Lie #1 Girls are forced to marry
No person was ever forced to get married. That is so ridiculously untrue it should not even need to be discussed, but it is so universally believed that it is used to justify the bigotry that exists and the genocide that is being attempted in Texas. No one is forced to do anything in the FLDS after they reach an age to be accountable for themselves, and that is long before marriage. Marriage is the greatest and most important step in life, and is revered more within the FLDS church than it is outside the church. The women who have left the church and say they were once forced to get married are only saying it to get attention and appease the preconceived perceptions of the general public. I feel sorry for those who declare this after they leave. The memories of their whole lives have change to having been forced, abused, and miserable. I do not doubt that they are miserable now, because you cannot lie as they do and be happy. To blame their misery on their former church is ridiculous. It brings me to pity them. There is as much freedom in the FLDS as anywhere else. You always have the freedom to leave if you want. To say they mourn the loss when one leaves is an understatement, but no one is forced to stay. If you do not want to obey the FLDS gospel, feel free to leave; just don’t try to force those who want to stay to leave too. OK? They can choose too can't they? Let them choose to believe what they want, and get on with your own life.
Lie #2 The FLDS exists by pillaging the government for welfare.
This is so absolutely untrue it is laughable. I first heard the term “bleeding the beast” by reading the newspaper, it did not come from the FLDS. The fact that some of the FLDS people have received Social Security, food stamps, and medical benefits from the government is true, but never did the leaders tell the people to do it. In fact the opposite is true. The leaders often recommended staying off government aid. In Texas there was no one on any assistance at all unless you count Social Security. Until now. To think that children were being born for the purpose of taking your tax money is ridiculously stupid. The State governments have been meticulous in investigating all assistance in Hildale and Colorado City, probably more than in any other community in the U.S. because of the continuous accusations, but despite the assumptions there has not even been one case of welfare fraud charged against an FLDS family.
Lie #3 The FLDS do not educate their children
The FLDS believe, as all civil people do, that children should be educated, and that to, by their parents and whomever their parents want them to be educated by. Girls are given the same opportunity as boys, and I believe that there are no better teachers in the world than those in the FLDS church. More girls graduated from high school than boys. And never are the children pulled out of school because they don’t want them to be too smart. Education is the most important thing for everyone on earth, and you can be educated without going to liberal College. The most important education you can get is how to get back to heaven. We are taught that obedience creates happiness, but that does not mean the children are forced to believe as their parents do. They want them to believe as they do, they teach them to believe, but they do what they want with that education. Would you teach your children that what you believe in is wrong? Why would you want the FLDS to?
Lie #4 The FLDS hate black people
We do not hate anyone. We believe that the Negro have just as much right to the salvation of heaven as we do, just not the rights to the priesthood. Joseph Smith said this: “Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves, mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated Negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine off many of those they brush and wait on” (History of the Church 5:217) (Read by Warren Jeffs in History Class)
We believe that the Negro people are our brothers and sisters, all descendants like we are, of Adam, and Noah. But everyone is given different obstacles to overcome. We believe that all people who are born into this world were put here for the same reason, to obey God. We all will be judged by what we do, what we say, and what we think, according to what we have been taught. We also will be judged by what we teach our children. This is the same no matter where you were born, or what color you are. We believe in freedom for all. We believe we lived before we came to earth, and it is there that we were given our calling. God chose our color, our nationality, and our family not by accident, nor against our will. For the black race, they must overcome the curse they were born with. For us, we must live up to, or overcome our heritage also. The black race cannot be a part of the Priesthood family in this life, but we hope to see as many as will pass their own trials and purify their own lives in the highest heaven too. I believe there will be many.
Lie #5 All people besides those in the FLDS will go to hell
The Savior of the world died on the cross for all of Adams children, and that almost all will go to heaven; Sons of Perdition being the lone exception. All will have the happiness that they earn here, in the next life. They will be happier there then they are here. We believe that there are at least three heavens, or degrees of heaven, and that if you want to go to the highest, you must do what it takes to get there, you must sacrifice all earthly things. To us that is what obedience is. Jesus died so that all will be resurrected and have physical bodies again. And His sacrifice gives us the opportunity to save ourselves through righteousness. You will be just as good, or just as bad, after you die as you are here. You will dwell in heaven with those who you are the most like in character.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mothers Rule!
He got here red and wrinkled scared and crying
Then she took him up and held him to her breast
And He sure felt safe to know that she was near him
And He sure felt safe to know that she was near him
Then he went to sleep and put his fears to rest
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
It didn't seem to matter what he needed
He could always count on mother to supply
And regardless of his little deeds of mischief
And regardless of his little deeds of mischief
He always found a true love in her eyes.
We ought to say a prayer of thanks for mothers
We ought to say a prayer of thanks for mothers
Creations most unique and precious pearls
Father help us always to remember
Father help us always to remember
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!
She showed him faith and virtue, love and goodness
She showed him faith and virtue, love and goodness
And how to say his prayers beside his bed
And as he grew from little boy to manhood
And as he grew from little boy to manhood
She always turned him to his Priesthood head
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
She taught him all the attributes of greatness
That she knew he'd never learn away from home
And by the time she turned him over to his father
And by the time she turned him over to his father
Her hair was gray but her little man was gold
I'd like to say a word of thanks for mothers
I'd like to say a word of thanks for mothers
Creations most unique and precious pearls
Father help us always to remember
Father help us always to remember
that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!
Yes the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!
Yes the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!
Childrens Songs
Mother I Love You
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
Father in Heaven has sent me to you.
When I am near you, I love to hear you
Singing so softly that you love me too.
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
I want to help you because I love you.
I want to mind you, I want to find you
Happy and Smiling because I love you.
Mother, I love you, I love you, I do!
I Have Two Little Hands
I have two little hands folded snuggly and tight
They are tiny and weak, yet they know what is right
During all the long hours till daylight is though
There are plenty indeed for my two hands to do
Kind Father I thank Thee for two little hands
And I ask you to bless them ‘til each understands
That children can only be happy all day
When two little hands have learned how to obey
Can A Little Child Like Me
Can a little child like me, thank my Father fittingly
Yes, o yes be good and true, Patient, kind in all you do
Love the Lord and do your part, learn to say with all your heart
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank Thee
Father in heaven, we thank Thee
Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day
In every way try to please Him, at home, at school, at play
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
Jesus wants me to be loving, and kind to all I see
Showing how pleasant and happy his little ones can be
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus, I can if I but try
Showing him moment by moment to live with Him on high
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
Kindness Begins with Me
I want to be kind to everyone for that is right you see
So I say to myself remember this kindness begins with me!
(Please add more in comments)
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
Father in Heaven has sent me to you.
When I am near you, I love to hear you
Singing so softly that you love me too.
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
I want to help you because I love you.
I want to mind you, I want to find you
Happy and Smiling because I love you.
Mother, I love you, I love you, I do!
I Have Two Little Hands
I have two little hands folded snuggly and tight
They are tiny and weak, yet they know what is right
During all the long hours till daylight is though
There are plenty indeed for my two hands to do
Kind Father I thank Thee for two little hands
And I ask you to bless them ‘til each understands
That children can only be happy all day
When two little hands have learned how to obey
Can A Little Child Like Me
Can a little child like me, thank my Father fittingly
Yes, o yes be good and true, Patient, kind in all you do
Love the Lord and do your part, learn to say with all your heart
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank Thee
Father in heaven, we thank Thee
Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day
In every way try to please Him, at home, at school, at play
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
Jesus wants me to be loving, and kind to all I see
Showing how pleasant and happy his little ones can be
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus, I can if I but try
Showing him moment by moment to live with Him on high
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him
Kindness Begins with Me
I want to be kind to everyone for that is right you see
So I say to myself remember this kindness begins with me!
(Please add more in comments)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
FLDS vs Forced Marriage
Here is the central theme to the FLDS marriage system, mind you this is from a revelation from our Father in Heaven to the Prophet Joseph Smith, This is our Lord speaking:
"All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power…are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead" (D&C 132:7)
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word,… by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood…it shall be done unto them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world" (D&C132:19)
"Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise" (Joseph Smith DHC 6:46)
"Everything the GOD gives us is lawful and right; and it is proper that we should enjoy His gifts and blessings whenever and wherever He is disposed to bestow; but if we should seize upon those same blessings and enjoyments without law, without revelation, without commandment, those blessings and enjoyments would prove cursing's and vexations in the end, and we should have to lie down in sorrow and wailings of everlasting regret." (Joseph Smith DHC 5:135)
The FLDS marriage system is really quite awesome to us. It is exactly opposite of what you would expect by watching the news. All of my married sisters would tell you as they often did me, that they would never want to get married any other way. I definitely would never have it any other way. Imagine, not even having to worry about finding a good mate, but just trusting in the power of Prayer, and inspiration from God; at times revealed to us directly, but always through the Prophet’s direction and authority. How can you make a mistake if God does it?
There is no trial and error in the FLDS. I never dated, I only went to a few dances, and the only girls I really associated with after high school were my sisters. My first kiss was at my wedding ceremony, and it was awesome!
In the FLDS, the men are not to solicit for wives, or court (unless by direction or permission), and the girls are not to respond to the advances of boys or men, but all are to be anxious to do their duty, and remember to pray always. I have sisters and brothers who were directly inspired about their marriages. The rest of us just put ourselves in the hands of the Prophet and prayed that God would direct him in our behalf. There is no greater joy than to have God speak in your behalf.
The men are officially turned in for marriage when they are ordained as Elders, and stay turned in through purity, kindness, loyalty, and obedience. If a man leaves, or loses his Priesthood through sin, his wife or wives do not have to go with him. If they are married by the Priesthood, and they lose the Priesthood, then the marriage is void. That is the truth, and you can see the bitter ex members spin it all sorts of different ways.
The bitter people who leave say that the FLDS people live in fear of the tyrannical renegade prophet. Honestly the only people who live in fear are those who secretly do wrong and are trying to hide it, or those who do not want to be there anyway. The rest of the people are trying to mind their own business and work out their own salvation. Many of the people who "escape" (leave) get really mad because those who stay have no desire to "escape" with them and hate the leader as they do. So they heave all their fury at the government, to "do something" to stop this "terrible mad man". It is the same accusation made many times before, all the way back to Joseph Smith.
I just want to tell you, Warren Jeffs is the most humble man I have ever met who is still alive. He has been the leader only since late 2002; but the FLDS marriage system is much older. My grandparents were married this way in the early 40's, and even Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and John Woolly directed many marriage arrangements. Everything Warren Jeffs does, he does to help and improve the people. Even I who have been sent out, it was done to improve me, and the people I left behind. Although it definitely has been painful, I feel it was the best thing to happen to help me, if not to my family. Everything is a growing experience. I know it hurt him to need to do it, and I take full responsibility for it.
The stories of forced marriage have been in the news since the beginning of time. Just read the New York Times archives back in the 1870's. People assume that the ladies have to be forced, for as they would say, "What girl that is not forced would ever want to be a plural wife?" I know a few. No one is forced to marry at any age in the FLDS. The girls go to their good fathers when THEY want to get married. If he and their mother approve, then they would go see the Prophet. Even after they seek the prophets council they have the option to say who they want to marry, or they can say yes or no to the man the prophet suggests without any recourse whatsoever. I saw it many times. The FLDS people seek to be inspired from heaven in all things, and most especially when it comes to this, the most important act in life. In heaven there is only peace. There is never force, ever. It is the opposite of the FLDS religion to force. We were taught that the devil was cast out of heaven because he wanted to force us to be good.
An few hours before our wedding, my fiance and I went for a drive together, and she talked while I listened. Finally I got up the courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?" I realized by the look on her face that it was a strange question. "Of course", she said, smiled wide, and went back to talking.
This is the free will in the FLDS church. It makes it much more comfortable around others. Little of this "what if" happens. We believe God is doing it, sometimes by revelation to ourselves, but always through the inspired Priesthood. We either believe, or don’t.
"All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power…are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead" (D&C 132:7)
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word,… by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood…it shall be done unto them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world" (D&C132:19)
"Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise" (Joseph Smith DHC 6:46)
"Everything the GOD gives us is lawful and right; and it is proper that we should enjoy His gifts and blessings whenever and wherever He is disposed to bestow; but if we should seize upon those same blessings and enjoyments without law, without revelation, without commandment, those blessings and enjoyments would prove cursing's and vexations in the end, and we should have to lie down in sorrow and wailings of everlasting regret." (Joseph Smith DHC 5:135)
The FLDS marriage system is really quite awesome to us. It is exactly opposite of what you would expect by watching the news. All of my married sisters would tell you as they often did me, that they would never want to get married any other way. I definitely would never have it any other way. Imagine, not even having to worry about finding a good mate, but just trusting in the power of Prayer, and inspiration from God; at times revealed to us directly, but always through the Prophet’s direction and authority. How can you make a mistake if God does it?
There is no trial and error in the FLDS. I never dated, I only went to a few dances, and the only girls I really associated with after high school were my sisters. My first kiss was at my wedding ceremony, and it was awesome!
In the FLDS, the men are not to solicit for wives, or court (unless by direction or permission), and the girls are not to respond to the advances of boys or men, but all are to be anxious to do their duty, and remember to pray always. I have sisters and brothers who were directly inspired about their marriages. The rest of us just put ourselves in the hands of the Prophet and prayed that God would direct him in our behalf. There is no greater joy than to have God speak in your behalf.
The men are officially turned in for marriage when they are ordained as Elders, and stay turned in through purity, kindness, loyalty, and obedience. If a man leaves, or loses his Priesthood through sin, his wife or wives do not have to go with him. If they are married by the Priesthood, and they lose the Priesthood, then the marriage is void. That is the truth, and you can see the bitter ex members spin it all sorts of different ways.
The bitter people who leave say that the FLDS people live in fear of the tyrannical renegade prophet. Honestly the only people who live in fear are those who secretly do wrong and are trying to hide it, or those who do not want to be there anyway. The rest of the people are trying to mind their own business and work out their own salvation. Many of the people who "escape" (leave) get really mad because those who stay have no desire to "escape" with them and hate the leader as they do. So they heave all their fury at the government, to "do something" to stop this "terrible mad man". It is the same accusation made many times before, all the way back to Joseph Smith.
I just want to tell you, Warren Jeffs is the most humble man I have ever met who is still alive. He has been the leader only since late 2002; but the FLDS marriage system is much older. My grandparents were married this way in the early 40's, and even Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and John Woolly directed many marriage arrangements. Everything Warren Jeffs does, he does to help and improve the people. Even I who have been sent out, it was done to improve me, and the people I left behind. Although it definitely has been painful, I feel it was the best thing to happen to help me, if not to my family. Everything is a growing experience. I know it hurt him to need to do it, and I take full responsibility for it.
The stories of forced marriage have been in the news since the beginning of time. Just read the New York Times archives back in the 1870's. People assume that the ladies have to be forced, for as they would say, "What girl that is not forced would ever want to be a plural wife?" I know a few. No one is forced to marry at any age in the FLDS. The girls go to their good fathers when THEY want to get married. If he and their mother approve, then they would go see the Prophet. Even after they seek the prophets council they have the option to say who they want to marry, or they can say yes or no to the man the prophet suggests without any recourse whatsoever. I saw it many times. The FLDS people seek to be inspired from heaven in all things, and most especially when it comes to this, the most important act in life. In heaven there is only peace. There is never force, ever. It is the opposite of the FLDS religion to force. We were taught that the devil was cast out of heaven because he wanted to force us to be good.
An few hours before our wedding, my fiance and I went for a drive together, and she talked while I listened. Finally I got up the courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?" I realized by the look on her face that it was a strange question. "Of course", she said, smiled wide, and went back to talking.
This is the free will in the FLDS church. It makes it much more comfortable around others. Little of this "what if" happens. We believe God is doing it, sometimes by revelation to ourselves, but always through the inspired Priesthood. We either believe, or don’t.
FLDS_Guy speaks out
[I want to thank the author of Muslimmatters.org for notifying me of this post]
"I’m an FLDS male member currently living in Colorado City, and I would like to try to dispel some of the horrendous rumors that abound about our people.
We absolutely DO NOT condone child abuse. This crap about “breaking” babies is just that — absolute complete lies. I would immediately call 911 if I witnessed anyone doing that to a child. Our children are considered the most precious gifts that God gives to us, and are to be treated as such.
"Young girls are not forced into marriage. They are asked if they have anyone in mind, and can say “no” to a marriage if they want. We do not believe that a girl must be married young. Most are married over the age of 18.
"We’re not a bunch of brainwashed dunces. We believe in hard work, learning as much as possible, and educating ourselves in every area that will be useful to us. For example, I’m a website and software programmer. We highly value education, and I’m sure you people out their know the dire state the country’s public education system is in.
"The women are not held captive at home only to be abused and commanded by the husband. That’s complete crap. We’ve got loads of women who work jobs. I’d bet about 1/3 of the EMT’s in our town are women. Nearly all of them have their own cell phones, even the unmarried teenagers. It’s not like their held with no communication.
"Teenage boys are NOT routinely dumped on the road to reduce competition for brides. They leave on their own, and their parents yearn and love and feel after them. This whole “lost boys” thing was a thing that Dan Fischer, a bitter ex-member came up with. These boys who have left consider it an insult to them.
"Another thing that makes me laugh is this so called “bleeding of the beast” we allegedly practice. Why, bless my heart, I’ve never heard of the term except from people quoting how they heard about it from Flora Jessop or someone like that. I’ve NEVER heard about it from one of our members, and especially not from the leaders. I’m not on any welfare, I pay taxes, and I work hard for what I get.
"Now, there have been people in our religion who have abused it to try to gratify their desires. This is wrong for them to do so. If a 16 year old girl is being beaten by her husband, that ABSOLUTELY should be investigated, but why raid an entire community? We do not claim that every single member is perfect, but what religion does? The may very well be, and have been, abusers, and where found, they are turned over to the law enforcement.
I suggest that anyone who wishes to learn more of the truth, you can visit fldsview.blogspot.com (I’m not the author of it, btw).Also, check out http://www.captivefldschildren.org/
Our religion teaches peace, love, and forgiveness. We’re all God’s children, and He is just. We believe in working through kindness instead of force, and that love should be the guiding factor in all we do."
He answers questions over there, so check it out.
"I’m an FLDS male member currently living in Colorado City, and I would like to try to dispel some of the horrendous rumors that abound about our people.
We absolutely DO NOT condone child abuse. This crap about “breaking” babies is just that — absolute complete lies. I would immediately call 911 if I witnessed anyone doing that to a child. Our children are considered the most precious gifts that God gives to us, and are to be treated as such.
"Young girls are not forced into marriage. They are asked if they have anyone in mind, and can say “no” to a marriage if they want. We do not believe that a girl must be married young. Most are married over the age of 18.
"We’re not a bunch of brainwashed dunces. We believe in hard work, learning as much as possible, and educating ourselves in every area that will be useful to us. For example, I’m a website and software programmer. We highly value education, and I’m sure you people out their know the dire state the country’s public education system is in.
"The women are not held captive at home only to be abused and commanded by the husband. That’s complete crap. We’ve got loads of women who work jobs. I’d bet about 1/3 of the EMT’s in our town are women. Nearly all of them have their own cell phones, even the unmarried teenagers. It’s not like their held with no communication.
"Teenage boys are NOT routinely dumped on the road to reduce competition for brides. They leave on their own, and their parents yearn and love and feel after them. This whole “lost boys” thing was a thing that Dan Fischer, a bitter ex-member came up with. These boys who have left consider it an insult to them.
"Another thing that makes me laugh is this so called “bleeding of the beast” we allegedly practice. Why, bless my heart, I’ve never heard of the term except from people quoting how they heard about it from Flora Jessop or someone like that. I’ve NEVER heard about it from one of our members, and especially not from the leaders. I’m not on any welfare, I pay taxes, and I work hard for what I get.
"Now, there have been people in our religion who have abused it to try to gratify their desires. This is wrong for them to do so. If a 16 year old girl is being beaten by her husband, that ABSOLUTELY should be investigated, but why raid an entire community? We do not claim that every single member is perfect, but what religion does? The may very well be, and have been, abusers, and where found, they are turned over to the law enforcement.
I suggest that anyone who wishes to learn more of the truth, you can visit fldsview.blogspot.com (I’m not the author of it, btw).Also, check out http://www.captivefldschildren.org/
Our religion teaches peace, love, and forgiveness. We’re all God’s children, and He is just. We believe in working through kindness instead of force, and that love should be the guiding factor in all we do."
He answers questions over there, so check it out.
All Outsiders are Evil?
“The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it rolled into existence…He knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities of the antediluvians, of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family, their weakness, and strength,… their righteousness and iniquity; He comprehended the fall of man, and his redemption… He knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come.” (TPJS pg 220)
“The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust, the statements of holy writ so visionary, nor the plan of salvation for the human family so incompatible with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown with indignance, angels would hide their heads in shame, and every virtuous, intelligent man would recoil.If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all delinquents according to their several crimes, surely the Lord will not be more cruel than man, for He is a wise legislator, and His laws are more equitable, His enactments more just, and His decisions more perfect than those of man; and as man judges his fellow man by law, so does God of heaven judge “according to the deeds done in the body.” To say that the heathens would be damned because they did not believe the Gospel would be preposterous, and to say that the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus would be equally absurd; for “how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without a preacher, and how can he preach except he be sent;” consequently neither Jew nor heathen can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God [TO THEM ] for as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer cannot believe without the he hear a “sent” preacher, and cannot be condemned for what he has not heard, and being without law, will have to be judged without law.” (TPJS pg 221)
You will be judged by what God sends you here to do, not by what He sends me or anyone else to do. We are all brothers and sisters, His children, whom He loves equally. Our bodies are given life by Him. He gives us the opportunity to become like Him, to CHOOSE to do the right that we were born knowing. The more we do right, the more we will learn better what is right or wrong. When you willingly do wrong, you lose the ability to realize the difference between right and wrong, and eventually you tend to assume that those who are doing right are the ones who are doing wrong.
Even the devil was sent by God to do the work he is doing. The devil is here to prove us before our God. So those who want to destroy the work of life in the FLDS church, who want to stop the religion that Joseph Smith brought forth, that was continued on by John Taylor, John and Lorin Woolley, John Y Barlow, Leroy S Johnson, Rulon Jeffs, and Warren Jeffs. They cannot help but be doing the work of the devil, who is doing the work that God is allowing him to do. But they cannot accomplish their desire to make this religion false, and we hold no ill will toward them personally whatsoever.
We believe in God, the Omnipotent Creator of the Universe, we believe that He was born into this world and died on the cross for our sins, to give us the resurrection and the power to repent. We believe in His justice, and His mercy, that He is the judge of us all, and anytime we blame anyone for what we experience, we blame Him. He loves us, each individually, and He has a reward for us according to our ability to overcome our sins and all the obstacles of life he gives us, a reward far beyond our imaginations.
Keeping Sweet is just that, it is a smile in our trial. It is the effort of prayer, forgiveness, repentance, humility, obedience, and pure love; to never let an outside influence adjust our trust in Him; and to trust Him, completely, absolutely, and without exception. Then we will be worthy to be lifted up at the last day, even you, and even me; Saint, Jew, Gentile, Negro, and Oriental; Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, and Mormon. God loves us without exception, but He will reward us not only by His love for us, but by our ability to love Him enough to trust Him, and obey Him all the time, no matter what. As Warren Jeffs is showing us how to do.
Matthew 5:
"8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
“The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust, the statements of holy writ so visionary, nor the plan of salvation for the human family so incompatible with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown with indignance, angels would hide their heads in shame, and every virtuous, intelligent man would recoil.If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all delinquents according to their several crimes, surely the Lord will not be more cruel than man, for He is a wise legislator, and His laws are more equitable, His enactments more just, and His decisions more perfect than those of man; and as man judges his fellow man by law, so does God of heaven judge “according to the deeds done in the body.” To say that the heathens would be damned because they did not believe the Gospel would be preposterous, and to say that the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus would be equally absurd; for “how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without a preacher, and how can he preach except he be sent;” consequently neither Jew nor heathen can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God [TO THEM ] for as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer cannot believe without the he hear a “sent” preacher, and cannot be condemned for what he has not heard, and being without law, will have to be judged without law.” (TPJS pg 221)
You will be judged by what God sends you here to do, not by what He sends me or anyone else to do. We are all brothers and sisters, His children, whom He loves equally. Our bodies are given life by Him. He gives us the opportunity to become like Him, to CHOOSE to do the right that we were born knowing. The more we do right, the more we will learn better what is right or wrong. When you willingly do wrong, you lose the ability to realize the difference between right and wrong, and eventually you tend to assume that those who are doing right are the ones who are doing wrong.
Even the devil was sent by God to do the work he is doing. The devil is here to prove us before our God. So those who want to destroy the work of life in the FLDS church, who want to stop the religion that Joseph Smith brought forth, that was continued on by John Taylor, John and Lorin Woolley, John Y Barlow, Leroy S Johnson, Rulon Jeffs, and Warren Jeffs. They cannot help but be doing the work of the devil, who is doing the work that God is allowing him to do. But they cannot accomplish their desire to make this religion false, and we hold no ill will toward them personally whatsoever.
We believe in God, the Omnipotent Creator of the Universe, we believe that He was born into this world and died on the cross for our sins, to give us the resurrection and the power to repent. We believe in His justice, and His mercy, that He is the judge of us all, and anytime we blame anyone for what we experience, we blame Him. He loves us, each individually, and He has a reward for us according to our ability to overcome our sins and all the obstacles of life he gives us, a reward far beyond our imaginations.
Keeping Sweet is just that, it is a smile in our trial. It is the effort of prayer, forgiveness, repentance, humility, obedience, and pure love; to never let an outside influence adjust our trust in Him; and to trust Him, completely, absolutely, and without exception. Then we will be worthy to be lifted up at the last day, even you, and even me; Saint, Jew, Gentile, Negro, and Oriental; Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, and Mormon. God loves us without exception, but He will reward us not only by His love for us, but by our ability to love Him enough to trust Him, and obey Him all the time, no matter what. As Warren Jeffs is showing us how to do.
Matthew 5:
"8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
Friday, May 9, 2008
The FLDS Life
When you are seeking to do the will of God in every area of your life, do you say "what’s wrong with this?" or do you say "what’s right with this?" Choosing the best good, and then seeking to do better, is what the FLDS ideals are. If you are seeking something else, you will eventually get that, but it won’t be nearly as rewarding.
The dress code-
In the FLDS The girls wear full length long sleeve dresses that reach the neckline, do not cut their hair (much), do not wear make-up, and wear long underwear. The boys keep their hair cut short, keep clean shaven, wear long sleeve shirts, full length pants, and wear long underwear. Blood red clothing is to be avoided to respect the Savior. (D&C 133:48) This dress code doesn't make you a good person, but it shows that you "want" to be a good person. The way you want to dress shows who you want to be, and not especially who you are. There are exceptions to the dress code if the need arises (i.e. when in hiding from persecution, or when your work necessitates it.) It is the heart, not especially the details that God sees; though mostly they will be the same thing.
Entertainment-
Entertainment is really education. It can be bad, good, better, or best. The ideal FLDS do not watch television, or go to movies, or listen to “rock” music. You will not be disfellowshipped for doing these things, unless you take on the habits of them. You can see a person’s attitude and the spirit they carry by the way they entertain themselves. All of us tend to take on the spirit of the things we are around, especially if we are around them by choice. God does not want us to be anything but happy, but you can see by what makes you happy the kind of person you are. Uncle Roy’s favorite pastime was reading the scriptures, and he said the more you do it, the better you will like it. We do what interests us the most. But true entertainment is to be a break, not to be our goal. Competition is like appetite, it can be beneficial, but it can also ruin. You do need enough to help yourself, but not so much that you starve someone else.
Education-
Within the FLDS the education of children is paramount. Reading writing and arithmatic are very important, but not the most important education in our lives. Much has been said about the lack of education in the FLDS, but I ask, what is the most important education? Isn’t it how to become like God? The education needed to help one benefit society in the best way possible, including math and science, is important, but not the most important. Everyone becomes a teacher, most especially mothers, and so education is very important for everyone. God is the greatest scientist and the smartest mathematician, He learned these thing somewhere and we want to be like Him. It is strange how many who leave the FLDS claim to the media to have a real short education. It seems that only those who leave have a seventh grade education or less. It is possible they didn't go further, but all education is self learned anyway; no matter how much our parents and teachers try to push us.
Besides, how many doctors do we need compared to farmers? How many lawyers do we need compared to plumbers? How many maids compared to nurses? All will get an education sometime, and the workplace is often the best place to learn a trade. I have always wondered why is it legal for a 16 year old to drive a 10,000 pound pickup truck on the highway, but they cannot legally run a power saw? I graduated from 12th grade at Alta Academy highschool, and then I went to work for someone who had dropped out. Go figure.
The dress code-
In the FLDS The girls wear full length long sleeve dresses that reach the neckline, do not cut their hair (much), do not wear make-up, and wear long underwear. The boys keep their hair cut short, keep clean shaven, wear long sleeve shirts, full length pants, and wear long underwear. Blood red clothing is to be avoided to respect the Savior. (D&C 133:48) This dress code doesn't make you a good person, but it shows that you "want" to be a good person. The way you want to dress shows who you want to be, and not especially who you are. There are exceptions to the dress code if the need arises (i.e. when in hiding from persecution, or when your work necessitates it.) It is the heart, not especially the details that God sees; though mostly they will be the same thing.
Entertainment-
Entertainment is really education. It can be bad, good, better, or best. The ideal FLDS do not watch television, or go to movies, or listen to “rock” music. You will not be disfellowshipped for doing these things, unless you take on the habits of them. You can see a person’s attitude and the spirit they carry by the way they entertain themselves. All of us tend to take on the spirit of the things we are around, especially if we are around them by choice. God does not want us to be anything but happy, but you can see by what makes you happy the kind of person you are. Uncle Roy’s favorite pastime was reading the scriptures, and he said the more you do it, the better you will like it. We do what interests us the most. But true entertainment is to be a break, not to be our goal. Competition is like appetite, it can be beneficial, but it can also ruin. You do need enough to help yourself, but not so much that you starve someone else.
Education-
Within the FLDS the education of children is paramount. Reading writing and arithmatic are very important, but not the most important education in our lives. Much has been said about the lack of education in the FLDS, but I ask, what is the most important education? Isn’t it how to become like God? The education needed to help one benefit society in the best way possible, including math and science, is important, but not the most important. Everyone becomes a teacher, most especially mothers, and so education is very important for everyone. God is the greatest scientist and the smartest mathematician, He learned these thing somewhere and we want to be like Him. It is strange how many who leave the FLDS claim to the media to have a real short education. It seems that only those who leave have a seventh grade education or less. It is possible they didn't go further, but all education is self learned anyway; no matter how much our parents and teachers try to push us.
Besides, how many doctors do we need compared to farmers? How many lawyers do we need compared to plumbers? How many maids compared to nurses? All will get an education sometime, and the workplace is often the best place to learn a trade. I have always wondered why is it legal for a 16 year old to drive a 10,000 pound pickup truck on the highway, but they cannot legally run a power saw? I graduated from 12th grade at Alta Academy highschool, and then I went to work for someone who had dropped out. Go figure.
To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go
To right the un-rightable wrong, to love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are to weary, to reach the unreachable star
This is my quest to follow that star
No matter how hopeless no matter how far
To fight for the right without question or pause
To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause
And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I’m laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
To reach the unreachable star
Though you know it’s impossibly high
To live with your heart striving upward
To reach the unreachable star
To bear with unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go
To right the un-rightable wrong, to love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are to weary, to reach the unreachable star
This is my quest to follow that star
No matter how hopeless no matter how far
To fight for the right without question or pause
To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause
And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I’m laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
To reach the unreachable star
Though you know it’s impossibly high
To live with your heart striving upward
To reach the unreachable star
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Crime
A few weeks ago a phone call was made to Child Protective Services. The caller on the phone said in hushed whispers that she was a teenage girl being physically abused and sexually assaulted by her polygamist husband 20 years her senior. She identified herself as a “new” wife of one of the men who was publicly prosecuted for statutory rape in Arizona.
You may think I am speaking about Texas, where a huge raid occurred on the YFZ ranch owned by members of the FLDS church. The place where little children were ripped from their loving parents, and their sacred homes and sacred temple were broken into because of the phone call. But I am not. I am speaking of the same female making the same call to CPS in Arizona ; only the officials in Arizona treated them like human beings.
Having been subject to these numberless hosts of accusations and allegations by bitter ex-members of the FLDS church (and the media toadies who think everything they say is God’s truth) for years, and having done meticulous investigations into abuse, forced marriage, welfare fraud, school funds fraud, etc. that they (the bitter ex-members) claim to be rampant, the state of Arizona has only brought charges of under age marriage and polygamy, because these are the only “crimes” that have ever occurred with sanction of church leaders.
I do not ask anyone to ever turn a blind eye to a phone call where someone may be being abused, NEVER! I would not ask you to do something I would never do. But I do ask, with all sincerity, for you to realize the level of hatred that some former members have of the church most of their own family loves, and know without blinking as I do, that they are obviously behind this. You have probably seen those behind these phone calls on television railing against the "abuses" within the church, she has likely become the star witness against the church. Rozita Swinton, the 33 year old woman in Colorado who made the phone calls did not act alone. She was on the phone with one of the "expert" ex members for over forty hours before the raid, and only when they traced her to Colorado, did this “expert” turn her in to authorities, or even report the abuse she was alledging. Much worse abuse than what was reported to CPS.
As a child I loved to sit at my grandmother’s feet while she told us about her life. The stories she told and the life she lived inspired all of us, and most of my sisters decided to do just like she did. Despite what you hear of overwhelming forced marriage of young girls, I have over a dozen married sisters, and only one was under 18 when she married her sweetheart. The others did not wait because they did not want to get married sooner, but my father, the protective softy that he is, did not want to let them to get married any sooner than he had to.
The life of a lady is not over when she gets married. Marriage is not slavery to my mothers, who both went to College and had jobs after they married my father. They did it because they wanted to, and they only had the children that they wanted to. I am very glad they wanted me.
I ask all of you mothers, is there a greater relationship in your life that the one between you and your child? It should be the greatest, because it is for your child. For me, my mother was second only to God. She represented God to me. She taught me who God was. She taught me how to pray. She taught me to look to my honorable father for direction in my life. She was my first and most favorite teacher. She still is the greatest woman on this earth to me; when I think about the word love, I think about my mother. Every day is Mothers Day to me.
I ask sincerely, should I have not been born? Should I not exist? Should I not have the father and mother that I do? Would the world be a better place had I not been born? Do you not want me to exist? Am I a crime?
You see, my mother was a teenager when I was born. And my father is as good a man as there is on this earth. He is as good or better than yours. Yes we were on food stamps sometimes, yes the government paid for much of our medical care, but is the government wrong for doing it? Am I a fraud? Am I a crime?
CPS would have taken me from my mother and father if this would have happened when I was small. Do you think I would have appreciated it? I would not have been able to grow up with my wonderful family. I would not have been able to sit at my grandmothers feet. I would not have graduated from a highschool where there was no drugs or guns. I would not have been given the choice whether to stay in the Church or leave as I have. Does anyone on the planet think I would be better off now? GOOD HEAVENS NO!
You may think I am speaking about Texas, where a huge raid occurred on the YFZ ranch owned by members of the FLDS church. The place where little children were ripped from their loving parents, and their sacred homes and sacred temple were broken into because of the phone call. But I am not. I am speaking of the same female making the same call to CPS in Arizona ; only the officials in Arizona treated them like human beings.
Having been subject to these numberless hosts of accusations and allegations by bitter ex-members of the FLDS church (and the media toadies who think everything they say is God’s truth) for years, and having done meticulous investigations into abuse, forced marriage, welfare fraud, school funds fraud, etc. that they (the bitter ex-members) claim to be rampant, the state of Arizona has only brought charges of under age marriage and polygamy, because these are the only “crimes” that have ever occurred with sanction of church leaders.
I do not ask anyone to ever turn a blind eye to a phone call where someone may be being abused, NEVER! I would not ask you to do something I would never do. But I do ask, with all sincerity, for you to realize the level of hatred that some former members have of the church most of their own family loves, and know without blinking as I do, that they are obviously behind this. You have probably seen those behind these phone calls on television railing against the "abuses" within the church, she has likely become the star witness against the church. Rozita Swinton, the 33 year old woman in Colorado who made the phone calls did not act alone. She was on the phone with one of the "expert" ex members for over forty hours before the raid, and only when they traced her to Colorado, did this “expert” turn her in to authorities, or even report the abuse she was alledging. Much worse abuse than what was reported to CPS.
As a child I loved to sit at my grandmother’s feet while she told us about her life. The stories she told and the life she lived inspired all of us, and most of my sisters decided to do just like she did. Despite what you hear of overwhelming forced marriage of young girls, I have over a dozen married sisters, and only one was under 18 when she married her sweetheart. The others did not wait because they did not want to get married sooner, but my father, the protective softy that he is, did not want to let them to get married any sooner than he had to.
The life of a lady is not over when she gets married. Marriage is not slavery to my mothers, who both went to College and had jobs after they married my father. They did it because they wanted to, and they only had the children that they wanted to. I am very glad they wanted me.
I ask all of you mothers, is there a greater relationship in your life that the one between you and your child? It should be the greatest, because it is for your child. For me, my mother was second only to God. She represented God to me. She taught me who God was. She taught me how to pray. She taught me to look to my honorable father for direction in my life. She was my first and most favorite teacher. She still is the greatest woman on this earth to me; when I think about the word love, I think about my mother. Every day is Mothers Day to me.
I ask sincerely, should I have not been born? Should I not exist? Should I not have the father and mother that I do? Would the world be a better place had I not been born? Do you not want me to exist? Am I a crime?
You see, my mother was a teenager when I was born. And my father is as good a man as there is on this earth. He is as good or better than yours. Yes we were on food stamps sometimes, yes the government paid for much of our medical care, but is the government wrong for doing it? Am I a fraud? Am I a crime?
CPS would have taken me from my mother and father if this would have happened when I was small. Do you think I would have appreciated it? I would not have been able to grow up with my wonderful family. I would not have been able to sit at my grandmothers feet. I would not have graduated from a highschool where there was no drugs or guns. I would not have been given the choice whether to stay in the Church or leave as I have. Does anyone on the planet think I would be better off now? GOOD HEAVENS NO!
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