went so far that I had to clamp my mouth shut so I didn't throw up, although I felt nauseous.
I went on Jillian Michael's website and took the free health assessment. I got some free tips, but, like other trainers, she needs to be paid as well. It isn't much, but it is more than I have right now. I did keep the email with the health link on it.
I need to reverse the last few decades of belief that I cant succeed in being healthy. I need myself to be my own incentive. I've thought, "Well if I had a girlfriend that I'd want to look good for, then I'd exercise." or, "If I had a job, then I could pay for help." It's true I should try and look my best, and a trainer or gym membership would help, but if I can't get off my behind by myself then nothing is going to work. After all I have known several attractive young women in the last 18 months and when I was in college there were free gyms at the University, so I can't use those excuses.
Now to figure out how to start and motivate myself. Anyone need an exercise buddy?

2- Sufism and Mormonism

Yesterday evening I met a Sufi Muslim man named Massy Khoshbin. Having transcribed a comparison between Islam and Mormonism I have decided that I am going to expand that to other religions as well. Sufi is described as the mystical dimension of Islam. Knowing this we can assume that the Sufi branch will coincide with the former blog post on Muslims and Mormons called Mormons and Muslims Working Together found at this URL-
http://mussocman.blogspot.com/2012/11/mormons-and-muslims-working-together.html
In this blog post I will concentrate on the Sufi branch of Islam.

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Both religions believe they practice the pure form of their respective traditions, Christianity or Islam.
Sufi- "Worship and serve Allah as you are seeing Him and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you."
LDS- "The Only true and living Church with which I, the Lord, am Pleased." 
Both religions are set on turning their whole heart, soul, and mind to God.
Both religions believe in turning from worldly pleasures in order to come closer to God, or putting off the Natural Man (Mosiah 3:19).
Both believe that those who teach and lead need to be called by God.
Both teach lessons before somebody joins the religion.
Leaders of both use stories and parables in their teachings.
Converts to both religions purify themselves before they join.
Sufi- Repentance and recognition of God's higher law.
LDS- Faith, Repentance of sin, And Baptism by Immersion, and The Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (Article of Faith 4)
One goal of both religions is to have the name of God figuratively written on their hearts and countenances. 
Both concentrate on God through prayer, pondering, and meditation.



RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Both religions believe they can come close to the Divine in this life, as well as the next.
Both religions believe they can trace their beliefs back to God through a prophet.
Both believe humans are infused with divine light, fitra, or the Light of Christ.
Both believe in following "the spirit of the law."
Both believe in repentance of sins, abandoning of bad characteristics, and acquisition of good qualities.
The adherants do more than READ their scriptures. They STUDY and LIVE the doctrine therein.
Both believe in revelation from God.
Both believe in the Love of God as an essential doctrine. Adherents to the two religions try to live with this love.
The seekers often feel called to join to the religion i.e. Feel the Spirit.


SOCIETAL COMMENTARY
Both religions have their critics within the wider scope of their traditions. Some mainstream Muslims claim Sufism is not Islam, while many Protestant sects deny that Latter-day Saints are Christian.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

I spent yesterday evening (Tuesday, November 20, 2012) at Temple Menorah, a Jewish Synagogue, for the 2012 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. It was the 40 year anniversary of the South Bay Interfaith Service. I love going to these sorts of things. From both a curiosity and spiritual point of view I find it refreshing.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been for almost 20 years and will be for the rest of my life continuing on through Eternity. But that won't lessen my respect and love for people of other faiths, or no faith for that matter. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the Restored Gospel, said, "We welcome the truth that all religions and philosophies have." In Nauvoo, Illinois, a city started by Mormon settlers, all religions were afforded religious freedom. A Catholic priest was able to use part of the Nauvoo Temple for Sunday Mass before it was dedicated.
Early history is interesting, but what about today? At the Thanksgiving Service and at the get together 'Cookies and Conversation' afterwards there was no partisan bickering. As each faith got up and shared some of their scriptures, a song, or some other part of their faith I was impressed. Most of what the various individuals said I believed. And even that which I didn't have an immediate connection to, after thinking it over I could come up with a relating belief, even if it was not exactly analogous.
Some things that I was connected to included:
Imam Ashraf Carrim quoting Prophet Muhammad, "You cannot go to Heaven without Faith, and you can't have Faith with out Love."
Rabbi Steven Silver, "As this service is going on Jews in Israel and Muslims in Palestine are shooting at each other. Many people have died. This is not going to come to anything good. We all come from the same God above."
I'll freely admit that I have further to go in my understanding of others. The service was in a Jewish synagogue. Given the current clash between Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land, and the supposed bad feelings between the two groups in the Middle East in general I didn't expect any Muslims to be in attendance. As it happened I was sitting behind a group of Sunni Muslims during the service, I met a Nigerian Muslim named DJ, and two Muslim clergymen later- Imam Carrim from the International Institute of Tolerance (Sunni) and a Sufi Muslim, Cleric Massy Khoshbin. Not only were they there, but they were friends with the Jewish Rabbi. Immam Carrim and his wife were joking with Rabbi Silver about something during the get together on the patio. When I was done talking to Massy Khoshbin he, "Must go and say goodbye to Father." meaning a Catholic Priest in attendance. Apparently they were acquainted, and even friends. Later I saw the two of them deep in a conversation.
I was sort of afraid of the Sikh lady. She was tall, in a flowing white robe and head covering, and the first thing that crossed my mind was "Hippie." I think that what bothered me was that I've met Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists all my life, but this was the first Sikh I have ever consciously come in contact with. And she was white aka of European descent like me. If she had been Indian, Sri Lank-an or looked east Asian I wouldn't have been quite a shock. Looking back on last night I wish I could have gone up and talked to her. I have no idea what Sikhs believe in. Maybe I should try and find some and talk to them.
Something I have learned is how close the entire human family is. Being a Latter-day Saint, I want to be married in an LDS Temple and raise my children in the LDS faith. But I realize that most of the understanding I have of other religions was either through necessity or coincidence. My biological parents families are various sects of Protestants, my step-mom's family is Catholic. Through my mission to South Carolina I was introduced to more Protestant and Evangelical denominations of Christianity. At school I knew more Christians as well as Jews, Muslims, some Buddhists, and those who described themselves as "Spiritual." I also know atheists and agnostics who have widened my view and understanding of scientific theories. I often wonder if there isn't a way to introduce my future children to other belief systems so that they won't be afraid or prejudiced when they hear talks about international or domestic issues involving people in other faiths. When they meet them I want them to meet them as friends and fellow children of God. At the same time I believe that the LDS Church encompasses all of the great truths in the world and I do hope that they will identify and continue in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mormons and Muslims working together

A few weeks ago my YSA (Young Single Adult) congregation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints got together with a group of Muslim young adults for a service project. We made Thanksgiving gift bags of food for an elementary school in South Central L.A. The children at the school are all impoverished and so they would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner without the bags. We were told that many of the children were fed at school and possibly that was all the food they had for the day. I wonder what they have to eat on weekends?
During the event I became friends with the Muslim young people. There are many similarities between the Muslim and Latter-day Saint religions. We got a list of similarities from Brother Steve Gilliland, the LDS liaison to Muslims in the Los Angeles area.

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Both religions are a way of life and not just a way of believing.
They are family oriented in their religious practices.
They worship privately, in their families and their religious community.
They believe in being modest in their dress and behavior.
They believe in pre-marital chastity and fidelity in marriage.
They each have a dietary/health code:
LDS- Word of Wisdom (D&C 89)- Alcohol, Tea, Coffee, Tobacco prohibited, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Meat eaten.
Muslim- Halal- Alcohol, Pork, Gelatin, prohibited, Grains, Fruits, Vegetables eaten. Meat is eaten when it is killed in an acceptable manner.
They Pray many times a day.
They have regular scripture study.
They have formal times for fasting from food and drink as well as individual periods of fasting.
Muslim-Month of Ramadan (When Muhammad received the Koran from God)
LDS-Fast Sunday (First Sunday of the month)
They give generously to the poor and needy.
LDS- Tithing, Fast Offering, Service
Muslims- One of the Pillars of Islam, Service
They give generously of their time in service to their congregation, masjid, ward/branch.
They occasionally ritually worship in a sacred place ehere simple, white clothing is worn by all.
Muslims- Mecca
LDS- Temples
They strongly encourage their children to receive a good education.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
They believe in one divine power source- God, Allah, Heavenly Father.
They believe in Him as a merciful, compassionate and all powerful God.
They believe that life has meaning and purpose and that diversity and the challenges of life can be for our good. (D&C 121:7-8)
They believe in periods of religious apostasy in history and in prophets called to restore the truth.
LDS-Joseph Smith restored the Church, Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today.
Muslims- Mohammed received the Koran.
They believe that prophets are ordinary people with extraordinary guidance for us from God.
They believe in an unlettered prophet who brought forth a remarkable book of God's teachings.
Muslims- Muhammad received the Koran from God.
LDS- Joseph Smith received and translated The Book of Mormon from God.
They believe in following the Bible's teachings as well as their unique books of scripture.
They believe in the Old Testament prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Noah, and Moses.
They believe that in the beginning Satan rejected God's plan, was cast out, and now tempts us to reject God's teachings.
They believe that all will be accountable in the afterlife for their mortal choices.
They believe God will forgive those who honestly repent and do righteous deeds.
They believe in freedom of religion, civil liberties, and human rights for all with accompanying responsibilities.
They believe in the sanctity of human life and oppose the killing or harming of any innocent human being.
They believe in repelling evil with goodness.
They believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus and honor and respect Mary.
Muslims believe Jesus was a great prophet. Latter-day Saints believe He was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
They believe in the Resurrection, Day of Judgement, and Second Coming of Jesus.
They believe that heavenly rewards can come also to people not of their faith who live according to God's teachings.
They believe that some people and cultures have distorted their faith to promote

Talk on unity in the Church

Unity in the Gospel For the last several months, our country has been overrun with commercials, phone calls, radio spots, and even whole television programs dedicated to the latest Presidential Election. I know people of all political stripes and opinions who are members of the Church. Most of them were supporters of Mitt Romney, to varying degrees of dedication. Then I know Rob Tabor, a friend who I met as a fellow missionary in South Carolina. With others he started the groups Mormons for Obama and Mormon Democratic Alliance. Then I know several members who decided that even though Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were the only candidates who would get any airtime they were going to vote Third Party. Through the amazing social science observation tool called Facebook, I was able to observe their arguments, sometimes rather heated, about politics. Now that the elections are thankfully over I felt impressed to talk about unity in the Gospel. In October 2008 General Conference, President Henry B. Eyring suggests some ways that we can be united as members of the Church. The ‘Proclamation to the World on the Family’ states that family is essential to the Plan. Doctrine and Covenants 131: 1-2 says, “In the Celestial Glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood (meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage) . . . “ Having not reached that particular checkpoint, I don’t have much to say about it. But having watched various members of this ward in their marriages has given me some ideas in how to proceed once I get there. For example, putting Christ first is an essential part of marriage. When King Benjamin called together his people in Mosiah chapter 2, it was noted that each family set up their tent with the door towards the temple. Logistically this was so they could hear and see King Benjamin when he was speaking. Beyond that there was spiritual symbolism. On every temple in use the words ‘The House of the Lord’ are inscribed above the door. The temple is Christ’s house, and in a special way it represents the Savior. When a couple bases their marriage on the Savior then anything that comes up can be overcome. I’ve never met any two people who agree on every single detail of life, but if a couple continually strives to follow the commandments they can be successful. I remember President Hinckley talking about Sister Hinckley after she died. He said, “In school she was the girl of my dreams, we spent our married life walking side by side, neither one or the other ahead or behind. Now, she has again become the girl of my dreams.” It is the middle of that sentence that really caught my attention. Even though some claims have been made about radical patriarchy in the Church, our prophet said that he and his wife were equal partners in their marriage. In the last General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was giving a talk about repentance. He had not mentioned marriage at all when he all of the sudden said, “I love you Jeannine!” He then went on to the rest of his talk about repentance. I have never heard a General Authority talk bad about his wife, and on the flip side I have never heard a wife of one speak ill of him. The start of practicing unity in the home is the best way to be able to extend it outside to the rest of the world. Several places in the scriptures command the church to get together to fast and pray often. The Savior gave this command when he visited the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. 3 Nephi 18:22 And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not; Jesus tells the Nephite Twelve Apostles that they should not have contention in relation to the name of the Church or the doctrine. Since Christ and His prophets and apostles are our leaders, we need to resist the temptation to be prideful towards others. Alma the Elder mentioned the command. “And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church. … “And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets. “Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people. “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. “And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God.” (Mosiah 18:17-22) We can become more unified by doing service to others, both in and out of the Church. In his talk, President Eyring mentions world leaders who have praised the Church for their humanitarian efforts. Recently, several newspapers ran stories about the Church’s response after Hurricane Sandy. But large-scale service, although good to do, is not necessary. We need not wait for a hurricane, the Big Earthquake, or some other horrible calamity to occur before we do service. Little jobs and opportunities are continually surrounding us with opportunities to serve. During the best Sacrament meeting of the year the Primary gave us examples of service they have done, such as cleaning their room, the house, helping with a baby brother or sister, or being nice. As a start everyone can be nice to others. To our brothers and sisters not of our faith we can extend the service of inviting them to hear about the Gospel. I’ll admit I am not the best member missionary. Since I got home from serving full time I have found it hard to talk to nonmembers. I was always nervous even with the suit and nametag, when the person I was talking to knew what I wanted. But we can all start somewhere by praying and asking the Lord to put missionary situations in our path. It worked in South Carolina, why not in the South Bay? It all depends on a testimony of the Gospel and of Christ’s Atonement. “The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose, I will not, I will not, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”the last verse of “How Firm A Foundation” Hymn 85. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A response to the Sept. 11 attacks in Benghazi and after affects

On September 11, 2001, eleven years ago, were the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It was the first time I had consciously heard of terrorists. I had heard of acts like the attack on the U.S.S. Cole and the Oklahoma City Bombing, but this was the first time I had heard the notion that there were actual organizations that were dedicated to the practice. That newfound fact has not left me since that day. Now there are new fires being flamed in the Middle East and North Africa. Although not on American Soil there have been American lives lost. In Benghazi, Libya, the American Embassy was stormed and the American Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other embassy staff were killed. There have been other riots in Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan and other mostly Muslim countries. The "reason" at first given for the riots is that Muhammed, whom Muslims regard as a prophet from God, was supposedly blasphemed in a movie made by an Eqyptian national living in the United States. Now, let me make this very clear: I do NOT approve of slanderous and false attacks against some other religion or religious person. If somebody made a movie falsely accusing Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, or President Monson of wrongdoing, and it has been done many times, I would not be very happy. But I would not go and start rioting or kill someone. I don't expect the Muslim world to take this sitting down. Muhammed is important to them, and he should be respected. Since that time new information has been shown that the attack on the Benghazi American Consolate was preplanned, possibly by al-Qaeda. The Libyan President, Mohammed Magarief is leading an investigation by Libyan officials into the attack and have discovered that the attack was pre-planned (Libyan president: Benghazi attack was a ‘preplanned act of terrorism’ Yahoo News.) Of course this should have been evident at the outset. The attackers used RPGs in the attack. Private citizens of pretty much any country may have guns, including rather powerful ones like sniper rifles or M-16s. Grenade launchers are another story. The former dictator of Libya, Moammar Qaddafi, would have wanted to consolidate power and letting his subjects have high powered firearms probably would not have been encouraged. To use the words of a European dictator of a different era, Josef Stalin, "We don't let our citizens have ideas, why would we let them have guns." Another point would be that while guns may be relatively cheap, rocket propelled grenade launchers would probably be expensive. I can't imagine ordinary citizens having the money to buy them. The arms dealers who have them would ask too high of a price. Of course, all of this is pure speculation. The Libyans DID just win independence from Qaddafi. That is still a mystery to me, unless the army helped. It was recently reported that one of the rebels that captured the late dictator has died in France. He was attacked, kidnapped, and beaten along with a few friends by loyalists to the old regime. After he escaped or was rescued (Death of Libyan rebel who captured Qaddafi raises calls for vengeance, Associated Press.) Some American leaders, Such as Senator Rand Paul, are suggesting that we cut foreign aid to countries that have rioting. I'm not convinced that is a good plan of action. If we do that the people who are inciting these anti-American riots, over a video that is not the entire country's fault no less, could pull even more people into their grasp and way of thinking. They could say, "See all you people who thought that the Americans cared? They took all that money away from us. Not only do they disrespect our religion, nowthey want to ostracize us from the world through sanctions." Besides, President Magarief is looking for the perpetrators. Sanctions go against an entire country. If our government goes against the new government of Libya then we would be choking off a friendly entity. I'm pretty sure the point of diplomacy is to get as many friends as possible. Even if the government were not on our side sanctions hurt the common people the most. As has been discussed before, the riots, planned to be carried out on the anniversary of the original September 11 attacks, were led by influential individuals. The attacks were orchestrated by people with money and prestige. Sanctions don't hurt them because they already have everything they have. I am not suggesting we go to war in all those countries, with basically the entire Muslim world. Blood for blood, mass slaughter on both sides, will not solve the problems that culminated in the death of Chris Stevens. The best we can do is remember him for the man he was. One person in Lybia noted that Ambassador Stevens, "Loved Benghazi and the Libyan people. He was a hero during the revolution," referencing when the Libyans overthrew Moamar Qaddafi. There were more Libyans who came and held a vigil in Ambassador Stevens' honor than participated in the attack. We should work with those people, along with President Magarief. If al-Qaeda was involved in the Libyan attack then let the FBI, CIA, Interpol, and the good people in the Middle Eastern governments deal with them. This time in history is a battle for the soul of the human family. Good people need to unite from all over the world. Only then can evil be overcome. http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/africa/video-memorial-for-us-ambassador-in-libya http://news.yahoo.com/photos/libyans-denounce-acts-of-terrorism-slideshow/

Talk for Sunday, July 19, 2012

When I was moving back to California from Idaho I was excited since I had not gone on a long road trip by myself before. As I was driving past Preston, Idaho near the Utah border, a deer crossed in front of the road in front of my car. Deer are generally considered dainty creatures, delicate and graceful. This buck, however, had definitely been working out. As I rather hurriedly put on the brakes I noticed every detail about it. The muscles rippled under its sleek brown coat. Although still covered in velvet, each antler had five very impressive points. And instead of running across the road, the buck was rather calmly walking across the road. My little Corolla didn’t bother it in the slightest. Most of us know to avoid the bear sized sins. We’re not likely to murder someone, or commit armed robbery. But what about those sins that from a distance don’t really LOOK all that dangerous. On a hill a football field away I may have thought, “oh look! Bambi’s dad!” Going to a private party where everyone else is drinking may not seem like a big deal. But then comes the decision: Do I put on the breaks, or do I fall to the guy standing next to me who keeps saying that, “One drink won’t hurt you. It’s wine, you’d have class, my friend.” If I do drink my glass of wine, will I be able to resist that very attractive lady that is motioning towards the dance floor as they start playing one of my favorite songs. Who knows what will happen after the song. Wouldn’t it have been better if I had called up the girl and gone on a date that didn’t involve alcohol and private residences in the first place? The best thing to do is avoid these situations in the first place. Two stories from the scriptures illustrate how to proceed when confronted with temptation. In chapter 6 of Nehemiah, Nehemiah and his men are rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Three leaders of an enemy people come and ask him to come and visit them at the bottom of the wall. Nehemiah however does not do what they ask but replies in verse 3, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” The leaders come four more times and say the same thing. Nehemiah refuses them all four times. By the end of the chapter the wall of Jerusalem is rebuilt. In chapter 11 of Alma in The Book of Mormon, Alma and Amulek are preaching the gospel in Ammonihah. As Amulek is teaching, a wicked man named Zeezrom offers him some money if he will deny that Heavenly Father is real. Amulek explains that, “the righteous yieldeth to no such temptation.” (Alma 11:23) In each case the righteous men had already made the decision to resist sin when it came. Being ready to withstand temptation is a daily job. Having the Gift of the Holy Ghost with us every day will aid us in withstanding temptation. At the start of every day, say a prayer. The Savior taught that whatsoever a person would ask that was right he or she would receive it. The Savior also taught that we should never cease to pray in our hearts. When we always have a prayer in our hearts we will open our hearts and minds to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The eighth Article of Faith states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” Within the pages of the scriptures are words that contain the impressions of the Holy Ghost for all of us. It is essential for me to read the scriptures daily. With what appears to be undiagnosed ADD and a rather flighty and active imagination it can be difficult for me to tell the difference between a spiritual prompting and my own thoughts. As a rather voracious reader I can quiet my brain down with a book in my hand, and thus as I feast from the pages of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, I can receive my instructions from the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith was correct when he said that The Book of Mormon could get a man closer to God, than by any other book. President Hinckley said that as we read from The Book of Mormon our ability to withstand temptation would increase (April 2005 General Conference.) Eventually I have to put up the scriptures and get to my day. As I go about the various activities I can see how the morning prayer and scripture reading helps me. At some point in the day some temptation or reason to transgress will present itself. But having already invited the Holy Ghost as a companion for that day I have the strength to reject the temptation. Although it is best to avoid it none of us are perfect and eventually we commit a sin, however slight it may seem. When a sin is committed repentance is needed. In the scriptures there are several good examples of repentant people. After seeing an angel and being in a coma for three days Alma repented. Lamoni and his father also had similar experiences after being overcome with the Spirit. For most people angels and three-day comas are not part of the program. Corianton, one of Alma’s sons needed to repent. He had a talk with his Priesthood leader, his father. After he understood in faith what he had done was wrong he was forgiven. Other examples in the scriptures involve personal humbling and prayers for forgiveness. This is where the most exciting and most important part of the Gospel comes to light. The Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross for us. He died and was resurrected, all for us. Although we may sin, big and small every day, He has covered our sins with His blood when we show active faith in Him. Each of us should gain for ourselves a testimony that what He wants for us is the best thing to do. Jesus himself showed this humility when despite the pain He was going through in Gethsemane, He bowed to the will of our Father in Heaven when the Atoning One said, “Father, if Thou be willing remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done.” (Luke 22:42) Although He was in pain from what He was being asked to do, Jesus did what the Father asked of Him. In our lives we may miss out on fun things, we may lose people we love, but if we follow the Savior’s example then in the end we will hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful unto a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter into the joy of thy Lord.”(Matthew 25: 21, 23) Through repentance and the Atonement we can be blessed and given more than we could imagine while in our mortal condition. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Skiing and the Gospel

This evening the Pocatello Young Single Adult 2nd Stake put together a ski trip for the evening. I went, thinking, oh skiing looks fun. To put it lightly I spent the majority of the time on my rear end in the snow. I made a goal that I needed to make it to the bottom of the hill so that I could take a ride on the ski lift back to the lodge. But I was only going about 5 to 10 feet and then falling over. I kept on thinking about taking the skis off and just going back to the lodge. But I knew I really wanted to take that ride on the ski lift. So here I was, stuck on the side of a mountain, not even able to stand up correctly. But 3 guys who were obviously very good skiers came and helped me up and gave me some tips. Then Bishop Johnson came and said he would help me and give me a ski lesson. It still took about another half hour for me to get down the rest of the hill, but I made it. Sometimes leaning on Bishop Johnson, and falling over occasionally, we made it to the ski lift at the bottom of the hill. I got my ride. I kept on apologizing for taking up his time, but he wouldn't hear of it. Even though I am sure he could have made a number of ski runs in the time it took me to get down that hill, Bishop Johnson said he wanted to make sure I had a good time.
Now for the Gospel application, if it isn't obvious already. I was stuck on that hill. I had a goal to make it to the ski lift and get a ride. In life I have a goal to make it back to my Heavenly Father's presence in the Celestial Kingdom. But I am "stuck sitting in the snow on a ski slope" as it were. Bishop Johnson is too humble of a guy to admit it, but he was the perfect example of Christ in this story. He helped me up when I fell, gave me tips, and let me lean on him when I was out of breath. But he would not let me quit. I really wanted to go back to the lodge, but he knew how much better it would be if I got to the bottom and got on the ski lift. He knew my goal and was going to encourage me. Christ knows that I want, and need, to go back to live with Him and the Father, but He also knows that I can't do it alone. Bishop Johnson took his ski trip helping me down the slope. Christ gave his life so I could return to the presence of the Father and the Son. He lived a perfect life! He didn't have to suffer and die, but He did. Jesus knows that getting Home is the best thing for us. So to Him the most anguishing pain anyone has ever felt was worth it. If I, or you, were the only person to have ever come down to earth, Christ would have still suffered the Atonement. We need Him. We need to love Him. And I do.