READY!

As a youth I used to participate in simulated combat games. We used toy guns that fired small plastic BB's at each other in a game of domination.  We had rules set out for our safety and protection so that everyone could enjoy themselves.  All of us would buy our own gun and cared for that gun.  All of us carried a certain amount of ammunition in case our guns ran out of shot.  I myself would carry extra magazines for my guns and extra bottles of BB's and gas so that I could reload my guns.  Before and during the game I would constantly check my magazines and ammo to make sure I was ready to play.  Often my friends would see me checking my rifle magazine by spinning a small wheel that would reload my gun.  Sometimes I'd be spinning it for up to thirty seconds just to make sure my gun was loaded.  Because I was always ready I was able to stay on the field much longer than most of my friends.

Everyone of us are experiencing life in different ways.  Not all of us will lead the same life.  However certain principles apply to all of us.  Some of us just try going through "the motions" in our daily activities.  We go around doing what is expected of us because that's what everyone wants to do.  There are also people who just don't care and do what ever they want because it gets them in the "popular" crowd.  Often those people are left alone and miserable.  There is an proper form of attitude.  It does not just involve going through the basics, but instead of just going through them we live them.

There are points in the gospel that are pretty basic: go to church, read scriptures, obey the law, etc.  People who don't care will do everything they are counseled not to do because they are "free" without these restricting laws.  There are those that will follow these principles but only do it to stay out of trouble.  You can benefit the most from it by asking yourself, "How does this apply to me? How can it make me grow stronger and find happiness."  They then take a leap of faith and live the principles instead of just doing them.  Nephi was always ready to work.  He said I will go and do what God has asked of me, because he has a plan for me.  He showed a proper attitude of Faith.  What is that?  The proper attitude of Faith is not: "How bad can I be and still know Thee?" or "How good do I need to be?" But rather, "What do I need to do so that I can know Thee and find Joy?"  He didn't say "do I really have to do this?" or "I'll do it only because I have to."  He said "I will go and do what God has asked me, because I want to."  No one is forcing you to do anything.  But Obedience is a life long pursuit.  There are no short cuts, no breaks, no hall passes, and no vacations.  If you don't want to do it then don't do it.  But you are missing out on a lot of rewards from not keeping God's commandments.  Going through the motions is not directly breaking the commandments, your just refusing the reward that comes.  You are carrying only a little ammo and leaving the game early because you are out.  By exercising faith and being obedient to God's Commandments we are able to sufficiently "arm" ourselves so that the world doesn't bring us down to our knees.

The winners are not the guys who simply sit down and wait or take the "easy route" in life.  Winners do everything in their power and possession to make sure they succeed.  I can assure you it wasn't easy carrying all that stuff while playing combat games with my friends, but It helped me a lot when I got in a tight spot.  It is going to be hard just trying to live around in the world.  But a strong testimony and faith in God really helps.  Especially when the pressures really begin to come in.  You are not going to find exaltation on doing what you are supposed to do, but doing everything you can to obey the Lord because of your love for him.  And that makes all the difference in the world.

A Price to Pay

June 6, 1944 - Normandy, France

Look to the image on the right.  Could you stand in the shoes of those men and face what they faced?  These and many other men were someones son, brother, father, husband or friend.  Each had volunteered their lives for the freedom of others.  To them we owe much.  The greatest argument in the world would possibly be, "is war right?"  Yes and no.  It is an oxymoron but it is true.  War is only right when it is done in the defense of your home, family and country.  Defensive is not an offensive.  Let me show you God's rules of war and maybe you can see where it is right.

It hurts God to see his children fight.

I want to start in the Bible.  There is always some kind of war going on in the Bible.  But how often did Israel invade another country?  There are a few instances such as the Book of Joshua, and the Books of Kings (1 Sam - 2 Kings).  Most of the time Israel was defending it's borders whether from Egypt or Babylon.  The ten commandments did say, "Thou shalt not kill" but it does not say, "Thou shalt suffer yourselves to bear ever affliction even to the darkest prison."  God forbids war as a means of gain.  That is stealing.  But in order for God's laws or (if you don't believe in God) for your rights and privileges to be preserved there must be a means of defending them.  Sad to say you must fight for them.  War is evil, there is no denial of it.  I am sure that it hurts God to see his children fight.  But I know that until men learn to set aside their selfish interests and hate there will be no ended to war.  To give you an example of what will happen if you were to lose your freedoms, look at the Holocaust during World War II.  Evil men will do the most despicable things to show supremacy over another.  Everyone cannot disagree that such behavior would be right if they were to happen to yourself.  Neither is it right for that to happen to another.  God has commanded all his people to defend themselves to bloodshed if needs be.  BUT, they are not to be aggressors!  If someone makes a life threatening action against yourself your are justified in self defense.

Matt 24:40

The Lord has also commanded us to be peaceful and avoid war.  But the latter is impossible.  There will always be someone to try and destroy another.  We never know who it is, or where they will come from.  Therefore war is necessary to protect ourselves from a person who wants us as subjects.  Those who love war do so because it brings them money or power, or they just enjoy watching people suffer, they have the greatest mark on their heads.  You might as well say they have the mark of Cain.  Their death is almost guaranteed to be by the hands of others.

"Speak softly, and carry a big stick" - Theodore Roosevelt

Leaders of nations who command innocent men and women to fight their wars for them are responsible for the sufferings of others.  It is not the soldiers fault.  President George Washington had said, "Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession."  May I add that freedom was never prized so much until it was lost.  If you are not willing to fight for your freedoms, I understand.  I'm not all up for it either.  But at least show some support for those who have had to experience it.

I would love the day when swords will be beat into plow shears and the art of war is forgotten.  But so long as there are ruthless men out there seeking the destruction of others there will always be a need for defense.  May God continue to strengthen and assist the men and women in uniform who are fighting for the freedom of others.

Meet a veteran who served his country.

Infestation of the Soul

This blog is interactive.  I would invite the reader when they have read this to share ways we can fight the mentioned plague. I may add to this blog when I find materials that could help.  - Elder J. Ford

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
- Romans 6:12

Let's imagine something here, let's imagine something that isn't real.  Imagine you are at home and you suddenly hear the door being hit repeatedly.  Then you hear windows being smashed on the ground floor (if you have one).  Outside there are growls, moans and some screaming.  When you look outside you see a large group wandering outside.  None of them are walking right, and some have decaying flesh.  What you are seeing is a Zombie horde, and you are being attacked. (Back to reality.)

What is a Zombie?  By popular media definition it is a undead person that is rotting away and wants to kill you, eat you or just take your brain and turn you into one of them.  Simply put, it is for your best interests to stay away from them.  "Zombie experts" say you should stay in a secure area where they can't get in, have weapons on hand, thick clothing, and hold out till help comes to get you away from the drooling freaks.  I my opinion, don't even go near them.

Now I personally don't believe we will have a Zombie Apocalypse.  Zombies don't bring judgment anyway.  But there is a danger out there that is comparable to that of a Zombie horde.  That danger is Pornography.  Why pornography? Because that will destroy your mind much like a zombie would.  It will take control over your mind, and destroy your character.  Don't believe me?  That is only because you have never felt the explainable hunger and torment that comes from a porn addiction.  Pornography is everywhere and takes away everything you value.  Pornography destroys your character, families, marriages, relationships we have or might have, and your perception of the world.  It is something that you cannot allow into your life.  No one will ever be mature enough to handle it.

Scientists have proved that viewing pornography (visual or oral) rewires the brain until it is ruined.  Pornography to say the least is an addiction.  Addictions are bad, nothing can support that.  If you see it once you have to see it again and again.  Basically, you turn into a  zombie; mindless and heartless.  Also your very character begins to decay much like a zombie's body.  Your very actions are changed and people around will think you are being creepy.  Pornography also changes your view on people.  You don't see them as human beings, but objects.  You become selfish, un-sympathetic, and crave your new pleasure every second of everyday.  This is not like a sunny beach in Hawaii, it is one of the most tormenting things you will experience in your life.  It is not worth tampering with.

Now, how do you fight this.  Every video game, or movie, will show everyone scrabbling for weapons and immediately starts fighting off the horde.  They are trying to survive and get away.  What weapons can you use to fight pornography?  My favorite is the scriptures.  I consider it my primary weapon.  Using the scriptures helps build up the strength necessary to sand firm against dangerous influences such as pornography.  It directs you the path you need to take in order to fight these problems.  Prayer is important too.  If you do not pray to God, you will be left to yourself and that fight is not an easy one.  Church attendance, listening to counsel from parents and leaders, and your choice of friends play a huge role in it too.

The most important thing you can do is stay away from Pornography.  It don't matter how strong you are, you will not Survive.  President Gordon B. Hinckley says it best, "Stay away from them as you would the plague."  As fun as shooting zombies sounds, eventually you are going to run out of ammo. Melee weapons can't fight off very many for long and you are going to get tired fast.  So instead of becoming some movie hero and fight till your dead, it would be best to avoid fighting (if possible) until you can be evacuated out.  If someone offers you Pornography refuse it.  If it appears on your computer screen get off it, crash your computer if you have too.  Delete it off your phone, do everything you can to get rid of it. Most viruses come from porn sights (hint, hint, pun included).  So now you know what you are up against, act now and avoid the plague.  As you stay away from pornography you are able to have a strong peace of mind, closeness to friends and family and to God.  Pornography is not something you can live with, it's something you can live WITHOUT!  Throw out the garbage that comes from filth such as pornography and embrace an addiction free life.

 See the consequences that come from pornographic activity:

I know there is more we can add to this blog.  I would invite my readers to add to the comments how we can help fight the pornographic plague so others can be enlightened. Thank You! - Elder J. Ford (writer)

Greater than the Enemy before you

There is a story in the bible of Elisha the Prophet that I really enjoy.  The Israelite Nation and the Assyrian's were at war with each other.  At a critical time the Israelite camp was surrounded by the enemy and all hope of victory was gone.  The Servant of Elisha asked in desperation "What are we going to do?"  Elisha responded by saying, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Elisha then prayed to God that his servant's eyes could be opened so that he could see.  When the servant looked at the Assyrian army, he saw chariots of fire and the angels of God in greater number than that of the Assyrians.

Joshua 1:9

As we go through life we are going to have times where we feel as if the very world surrounds us giving us no hope for survival.  Standards are dropping, and everyone in the earth seems happy with it.  Many are pressuring you to do the same.  We can catch ourselves asking, "is this right?"  It must seem hopeless to try living in a world where your standards are regarded as pathetic.  But we do not need to despair.  We are not alone to go through blindly.  In fact God has provided us the means so as we are not alone in this world.  Christ told his Apostles after his resurrection, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."  The same thing applies to us today.  Christ didn't send us out do the impossible.  He sent us out so that we may learn how we can become like him.  He has already accomplished the impossible.

Even though God will stand by ready to help us when in need, we may be discouraged by what we do not see.  Some of us may believe that we stand alone in a world of changing or different views.  There is a story from President Thomas S. Monson when he was in Navel Boot Camp during WWII.  He was standing at attention with his group when his petty officer began splitting everyone up into their religious groups so they could worship. Catholics to one area, Protestants to another, and Jews to some place else.  President Monson realized he was none of those, and decided to stand there.  He felt alone.

It never crossed his mind that there were others behind him till the Petty Officer ask, “And just what do you guys call yourselves?”  In unison the handful of sailors answered, "Mormons."  The Petty Officer then sent them someplace to where they could worship.

D&C 10:5

You are not the only one who thinks the way you do.  I've felt like I was the only one with my beliefs before.  As I grew older I found more people who felt the same I did, and those times alone helped me treasure the times I was grouped.  If you ever feel like you are completely and utterly alone, turn to the Savior and He will give you comfort and maybe even lead you to others just like you.  Prayer is your most powerful tool God has given you.  Use it.  You don't receive help unless you call for it.  God will send you the help you need when you ask for it.  Don't give up, keep moving forward.  The Reward is near.

For the full story and talk by President Thomas S. Monson, click here.

Freedom & Liberty

"Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes." - Doctrine and Covenants 88:86

When you hear the word "freedom" you may think about no rules, no one to look over your shoulder, and the ability to do what ever you want.  It's Paradise!  Now liberty, is a vital part of being free. Free may mean no bonds, but is easy to lose that freedom without liberty.  I see Liberty as a state of being free, and the ability to go to ones limits, while still being responsible with the freedoms you have been given.  Have you ever thought of Liberty as responsibility?  Responsibility can be a word that leaves a bad taste in ones mouth.  But what good is being responsible going to do anyone? It means there are rules.  Well this can be hard to admit, but . . . these rules for freedom and liberty are not there to spoil the fun.  In fact, it is there only to make those good feelings better and help them last longer.

Freedom is great to have, I enjoy it myself.  But without Liberty, or the responsibility to take care of that Freedom, it quickly becomes bondage or bad addicting habits.  There are many things in this world which will turn freedom to bondage in a heartbeat.  Addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs, or pornography, turn you into nothing more than a slave to it.  There isn't any freedom there.  You are always hungry for more, and there is no more satisfaction in life.  Your life is controlled by that vice.  You have allowed the enemy of you soul to take you captive, and he leads you here and there in heavy chains.

Do not suppose what may seem to be freedom trick you into a false sense of security.  The Scriptures show us how to be truly free.  In 2nd Nephi we are told that we have the freedom (the ability to do as we please) to choose liberty or captivity.  In other words, our choices bring happiness or misery.  Each choice we make will build or destroy ourselves.  We have the responsibility to do what's right, but we still have the freedom to do what we want.  But as I said before, when we make bad choices our freedoms become fewer and fewer.  We've all made mistakes but we are not going to be confined to "prison" for eternity.  Christ suffered and died for our mistakes and acts as our mediator between us and our punishments.  He has taken the punishment for our mistakes so it is possible to have freedoms we want.  He also works with us to fix our problems and mistakes so that we can qualify for eternal life.  But the clock is ticking.  If we do not fix ourselves now, it may be too late (Alma 12:24).  But as we repent and do everything in our power to do better, we will have a clean record before the judgement seat.  With that comes the ultimate freedom: Eternal Life.  It truly pays to be good.