I thought it would be appropriate to give an update on my children. The last I wrote about them they were living with their dad. They all made it through the whole nightmare of their childhood and my marriage to Convert. They all have left Mormonism and have found their own beliefs. Two no longer live in the same state as their dad and all three have moved on with relationships of their own.
I am thankful to God that none of them went to jail, were addicted to some kind of chemical(s), have children out of wed lock, or died. They are all physically healthy, however, I know that the scars of the hurting memories will take time to heal.
They are wonderful adults that are all trying to make something of themselves in this crazy world. I know that they will make it through one way or another.
My Children
Purpose of a Preacher
I spent quite a bit of time trying to understand the purpose of a preacher and why they are so important to the body of Christ. Paul devoted his life to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the effort he spent to get people of his time, to no longer be foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people, was beyond anything anyone had ever done. I never knew the selfless energy that he used to get all those who could hear, turn to God and be saved.
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me; to reach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."
Eph 3:7-10
Conclusion: The least of all God's people, grace was given to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. To make plain to everyone the mysteries that were kept hidden in God through ages past. Now, through the church, the various forms of wisdom from God should be made known according to his purpose.
US Presidency
I'm gonna change the subject here. I'll get back to the story soon. The up coming election and relevant subject matter, I believe, needs to be addressed.
I have been learning quite a bit about the presidential race from TV, magazines, and pamphlets I get in the mail. It makes me think of the presidential 'hopefuls' in the past that the Mormon church preached would bring about the 'Fullness of Times'.
I remember how my parents would explain in Family Home Evening that it is the Mormons that are to be the ones to 'save the nation' from certain calamities that will surely come to pass if the Mormon 'Holy' Priesthood does not preside over the nation. I believed that the second coming of Jesus Christ would be ushered in through the priesthood reigning over the land. Mormons truly believe that it is only when the Mormon church rules will this nation have peace and harmony. I was taught that all nations, tongues, and people will submit to its authority.
Because of this kind of teaching, I grew up with the mindset that the only people 'religion' who are Christ's elect, are those in the Mormon faith. I also believed that all other religions and faiths were not important and were void to God. Therefore, the hope of a Mormon president in the white house was an anticipation that was felt not only by me, but by all those who believed and who now believe in Joseph Smiths' words:
"Also upon the Constitution and Government of the United States, stating that the time would come when the Constitution and Government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the Latter day Saints will step forth to save it." May 1843
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will not stop to bring to pass the prophecy that Joseph Smith spoke of. The 'White Horse' that Joseph Smith spoke of is not a horse of deliverance, rather it is a horse of deception......
SEPTEMBER DAWN
This is about a new movie coming out. Click on each thumbnail to view and read information.
I DO
It was early fall and the nights were getting colder. Christian and I had spent the day visiting his mom at the nursing home. On the way back home, a few miles south of the nursing home, we stopped at a lake. We got out of the car and sat down near the waters edge. Christian and I talked about family, his land, christian values and us. He asked me to marry him and I said yes. There was a restaurant across the way, we went in and celebrated.
We didn't have a long engagement, due to the fact that the air was getting colder. (I was still living in that small trailer that didn't have any heat.) We decided to get married as soon as it was possible. We spent a lot of time finding a preacher and a church, obtaining the license, and making as many arrangements as possible in the short amount of time we had. We didn't send out invitations, but used the phone to make calls to relatives and friends who we thought might want to come. The most important calls were to my children, my parents, and Christian's dad. (His mother was in a nursing home and was unable to comprehend. We told her anyway.) This was all done in a two week period.
We had a very small wedding in a Free Methodist church with no decorations or fancy stuff. Christian's dad and step-mom were a big help. They provided a small reception at their house and his step-mom played the piano for us as well. Christian also had some musician friends that volunteered to sing and play acoustic guitar during the ceremony. The couple that let Christian stay at their farmhouse were the best man and the matron of honor. A cousin of Christians, who was into photography, took the photographs. I made the wedding cake. (It's interesting to make a wedding cake with no supplies and borrowing the pans and an oven.)
Christian had a church full of family and I had my parents there. I longed for my children to attend and share the joy of the occasion, but that wasn't possible. (They were nearly a thousand miles away and Convert made sure that my contact with my children was minimal.) The day was full of excitement, and I knew that Christian was nervous. He was forty-eight and this was his first marriage.
When the festivities were over, we went to dinner and dancing at a real nice resort. We ate and danced for hours. The happiness we both felt was great and I couldn't believe that someone wanted me after all I had been through. By the time we got back to our motel, Christian had acute influenza. I tucked him in bed and he spent that whole night very ill.
Do Not Accept Any Other Gospel
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
GALATIANS 1:6-9
