In the Dark of the Night - The Devil is Waiting for YOU

What does it take for the Devil to find you??

In the 'Dark of the Night', your guard is lowered and then you DIE!!!

Spiritual Death is much more frightening to me than Physical Death.  Spiritual Death includes, but is not limited to, Separation from God, not Feeling the Spirit, and Ignorance of the Gospel.

Satan is probably everyone's worst nightmare.  He is not a 'corpse falling to bits', but he is rather creepy.  I prefer not to talk about him much, as it is better to focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, but occasionally we need to address who we fight against.

Rasputin claims that "[he] was once the most mystical man in all Russia", and that "when the Royals betrayed [him] they made a mistake."

However, as Rasputin is the villain, or 'Devils Character', and represents Satan, doesn't that mean he betrayed them?

"For thou hast said in thine heart,

I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:"

-- Isaiah 14:13

God's firstborn Son is Christ, who is King of Kings.  These may be considered the 'Royals'.

Satan who was a 'Son of the Morning' (Isaiah 14:12) sought to be higher than God.  In this he turned against God in open Rebellion.  Then he and those who willing chose to follow him were cast out.

His curse has made each of us pay.  We must go through mortality which is strewn with uncomfortable things and simply bad happenings.  However through Christ we are able to overcome these things.  The payment is a Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit. (Psalms 34:18)

Rasputin states that Terror is the 'Least he can Do'.  Satan is there to terrify us so that we feel incapable of approaching God and asking for forgiveness.  The least he will do is try to make us afraid of what might happen if we do accept the Gospel.  However Fear is in direct opposition to Faith, which is taught by Christ.

Through Faith we can know that even if those around us don't approve of our actions and choices, at least God does.

"Here is a Sign, It's the End of the Line"

Can Satan really give 'Signs'?  Yes, but through Prayer we may detect those who are Sent from God, and those who are not.

"Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

-- Matthew 7:15, 3 Nephi 14:15

"Praying always with all prayer

and supplication in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto with all perseverance

and supplication for all saints;"

-- Ephesians 6:18

"Pray always,

that you may come off conqueror;

yea, that you may conquer Satan,

and that you may escape the hands

of the servants of Satan

that do uphold his work."

-- Doctrine and Covenants 10:5

"Pray Always", so that you will not be taken captive by the Devil 'In the Dark of the Night'.

Tarzan - Strangers Like Me

To continue from yesterdays Tarzan, we shall discuss how we are all alike, even when we can seem strange to others.

"there so much to Learn"

There is much to learn about Life, the Universe, and Everything.  However the answer is not 42, the answer is 'The Gospel'.

"It's all so Close, and Yet so Far"

Many people believe in Christ, but they all have their own way of expressing that Belief or Faith.  But the Bible says, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism". (Ephesians 4:5)  But if there is only 'One Way' to return to live with our Heavenly Father, then why are there so many different Denominations?

It is because of the Great Apostasy, or Falling Away. (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3)  So all of these Denominations have come so Close to having the Truth in its Fullness, but they are Far enough away that they don't realize it.

There is something Bigger out there.  Do you want to Know?  Do you want me to Show you?

"But behold,

if ye will awake and arouse your faculties [make an effort],

even to an experiment upon my words,

and exercise a particle of faith,

yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe,

let this desire work in you,

even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place

for a portion of my words."

-- Alma 32:27

I can tell you more, and I will show you.  But first you must have a Willing Heart.

When Clayton becomes frustrated he makes an excellent point about the Gospel.  If we spend all our time on what We want, but it is not the pursuit of Truth and increased Knowledge, which is what the Lord wants, then we are putting our spiritual life at risk.  As he states, the 'boat' could arrive any day, and we should ask questions Straight Out, or Without Reservation.

Give a Question in the Comments, or go to LDS.org and MORMON.org for a greater understanding of the Gospel.

Son of Man

Sometimes we don't see our own potential.

But if we do our best to do what the Lord has planned for us, we can do things that have never been done before.

Tarzan was having a bad day.  We all have bad days sometimes.

Sometimes I have

But, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:8)

Once Tarzan learns that he is the same on the inside as everyone else, he does everything he can to prove his worth to Kerchak.

Sure he has a few mistakes there in the beginning, but as he grows he learns how to be more efficient and also gains more Strength.  Likewise must we start out by acting on Faith, and then grow until we have a Strong Testimony of the Gospel.

"I have fed you with milk,

and not with meat:

for hitherto ye were not able to bear it,

neither yet now are ye able."
-- 1 Corinthians 3:2

A particular set of Lyrics for the clip is, "Son of Man, LOOK TO THE SKY."

Where are we to find the Son of Man?  The Lord addresses Ezekiel as 'son of man' (such as Ezekiel 37:16), but this is lower case and designates the mortality of Ezekiel.  THE Son of Man has ascended to Heaven, and we shall need to Look to the Sky if we are to find Him.  Perhaps the Sky should be herein considered as a Symbol of the Scriptures.

"Which also said, Ye men of Galilee,

why stand ye gazing up into heaven?

this same Jesus,

which is taken up from you into heaven,

shall so come in like manner

as ye have seen him go into heaven."

-- Acts 1:11

Next set of Lyrics to evaluate, "Lift your Spirit, Set it FREE."

We all know, 'Freedom comes with a Price.'  What is the Price of Spiritual Freedom?  And How do we 'Lift our Spirit?

Much as the laws of the land are there to keep us safe physically, the Laws of God are there only to keep us safe Spiritually.  You wouldn't want to be going 112 miles an hour and have an unexpected sharp turn, so the posted speed limit is going to be something like 35-45 miles an hour for your safety.  Sometimes this Law, or Commandment, is uncomfortable.  However, if we choose not to follow it, the consequence could turn out with us badly hurt.

The same is true Spiritually, if we Choose not to obey one of God's Commandments, then we will have to deal with the consequence of our actions.  Doing drugs limits our ability to make other choices.  Having Inappropriate Sexual Relations with anyone results in shame, guilt, and diseases.  There are many blessings which we do not receive if we do not keep the Sabbath day Holy. (Leviticus 26:1-13)

If we Keep the Commandments of God, we the Serpent comes after us he will not have power to harm us, and we will be able to be a blessing to others around us.

"The purpose of the gospel is to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature."

-- David O. McKay

In essence, the Gospel of Christ intends for us to BECOME, more like Christ.

Do what Christ has taught, and

"A [son of] Man in Time You'll BE."

My Dad is . . . AWESOME!!

Today I want to brag about my family.  Mostly just my dad.  Within my family there are contained four women, and two men.  That means three sisters, mom and dad, and then me.  I usually never got anything I wanted at the store because I was the youngest and the only boy.  When we would rent a movie, it was almost guaranteed to be a chick flick, because three older sisters will always out-whine a single younger brother.  My dad was usually working late all the time so I didn't get a whole lot of backup either.  But that is just fine now, I can quote most of those movies better than my sisters.   ;)

However, as the years went by, my dad got a different job.  I got myself a job.  Then I went to college.  Then dad lost his job.  Then I came home from college.  Then me and my dad were home together all the time.  Almost everyday.  So we started doing more stuff together.  We went golfing.  I proceeded to lose somewhere about ten golf balls in the same spot, a water hazard, on a single same hole, which was only about ten feet away, all trying to tee off. (I think it was hole 3.)

Then we decided that golfing would be expensive.  So we started doing things we already had at home.  I had some video games, and we started playing them together.  Dad found a game that he enjoyed, so we started playing.  I have a lot more experience in gaming than he does, but I would teach him how to do different things and mix up the strategy he was using so he wouldn't be so predictable.  I thought that I was the teacher and he was under me.  I was wrong.  Not until months later did I realize that he was teaching me to be a good dad.  True he had been gone most of when I was growing up trying to make money to support the family.  But when he finally had time to spend with me, he found a small interest in something I enjoyed that he could do with me.

Although my dad only ever won about 5% (maybe less) of the games we played, I know that he had fun because he was playing with me, His son.  Although he really didn't know what he was doing, and I frequently had to let him win, he was happy being able to spend time with me.  I also enjoyed my time with him.

This picture is from snorkeling in New Zealand...I'm the scrawny one, standing by my dad.

I know that the family is there for us to learn from.  Not only do we have our best friends within our own family, but the family also contains the best teachers.  No one other than my dad will ever be able to teach me about being a dad, and only I could teach him gaming.

So it is with our eternal family.  My Father in Heaven is the only one who can truly teach me about Himself.  These teachings come from the Spirit, but I have to make time to listen to Him, and learn from Him.  This applies to everyone.  Old or young, male or female, bond or free, none of these matter.  I know from experience, both temporal and spiritual, that we must look to our Father if we want to go anywhere.

Ninja Turtles - Unity

     I am a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  One of my friends once nicknamed me 'Ninja Turtle'.  His nickname was 'Ninja Penguin'.

But have you ever wondered why the Ninja Turtles always defeated the Foot?  Or why the Shredder never seemed to have the upper hand?

First off, it was a movie, and the good guys almost always win.  The part that I wish to point out is that the Ninja Turtles were UNIFIED in the fight against evil.

So many times I see people arguing and fighting over something when the real problem isn't "who is right and who is wrong", the problem is "Who needs help?"  It doesn't matter if you think you have a better solution to the problem, if the other guy has an option hear him out and see if it works.

(Pay attention to what Shredder says between 3:40 and 3:50)

The Godhead is unified even though they are separate and distinct individuals.  This is because each member of the Godhead is working towards the same goal.

We all have differnt Skills, Talents, and Abilities.  Just like each of the Turtles uses a different type of weapon to fight against evil, a staff, swords, and nunchucks, so too might we use our "several Ability" (Matthew 25:15) to help others "come unto Christ and be Perfected in Him". (Moroni 10:32)

So next time you feel like arguing about how something should be done, try listening to what the other person has to say before concluding that they are wrong.  Always remember that we are to be Unified, which does not mean that we have to do the same thing as everyone else, but that we work for the beneift of the whole and not just ourselves.  We must always have the same purpose in mind. 

The Lord has said, "If ye are not one, Ye are not mine."

Doctrine and Covenants 38:27

Smile, your Heavenly Father is watching out for you.

Isaiah 52:12

Mommy Prays - and Teaches Me

I wish to Honor my Mom today...

In the Book of Mormon, there is an account of 2000 young men who join the army during a particularly dangerous war.  Their fathers had made an oath and covenat not to take up weapons ever again, and so they could not go themselves to defend their family.  These sons knew the oath that their fathers had taken and chose to go themselves to protect their parents.

On the battle field their Commander, Helaman, asked if they would go against an army that had been chasing after them, knowing that that army was larger than them.  The Humble and Faithful 'Stripling Warriors' Gave their response based on what their parents, particularly their Mothers, had taught them.

"Father (Helaman), behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go,"

-- Alma 56:46

"And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

-- Alma 56:48

I also know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church here on Earth.  My mommy taught me to Pray when I was very young, and now that I am old I know that I can talk with my Heavenly Father whenever I need to, and that He will give answers to my Prayers.

What would i do Without my Mom?

Without my Mom, i would not be here.

Because of Mom, i have no Fear.

Without my Mom, i would be dumb.

Because of Mom, i don't suck my thumb.

Without my Mom, i get upset.

Because of Mom, i get a pet.

Without my Mom, i am confused.

Because of Mom, i watch the news.

Without my Mom, i would probably die.

Because of Mom, i don't get high.

Without my Mom, i wouldn't pray.

Because of Mom, i know the way.

Without my Mom, i would be lost.

To lose my Mom, is too high a cost.

I LOVE YOU MOMMY!!!

Joseph Smith : Prophet of the Restoration

This is one of my favorite movies.  The Bible speaks of the "restitution of all things."(Acts 3:21)  The Bible also says that there would be a general or great Apostasy, or a "falling away."(2 Thessalonians 2:3)

In Ezekiel 37 The Lord speaks to His Prophet of two books of Scripture, the Stick of Judah and the Stick of Ephraim.  The Stick of Judah is the Bible, because it was written by the Jews.

What then is the Stick of Ephraim?

What book of Scripture did the tribe of Ephraim write?

The Stick of Ephraim is the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon was written upon the American continent.

The Book of Mormon was brought forth in modern times by a Prophet of God.

The Book of Mormon was Translated by the Gift and Power of God.

This movie is a depiction of what Joseph Smith went through in order to restore the Church to the Earth.

ENJOY

Click HERE for a free copy of the Book of Mormon

Armor of God - Two of Six - Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate of Righteousness is the second piece of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6.

The breastplate covers your vital organs, protecting the heart and lungs.  It also stretches down to cover your stomach and sides, which are considered 'soft spots' on the body because they have no bones and they bleed much more than other wounds.

Righteousness is the continual act of choosing good over evil, and to always be looking for a way to serve others.  Part of this is simply keeping the Commandments, while it also includes being a good person.

There is much more Spiritually protective power in doing what is right because we want to, not just for the reward.

As the breastplate protects our heart, we must have our heart 'in the right place' or we will find that the breastplate isn't going to protect us the way it was intended to.


NEXT POST : Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

Armor of God - One of Six - Loins Girt with Truth

Truth is an interesting word that many people are not interested in.

To have your loins 'girt' means that you have all the excess clothing on the bottom half of your body, wrapped up in your 'girdle', or belt.

Having your robe or cloak girded in this fashion makes it so you can run faster without tripping yourself, and also enables you to do regular chores and other work without obstruction.  This increased ability and range of motion would be much desired on the battle field.

The girdle is also where the bottom of your breastplate latches, and your sword hangs on the side of the girdle.  If your girdle is not 'true' at all times you might find your other pieces of armor to slip out of place, or your sword to fall off unexpectedly.  This would not be something you want to happen while you are fighting a war.

This girding of the loins with truth is the first piece of armor mentioned in the Armor of God, and without it everything else wouldn't truly work the way they were intended to.


NEXT POST : Breastplate of Righteousness

How do I 'Digivolve' Myself ? ?

We all have different stages of growth.  We learn things as we go through life and they help us to deal with things we will face in the future.  Without learning and growing from trials we simply get frustrated and worried when faced with new obstacles.

This is a clip from Digimon, a show I loved growing up.

Patamon Digivolves into Angemon, and Angemon Digivolves into MagnaAngemon.

Out of all the Digimon of the First season Patamon was the last to Digivolve.  This is because he wasn't sure about what would happen when he did.  Only after he learned that he needed to in order to protect others was he willing to do it, and that willingness to serve is what gave him the strength to Digivolve.

Later on he learns an extra Digi-evolution and Digivolves into MagnaAngemon.  This would be impossible without going through some kind of test to make him stronger.

Just as steel is stronger when it is forged and put through the fire, so to must we each pass through a Spiritual Fire and grow from our trials.  (Numbers 31:23)

By learning from our trials we will be strengthened and increase our capacity to endure, and 'Digivolve' ourselves into a greater ability of obedience to the Commandments of the Gospel.

Some of My Favorite Scriptures

"And this Zeezrom began to question Amulek, saying: Will ye answer me a few questions which I shall ask you? Now Zeezrom was a man who was expert in the devices of the devil, that he might destroy that which was good; therefore, he said unto Amulek: Will ye answer the questions which I shall put unto you?

And Amulek said unto him: Yea, if it be according to the Spirit of the Lord, which is in me; for I shall say nothing which is contrary to the Spirit of the Lord. And Zeezrom said unto him: Behold, here are six onties of silver, and all these will I give thee if thou wilt deny the existence of a Supreme Being.

Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me? Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?

Believest thou that there is no God? I say unto you, Nay, thou knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more than him.

And now thou hast lied before God unto me. Thou saidst unto me—Behold these six onties, which are of great worth, I will give unto thee—when thou hadst it in thy heart to retain them from me; and it was only thy desire that I should deny the true and living God, that thou mightest have cause to destroy me. And now behold, for this great evil thou shalt have thy reward."

-- Alma 11:21-25

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

-- 2 Nephi 2:27

"And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct."

-- Alma 60:27

How to Unlearn Things

I want to be a U.S. Marshal.  This means I have a very firm mindset.  I know exactly what I need to do and then I do it.  It leaves very little room for error, and I often tell others what bothers me.   In order to do what I want, I must first become who I want to be.

Unlearning a way of thinking is often very difficult, possibly the most difficult thing anyone would ever do.  With something that is hard physically, you simply go work out and build up strength until you can accomplish the task.  But when your obstacle is Mental you must be able to break it down, and yet not remove the wall.

Black Wall

I have wondered . . . How is it possible to build a Blue wall in the place of a Black wall without removing the Black wall?

Blue Wall

Then a good friend helped me to see that the wall doesn't have to be all one color.  Both colors can be part of the wall.  So all I have to do is figure out which bricks need replaced from the Black, and then remove it and insert a Blue brick.

"And according to his faith 

there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. 

Behold I say unto you that this is all true."

-- Alma 5:12

Knowing what to do is only the beginning, the actually doing it takes time and effort to change not only the way you act, but also the way you think.  Rethinking things and changing your mind is usually not all that difficult, but having a permanent change in how you see things is often a very hard struggle.

Black Wall with Blue Brick 'upgrades'

"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, 

if ye have experienced a change of heart, 

and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, 

I would ask, can ye feel so now?"

-- Alma 5:26

I have one year left on my Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In that time I hope to assimilate all the Blue bricks I need to in order to make my wall balanced as it should be.

"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, 

have ye spiritually been born of God? 

Have ye received his image in your countenances? 

Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"

-- Alma 5:14

"The bricks are fallen down, 

but we will build with hewn stones; 

the sycamores are cut down, 

but we will change them into cedars."

-- 2 Nephi 19:10

Friends - Isn't that Everyone

So I have thought a lot lately about friends, and who my friends should be.  When Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was He answered to Love God and to Love others.

So what does it take to truly love someone?

I think it takes more than just being nice, and saying hi to them when you feel like it.  Being a true friend means you do whatever you can to help them.  True love is intended to last throughout the Eternities.

One of my friends told me that this was her favorite scripture.

"Thy friends do stand by thee, 

and they shall hail thee again 

with warm hearts and friendly hands."

-- Doctrine and Covenants 121:9

Sometimes we just need to remember that even though things don't turn out the way we wanted them to, Heavenly Father loves each one one us and wants what is best for us.  If we want what is best for those around us we will always be doing that which is right in the sight of God.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; 

that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings 

ye are only in the service of your God."

-- Mosiah 2:17

So if we serve each other, we find more joy and happiness, plus we are serving God.  Charity is the Pure Love of Christ.  (Moroni 7:47)

Always remember,

"Thou art not yet as Job; 

thy friends do not contend against thee, 

neither charge thee with transgression, 

as they did Job."

-- Doctrine and Covenants 121:10

We always seem to think we have it the worst, but the Lord knows each of us and will not allow us to be confronted with anything we can't handle. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  Someone else has been through something worse, and they made it out ok.

"Be strong and of a good courage; 

be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: 

for the Lord thy God is with thee 

whithersoever thou goest."

-- Joshua 1:9

The Siberian Tiger is a symbol of Courage to me.

Fire Bending - It's a Talent

"And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one;

to every man according to his ability"

-- Matthew 25:15

I am a Fire Bender. 

Just in case any of you are unfamiliar with what that actually means, I shall try to explain.  Avatar The Last Airbender is a cartoon based in a world where people can manipulate, or Bend, the four elements of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.  Each nation has individuals that can Bend that specific element, but the Avatar can Bend all four elements. 

Airbending is the aerokinetic ability to control and manipulate currents of air.

Waterbending is the hydrokinetic ability to control water, as well as its many forms.

Earthbending is the geokinetic ability to manipulate earth and rock, in all its various forms.

However I said that I was a FireBender.

Firebending is the pyrokinetic ability to create and control fire.

Fire is the element of power, consisting of overpowering force tempered by the unflinching will to accomplish tasks and desires.  Firebending is the most dangerous of the four Bending elements.  Firebending represents energy and life, not rage and anger. 

Fire is also a symbol of Power.  The Holy Ghost is represented as a Baptism of Fire, being the Power that cleanses your Spirit.

"Then he called his twelve disciples together,

and gave them power and authority

over all devils, and to cure diseases."

-- Luke 9:1

" I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"

-- Matthew 3:11

Firebenders use their internal body heat as a source of their bending.  Firebending power comes not from physical size nor strength, but rather from the very control of one's breath.  In order to Firebend properly, one must have "inner fire", or a drive and purpose in what they do.

So you are probably wondering, How does someone learn to Firebend?  Most people learn from their father or other close family member.  Some learn from an instructor.  Others learn from ancient Firebending Scrolls.


This is a Firebending Scroll.

These Firebending Scrolls are like the Scriptures.  They are a record of how to Firebend, written by someone who learned from a Dragon, the original Firebenders.  Much like the Prophets and Apostles writting about their interaction with God.



These are two dragons, Firebending Masters, teaching Zuko and Aang.



Learning from a Master helps us to understand exactly what you should use your Bending for, and increases our abilities.  Much like the Apostles learning from Christ.

By reading the Scriptures, and praying to our Heavenly Father, we can each find how we should be using our own Bending element to better serve others.  We have been given talents, and we need to use those talents or they will be taken from us. (Matthew 25:25-28)

Read the Scriptures and learn of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Then Pray and let the Master teach you how to use that knowledge in helping others.

Firebending is one of those things that I enjoy, and so I do the best I can in warming up others on a cold day.



Me and My Dad - Live to Learn

I have learned a lot from growing up.  I didn't always want to learn anything, but my Dad taught me somewhat whenever we did anything together. (1 Nephi 1:1) What I gained the most is what I need to do in order to survive the trials that come after me all the time.

So this is me and my Dad.  He is teaching me the ways of the master chess player.  He is also teaching me the ways of life.  I think I was losing at this point, but that would depend on what losing is.

Losing to me is not learning from what you did wrong last time.

Losing to me is not being happy that you got to play the game in the first place.

Losing to me is not playing again just because the other guy is better than you.

WINNING on the other hand, is when I would intentionally get every piece killed off without putting my King in jeopardy, just because Dad took my Queen on his third move.

WINNING is saying, "Dad you're better than Me, but I am going to play anyway."

WINNING is when the conversation goes something like this...

"I beat you." - Dad
"I took your Queen." - Me
"Queen doesn't matter if you don't protect the King." - Dad
"So, maybe he was a stupid King and I wanted you to destroy his entire army and take him out of power because he didn't do his job right." - Me
"I still beat you." - Dad
"So, I got rid of the stupid King so now I get a Smart King and then I can beat you." - Me

That is a WINNING conversation in my book.

While I was growing up me and my Dad played chess all the time.  I remember one day we were supposed to be fixing the sprinklers in the backyard but we took about 4 hours and eat Sandwiches, play chess, and watch M*A*S*H.  Mom was a little less excited when she got home and nothing was done, but me and Dad were happy because we spent time doing something we enjoyed.

I also remember times in school when the only way I knew how to explain something was through chess.  If it didn't have something to do with taking out that guy in order to move in on the King then it didn't matter.  Everything I ever used I had learned from my Dad.

About a year ago, before my mission, me and my Dad started playing Starcraft together.  Almost every morning I would get up, eat breakfast, and turn on the computer to get on FaceBook.  After about 20 or 30 minutes, I would hear almost the exact same thing,

"READY TO DIE?" - Dad
"Sure." - Me

We would then play Starcraft for about 4 hours, and then go do chores.  My Dad should probably stick to chess, because playing 4-5 rounds of Starcraft a day, for about 2 months, he only ever 'won' about 30 games, while I 'won' about 200 games.

However my Dad won every single time to me.  Even though the game said he lost because I had killed off all his little army dudes, he never stopped playing with me.  He was always ready to say, "you cheated, do it again", even when he knew I didn't cheat he was alwasy trying to learn how I was beating him.

So as long as you learn from what you fail at, you never fail at all.  You never 'lose' if you 'Won' some knowledge.

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ,

we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ,

and we write according to our prophecies,

that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

-- 2 Nephi 25:26

This is what I have learned from My Dad.

Armor of God -- Fight for Your Life

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"

-- Ephesians 6:10-17

Loins girt about with Truth.  In Biblical times to 'Gird up your Loins' would be to wrap the bottom of you cloak into your belt, and by doing so you would be more able to move about and perform the days labor.  You really don't want your clothing to limit your movement in battle.

The Breastplate of Righteousness.  The Breastplate covers your Heart and Lungs, as well as other vital organs.  When the scriptures say that in the last days, "men's hearts shall fail them", (Luke 21:26) it is because they do not have their Breastplate protecting them.  Your Righteousness, which is your diligent obedience to the Commandments of God, will protect you from having your heart fail you.

Feet Shod with Preparation of the Gospel.  When the Hebrews were 'Preparing' to leave Egypt they were told to eat the Passover.  This was done with their Shoes on their feet and their staff in hand, and you ate while standing.  This is because even though they had not yet received permission to leave Egypt, they were planning on going somewhere.

Whenever I go home for anything my Mommy always gets frustrated with me because I never take my jacket off.  This has several reasons behind it, but the first and foremost reason is because I like having my jacket on, even in the middle of the summer.  Then there are the reasons that are actually logical, like my jacket is somewhat a safety object and i am more comfortable around people when I am wearing it.  My jacket has all my stuff in the pockets, my keys, my iPod, my phone, and an assortment of other things for the day.  My jacket is what prepares me to go do what I need to later, and I don't take it off just because I am going to sit down for a few minutes.

 

A Shield of Faith.  You must have Faith in order to be equipped with your best defense, your Shield.  This Faith is required because when you put your Shield up you cannot see your enemy.  You cover your head and most of your upper body to block the opponents sword, but also block him from your eyes.

Much like when Luke Skywalker puts the BlastSHIELD down and cannot see the remote, but must follow the promptings within, or his instinct, to know what to do.

 

The Helmet of Salvation.  The Helmet protects YOUR BRAIN.  There are a few things we need to know in order to return and live with our Heavenly Father.  First is that Jesus Christ is His only Begotten Son in the Flesh.  Second is the Plan of Salvation.  Once you have a Knowledge you must protect it and continue learning.

The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  The only offensive weapon you have in the Armor of God is the Sword of the Spirit.  In combat your sword is your life, you need it in hand if you are to fight the foe. 

If you do not have your sword and you go up to battle anyway, your only option is to try and block the blows of your enemy.  Sure you have your other Armor, but how long can your Shield last when it is being beat upon repeatedly.  How long do you think it would be before your breastplate either came loose, or perhaps had a small gap between the plates where the enemy's sword found a way through.  How long before your legs grew tired and you trip over your own feet.

The answer, not very long at all.

Without the Spirit you begin to lose faith (Shield), it is harder to keep the commandments (Breastplate), and you become less prepared for the fight (Feet Shod).  Once you lose these other pieces of Armor you are an easy target and then POOF, you die.  When it comes to the Armor of God you die Spiritually, and Christ is the Light and Life of the world, therefore the only way back is through His Atonement.

So remember to always have your Armor, and be on Guard.

God will protect you, IF you are doing what is Right.
 

"And it came to pass that I said unto them 

that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, 

according to the truth; 

and the righteous have I justified, 

and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; 

wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, 

for it cutteth them to the very center."

-- 1 Nephi 16:2 (emphasis added)

The Scriptures are the Word of God.  Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  God teaches only Truth, and therefore the Wicked take the Scriptures to be Hard.

Keep the Commandments, Read the Scriptures, and do whatever it takes to truly have the Spirit with you at all times, in all things, and in all places.

The Sword of the Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.
Truth will fight your battles for you, as long as you keep it close by, and in your Heart.

Military = The Gospel

All branches of the military have some differences in rank but the purpose is still the same. The General gives his commands and it goes through the ranks ensuring the message is sent. The organization still needs to be there to ensure that every soldier can return home safe and to have accomplished their objective. When at war, the soldiers need to work together as a unit to accomplish the goal. The information comes through the chain of command. Without that organization, the army would fail and wouldn't win.

Physical weapons are used to destroy the enemy of the people. 

Spiritual weapons are used to destroy the enemy of our soul.





Air Force Ranks



Everyone has their own rank and their own duties, but without each one of them the army would fall.

The Lord has always called those to stand as officers.(2 Chronicles 23:18)  In the church, there is the Prophet, who acts as the leading General under the direction of Jesus Christ.  The Prophet has two counselors (Exodus 17:12) who would stand as Lieutenant Generals.  The the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would be Major Generals.  Those who hold the office of Seventy (Luke 10:1) would be Brigadier Generals.  Stake Presidents are like Colonels, with their counselors being Lieutenant Colonels.  Bishops would stand as Majors, with their counselors being Captains.  An Elders Quorum President would be a 1st Lieutenant, and his counselors standing as 2nd Lieutenants. (Matthew 21:23) This is the design that has been established by God to govern the affairs of His church, and just as in a worldly army it all starts at the top and then filters down.



U.S. Military Seals

Each branch of the military specializes in its own field of combat.  You don't usually see an Air Force pilot as a crewman on a Submarine.

Christ has set up His church the same way, there are several organizations designed to best help the people in that area.  They include the Elders Quorum for men over 18, Relief Society for women over 18, Young Mens and Young Womens for ages 12 to 18, Primary for the kids 2 to 12, and a Nursery.

"The Lord's house, is a house of order."

(John 2:13-16 and Doctrine and Covenants 109:8)

The Book of Mormon and the Bible each teach and testify of Christ.  It is by reading these books of scripture which were written by Prophets, or Spiritual Generals, that we learn the battle plans and how to follow our Savior.