on the rim

Okay, so technically, this is a follow up assignment for Personal Finance in the Self Reliance Class that Sarah and I are taking. This is where we make the big leap, to attempt to become Gazelle intense (those that have read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover know what that means).  Or at least getting ready to do so. We were given a list of statements that we needed to answer from 1-4.  No way are you getting the answers from me, this is a very personal exercise.  Statements like these make me glad that Christ provided a way for us to return, as I would be locked out otherwise.  Here is the list. I keep all my promises, commitments, and covenants I am completely truthful in things I say and records I keep I do not exaggerate to make things better than they are I return everything that I borrow and do not take things that do not belong to me I am completely faithful to my spouse in my words and actions I never cheat, even when I know I won't be caught...

The world seems to want to have its cake and eat it too.  Our leaders think they can spend their way into prosperity, and to not worry about the future.  Sex without consequences is being sold as the norm.  When the future hits us in the head we feel that it is unfair, that we don't deserve that.  Maybe that is a little extreme, but is it really? Sadly, no. It isn't.  Too often in this world, we forget that actions have consequences.  I am focusing on the Honor Code at the colleges of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but this applies to all aspects of life.  For example, if you are skydiving and you jump without a parachute, you will find that no matter your sorrow at having forgotten the chute, the laws of gravity don't really care.  As Ben Shapiro would say, "Facts don't care about your feelings". The following is solely my opinion, and while I refer to certain policies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am...

The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ has come and gone, though hopefully we keep in mind this great sacrifice every day of our lives.  It is by His Atoning Sacrifice that we can live again.  That we will live again.  It is by His Atoning Sacrifice that allows us to dwell in the presence of God, IF we are obedient, and repent in our lives. The concept of repentance, and preparing to meet God was the message that I received from the just concluded General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Apostles, the President and Prophet of the Church, and other General Authorities spoke of various aspects not only of repentance, but of seeking out the one while minding the ninety and nine. It is imperative that we welcome all to our services, and to welcome all to Come Unto Christ.  We turn none away.  Every church building has the name of the church, and beneath that, "Visitors Welcome"  Saying that all are welcome is...

Honestly, I didn't really know that Palm Sunday was a thing until I served my mission in España.  Estuve en Algeciras durante la Semana Santa. Oops, sorry, he estado pensando en español, y a veces lo escribo. Semana Santa, or Holy Week is a big deal in Spain.  Palm Sunday begins that week, leading into the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.  Christ rides a colt into Jerusalem, to praise and singing, as prophesied. (Zechariah 9:9-11).  When Christ entered to this praise, the Pharisees asked him to rebuke his disciples.  His response is to be remembered. "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40 It was a King entering his city, not as a conqueror on a grand stallion, or in a chariot, but in peace, riding a donkey.  The multitude was with him, that day.  They recognized him as the Son of David.  They saw him as the Messiah.  That day.  Before the end of the week another crow...

No, not the musical.  I haven't seen it, don't anticipate seeing it, not because I feel it is heresy, or whatever.  It is irreverent, I have heard, but should that surprise anyone?  After all, it is written by the makers of South Park.  I wonder why we haven't seen a broadway musical "the Quran"?  hmm. I wanted to write a moment, and share a video.  The video, released by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, explains the Book of Mormon, its origin, and what it means to members of the Church of Jesus Christ.  It was referred to by critics of the restored church as "that golden Bible" and many claimed that we worshiped Mormon.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We esteem Mormon as the prophet that compiled the record that became the Book of Mormon, for the heroic work he did in very trying times.  The term "Mormon" was originally an epithet hurled at members of the church in the early days.  As time passed, it be...

The idea for this post has been rattling around the vacant spaces of my brain for a long time.  It is going to be somewhat painful for me, but after today's Conferences, I feel that I need to share with certain people.  Will they read it?  Who knows, maybe.  I will cross that bridge when I can. Note- This post is written primarily to those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, focusing on those that have taken a different path, and have let go of the Iron Rod (1st Nephi 8:19-20)  If you would like more information, I would be glad to answer any questions, or you can go to  comeuntochrist.org   First I want to share something that may surprise people that know me now.  For many years, I was one of those members of the church that was not active for a number of years.  Oh, I know, I could point to a job that I had to work on Sundays, (air traffic control being a 24/7 or at least 15/7).  See how easy it is?...

Today, April 4, 2019, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced a significant change in how families of LGBT parents fit into the church.  As a reminder, I will attach the post I wrote when a previous change had been announced, November 6, 2015 was the post.  Peering through the fog, and personally, I felt it was one of my best. https://philsviewsfromtherim.blogspot.com/2015/11/peering-through-fog.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3mVzn2CZIpMFe1tTNSNdCOx9DIWV8P3abe-tcAbXaRNq_34w4To2frqUE As I am writing this, I am nearly certain that this can't compare, but I will let the Spirit work on me as I write.  Having said that, this post is my opinion alone, and while it refers to a policy shift of the church, it is simply my take on it.  Disclaimer- check. Here is the link to the Newsroom article: https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-messages-general-conference-leadership-session-april-2019 What was the change?...