August 15, 2006

  • From an e-mail dated 8/14/06: "It is the office of a true teacher to show us that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake" Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet.





    This past week I think I may have suffered what some people may term a "mid life crisis." This of course may be fitting, seeing as my one year mark is in three days.


    I am half way through what has become my life. I want to write about a mission trip to the Los Angeles Temple. We went about two weeks ago. It was particularly powerful because we got to see the new film: "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration." You must see this film. It is artistically current, dramatically entertaining, theologically enlightening, emotionally driving, and spiritually empowering. You must see this film. Look up locations and times at http://placestovisit.lds.org.


    If you want to know anything about what makes me want to sacrifice two years of my time without salary (paying my own way in fact), watch this movie. If you want to understand anything about the phenomenon that is Mormonism, watch this movie. If you want to see what modern Christian martyrs are, watch this film.


    I have learned for myself that Joseph Smith saw God. The Father and the Son spoke to him. They revealed new scripture to him, scripture with worth, truth, accuracy, and relevance only now being realized. This is an exciting work to be a part of. I testify that it was started by a true teacher, a prophet, a leader, a giant, a farm boy, a saint, an apostle, a sinner, a man, a general, a seer, a revelator.





    "The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul" David O. McKay, Mormon prophet.